Grammar Post #3

Spacing:

Somewhere, in my many years of school, I was taught that you leave two spaces after a period. After reading the SMGTW I found it was wrong. In APA and MLA styles of writing it is correct to leave only one space after the period.

Example:

The dog chased the cat. The cat chased the mouse. Incorrect

The dog chased the cat. The cat chased the mouse. Correct

This website helped me to further understand why.

Reading Revision

“Take Me Out To The Ball Game”, written by Jack Norworth, could be heard in the parking lot as our school bus approached Anaheim stadium. I couldn't believe it, my first Major League Baseball game ever. The sugary sweet smell of cotton candy reached my nose. The excitement flowed through my body as we stepped over the empty peanut shells and into our seats. The best part about that day was watching it with my brother.

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game", written by Jack Norworth, could be heard in the parking lot as our school bus approached Anaheim Stadium. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was finally here, my first Major League Baseball game. The sugary, sweet smell if cotton candy reached my nose. The excitement surged through my body as my brother and I stepped over the empty peanut shells and into our seats. I started playing baseball when I was four. As soon as my brother was old enough we played on a co-ed team. Everyday we practiced together. Throw. Catch. Hit. Throw. Catch. Hit. We were going to be the best. The love we shared for the game brought us closer. Our bond is priceless. My brother is leaving for his mission on January 28, 2009. I'm going to miss him, but I am extremely proud of the choices he's made and the example he's been. When I hear this song I'm reminded of my best friend, my brother.

Soundtrack to my life

Last year I moved to St. George and I knew absolutely no one. It was the first time I wouldn’t be able to walk up the stairs to talk to my mom. I was excited, but extremely nervous. I didn’t have to check in with anyone and I made my own curfew. I felt liberated. All the power, I thought I had, slowly disappeared and loneness checked in. I heard “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” by Carrie Underwood on the radio. The calming beat cleared away the clouds of anxiety. Even though I felt alone, I realized I wasn’t. Whenever I hear this song a soothing sensation fills my soul.

When darkness blanketed the night sky, we jumped into the white jeep wrangler and took off down the road. My friends and I were the coolest nerds on the block. We blasted “Bad” by Michael Jackson throughout the car and the window shattering singing commenced. I felt free and alive. My soul was invigorated. I had become a prisoner to the beat and I like it. The late summer nights we spent together comes alive through this song.

Grammar Post #2

When does the apostrophe go before the s ('s) and when does it go after (s'). I can never remember where to put them to show possessions. If the word is singular you use ('s). Even if it ends in an s. The only time you use (s') is if the word is plural and ends with an s.

Example Singular words: Jess's hat, children's coloring book, girl's jewelry

Plural Words: houses' roofs, friends' letter

For further knowledge on apostrophe's go here.

Defining Moment

A defining moment in my life was when I found out that my non-married sister was pregnant. I was seventeen, two years younger than her. I remember my mom calling me and my brother into her room. As we approached the door I could hear my sister softly crying. Right then my whole body went numb. I knew something was wrong. We sat in silence for a little bit until my sister was able to speak. With tears streaming down her face, she quietly spoke,"I'm pregnant." All of a sudden everything went blurry and I couldn't see straight. That was the last thing I was expecting her to say. I looked in my mom's eyes and could see how much this saddened her. When she was done I gave her a hug and went to my room. I locked the door and started crying. I thought, "How could she do something like this." What was she thinking? I was disappointed.. She was my big sis. I looked up to her and she let me down. That's what I thought at the time.
Even though she lived with us I ignored her. I more or less made her feel like an outcast in our own family. I was a horrible sister. I remember my dad saying, "What's done is done. Let's just deal with it and move on." He was so nonchalant about it. Hearing the news didn't phase him a bit. The saying, "Forgive and forget" seemed impossible. I wanted to fogive her, but I couldn't. My teenage stubbornness resented her for the next two years.
Looking back on this event I've now come to realize how petty I was. Where was my loyalty and support for my sister when she needed me the most?
Now, I have the cutest niece ever and I wouln't trade her for anything. You never realize how important you family is. When you feel alone they're always there, ready to listen. Even though my sister my not know it she changed my life. I feel that she helped me become a better person.

Grammar #1

Commas have always been difficult for me. Anytime I feel there needs to be a break in the sentence I just throw one in. One rule is using them with introductory words, phrases, and clauses. The comma lets you know when the introdution has ended and the where the main idea is beginning.
Example: With a jerk, I lofted the lure in a desperate attempt to catch a fish.
For futher information check out this website.

The story "Calling Home" is about a thirteen year old girl, named Jean Brandt. Jean and her family headed to the mall for last minute Christmas shopping. While at the mall Jean and her sister go to the General Store, which is her favorite. As she walked down the isle a Snoopy button caught her eye. She shoved it in her pocket and walked out of the store. She was caught, handcuffed, and taken to wait in a jail cell until her parents came to pick her up. In "An American Childhood" Annie Dillard learned about determination and perseverance. As one man chases them for throwing snowballs at his car. He doesn't stop till he catches them.

I believe writers use framing so you can visualize a scence. You get a picture printed in your mind then by the end of the story everything comes together. As a reader I may be able to understand and anaylize the story.

Many elements make up a well told story. Writing thougths of characters, setting the scene, learning a lesson or decribing it in detail all help to make you feel like you are there. I enjoy reading stories that I can't predict what's going to happen. I have my own theroies, but sometimes they are totally wrong. I like books that make you think a little.

English 1010

I have never been a master in English. In fact, it's my weak point. Writing this short blog will probably take well over an hour. I know my feelings and views, but somewhere between my brain and the paper I can't get the words out. I hope by the end of the semester I will feel more comfortable with my writing and have gained a better knowledge of it.

I'm pretty nervous about keeping a blog and putting myself out there for the whole class. Keeping a blog, however, gives you a chance to be heard. By giving others and chance to agree or disagree with your opinion helps you keep an open mind and to better understand any situation. In ways blogging is a good thing. It helps you stay connected with family and friends. I think it's become so popular because you get answers faster than a normal letter. Every one's always in a hurry. It's also a way to get your thoughts and feelings out. I have never been a big fan of myspace and other forms of blogging. I hope by letting others read my writing that it will help me become more confident in myself.