My Logbook (Personal Addition #20)

Over the past month, I have been keeping track of everything I've done and made it into a book. Looking through it now, it's cool to see what I've been up to over the course of a month. I find it interesting to look back on some days where I had several activities going on versus some days where I only had a couple things to do. A couple challenges I encountered while making my logbook was pictures, if you were to look through every page, you'd find some days there are no drawings and some days there are lots. That probably had to do with whether I was busy or not and had time to come up with mini doodles for each activity. Another challenge I faced was deciding whether an activity was significant enough to add. Lots of my life is spent working on projects or practising for a performance of some kind. Things like that that are routine and daily I often did not add. Also whether I was practising piano or doing calculations for chem I added that in as "homework". I just found it was simpler than actually specifying what I was working on at which points in time of the day. 

This also got my thinking, wouldn't it be really cool to make another logbook in a few years time and when it's done compare it to this one? It's amazing how on a day to day basis you don't notice a lot of changes that happen in your life but they drastically change the activities you participate in. I think I will have to do that, just to compare my current life to my future life. 

Anna Netrebko (Personal Addition #19)

On Friday at my voice lesson, my teacher told me to look up a soprano named Anna Netrebko, and I was sure glad I did!

Here's a video of Anna Netrebko singing O mia babbino caro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0diDwHtATw

Notice how as she sings every note so effortlessly? It feels like every note she sings is from the same place because she has just such good technique. She is quite the singer and is a newfound celebrity to me. Watching her sing gives me so much inspiration to work hard at how I sing now so one day perhaps I could sound something like her. 

Eavesdropping write-up

For this assignment, my friend Maddy and I had to go around the school to eavesdrop on other peoples conversations. We went around the hallways of our school to try and pick up on some of the daily conversations that people were taking part in and came across some pretty strange topics!

1. Talk about the process of eavesdropping: 

a. Where did you go?

We went in the hallways of our school because all the kids that skip class have fairly weird conversations.

b. How long did you listen to conversation?

We listened to about two minutes of each conversation (before they found us suspicious).

c. Who was it between?

Most of the conversations were between about two guys and one girl.

d. How did it feel to be recording the conversation?

We felt like undercover spies!

2. What insights did you gain about the way people speak? 

We listened to two groups containing a couple boys and a girl and another group containing a couple girls. We noticed during the conversations with the boys and girls that most guys are willing to start conversation with girls ( knowing the girl will continue the conversation). They will continue talking even if they aren't interested in the topic. It was funny to see how the guys quickly lost interest but pretended to listen. The difference between the all girls conversation was that sentences were more cut off and it was more fast paced.

3. How can you apply this to your writing?

What we noticed is very typical to conversations between girls and guys. The conversation is slower and the girl is the main focus. Conversation between a group of girls is faster and harder to keep track of the topic because the topic is always changing. ( I now understand why guys tune us out!)

4. How is personality and character revealed through conversation/dialogue? 

We noticed that your personality can be portrayed through the choice of wording you use and how intense your tone is. For example, these two girls were talking about their love for music and you could tell the one girl was a little more tough than the other girl. She was swearing while describing how much she loved music and how she HAAAD to pick up some new beats to have a deeper experience with her music. The other girl was a little more gentle with her words and seemed happier. This reflects their characters as people with only a few words.

5. What happens when more than two people participate in a conversation?

When more than two people participate in conversation, we noticed sentences aren't always finished. The more people there are, the more other people begin to interrupt or add in on conversation. We also noticed that the more people in conversation, the more the topic can change because new ideas are being brought up. Between two or more girls the conversation is harder to follow, but when there is a guy and a girl the guy usually ends up listening.

6. What was the most surprising thing you've learned about the way people converse?

I suppose one thing that really surprised us was that people (high school students specifically) can have long conversations about the most random, general topics. Ones we heard today were music and socks. We know that sometimes we're like this as well when we converse with people, but that just goes to show that as teenagers, we don’t always have a whole lot of interesting topics to talk about on a daily basis. Especially since we talk to the same people everyday. Conversations begin to resort into talking about random things such as socks. (Believe us... they talked for a good 10 minutes about their socks!)

7. What are the differences and similarities between written and spoken conversations?

In our opinion, the biggest difference between written and spoken conversations are that most written conversations are not only more planned out, but have more of a purpose. I know that lots of the things we say do not always have a purpose and sometimes it’s just about the experience of interacting with another person. Usually in a story or wherever else you’ll find written conversation, the author will omit conversations that do not further develop the character or plot of the story. However in spoken conversations in life, one cannot simply omit a useless conversation. Also in a spoken conversation there is more of a visual aspect because you can see the person actually talking and read their body language.

dialogue picture

http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/20902086011/465

"Well, would you look at that," Randy said, as he held his camera to his eye.

"I still don't see what's so interesting about a few rocks,"Sandy said.

The two of them had been walking all day, outside under the hot sun. The only thing Sandy wanted to do on her vacation was wander around the air-conditioned resort. But Randy wanted otherwise. 

"It's a magnificent testament to human power!" Randy exclaimed, "Or at least that's what the book says."

"You and that book," Sandy said under her breath as she held her head in her hands. She didn't see the need in beginning an argument. She was way too tired.

"Why don't we go back and have some dinner at the resort?" Sandy suggested. 

"Maybe in a while," Randy said, "Why don't we explore this trail some more?"

"Alright, fine, but were going to go eat after this," Sandy agreed reluctantly. 

Three hikes later nothing had changed. Randy found interest in every hike under the hot sun and Sandy trailed slowly behind him. All she wanted to do was go back and rest her swollen feet. 

"There's nothing like a good old hike!" Randy said. Whether it was due to her swollen feet of dehydration, Sandy finally exclaimed,

"I WANT TO GO BACK!"

Randy looked puzzled, but replied, "Alright, we can do whatever you want! This trip is all about you!"

And the two of them made their way back to the air-conditioned resort. 

        = Dialogue

        = Non-verbal body language 

Imagery paragraph

The Fault in our Stars

John Green

Pages 18 & 19

I glanced around and saw that a tall, curvy brunette girl had Isaac pinned against the stone wall of the church, kissing him rather aggressively. They were close enough to me that I could hear the weird kissing noises of their mouths together and I could hear him saying “Always” and her saying “Always” in return.          

___

His hand reached for her boob over her shirt and pawed at it, his palm still while his fingers moved around. I wondered if that felt good.

    = Visual

    = Auditory

 __= Kinesthetic 

1. I chose this passage as an example of imagery because I thought it had multiple types of imagery. They all add descriptive aspects and you are really able to mentally visualize being there when Isaac and Monica are kissing. It creates a very awkward position for the reader and obviously for Hazel, the narrator. 

2. I feel as though visual imagery is most commonly used in this passage. There are two examples, when Hazel describes what the girl looks like and how they are kissing. This passage also paints a vivid image when Isaac is feeling Monica up. These are both two very effective examples of visual imagery.

3. I think the best snippet of imagery in this passage is: " Isaac pinned against the stone wall of the church, kissing him rather aggressively." Which is an example of visual imagery. I feel like the key words that make this so effective is "kissing him rather aggressively". This is very descriptive and allows the reader to imagine two teenagers making out and it being a very awkward moment for those standing by. 

4. I don't know if I could call this imagery positive or negative, I'd say it's more a neutral description of what's going on. I feel that this is representative of how Hazel feels at this moment. She isn't extremely disgusted as perhaps an older, more mature narrator would be, but it's not like she is enjoying the scene she is witnessing either. The narrator's tone toward this scene is very unprejudiced; not specifically negative or positive.

5. The mood that is being created throughout this passage is that they are creating a very awkward moment. Even if Hazel's tone is neutral in this passage, us as readers are feeling as though we just walked into something we shouldn't be seeing. An example of how this happens is the sentence: "I could hear the weird kissing noises of their mouths together." This shows us, as readers, a very uncomfortable position, as this isn't something that anyone wants to watch or hear.

6. I feel like the purpose of this imagery is to show the very classic depiction of teenage hood. The reason that this is being portrayed is because this classic scenario is not something that the main character, Hazel participates in. Her life is very different, living with cancer, and even though this is a very awkward scene for most of us as readers, Hazel looks at it almost with longing. The only thing she wants is just to be a regular teenager; to partake in regular, normal teenage activities (much like making out with people in public places) but can't due to her physical health. 

dialogue picture

http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/61377693601/763-dorothy-vs-alice-update-the-image-is-by

Holiday Spirit (Personal Addition #18)

With the snow falling, it seems as though winter is in full swing. And nothing says winter and the holiday season like the classic Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is You. 

Here's  a quick way to get into the Holiday Spirit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY

Mars bars Rice Krispie cakes (Personal Addition #17)

Needing a quick and easy dessert recipe? Then this is perfect for you! Mars bars Rice Krispies are very easy to make and only require a few ingredients. Although the best part is that they only takes 10 minutes!

Here's what you'll need:

-2 cups of Rice Krispies

-4 Mars bars

-1/2 cup of butter

-1 cup of choclate chips

-8x8 pan

Step 1:

Melt butter and mars bars in a frying pan on medium-low heat. 

Step 2:

Once melted, take the frying pan off the element and add the Rice Krispies.

Step 3:

Put the mixture in an 8x8 pan.

Step 4:

Top it off with the chocolate chips and put it the oven on broil for 30 seconds. 

Step 5:

Spred the melted chocolate and place it in the fridge. 

Step 6: 

Let it cool, and there you have it! Simple and delicious squares for everyone to enjoy!


Find this recipe at: http://www.food.com/recipe/mars-bars-rice-krispies-squares-no-bake-72608
And find many more delicious recipes at: http://www.food.com

Imagery- Island

Finally I was released from the bumpy basement of the boat and the power of the sun engulfed me. The beaming rays of the sun had never made me feel so overwhelmed before. It just kept shining down on me, punishing me with it's heat. Even though I didn't know where I was, the smell of sulphur reminded me of the vacations I had taken in my former life. I kept reliving the times I had spent on the beach, drinking tart margaritas while basking in the sun. The wind was faint, so I could hear the crashes of the waves bursting onto the island. As I listened, the calming effect they had had on me in the past was called to mind. But not anymore. Everything has changed.

http://www.frasercheam.com/2010/09/picture-of-week-fraser-river-island.html

Quickwrite- Candy

file:///C:/Users/t.wichenko/Desktop/tumblr_mcqg42itxN1qee12to2_1280.png

Halloween is a time that every candy bar hopes they are able to experience. Their whole life is spent getting ready for that one day. It all begins the day they are born. They are made in a factory where they are only with the same kind of candy bar. Then one day they are separated and put into boxes with a variety of different kinds of candy. This is a sad day, because they are leaving their family, but they realize that this is a necessity so they can soon bring joy to people. They spend a lot of time in the box getting to know all the other candy bars in the box and hearing their stories. Then finally, the big day has arrived, their box gets opened and one by one each get chosen to be given out to kids going trick or treating. They are graciously put in a bag which now holds even more of a variety of candy. Oh the stories each piece of candy hears! Then after they ride in the bumpy bag for a few hours the candy finally gets placed in a home. Then, one by one the candies get picked over and are finally eaten by a person. The pieces of candy are very happy to finally have fulfilled their life long purpose to be eaten. It is a good day for all.

Quickwrites-Minions

I would love to have a set of minions for a week. I would use my minions to be the chorus in a musical I would star in. Not sure which musical, maybe The Wizard of Oz so they could be Munchkins! It would be a busy week, learning everything and then performing. When the minions and I are not rehearsing we would just hangout and have parties. My week with minions would be a fun, and busy week.

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file:///C:/Users/t.wichenko/Desktop/tumblr_mvjte4E1se1rpb27ao1_1280.png

Point of View Tweets

The Fault in our Stars

John Green

Page:153

http://blog.yellowdoggdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/twitter-logo.jpg

Newspaper Blackout Poetry

A trio of poems on the theme of Deceit.

The words aren't visible, so here's what they say.

My Life Story: An eventful life is a false life.

Shift: I've lived my life ready to soak it all in. Then it was all forged.

Players: flirting with her, avoiding his wife despite its best efforts, not good enough to win her over.

WIMIUL (Personal Addition #16)

I'm not going to lie, I had some difficulties trying to think of something to talk about for this weeks personal additions. My brother Hugh, told me I should advertise his mens ultimate league he's playing in. So I decided I would do just that. 

WIMIUL (Winnipeg Invitational Mens Indoor Ultimate League) is exactly how the name describes it as. They play every Thursday night at the University of Manitoba soccer complex. Game times start anywhere from 8:45pm to 10:45pm.

If you are at all interested in Ultimate, it would be very worth your while to watch some games!

Check out WIMIUL on Facebook, Twitter, and watch the game of the week videos on Youtube!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIMIUL
Twitter: .https://twitter.com/WIMIUL
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3zk8nz25ZPbxDshPvoiNmQ/feed

Remembrance Day (Personal Addition #15)

Remembrance Day is a very important day for all citizens of Canada. This is when we remember and appreciate those who are or have served in the Canadian Forces. We thank them for risking their lives to make Canada a free country and remember them and their families. Attending a Remembrance Day service or even wearing a poppy is a great way to show that the lives of the soldiers will never be forgotten.

http://smartcanucks.ca/remembrance-day-november-11th-2012/

Lest We Forget

Improv Everywhere (Personal Addition #14)

Improv Everywhere is a group situated in New York that pulls off pranks and things in public places in  New York City. The pranks have included, movies in real life, spontaneous musicals, no pants subway rides and many more. One of my personal favourites is a prank where 80 people went into Best Buy wearing a blue polo shirt and khakis. The employees of Best Buy were so rattled and called the police to try and get them out. The reactions of the public is what makes their videos so incredibly funny!

Check out more of their pranks at: http://improveverywhere.com

Here's the video to the Best Buy prank:

WE DAY! (Personal Addition #13)

This past Wednesday I had the privilege to participate in We Day Manitoba 2013. I went actually as a volunteer, and my job was a "crowd pumper". My job as a crowd pumper was to cheer and help set the tone for each performance. It was an amazing day and was so rewarding.

Here's the promo video for We Day itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPvGuv3e4Tc

After the event was over, there was debate over Facebook and a couple of radio shows talked about if We Day is worth it. Does it actually do anything or is it just a frivolous concert that doesn't empower youth to act to create a better world? This was something I did have to consider, it is a lot of money to have We Day tour around, and it's not like youth purchase tickets. However, the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with We Day's intentions. 

First of all, just to attend the performance, everyone has to commit to doing one local and global action of good. That right there in Manitoba alone is more than 30,000 actions. 

Also, it's so overwhelming when you want to make the world a better place but don't know how and  it's such a comforting feeling when you know others are in the same position as you. We Day provides that, and shows you that there are millions of people in the world trying to do the same things you are. This also helps people realize that the impact you are making to the world, big or small adds up and can amount to a big movement. 

Another aspect I thought about, was We Day shows that volunteering and doing good things doesn't have to be a chore. It's about finding your passion and using that to help reach others to get them to do the same. It is also about helping other people; globally and locally not by only writing checks to organizations.

This year a really great concept that they have added is an app called "We365" where you can participate in challenges that help social change and you can log all of your volunteer hours. This is a way that you can continue to work with the energy that was created at We Day. 

The annual We Day in Manitoba is something I look forward to every year, it promotes such a positive energy to help make the world a better place and I truly believe is such a unique and effective way of empowering youth.

http://www.electrovoice.com/pressrelease.php?id=1379, http://umanitoba.ca/news/blogs/blog/2012/10/29/not-you-or-i-or-us-but-we/, http://www.straight.com/blogra/photos-we-day-vancouver-packs-rogers-arena-youth-and-celebrities, http://www.weday.com/what-is-we-day/our-story/

"We Day is the movement of our time"

Ultimate Frisbee (Personal addition #12)

This past weekend I participated in the 20th Annual Hold Back the Snow ultimate frisbee tournament. This was my first time playing in this particular tournament as my first season was last spring. Ultimate is a really good sport to play, and you don't need much experience if you're wanting to start. Some people play to win, but lots of people just play for fun! There are no referees in the game, its all based on the spirit of playing. If a situation occurs where a foul is called, the player can either contest or not contest this foul. The idea at the tournament is that spirit prizes (a mini disc) are given out to one player on the team for each game who demonstrates good sportsmanship. Your always moving and always socializing with lots of different people. It's a great way to make new friends and acquire some skills in a sport.

I had an amazing (and utterly exhausting) weekend and I cannot wait until the spring for the next tournaments!