Slice Of Life #7 - The Desire For Naps

          I hate being tired. Sometimes, the exhaustion overcomes me and makes my thought process all mushy; I guess like the typical human being. I try to take naps, but it never works. Like the other day for example, I started getting tired during tea time. That day, I didn't get enough sleep. The warmth of the tea and the comfiness of the chair was divine. So I tried to take a nap after, but myself wasn't cooperating with myself. That doesn't make sense, I know.

          It's rare for me to take a nap that doesn't extend to sleeping. It's also rare for me to take a nap in general. Sometimes, I look tired, act weary, and feel tired throughout the day; especially when I am eating. I think that is a normal thing for a being. But what I don't understand is how one naps when they want to. I can never nap when I want to. The only time I took an actual nap was last year. It wasn't that good though, I woke up cranky and on the floor.

          Well point is: I can't nap and that's it. I pity myself.

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole Aguila

Slice Of Life #6 - Family Responsibilities

I grew up in a cultural family. Like I said in a post before, my parents are from the isolated country of Bolivia. Of course, I do also originate from India, but that's a different story. Next year, I turn fifteen. And no, we don't do quinceaneras; that is a different culture. My parents today mentioned the great fifteen. They plan for me to go to Bolivia independently.

          So here’s the thing, my family would be considered the wealthy people of Bolivia. It consists of many responsibilities. Supposedly, I’ll go as in favor of my family name. When I go, I’ll meet my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins for the first time. I will also make up for my household’s absence; I’ll be representing the, Aguila (pronounced Ā-hi-la) Garron residence in honour. Technically, I am just showing off to the little “frauds” of my family, like my mother’s sister and her children, who doesn't deserve the surname of Garron.

          Yeah, my mother's sister and her children are counted as frauds. There is only an exception to the eldest and sweetest child who has disabilities. For this reason, I am also quite afraid. They are rather the most serious but lovable people there are, said my mother once. But then again, I should question my mother at times. She was considering arranged marriages for the future.

          But I am also excited. Minus Bolivia's widespread human trafficking and witchcraft, it’ll be my first independent expedition. I’ll have a room to myself, a maid, chofer, and get assisted by zebras when crossing the streets!

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole A.

Slice Of Life #5 - Snow Falls

          Hey! I apologize for not posting yesterday, I have no excuse. Anyways, It snowed yesterday! Even though it's April and it's absolutely insane for weather like this would approach in the middle of spring, I couldn't help to admire the beauty. Snowflakes are of great elegance and delicacy. It flows through the sky, like a waltzing princess. From what I remember, it was already snowing when I woke up. It was about 9:30 AM.

          “Natalia, Natalia! Wake up, Wake up!” My little sister yelled. She and my other sister were already bouncing on my almost awakened body; they excitedly continued.

          “Not now, Vale. It's too early,” I whined as I turned over and covered my head with a pillow. “Go play somewhere else.”

          “But I don't want to play somewhere else. It's also snowing outside, Natalia! C’mon! It's winter and you, mom, and Pili can play,” she suggested. Vale only is nine years old and Pili is three, so no wonder all they want to do is play. But I didn't mind, I love them and they're worth waking up for. I also love playing with them.

          “Wake up, Cinderella!” she yelled. She finally got my attention.

          When I finally woke up, I was amazed by the amount of snow. Oh well, it's probably the last of it anyway.

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole A.

Slice Of Life #4 - Of God Sisters & Rivalry

The only biological family I have ever known are my parents and little sisters. Believe it or not, I have no relatives in Illinois whatsoever. I’ve never met my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins; they are complete strangers. I have biological relatives in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Paris, Toronto, Florida, and Bolivia. I have heard a couple words from them, but that was all. It would be things like birthday, Christmas greetings or girl scout cookies orders. Other than that, there is no bond.

          Though, I have religious relatives. When I say religious relatives, I mean one godmother and three god sisters. Today, we dined with them. Godmother is very special. But really, I am just being nice. She's truly pleasant and sweet, but very self doubtful in the unhealthy matter. After all, I really can't blame her though. She had to face many moments of sorrow and fear. But her eldest daughter, my god sister, there is not much that I can say that is nice. She's quiet and smart; i’ll say that. I just dislike her way of being. She's about my age. We are only three months apart. I am older than her. We used to be good friends in fourth grade, but that is long behind us.

          Godmother is facing stress today and her daughter is not really cooperating. Her and my real mother had “best friend girl talk”, while I sat next to them eavesdropping and godsister listened to music on the other side. We gave each other a few deaths stares and that's it. At least she knows her grandparents. But I don't like them either. Once they asked me if I was on a diet because I didn't want to eat a Buona beef sandwich or whatever they're called.

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole A.

Slice Of Life #3 - Pipinip Tilly

 I always think about having a world of my own. It's mainly when i'm having a rough day, like today. I find it so impressive that small things can make a huge impact on one's mood. Anyways, I love to writing dreams; it's nothing special. I would say it's like a coping mechanism that is associated with hope. My dreams are like an escape to Neverland. A place where i’ll never grow up and embrace the child I am. We all have our own Neverlands.

          The day I actually took significance to my Neverland was not so long ago. I found it, just sitting there, being a notebook. It’s golden rose spiral and leather pink cover attracted me. I know, it's just a notebook. Though, the just notebook opened a whole new world. A kingdom of peculiarities and fantasies awaited. It was truly wonderful! I refer to my notebook as Pipinip Tilly. I carry it around with me everywhere. I tell it everything. Though, it is not a diary. Sure, it does record my emotions, but it's a place of floating bubbles and fighting dragons. My Neverland of superheroes and tea parties with dressed bears, with talking furniture and flowers and royal mice.

         Of course, you are not Pipinip Tilly. Just another Slice of Life blog for the day, so I won't go in depth.

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole A.

Slice of Life #2 - Neighbors Of Yesterday

            I have always lived in Berwyn. I have always and forever spent my days in the same home, lifestyle, and people. I’ve known these people, the neighbors, my whole life. Today, like always I greeted them. Most of them are elderly without family, but with a healthy (lonely) lifestyle. They are of all types. For instance, the German elder who lives across from me, Olga, is a Holocaust survivor. My other (and 2nd favorite) neighbor is a Muslim computer IT. She is very special to me. When I was younger, she'd always refer to me as, ‘princess’. Mr. William; he doesn't do much. And then other elders are pretty angry and mean. I have other neighbors as well. One is a secretary by day and baker at night.

          There is also a family with an only child. We always get invited to their dwelling. They have two dogs, Frijolito and Scarlet. They're adorable! Scarlet likes to cuddle and is very friendly with kids. She sometimes begs me to play with her like we used to. Unfortunately, I can't because i'm allergic to dogs.

Oh, and the couple who lives next door with a black cat. That cat hates me.

         Though, today I saw the neighbors that I usually see - the Manchaca family and the crazy dog lady. I love the Manchaca residence; they are my second family. The leader, who is also named Olga, is the mother of my best friend, Elyza (she doesn't attend Heritage). We’d always do everything together - go ice skating, play, have sleepovers. Though, of course with our little sisters who we adore.

           But then there is the crazy dog lady. She looks to be rather gentle and sympathetic. When I was younger, she would carry her two puppies in a cheap umbrella stroller. Now, she has a rather fancy stroller. It's an old fashioned baby carriage; very elegant. The puppies are fluffy and white as snow. Like most of my other neighbors, she is also lonely.

          Overall, I look at my elderly neighbors, and as selfish as this might sound, I tell myself: I never want to be like them. For as long as I can remember, they’ve always been on their own. Independence is great, but there is a difference between that and loneliness. When i'm older, I don't want to be by myself, I want to be surrounded by the people I love.

Always and forever, Natalia Nicole A.

Slice of Life #1 - From Bollywood To Zebras

Since I don't do much, I might as well do this. 

On Saturday evening, I was feeling pretty confident and annoyed. Yeah I know that sounds pretty contradicting, but can you really blame me. I just came back from a hard day of work where I had to be in the middle of nowhere, set up heavy dirty tents, and listen to people yell. In addition, I was in the middle of the woods surrounded by dirt, mud, and spiders. So when I arrived back home in the evening, I had to be confident and annoyed because that is just the way I am. I wasn't exhausted, but I felt the need to relax. 

I and my mamae slouched on the sofa watching Bollywood music videos. For those who don't know what is Bollywood, it's technically the Indian Hollywood. So we just sat there, doing absolutely nothing other than admiring the beauty of Bollywood. 

“I know that guy! He plays Raj / Surinder in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” I yelled. This was a pretty big deal for me. I really like Bollywood, and for me to recognize one of it's best actors other than Priyanka Chopra, I was hyped. 

“Oh, that's very nice,” mamae replied. “I’m gonna go make tea now, go make the bread and butter.” We got up and prepared tea time. We are not British, okay. Mamae and father come from India and Bolivia. In Bolivia, we have tea time … and zebras as crossing guards. 

“One day, you should volunteer.” Said father. 

“As what?” I asked.

“As a bloody crossing guard you stupid idiot. In Bolivia!” My little sister is fiesty. So her rude response was not surprising.

“Ha! Yeah right, like I’ll ever do that.” I said. 

“Why not? You can be a person dressed as a zebra Bollywood dancer.” That suggestion was … special.

I’ll just leave it at that.

This is a picture of our crossing guards.

Quarter 3 Reflection

 This quarter, I learned that in this world, happiness and hope can be easily taken away. But I have also learned we should always remain hopeful, because without hope, we have nothing. Maybe that was a bit exaggerated. But my point is that hope is one of most things that is essential to human life. In the holocaust unit, we saw people die because they no longer believed in mercy, their god. They’d died when they have given up, when they surrendered. Thanks to this unit, I realized the great significance in hope.

So far, I have seen major language development in my writing and speech. I have increased my vocabulary and learned how to fix my grammatical errors. Of course, I do sometimes lack in vocabulary due to my laziness; which is at times unacceptable. Like the quarters prior from then and now, we wrote and took assessments. These written assessments were not only exams, but was also a practice in our writing development. It made me a better writer in various ways. It made my writing more explicit, detailed, and well planned. I am rather proud of my growth in this area and wish to improve.

This quarter, I had a difficult time finding evidence to support my claim. When listening to the podcast Serial we had to think that the one who was convicted of the crime is either innocent or guilty. Since the beginning, I always thought that the convicted was guilty, and I still do. And that was the struggle. I did not only had to discuss with my table mates, but I also had to discuss with my friend who wants to prove his innocence. As a juror, I felt like my evidence was too weak. He could be innocent because of its weakness. But like the stubborn I am, I am going with my heart. I am not sure on how I can really improve on this, but I think manage.

Note:

I apologize for this reflection being really vague. 

My Butterfly Project - "It All Depends On How You Look At It"

It all Depends On How You Look At It

I.
 Terezin is full of beauty.
It's in you eyes now clear
And through the street the tramp
Of many marching feet I hear.

In the ghetto at Terezin,
It lookas that way to me,
Is a square kilometer of earth
Cut off from the world that's free.

II.
Death, after all, claims everyone,
You find it everywhere.
It catches up with even those
Who wear their noses in the air

The whole wide world is ruled
With a certain justice, so
That perhaps, to sweeten
The poor man's pain a woe.

Miroslav Kosek

Quarter Two Reflection

Overall, I would say quarter two was truly successful. Of the books I have read in the past, I finally found the novel that is most dear to me: The Giver, written by Lois Lowry. I consider the book itself so stunningly made, it is difficult to find more of a precise word than love to describe my feelings towards it. I have laughed, cried, and furthermore felt happiness, sorrow, and awe throughout every page I turned. The novel, I believe, by some means increased my way of thinking over the little things in life. It taught me the significance of memories and individuality. In addition, the novel also taught me that perfection cannot be achieved; in which I still have a hard time believe in. And most of all, I just found the story fascinating! Reading The Giver was absolutely an extraordinary experience.

Currently I am reading the novel Gathering Blue, written by Lois Lowry, for my 25 Book Challenge. Since the novels I have read during the summer count towards the Book Challenge, I would say Gathering Blue would be the ninth novel I have read so far. I decided to read Gathering Blue because it is considered to be a companion to The Giver in The Giver Quartet. In the future, I am planning to read the following novels in the series; especially the main conclusion of The Giver: Son. So far, Gathering Blue has been a pleasure reading! I am really looking forward to the ending of the novel and series.

I had to face many challenges throughout quarter two. One of my many challenges is that I am quite the slow reader and writer. When we were assigned tasks in which included reading a passage and a writing prompt, I would struggle. The time when we were covering our fiction unit with the novel, The Giver, it was an enjoyable yet difficult time. It took me a while to cover each chapter because I wanted to understand every detail and idea of what I was reading. Near the end of the unit, when we had to write over the theme and character development, I struggled because I wanted my essay to have stability and quality. Since we were given a small amount of time to complete the assignment, I felt as if I did not put enough effort into my essay because I was rushing; in which as a result made me stressed, insecure, and tired.  I would love to overcome this weakness by taking my time.

Life Is Beautiful

While viewing the film Life Is Beautiful, the protagonist Guido makes an influence on the films development showing that life is beautiful. One’s love for another individual makes an impact on Guido’s life, making him sacrifice himself for the people he loves. The heartbreaking conclusion of the film takes place while the war has nearly come to an end, throwing the camp into a state of dismay, turmoil, and apprehension. Captives are loaded into eerie feeling trucks, reappearing unoccupied. Guido and his beloved child, Giosué, escape their assigned living space. Apprehensively, Guido puts his son into hiding (inside a metal box) desperate to find the other love of his life, Dora. He tells his son to hide and stay put until it’s silent. As he disguises himself in women's clothing, he was caught by a soldier. However, as of which he is marched to his death, he and his dearest son receive one last moment of happiness. When he gives Giosué a wink and humorous stroll, the life is concluded, yet, for a beautiful occasion. Guido was willing to sacrifice himself in order to warn and save his beloved family, even if it meant a suicidal conclusion; meaning family/ loved ones is a beautiful thing to possess and is quite impactive.  

The beauty of life is portrayed throughout the academy award winner, Life Is Beautiful, by showing there is always going to be someone who will love you , take you as great significance, and care for you through difficult episodes. In the one of the films first dark event, Fascists attempt to harass Guido. In addition, he, his son Giosué, and their other companion uncle Eliseo soon are taken away to a concentration camp. While Dora refuses and demands she too must be taken with them, the Nazi soldier pauses the train from departing and lets her in. Dora cares so deeply for Guido and Giosué she is willing to join them to a place that is most likely bad; in which this shows that her love for her family is endless and will care for them through difficult times, which is outstandingly beautiful.

Humor is shown in various ways in the film Life Is Beautiful. The films opening is shown to be quite humorous, when the protagonists best friend, Ferruccio, makes an effort to repair his vehicle, Guido’s future is changed when a women (Dora)  literally falls from above into his arms calling her princess. Throughout the prologue, they meat in several surprising occasions. In each series of events, Guido is shown making a handful of humorous comments and actions, determining he has a truly extraordinary persona.  At Dora’s engagement party to (a man she does not love) Amico, Guido appears with a horse which has graffiti written upon it, taking the love of his life away to where they will spend many joyful years. Eventually, they have a son named Giosué who is to have the same extraordinary personality. Guido makes a big impact on the films humor throughout the film. His personal humorous self earned him the love of his life and a glorious child, making a family filled with love, happiness, and humor.

Even in the film’s most suspenseful moments Guido still makes an effort to bring the film a humorous aspect. In the darker turn of events, when Guido and is son Giosué are taken to a concentration camp, Giosué is told by his father that this is a some sort of game with explicit rules: not cry or pout, obey all rules, and not ask for mother. The “game” works by gaining points; if an individual is the first to win 1,000 points, they’ll be bestowed 1st place and win the grand prize: a tank. If one breaks the rules you will be disqualified. The despairing series of events the film offers viewers always consist Guido’s humorous self making an appearance, especially when he refers to the concentration camp as a simple “game” to Giosué; not wanting his son to know the reality of the prison.

The Giver Theme & Charecter Development

While reading The Giver the protagonist Jonas is a dynamic character. Meaning that he has a ratherly important inner change throughout the novel. In the beginning, Jonas is fairly oblivious over his uniqueness. In addition, he  has the quality of integrity and curiosity. In chapter 3, Jonas recalls the time he was with his best friend asher while playing a game of catch when, “But suddenly Jonas had noticed, following the path of the apple, through the air with his eyes, that the piece of fruit - well that was the part the he couldn’t adequately understand- the apple had changed… Jonas had been completely mystified. "Ash?" he had called. "Does anything seem strange to you? About the apple?" "Yes," Asher called back, laughing… So Jonas laughed too, and with his laughter tried to ignore his uneasy conviction that something had happened. But he had taken the apple home, against the recreation area rules.”. This memory moment indicates that Jonas has the quality of curiosity, integrity, and is clearly unaware of how unique he is. Jonas notices a difference in the apple that Asher doesn't. Furthermore, he brings the apple to his dwelling to investigate it; though he gets in trouble by the community. This connects to the aspect of being curious and honest because he takes the apple home to analyze it when he shouldn't. This also shows that Jonas is unique because he saw something (color) that no one else could see.

Throughout the end of the novel, Jonas develops to have courage and empathy towards Gabriel . He also now In chapter eight, Jonas was chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. When Jonas was selected, he felt fairly anxious because of the honor that was bestowed upon him. Once Jonas realizes the importance of memories and emotions (chapter 20), The Giver makes a plan to escape to Elsewhere. “it was possible, If it failed, he would be very likely killed… ‘if you get beyond, if you get to Elsewhere, it will mean the community has to bear the burden themselves, of the memories you had been holding for them.’”. In the following chapter, the plan was cut short. “Jonas is forced to escape right away… so he takes some leftover food and his father’s bicycle, which has a child seat, and leaves, relying on his own courage and strength instead of on the memories that the Giver had promised. Jonas has broken serious rules against leaving his dwelling at night and taking food.” this indicates that Jonas is starting to become courageous and selfless because he is willing to risk his life to save the community and Gabriel. This also connects to Jonas being unique. Jonas now knows that he isn’t like others in the community. That is because of his ability to ‘see beyond’ (colors and memories). This connects to the piece of evidence because, if Jonas does make it to Elsewhere, everyone on the community will now ‘the truth’. In other words, if Jonas is capable is making it to Elsewhere, the community will redeem all the memories and color vision.

There are many themes in The Giver. One such theme is the importance of memories. Memories are exceedingly significant to society because It has a connection with individuality. Memories are associated with our emotions and actions. The quality of having emotions is connected to having individuality, unlike in the community.  In the beginning of the story, everyone in the community is not their own individual; the communities people also have memories that aren't fundamental. This especially regards to Jonas until he became the Receiver of Memory. After some time possessing this job he starts to develop true emotions; that are based on the memories. In chapter 13 Jonas and The Giver are having a discussion over the communities people and wisdom. The Giver than complains “Sometimes I wish they’d ask for my wisdom more often — there are so many things i could tell them; things i wish they would change. But they don’t want to change. Life here is so orderly, so predictable — so painless.’” (Page 103). What The Giver is saying is that he now feels desire for change. Since desire is an emotion, it has a connection to the memories in some way. The memories influenced The Giver to desire change within the community because he feels as if everything is so predictable and painless. These memories made an impact on The Giver to have certain emotions; In which has wants the best for the community.

Heading towards the ending of the novel, there has been major development with the theme. Memories are now much more essential. This is also starting to make an impact on Jonas. He is now starting to realize the importance of memories because of what it brings. He now truly understands that memories are associated with our emotions because he now has experience. In chapter 20, Jonas quotes“‘ It’s trues that it has been this way for what seems forever. But the memories tell us that it has not always been. People felt things once. You and I have been part of that, so we now. We now that they once felt things like pride and sorrow… ‘And Love,’ Jonas added, remembering the family scene that had affected him. ‘And Pain’... ‘the worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.’” (page 154). Jonas is saying that memories can lead to loneliness if they aren’t shared. The quote also infers that memories can bring love and other emotions; the emotions Jonas and The Giver felt.  Memories help bring affection and empathy. If there is no memories, there is no affection and emotion, everything will be plain.

My Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This specific holiday is meant for people like us to recognize and give appreciation to those who we are thankful for. I, like many others, am thankful for not only my friends and family, but also for the little stuff that make me happy such as: books, musicals, and television series.

I am quite grateful for my family. My mother and father are fairly loving parents and will always support me in positive objectives, even if it’s a rather teensy or minor goal. In fact, my mother is quite wise and is full of wisdom. Overall, she would be the one I would look up to for any type of advice. She helps me make mature decisions due to her fascinating story telling. The stories from her past usually assist me throughout times I am doubtful or uncertain because, she once somewhat experienced what I have to encounter now. This would be in anything, from my educational life to mayhem I have to face in social occasions. In addiction, my father, well he is quite oblivious on what is occurring around me. However, he still loves me along with my two younger sisters. Like I said before, he supports me only on positive goals and decisions I make, even if they are ratherly small or inessential. For instance, about a year ago I decided I wanted to play the clarinet because of the instruments elegance and my fathers admiration, which I did succeed on. Furthermore, my parents can sometimes be silly but are also quite strict. They always keep me on guard and make sure I am doing my best no matter what. I am thankful for that because, I am well aware that there are plenty of children like me who don’t have parents who aren’t concerned over their child compared to mines. I am quite lucky, and I feel rather grateful for the type of parents I have.

In addition, I am thankful for some of the friends I have. My best friend Elyza, who I have known since I was the age of three, gives me a great feel of significance. In which I feel important and happy around her when having a discussion. I am also grateful for my good friend Emily D, someone who I can talk to about anything and is always putting a smile on my face. My friend, Mia L who makes it almost impossible to not laugh around her, but also makes me angry. I am quite grateful for my other friends as well. They usually make me angry and in some cases bored, embarrassed, scared, or disgusted,  but they’re sometimes fun to be around with and usually make me laugh.

I am also extremely appreciative for the existence of my favorite books, musicals, and television series. My favorite book, The Giver, gave me plenty of mixed emotions and overall, it made me super happy! I can also say the same way for my favorite musical, Hamilton, and television show, Voltron Legendary Defender and She-Ra and the Princess of Power, because they always simply give me a positive feel whenever I am upset or just feeling neutral.