"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - Saint Augustine

30 May, 2012

How To: Write Better

MABUHAY!

Since I have nothing else to talk about, I asked myself this morning, why not try a post about something that you have learned this past year. Well, being in Mr. Tatman's class for a year, REALLY improved my writing skills. Anyways, here are the tips (that I got from him & a couple of my own) that hopefully you will understand to write a better essay. Before I start, I give credit to Mr. Tatman, most of this is from his class.



What You Will Need:

Paper
Pencil (or pen)
Eraser
Topic
Dictionary (possibly)



Tatman's English Class: The Introduction (thesis statement, intro, etc)
My input: The Introduction (thesis statement, intro, etc)

In order for you to catch the readers statement, have a THESIS STATEMENT. I agree w. Mr. Tatman on the first part. In order to catch the reader's attention and mind, you must have a thesis statement that will attract the readers! A thesis statement could range from quote, comparison, a strong sentence, anything that would pretty much attract the readers and keep the audience going "ahhh" and so that you have their attention all the way. I agree w/ Tatman on that part.

Indiana University Website says that here are 3 reasons to have a thesis statement in an essay.

~ to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
~ to better organize and develop your argument
~ to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument




Tatman's English Class: The Body (circular structure, in depth & detailed)
My Input: The Body (circular structure, facts, opinions, data, etc)

Now- the body of an essay is the main part of your essay. Along with your strong introduction comes the body. Don't forget that when you catch the audience attention with the introduction, you keep having the audience attention by writing more on that specific topic. You could probably make it a little bit funnier or something that would make then go "awww" or some expression like that. The main keypoint is to make sure that you still have the audience attention throughout your essay.

Tatman say that you should make it in depth and more detailed. What he means is that you should expand on it. For example if you have the second paragraph about the way that people think, expand on it by adding example of how people think. Like you could say, they scratch their heads, or look at the wall or something. What I say is that you use facts, to expand on it. You could use facts and maybe give your input and insight to what you think on it. You could also add deep vocabulary if you want to sound smart. So pretty much what Tatman said about the whole in depth and details but what I say is add your opinion. Remember, your voice counts!!

Now about the circular structure, what it means is that you connect what you had and make the transition flow. Make it go from one paragraph to another without any hassle or conflict. Remember to always have correct spelling and DO NOT GO OFF TOPIC!



Tatman's English Class: The Conclusion (circular structure, wrap it up)
My Input: The Conclusion (give final input, opinion, impression)

The last part of writing an essay is the conclusion. This should be paragraph 5 (if you have final paragraph). The conclusion is suppose to be summarizing what you wrote and giving your final input. Tatman tells us that you should have a circular structure from introduction to conclusions and wrap it all up. My input on this is a little bit different. What I say is that you give your opinion in the end. Pretty much what I mean is give your final impression and give it your all. I also agree with Tatman along with the conclusion and wrapping it up.



Hopefully after explaining it to you a little bit in Tatman's term and a little bit of my term, you now understand how to write an essay.

Remember: If you are bored and have nothing to do, and have a topic in mind... WRITE!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

28 May, 2012

Thank You!

MABUHAY!




Today, let us take the time to sit in silence, and remembered those fallen heroes that once walked the great lands!



Thank You!

"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
~Lee Greenwood
who gave that right to me."

23 May, 2012

Best/ Worse Memories!

MABUHAY!

I normally post the Best and Worst Memories of my previous grade the next day, but I decided to make it a Wednesday post. Anyways, this year has been filled with excitement, joy, laughter, tears, and new acquaintances.

The Best Memories One of the best memories of this school year besides my teachers are meeting the new Freshman. Believe it or not, I made a couple of new acquaintances (maybe friends if they considered me one of their friends), Ellerie, Sharon, Maddie, Aleesha, Sam, Cady (Madam Darby), Katie, Sydne, Sylvia (Bob), what a smart group of young ladies! Also this year has been filled with adventures! Starting when the beginning of this school year I was introduced to the new foreign exchange kids! Also our Multi Cultural group (see below). I remember from September during Marching Band Season going to Purdue for the annual Band Day, and then to the winning football games in October leading to the National Catholic Convention in November! Such a blast! Then there was the Finals in December. After 1st Semester ended, the 2nd half of school pretty much just flew by. Oh, I will always cherish the memories from this school year, such a blast!

Here is a picture of our Multi-Cultural group after our final meeting. One of the highlights of my year was this meeting, and working with the foreign exchange kids! I absolutely loved these 3 people! I sure will miss them when they go back to their countries!



(L-to-R; first row) Ahn (the foreign exchange from Vietnam), Alli Amstutz, Alyssa Anderson, Alia Alvarado, myself, Alyssa Armenta, (second row) Peter Amstutz, Hiro (the foreign exchange from Japan), Jen Ellinger, Hannah Taing, Manuella (the foreign exchange from Brazil), Collin Lahr and Mr. Todd Ruppert our guidance adviser!


The Worst Memories
I don't know if I ever did have any bad memories from this school year. Well there was, no really I don't think there were any bad memories from this year. Really, I can't remember. Oh yeah okay, there was one. It happened this past April (I think or end of March), I can't recall. I was written up along with 18 other people in my grade because we "plagiarized" on an On Line Writing. I really didn't talk to Mrs. Amstutz that first day after ISS, got over it and forgave her and accepted my mistake. Other than that, it's about it.

This year has truly been an adventure! I can't wait too see what next year will have for me. Well were getting there, one day at a time. Just not to quick!

Have A Great Day!

21 May, 2012

Summer 2012!

MABUHAY!


Yes- it is finally here, Summer 2012! Thank God!



School is out for the summer! Since I am not going anywhere this year, I will be able to post things about my garden, my daily activities and all of that sort. If you see me out, come say hi, chances are I'll talk to you. I have so many things planned already for this summer! I can't wait. For some people it starts today. Well tomorrow is Day 1 of my vacation and I will enjoy it, every single second of it!



Have A Great Summer Everyone!

20 May, 2012

A Great Day!

MABUHAY!

The time has come. Tomorrow is the last day of school. I have to say, it has been such a phenomenon spending time with these teachers and learning new things. I have to say- this has been quite a year! Felt like yesterday, school started, 179 days later it's coming to an end! What a year I tell you! Anyways, we wrapped up this week with and started this week with Finals, and we had an awards convocation. Of course, how did I know that Erika Miller was going to get most of the awards in our grade... hmmm ...

Also this past weekend, we celebrated Michelle's 8th Birthday! That went by pretty dandy! I must say, it was such a nice day, perfect weather and spending time with family couldn't be any better! Here are a couple of pictures from Michelle's party! (It's only the 5 of us)












So those were some pictures from Michelle's party! As I said, it was terrific. Anyways, that same day, the South Adams Jazz Band and A Capella Choir performed at the Clock Tower. "Teens With Tunes" was the name of the program. Of course it was directed by our very own Mr. Amstutz and Mrs. Thomson!




This is a picture of the Clock Tower, in case any of you have not seen it yet! I have to say, I'm quite fascinated by it, however, does our city really need one? Well I'm not from this place, so I won't argue.

What To Expect This Week: Well as I have mentioned, summer vacation starts tomorrow at approximately 3:00pm EST. I really do need a break! (I'll talk about it more tomorrow). Pentecost Sunday is next Sunday. What else? House renovations, cleaning, gardening, farmer's market, resting, SAT Testing & E2020 Online Credit Advancement class. Oh wow, what a busy week ahead!

Have A Great Day!

18 May, 2012

Happy Birthday Michelle!

MABUHAY!

Today, my sister Michelle turns 8 years old! Can't believe that 8 years ago she was still a little baby, 8 years later who knew she would be talkative as me? So is so sweet!



Happy Birthday Michelle! We Love You!

16 May, 2012

Whatta Journey!

MABUHAY!

This school year has been a journey for me. Ok, so as you know I do this every year since my 8th grade year. Specially during the end of the year. So now that it is Wednesday I will talk abotu my teachers. I will talk about how much they have impacted me and whether I like them or not. Any questions, just ask! (I am going to just go down the Iist from period 1 to period 7)

Mr. Tatman/ Mrs. Amstutz ~ Honors English

Where do I start? Well Mr. Tatman is the type of guy that doesn't mess around. However he is such a great teacher! Him and Mr. Baer are probably the smartest teachers that I have ever had! Mr. Tatman is the teacher that wears curdoroys, flannels and loafers with a fisherman's hat everyday to work! I love having him first period! He brighten's my day. As I said he teaches English to Sophomores and he teaches Speech Class also. One of the things that I love about him is that he rarely stands up there and teach but you learn so much from him this whole year. Without him I wouldn't know how to properly write an essay. Mr. Tatman teaches at a college level so that is what makes him different from other teachers. From my other post before or after Spring Break which I can't remember, I said that he took the rest of the year off for a heart surgery and we had the privileged to be with Mrs. Amstutz.

Mrs. Amstutz is married to Mr. Amstutz the band director here at the school corporation. Mrs. Amstutz treats us like we are her elementary students. Which I really don't mind being called. Anyways, Mrs. Amstutz picked up where Mr. T left off which is after Spring Break, she took over. She told us the first day we are back that she was not an English teacher and she was not fully licensed yet so she told us to bear with her. I have enjoyed Mrs. Amstutz throughout the last 7 weeks that we had her. I don't about the other kids, but me, personally, I love having her as a substitute!

Mr. Schwartz- Chemistry I

Mr. Schwartz does not like me. Period. I know that he doesn't because I can see the way that he looks at me at class and the way that he "examines" me. That's fine though, I don't cause him trouble and I sometimes bother him but that's just normal for me. Mr. Schwartz is a world traveler. He tells us stories about how he has been to different countries because of his job. He is the Chemistry and AP Chemistry teacher at the High School. He told us the first day of school that he wasn't going to stand up there and lecture because it would be boring. I agree with him. I wondered to myself how we are going to learn in Chemistry. All he said was "the videos and each other". I have doubted him at first but now he was right, I have learned through the videos and asking each other questions.

Mr. Baer- Earth & Space Science

One of the smartest people I have ever met. Mr. Baer is the Physics, Earth & Space, Integrated Chemistry- Physics teacher at the High School. Ellerie Baer (whom I talked about 2-3 Wednesday's posts ago) is his daughter. Anyways, Mr. Baer is such a very dedicated teacher. He cares about his students alot. If you would have any questions about homework and stuff he said to just call him anytime of the day and he will answer you. Mr. Baer is also the main chairperson who runs "Dots in Blue Water". An organization at our school that sends water and other aide to third world countries. This summer they are planning to go for the 2nd year I think to Haiti to do the same thing. Mr. Baer said he is working on his book, which I hope to read soon (if he sells it) and he enjoys dinosaur fossil digging and other archaeological work. Mr. Baer is such a great teacher and if you could have him as a teacher, you would know exactly what I am talking about!

Miss Thurston- Art ~ Intro 3D Art

Miss Thurston, one of the most funnest teachers of all. I have had the privileged to be with her for second semester of Art which was introduction to 3D art. Miss Thurston filled in for Mr. Schwartz while he was going through his illness. Mr. Schwartz was supposed to come back after Spring Break until the end of the year, but Miss Thurston informed us that she will be with us until the end of the year. Anyways, Miss Thurston is not from Ohio, and her sister Jenna Thurston is the interim art teacher at the Elementary School while Mrs. Pfeifer was recovering from her sickness also. Well Miss Thurston and I have had our arguments in art but we are now friends! I will miss Miss Thurston next year, I hope she comes back!

Mrs. Minch- World History

Mrs. Minch is probably the teacher with the most teaching experience at the whole school. People say she has been here for about 50 years now and I don't blame her, if I loved my students, I wouldn't retire either. Anyways, Mrs. Minch and I go to the same church, Trinity. Mrs. Minch was pretty mad when she found out she went from teaching Senior English to World History and US History. Mrs. Minch is a great teacher! She tells us stories about things back in the day and she is very fascinted with World War I and World War II pretty much anything historic. She enjoys talking about Catholicism in class and she is very lineant. I enjoy having her as a teacher!

Mr. McClung- Algebra II

Mr. McClung is the Algebra II teacher. Mr. McClung is also a pastor at his church. Anyways, Mr. McClung has a funny way of teaching his class. He comes up with the weirdest ways to teach it! He has songs for most of the equation formulas that he gives us and when he sings them they get stuck in your head, that it is hard to not remember how it goes! Mr. McClung has unbagasaten, some game that we do every Wednesday just for fun, try to guess the year of something number related to something. Every Friday we have detective stories which is really fun guessing game. Overall, I know that Mr. McClung does not like me, which I don't blame him for it, but him and I have gotten along really well this year.

Mr. McKean- Geometry

Mr. McKean the first son of our city. Mr. McKean and I have always gotten along since 7th Grade Study module. Anyways, as I can tell Mr. McKean is not a big fond of me. I can see why considering the fact that I am annoying. Well anyways, Mr. McKean is one of the baseball coaches along with Mr. Buckingham (his cousin). I like the way Mr. McKean teaches the class, it's just that it is Geometry that I don't get! It's fine though, I get a decent grade in that class. Mr. McKean's wife Mrs. McKean teaches at the Middle School as a Title I teacher and his mother Mrs. McKean is a 4th grade teacher who is retiring after this year! Mr. McKean is sometimes funny, but most of the time I get on his nerves, I can tell!

Well as I have said, this year has been a journey! Meeting these teachers, getting to know them, being with them and having them as my educator. I am really blessed to have these people in my life. With only 3 days left of school, finals starting tomorrow, these next 3 days will sure be a "journey" to remember!

Have A Great Day!

13 May, 2012

Thank You Mom!

MABUHAY!

It has been a great day so far. Except for the fact that I burnt my arm cooking ribs in the oven today. Other than that, it's been a great day. Anyways, here are a couple of pictures from our Mother's Day Lunch that I have prepared for my mom. They went to Ft. Wayne and I was in charge of lunch. The only mini chef I had was Michelle, she was some kind of help.









What's Ahead This Week: Well Desperate Housewives Series Finale is tonight, I wonder how the ending will be. I know- you're probably wondering, you're going to be a priest why are you watching shows like that? Too be honest, I don't know either, I've watched it for the past 6 years and I've liked it ever since. I know, I'm not suppose to be watching it!! Anyways, ECA testing this week and it is the last full week of school and Finals are this week also! Wow, there are 6 days left of school!

Have A Great Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

MABUHAY!

To All of the Mothers, Grandmothers, Step-mothers, future mothers:



Of Course, this day would not be complete without greeting the Blessed Mother!



Salve Regina!



A Mother's Love

"There are times when only a mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.

For a mother's heart and a mother's faith
And a mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the angels
And sent from God above."

-- Author Unknown

Have A Very Blessed Extraordinary Day!

11 May, 2012

Why It Matters: Same- Sex Marriage

MABUHAY!

This past week has just been full of ups and downs. First of all vice- president Biden said that he was fine with same sex marriage. Then Obama released a statement said that he supports it and is fine with it. Watch the video below:



My Comment, Thought & Perspective: First of all, as we all know the good book says that marriage is between one man and one woman. In the book of Genesis it states that “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, he made into a woman, and brought her to the man.” Marriage is very important in the Catholic church. You might ask why. Well the answer is so that the man and the woman could come together, make a family and establish a strong foundation that follows Christ and his teachings. During these times when secularism has taken over the media, marriage is one of those things that we need to least worry about.

In the Catholic Church marriage is a sacrament. Unlike Protestants, Catholics believe that since marriage is a sacrament it is created by God a "virtue of its divine being" which makes it sacred. With same sex marriage a homosexual couple cannot produce human life, so whatever it is that they have, it's not marriage. It's just love alone. So basically my input is, I do not support same sex marriage, never have and never will!

Have A Great Day!

06 May, 2012

Relaxation . . .

MABUHAY!

It's Sunday people! On Friday, the Multi-Cultural Group led by the one and only Mr. Ruppert had the chance to spend time with the 5th graders. We did a multi cultural project with them. The multicultural team is myself, Collin Lahr, Peter Amstutz, Allison Amstutz, Hannah Taing, Alyssa Armenta, Alyssa Anderson, Jen Ellinger, Alia Alvarado, Hiro, Ahn and Manuela. Now- since the 3 foreign exchange students went to New York- they missed out! Anyways, I enjoyed the last 2-3 periods of my day working with them.

This week I'm looking forward to a normal final week of school before schedule gets all hectic next week. End of Course Assessment for Earth & Space this Wednesday and Thursday, Convocation on Wednesday in the afternoon, English and Geometry Test on Friday and the Holy Trinity Field Trip this Friday and presentation of the World History project! I tell you it's a "normal" week but next week it gets even worse! On the bright side there are only about 12 days left until school is over!

I titled my post relaxation because that is exactly what I am doing today. Not worrying about anything, just sitting, enjoying the weather and breathing the spring atmosphere!





Have A Great Day!

02 May, 2012

My "Other" Acquaintances. . . .

MABUHAY!

It's Wednesday. Today I am going to talk about something out of the blues. You see, at lunch, Kris and I along with our lunch crew sit behind these ladies. And I admit- I bother them every single day. They tell me to leave, to do this and do that. Anyways, you might wonder why I am going to talk about them. Believe it or not as much as they hate me and as much as we all don't get along, I still consider them my friends- acquaintances sorta type of friendship. When you approach them, and ask them about me they will tell you all sorts of things like "he's annoying, this and that". I've heard it all. So as I continue with this post, I will tell you about what I admire about them, and what I think about them.


Sylvia "Bob" Marbach- Bob, Bob, Bob, where do I begin? Okay first of all I forgot how Kris and I came up with calling Sylvia "Bob".
Okay- well Sylvia has a brother named Boaz who also hates me and he is a Freshman. Anyways- I know that she plays tennis, and that she has lots of friends. She is dating an 8th grader and she is really short. I am taller than her, but then again I am done growing and she might not be. Who knows- she could be taller than me in 5 years! She is a smart type of person. I don't know about street smart, but she is smart though. She's funny and I think that whatever she wants to do with her life she will succeed in it greatly.


Aleesha Goodwin- Aleesha is a good person. She is wise and funny. I met her in 8th grade choir. She is one of those people who don't care what people think about her. As a matter of fact she is a tough lady. Her mother is Mrs. Goodwin, an elementary school principal. She runs cross country and track. Like Ellerie, she is also in both band and choir and is always involved in the School Musical. I can tell she enjoys reading books and she is the type of person who reads those Karen Kingsbury books- which I think is a good series. Let's see, in about 20 years, I wouldn't be surprise if she became a famous Christian author writing about stories of her adventures. I also wouldn't be surprised if I was watching television one day and sees her being interviewed on "Anderson" or "Ellen" about her new best selling book. As a matter of fact, I would buy one of her books, track her down and personallyask for her autograph.


Maddie Graber- I have known Madiline since 8th Grade. Her mother is Mrs. Graber (the Guidance Counselor @ HS) and Madie and I have been good acquaintances since the beginning of 8th grade. Madie is the type of person that in my point of view is outgoing, very nice and gives suggestions to people. I often go to Madie for suggestions on something, or for just general questions. I first met Madie when I was in 8th grade choir (that year was when I pretty much met these ladies besides Baker) and yeah she sat like 2 seats from me and we have been good acquaintances since then. I know that she has a sister who is in college and that she is a very good tennis player! Overall I think that Madie has a great personality and that she along with these ladies will be very successful in what they choose to do in life. I hope to see Madie in the future and hear stories about her adventures and her success!


Sam Baker- Well I don't really know a lot about her besides these three (3) things. This is her first year here, she is very smart and her mother drives a bus. What could be cooler than that? By smart- I mean that she really is. I have one class with her and it is art. From my point of view- she is that typical quiet innocent person. She wouldn't hurt an ant even if her life depended on it! She is very smart- in Geometry, Mr. McKean brags about her and all the other freshman that are smart all the time- specially after a quiz or test! I get sick of hearing it but then again it's a motivation. If they can do it then we can do it too. Well I talked to her somewhat throughout this school year. She doesn't really say much- but then again no one every talks to me unless I approach them. She is a very good basketball player, a good friend to others and very artistic. I don't really associate with her much, but- we are still good acquaintances. 30 years from now, I wouldn't be surprised if I heard on the news that Miss Baker was the first female president, I think that she will be very good at it!


Sharon Balsiger- My oh my, where would I start talking about Sharon? Okay- her & her lunch table are one of the smartest people that I have ever met. Sharon in particular is different though. From my point of view- she is outgoing, hyper, energetic, loud (in a good way) and very active. She plays basketball (I think there is one more sport but I don't know) and her and I are in the same art class. Along with the rest of the ladies on this post she is one of the smartest (which doesn't really surprise me) in her grade. When I see her associate with people she is always happy and that she has tons of friends. I know that her mother works at the Elementary school and I can tell that she doesn't like me either. O well it's life. From my point of view- in the future, I see Sharon, as either a nurse or a pediatrician helping people and making tons of money.


Sydne Zuber- She's a runner. She runs track and cross country. She is a very good at sports and is very competitive. Sydne and I barely get along. She always tells me to shut up and leave. I see her blaming me on something in the future and causing me to end up in jail. What else, she is pretty much the only person that majorly hates me. I don't think she hates me but I think she just doesn't like me personally. I met her in 8th grade choir and she has a weird spelling of her first name. Sydne is very tall and she has lots of friends. In a couple of years, when I read the front page of either "Journal Gazette" or "The New York Times", I wouldn't be surprised if she was on the front page of the sports article saying that she beat the world record for the fastest runner in the world, no doubt about it. We'll see.


Ellerie Baer- Ellerie is one of the most talented person that I have ever met. Not only is she talented but also very smart. She plays a lot of musical instruments and is involved in choir. She has a great voice and she plays awesomely! I know that her dad is Mr. Baer the science teacher and one of my teachers also (read next Wednesday's post about the end of the year teachers). Ellerie is one of those quiet people but she is pretty funny. She brings the weirdest food to lunch. What else . . . well as I mentioned Ellerie is talented and smart and she is somewhat funny. She has tons of friends and I have known her since I was in 8th grade. Her friend Lauren at the time ( I don't know if they are still today) who I liked, so that is how I got to know her. She naturally has curly hair and from what i heard she has bad driving experiences. 30 years from now- from my point of view I could see Ellerie being a music teacher or just a general teacher. Considering the fact she has performed at Carnegie Hall! I wouldn't be surprised if she tried out for American Idol and won, matter of fact I would vote for her. It also wouldn't surprise me if she signed a contract for a multi-million dollar deal for her singing career.


Katie Shaffer- I don't associate much with Katie. She is a quiet person but she is smart. Katie is friend with Lauren and after that whole incident in 8th grade (if you want to know more just ask) that is how I got to know her. She's a pretty cool person once you meet her. She is just too quiet though so it would be weird talking to her. I don't know what sports she is in but I think she is still pretty talented. People say that she is pretty dramatic and she loves drama. Hey I just hear things, I don't judge. 15 years from now, I see Katie as a journalist. Maybe turning the television and finding her own news column and her own column on a nationwide newspaper. Whatever it maybe, she'll still be successful.


Now- 20 years from now, there is no doubt that these girls will not succeed. If you ever seen or met them, you will know what I meant. These are the type of people that we need to be looking up too and that sets an example for the young of the community. I admit- every other day I admire these ladies and look up to them as an inspiration. Believe it or now- I do. So that is just a little something from these ladies. 25 years from now- hopefully when I am a priest of my own parish and a college professor at a University, hopefully I could meet one of them again. It would be interesting hearing their stories of success about reaching the ends of the Earth. 25 years will fly by. I'll be here before we all know it.


Have A GooD Day!

MMXIV ~ 2014

MMXIV ~ 2014
Let's Anticipate On A Peaceful Year!

World Leaders

World Leaders
Pray for World Leaders & Politicians

World Peace

World Peace
Desperately Needed, Please Pray!