Wednesday, a day that shouldn't have come.... (Travel Journal #8)

Wednesday, a day I didn't expected to come.
I woke up by the sound of my Mom yelling at me to come.
" Yeji!!!!!!!!!!COME HER AT ONCE AND SEE WHAT HAPPEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She screamed most likey right at my ears. I woke up, and then I saw it. Tons of water filled my sisters room almost going to the long hallway. Are you guessing there is something wrong with the pipe in the bathroom? Let me answer that question cuz it is a " No". What had happen is that our neighbor and the 3rd floor who were fixing their house, left their water on, which was dirty and caused it to come up to our house.
Minjeong ran to the phone and started punching in numbers that I didn't know. She talked in the spanish tongue. Most of them I could understand. Workers came up, aghast as they see water in my sisters room. While they were trying to fix the water to come up from down stairs, Minjeong and I, worked nonstop, pluging off the electric, moving books, squishing water from the towels. Such a pain... And guess what? Yesturday, it had also happend. but only in my sisters bathroom.
I guess it wasn't what I had expected:a peaceful internet day. Our maid came, and helped. Mama scavenging for the house owners number, the workers struggling in their alien tongue, Minjeong yelling at me for help, Sermira( My maid's name), squishing the towels in the bucket trying ot get ride of those water. Papa came, and the workers just stopped the water from coming up( You never know if it's going to burst!). Mama took Chloe out, and Papa went to work. Why? Because they thought it was all fixed!!!
I went in Mama's room, because that was the safest room. The t.v on, yunjeong grapping ferrero rocher from my hands. I didn't mind her eating my choclate today because I knew I couldn't finish it. Ater like an hour, I to get some water. I almost screamed.
I called Minjeong, and there I saw, water in Minjeongs room, in the hallway, half in Mama's room, and very little in my room. I wasn't in a good mood.
The squizing, calling, yelling, fixing, struggling, wipping, unpluging went on and on. And also water came up from next to the landury. And water was crawling in the kitchen, my maid looking pale as ever. I helped, without even eating lunch, I squished the water out form my towel to the bucket. The plumer is the person we needed right now, but no sight of him.
After 30 minutes, he finally came. THE SAVER FINALLY CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He took a long time fixing, and the mean time, I ate some food, so tired I just collapsed on the sofa. Workers put fans on, hoping the water would dry. And it did.
He fixed the water exploding, everyone of them, and greeted us happy new years, and went.
I wonder if it is going to explode again. I was angry for the 3rd floor the most. All their fault, some of our wood floors were ruined, not completely but some went up. And I was not happy.
I am telling you that I checked every single time, if the water exploded or not.
PHEW........ I don't even know how I am writing this but just know the first thing I did, was shower and then sleept like crazy...................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

GRRRRRRR .......Stomach! Stop grumbling!!! (Travel Journal #7)

Grr...Grrrrrr....GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!Today, as you could see, I was starving to death! All I did was going to the kitchen, going to my room, then going to the kitchen, and it repeats...

You could call me grumpy that day. I became choleric, when no food was found.

I woke up really late( around 12), and I went to shower. I shouldn't have woke up late, that makes me A LOT grumpy. I headed straight to the kitchen, when I was done in the shower. Felt fresh, but not my mind nor my stomache. I opened the refrigerator, hoping there would be something GOOD to eat. I was so wrong. Food I hate, food that make me vomit filled the refrigerator. Let me tell you something: I am very pikky. I mean VERY.

" Mom!!!You should have made something!!!!!!!!" I shouted. No answer. ( Ugh)

I walked back to my room, and turned on my laptop. I went online in msn and facebook. No one online. UGH!!As you could see, that made my temper even raise up more. GRRRRRR..

I squeezed my stomach, wishing it to stop begging for food. I'll survive, I know I will...Well at least till dinner. That's what I thought. But guess what? My stomach won the fight. I HAD TO EAT SOMETHING AND FAST!!!!!!

This time, I ran to the kitchen, and flung open every cuberd and refrigerator, scavenging for food like this crazy person who haven't ate in ages. Brownie! Yea, I'd better make that!!

In a large bowl, flour went in, then went sugar, 4 eggs followed. Mix, mix, mix, add, add,add, pour, pour, pour, wait, wait, and DONE!!!!!!!!! The incredible smell filled the air, as I gobbled it at least less than 3 seconds even though it was dead hot. Suddenly, an idea popped up. The ferrero rocher my dad bought me for christmas!!!Why didn't I think of that? I opened the fridge and took out 1 ferrero rocher- my favorite chocolate ever. As soon as it melted down my throat, my mind was fresh, and so was my body. Chocolate does make me so hyper.

Well, I don't even have to tell you how I was after that, do I? Just know I was flying around the house !!!!:]

Greetings! Guess where Yeji went? ( Travel Journal #6)

I woke up early in the morning at 6: 30, got ready, and Dad, Minjeong and I, off we went to the office to see others. Why so happy? We're going to San blas!!!!!!!

We met others and now from there the long and tiring journey began. First we had to go to the oposite direction to our house. Far, far we drove, tearing down the rode. The jeep car infront, the toyota car behind; korean people inside those cars. I almost vomited when we had to go through those rocky mountains. some roads where perfectly made, some made our car wiggle and bounce. I am guessing going through the mountain took at least 1 hour or more. You gotta believe me, the ride was pretty long.

Then next thing you know it, we had to face a river. Not so long, quite short if you think about it. The jeep car went first, then went to toyota care. Ours followed. I love crossing the river with our car, even though my dad sort of freeked out a bit( hahaha). Dad said small cars won't do, they will only break and damage the car really badly. But big cars would do.

Finally we arrived, as I literly wanted to kiss the ground. Thank god I am out of that vomiting ride (P.S : I never vomit in car rides but this one, I almost did) We hopped on the boat with our belongings and went to this indian island to buy the crabs and lopster we ordered months ago.

As, I stepped into the indian island, all I could see was little kids with no shoes, and old grandmas begging for us to buy some stuff they made. I couldn't bare looking at them or esle I could have cried that instance. My mind wanting to help, bought several things even though I didn't need them. When I saw this young girl about 3 years old, carring a baby, I almost jumped. How could she hold the baby? Not even my sister yunjeong can ever hold chloe!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got our foods and went ont eh bought again. I waved goodbye to them as we headed to the island we had to go: Sanblas. The water was sea through, so clear, it burned my eyes. Mr. Kim went to a little food store and told them to cook those lopsters and crabs. We opened our tentes, and ate some snacks. My dad did the chating with others. And me? Well obviously, under those beautiful, clear water with my skuverdiving glasses on. IT WAS AMAZING!!! Fishes making a line, passes by my legs, and planktons were also seem!!!I didn't swim there for more than 15 minutes, I don't like the hot sun very much.

When I just came out of the water, the food was surved. I didn't eat anything we bought; I hate seafoods. But I ate the food my mom had packed me because she knew I was going to starve because of those sea food I don't dare to try. Others swim, saying it was good.

At 3 we hoped on the boat again and headed to the place where we packed our car. Long way...About 15 or 20 minutes. I slept, so tired I couldn't hadly how much sleepy I was.

We arrived and off we went. Through the river, pass those long rocky mountains, pass the nice roads, into panama city. Mr. Park decided to eat dinner. (Sigh) Too tired I wonder if I could eat.

I orderd spagetti con pollo and guess what???I thought it was like little chicken inside the spagetti but I was so wrong. It was spagetti AND chicken. AND THEY GAVE ME SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!It was good and cheap but I couldn't finish all of it.

We greet others good bye saying thank you and all those stuff. We drove to our car, and went home. Quickly showered since I felt gross, and collapse to my bed, snuggled up. zzzzzzzz what a nice day:]

The Day I've Been Waiting for:] ( Travel Journal #5)

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why, Santa Clause is coming to town, he sees you when ... Oopss, sorry guys, I am just so happy it's Christmas. Can't handle all the fun :]

Christmas christmas, what do you guys usually do? Well, for me, our family go to church and open presents obviously.

A day unique, a day where people would call out" It's Christmas!!!Wohoooo!!!!!!!!!" Yes, we all know, and that day is when you can't just be moody, and grumpy. Be happy, and never let that smile off your face.

Mom dropped Minjeong and I at church. We sing and sing, then we listen to the stories. After we finished, we all went down to eat lunch. At 11: 30 Mama, came to pick us up. Our car filled with christmas songs, as we all follow along the song. I ponder through my thoughts, what we would do, how we are going to spend our christmas. Would it be good? Would it be bad? God knows about that.

" We have arrived to our beautiful home" Mama said joyfully. With a beating heart, I rushed through the door, and up we went, to our house. Under the christmas tree, there were more presents. To be honest with you guys, I've never had a christmas so full of presents. Why?Because like I said before, we don't spend our christmas with tons of presents. But maybe this christmas we do. I read the tags, " To: Mom, to: dad, to :Yunjeong, to: Chloe, to: Minjeong" and last of all I see the presents rapped in a pretty red paper with a tag: To Yeji.

" Mom, can we open our presents?" I asked.

" Go ahead" Mama replied. I grapped my present and ripped the rapper, less than 3 second. FERRERO ROCHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!My favorite chocolate EVER!!!!!!!!!!!You don't know how much I am in love with that chocolate. Minjeong got the same. Yunjeong got this clay I had bought her. Mom got this perfume, and dad this tie.

But when Mom came and whispered something in my ear, tears leaked down my eyes. Dad, who doesn't really buy presents secretly, said he did when we were at church. I hug him, and hug him, never letting him go.

This was the most surprising and the amazing Christmas ever in my whole life. I love you Christmas!!!!!

Christmas Eve ( Travel Journal # 4)

Guess what day it is today? Christmas Eve, everyone would shout. A day when some people eat a big christmas meal, a day when some maybe open their presents.
Well to me, I don't really care about how much presents I am going to get.Why?Because I got my christmas present already. And I know that is enough.
To people Christmas might mean " A day of opening presents" and stuff like that. Don't you think that is sort of " TOO MUCH EXPECTING?" No offence to others that think it this way . What Christmas really means to me is the day you spend time with your family. Presents? Sort of but I don't go like " Dad, Mom, buy me presents in christmas or I'll get mad." No, no, not like that. Our family, doesn't celebrate Christmas with tons and tons of presents under the christmas tree. Mostly me and my sister put presents under there, instead of our parents putting presents. Christmas way sound like a children/kids present day. But to me, it is most likely a day where you show that your thankful to your parents, and how much you love them.
Seriously, guys think about it. Don't you sort of agree? I mean your parents always worry, care about you when you guys are pratically fooling around. Including me. My dad, for instance, never say a word when I ask him to go to arocha or complain about things that might come on his nerve. And think how much stress he would have. A bunch from the family, and a bunch from work. I've realize this, and I feel like the most horrible daughter ever.
That is how I spent my Christmas eve. Giving mom and dad, presents my love and effort is poured into, even though it may not cost alot. But they, as a parent, love it more than anything.
You see tears dripping down from their eyes , and next thing you know it, you also start crying. And then comes the hugging.

My worst enemy ever: Studying on the vacation..(Travel Journal # 3)

I study at school, I do homework at home, and guess what? I HAVE TO STUDY IN THE VACATION!!!!!!!!

Do you know how that feels? It feels as if you been bit by a deadly mosquito that has a virus and you are actually suffering!!! It's such a pain.

I woke up by the sound of the buzzing in our apartment. The construction man was fixing our neighbors house. Mama, who was waiting for me to wake up, told me to read this very difficult korean book. I sighed... Knowing if I didn't finish this, sooner or later, I wouldn't be in the situation I would want to be in.

I sat on my blue arm chair, staring at the book hopeless. I forced myself to read at least one chapter of the book. I didn't get a single word. I know this is quite weird, but let me tell you something. Korean is hard. Normal hard, VERY hard indeed. Not only the words, but also the math is very advanced. VERY!!!

I finally finished reading. Phew... Then the next thing I realized was, there was a yellow post-it note on my desk saying: " Yeji, do you math and korean work book. When it is 3:00, I will see what you've done so far. At least finish one chapter" ( It was wroten in korean ofcourse)

I felt a not stuck in my throat. When I've thought of it, books, studies have never let go of my life. Not even in vacations. Imagining all my friends have no worries and having the marvelous time of their life, made me cry. I don't really like vacations that much. For me, it isn't any fun, but more work you have to go through.

I grib my pencil tight, the word repeats: " I am dead, I'm never going to surviv till the end"

Living as a Korean, might seem like nothing, but actually, it is as if you have to live with a big rock on your head.

What a Day...( Travel Journal #2)

A day as usual, don't ask me how it was, becauseyou wouldn't wanna know...
Sunday, what do you usually do? Well, for me, I go to church. We got there andI went down stairs to my class. My pastor, Justin Kim, who talks english to us, was already talking. Late again, I guess... I found a chair, and the talking began. Church at least makes me feel better. It feels as if my heart is tooken my Gods hand. Weird, I know.... But I don't care what others say, because I am not embarrased of God being with me, they are. Justin kept on telling us real stories that happened in his life that was a miracle. Mostly, I hated listening to all those information, but from Justin, the words sounds like magic to me. Not because he talks english or anything, because the holly spirit went inside me.
We finished by 11: 10 and ate lunch. While munching down my food, I remember something. Ugh! I had to go upstairs and sing with others for Christmas. I hate singing expecially opera kinda stuff. Not my type at all. But of course since I am too nice, with no complain, I did it :]
I had to do the solo. So embarrasing!!! I begged God, for time to go pass. It didn't. Maybe he wanted me to sing. I sang out loud, not caring what others may have said.
" Ok, done. You guys can go!" The music teacher said. Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I rushed out of the door, and saw Mama waiting with her car. I jumped in, and put my seatbelt on. PHEW!~ THAT WAS SOME KINDA DAY....wasn't it?

Bored, bored , bored...( Travel Journal #1)

What do you do when your bored??? I really can't figure it out. Do you go to the pool? Do you sleep? Do you turn on your laptop? What do you do???
Today, like I guessed, was a day, I get bored so easily. The sun shining from my window, this spanish music dancing in my ears. I woke up, and stretched, the things I usually do. Went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth. Usually people should be happy because it is vacation, but for me? Well sort of, but not really. The longer the vacation is, the longer my boredom controls me. I sat down all drooly in my chair, wondering what I should do. Korean work there is, waiting for it to be done, in the corner of my desk. Nah... Too lazy to do that. What shall I do that is FUN???Not a single answer popped out.
After struggling for 5 minutes, I decided to go online in MSN so that at least I can talk to my friends. No one....Dang it!!! I'm all alone!!!!!!Ugh. I better go on facebook. No one...WHY IS EVERYONE GONE!Wait a second, maybe it's because it's to early.
I flung open Breaking Down( a book I started to read) and tried to focus what was happening. Less than 20 minutes, I gave up. I guess the book didn't help at all! With my last hope, I turn on my laptop, and went on MSN. One person on line!!Nysha it was!!!! FINALLY SOMEONE TO TALK TO!!!!!!My finger quickly typed to Nysha. We did webcam together, which was the most happiest thing ever. She told me she is going to Singapore tomorrow. Me? I totally felt left out. I mean, I am not going no where only being bored for the rest of the vacation.
I said bye, when It was time to eat lunch and so did she.
What a day. Nothing fun happens in my life... Don't you think? Papa said he will find somewhere to go, but where? I bet it's somewhere near Panama like San Blas. Ugh, I hate those kind of warm place. Why can't we go to somewhere that is COLD not HOT?
Well I think I should stop typing from here because no one would want to see me burst up with anger right now.

Sana's Ice-cream

Sana- who has parents that fight all night long- comes to school, with scars and bruises. She whispers in my ear, her father beats her up because he is angry. Sana- my ice-cream friend - who always buys me ice-cream when her dad kicks her out of the house, says ice-cream cool her mind. 3 rules, she has to obey in her house, once they are broken, scars and scratches again. Sana- who comes to school with long sleeves and pants- hides her worries, tears and scars under those long sleeves. She says to others, she tripped, just so embarrassed, she had to lie. Her father - who throws things at his wife- insults Sana because of her comforting her mother. She sits on the bench outside her apartment, an ice-cream in her hands. She asks me if I want one, I shake my head, no. My father, he said to stay outside for a night, he kicked me out again, Sana whispered in her breath, tears dripping.What should I do, what should I do, she repeats. Don't worry, come to my house, I would say. She cries harder and some more, and I say no more.

Covered Up in Regrets

Mama- who has a dream, but couldn't make it- regrets her past. She was the kind of student who would raise her hand, high up in the air. And A student, the intelligent girl, who dreamed up being a diplomat, is here, stuck, trapped, lonely, tired... The dreams can't be glued together; it has broken to millions of pieces, when Papa met her. Her life in his hands, her dreams thrown to the big waves. She can sing opera. She knows how to make a crown out of flowers. Mama loved to see grandma cook. Toss, flip, stir, roll, pout, cut, bake, always wished to turn on the kettle, but couldn't, grandma didn't let her. She reads books that take her to a journey. Today, while getting ready to sleep, there she is, standing by the door. Don't let go your dreams slip away from your fingers Yeji. No matter what is in your way, Mama says.Mama-, who tells her daughter never to be like her, prays for them. Is studying to be a physiologist. Doesn't care how old she is, doesn't care how long it will take, she ties her dream tightly to her wrist. Never, never turn into a person like me, the word echoes in my ear.

Tsunami of Homework Coming to Yeji, a inocent student.

Today as usualis a day, students struggle... And I'm included.

I came back from school, so exhausted, I collapsed in my bed. Before I could even lie down properly, homework went in my way. Math finals, Geography quiz, and Spanish project is what I had to do. Dark circles under my eye, my body begging for more sleep. I forced myself up, and sat down in my chair. Nothing came into my mind. Only how good it would be if I just take 1 minute nap. But I knew it wouldn't be 1 minutes, but even more. I decided to start on Spanish first..

Like I guess I gave up in 10 minutes. I couldn't handle my sleepiness. Some people that have less sleep might feel my pain. It feels as it tsunami of homework is going to flip you over and your drowning. My back sank down my head, and my body at last resting. I love to sleep.

I wake up with the loud t.v noise. 5:50!!! OMG!!!I'M DOOMED!!!!

The Day, Mother All Wait For...

Yesterday, as you know was the day all mothers wait for.

I woke up early in the morning, and sprinted to the kitchen. Minjeong, who was cleaning the living room quietly, look surprised.

" Why are you up so early? Go sleep! So not like you..." Minjeong whispered.

" I'm gonna make Mama some breakfast" I relied, as I headed of to the kitchen. I flung open the refrigerator. What can I make? How am I going to make her surprise? No, answer came out. After struggling for 10 minutes, I decided to make potato with fried egg, cereal, fruit salad, juice, pancakes. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Cooking is my hobby anyways.

It was 8: 00, when Mama usually wakes up. I hear the shower turn on. I placed the white table sheet and placed the food on top.

" Wow! Breakfast ends up being in a restaurant! It looks so fancy! Way to go! " Minjoeng laughed, a bit too loud. I ran to my room, and got the present I made in Mrs. Browns class : A frame with my picture and a vignette about Mama inside. A placed it gently on the table, and there I saw a green and red ribbon present! I guess that was a present Minjeong was going to give.

" MOM!!!!!!!!!!!OMG!!!!!THE FIRE WON'T TURN OFF!!!!!!COME TO THE LIVING ROOM!!!!" I screamed after I hear ed the shower door close which meant she was done showering. I knew I was faking, but I had no choice. I could hear giggles behind, Minjeong of course. Mama came rushing.

"SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!" We both cried out loud. Mama, who gave us her biggest and the warmest smile, had tears that looked like crystal in her eye. We waited until Mama finished opening the present. Minjeong bought her a smelling thing for the house. Her eyes leaked with tears, and her heart full of joy.

" Thank you so much you guys!!!!!!!!Because of your help, I've enjoyed the mothers day!!!!!!" Mama said as she gave both of us a warm hug.

I Hate Racist

Do you know what kind of person I really hate? Not a back-stabber, not a betrayer. but a racist.
It always bothered me. Especially in this school: Balboa Academy. I'm not insulting this school or anything but I never had those feeling about racist. I just hate them. They know nothing about you. Nothing...They tell they hate Asian and they know nothing about Asians. I mean what did I ever did to them??Maybe other might have, but not me. If they are mad at a Asian person, then they should go fight with them but not me. They have no right to insult a person that is totally Innocent!!
Reading this, some people might feel my pain, and some might not. Look, everyone has to be treated equally no matter how different you look or the different skin you have. We breath, we have hands, we have heart, and actually we are the same. So where ever you go, don't be a racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Does Everyone Like Books?

I still remember how much I hated to read. I just didn't even dare to even touch the cover of it. That is how much I hated books.

Mama and I was in the book fair in my school in Sweden. I begged her not to come, but unfortunately she did. No one can stop her, not even Papa. I was standing in the corner of the lunch room, because that where they sold the books. Mama was so busy choosing books, she pratically didn't know I existed. Fiction, comic, geography, math, Realistic fiction, fantasy, there was so many kinds of book.

The earphone on my ears, as music twirled around my head. But since it was so crowded, I couldn't hear the music so well. I took them off, as I watched Mama grab at once, more than 3 books on her hands. I looked around. Why is everyone so in gaze with books anyways? I grabbed a book next to me. It was a comic book. I flipped through the pages, because there was nothing to do. I can handle boredom. That's when I got to know more about books. It didn't let go of my mind. What would happen next, what is gonna happen? I was always curious. Not only comic books, but others also.

That day, I learned that you should try something you don't like because while you are growing everything changes.

South Korea, a Place Where I Am From

Korea, a place where I'm from, a place with wonders. A country you wish to go. Not afraid to show where I'm from, no country as special as here. Looks are different, but that doesn't change where I'm from.

Winter, Summer, Autumn, Fall, is the 4 season Korea have. Winter is my favorite. It seems nothing to you, but all our religion and culture is dug in it. Korean is our main language. Different from Japanese, Chinese, Philippine, English. A language that never leaves our heart. We speak them in front of other, no need to fear, it our language.

Korea, a place full of malls and Delicious food stores, is what attacks tourist to come. Pencils, Sharpener, aren't just normal type you see them around. Nothing is same, and so is our stuffs. Kimchi, our traditional food, is what we normal have on the dinner table. Made with Cabbage and pepper, but we, the Koreans, don't cry while we eat, we enjoy our time, the kimchi sinking down our throat. We eat different than others, not the same, but the food of our own.

Work, school, collage is what all Korean students fears the most. Student can never leave work, because it would always follow them where ever they go. But time past, and their they are, they've achieve their goals, and mostly Koreans have. No others, but mostly Koreans. We study till 12 or even more, but it's worth it. You get a life you've dreamed and a life you better than other countries.

Some racist say all Asians look the same and that we talk the same language and there isn't any difference. Well that's when I want to tell them, we talk different, look different, eat different, have cultures that is not the same, and that I am not afraid or embarrass of my country, South Korea.

South Korea, is not a country you think of, but a country you trust, a country you can't just go past.

I am Korean, I am Asian, no racist can beat or tell derogatory insults, because I have my country, and that I am not afraid to tell them where I am from.

You Know What Keeps Me Writing?

Have you ever wonder why you write or what has kept you writing? Well I have today.

I write because there's times when I want to say something but I can't... Letters, poems, stories all have writings on them.. How can we not live without writing? It would be hard to communicate also and we would practically be dumb! Writing is very important in my life because where ever you go, the books, letters, and poems will follow you. You can never get rid of them.

What makes me write is those kind of things. If you want to say something, you can, like to your friends.But sometimes you are afraid to tell them by looking into their eyes. And that's what letters are for.

One thing you have to admit is you can't let letters, alphabets and writing disappear. They would start a life with you and end it with you also. Trust me, it does.

A Letter to a Person I Miss

Dear Ashini,
Today I am writing a letter to you. I was very aghast when you said you had to go to Denmark. That was when my heart felt devoid. It left a permanent scar in my heart. You would always be next to me, and reprimand others who did bad stuff to me. You were adequate to make my life shine like the bright sun. Worries, and things that agitate me, is what we shared.

Balboa Academy is the same. But sometimes, people infuriates me because of the derogatory insults they leave. You were adequate to fill the empty spots in my heart.After the day you left, it was a long trek for me to finish the day. I toil to classes and it is a strenuous work without your help.

The weather is mostly rainy here.Storms would devastate the cars and trees. My mom would admonish me to stay home. I will heed my mothers advice even though I am urgent to go out to play. Ashini, do you still remember lunch time? We use to sit next to each other and bandy foods and snacks! We laughed like crazy, devouring our foods down our throats. But since you are gone, the lunch room looks devoid with you. I feel more vulnerable than ever... It feels as if i have to handle everything myself. I am wrathful at times, but I don't know why. Is it because you aren't here? Is it because I can't share my worries with you?

How is your life in Denmark? Is it like this? Is it better? Are you still the industrious and astute student I know? Are you still the friend who is addicted to my Nintendo? Are you still the buddy who aspire to be a doctor?Are you still the warm blanket I use to cover my face with? You are an illustrious person to me, more than Christopher Columbus, more the Queen Elizabeth. You would aways be supervising me for what's right or not. Ashini, thank you so much when you intend to confront the people that made my day all black.In a short time, our friendship has intensified. All I can say right now is "I miss you so much and I will never ever let our bond slip out of my fingers"

From: Yeji.S

To: Ashini.P

A Life She Wants to Run Away...

Ortha-who comes to school all blue and black- has parents that beat her up. Ortha- who has dark circles under her eyes- says she has to get good grades; not an A-, or an A, but an A+. Wishes to burn her past, a better life is all she wants.
Her parents- who always fight all day and night- beats Ortha, their daughter, because her grade, because of her saying she wants to run away.She cries and cries, until no tears are left. Ortha, the industrious student, the doleful girl, who tries to cover her regrets and memories with her makeup, prays and prays, until there you see, tears like crystal dancing in her eyes.
Report cards are coming. Teachers with papers on their arms, walk around the class handing out what Ortha fears. I hear her heart beat, so loud it makes me shiver too. I ask her what she got, and she stares at the ground and the word bounces out of her mouth and into the drain. An A-, she says. What should I do, Ortha keeps on asking. I shake my head, feeling hopeless.
She sits on the bench, as she whispers in her breathe for God to take her up to heaven...

Why Doesn't She Mind Her Own Business?!

Do you know what really bothers me these days?Well it's when my eldest sister never minds her own buisness! People that has older brothers or sisters might feel my pain...
Whenever I am doing Facebook in my freetime, she would tell Mama that I'm not studying. Right there is when I want to kick her out of this world. I mean I can handle all the things she does mean to me but not when she is minding MY buisness!!!NEVER!!Also she would act as if she is mumbling, and say I'm stupid, and that I get 'F's! Does she even know what she is saying? I hate it wheh she mumbles to herself. If she wants to mumble, go somewhere else rather than my room!!!
I still remember when my sister would go on youtube and watch movies, when she was suppose to study! I never say anything. See? I am not minding her buisness! That's her life, not mine!
I sometimes think, does younger sisters get to say their own opinon about something? Or is it only the eldest who says whatever they want? I want to go up to my sister and say she can't say I'm stupid just becuase I am doing the internet. But I don't dare because I know what would happen next.
What I am telling you guys right now is that the eldest sister /brother has to mind their own business and don't leave a stressful day to your younger sister/brother.

Not Bad After All

I sat quetily in the back seat of the car, the music dancing in my ears. Mama, who forced me to go to church on Saturday morning, for this dance we have to perform on Christmas day. I never win in a fight with Mama, never. She orders me, I obey.

9: 30, almost there. I flung open the door, not giving Mama a hug, which I usually do. Yohana, Sara, David greets me hello, and we go inside the church. Sara, who is our leader, who would teach us to dance, gives each person their spots. People fooling around with the drums, people running around, people playing piano. It looks like Sara wants to give up, no one is listening to her directions.
I walk toward her, as I whisper in her ear, " Since every one isn't paying attention, can you teach me first?" I asked.
" Sure why not? I would love to teach at least one person today!" She smiled.
Sara, the dancer, the singer, who shares her dancing skills with me, who showed me all the moves, says I am a great dancer. I feel a smile squeezing in my face, my heart light like the air.
12:35 p.m, I give a hug to Sara, and I turn my back, heading for where Mama's car is.
"It was great!!!"I smiled joyfully to her.
" I knew you would like it! I told you it was good!~" She keeps on saying.
It isn't that bad after all..Just because you don't like dancing or you don't want to go anywhere on Saturday Morning, that doesn't mean you aren't good at it. You do it, and there you go, you take a grip of it!

Jasmine has a crony, Miley.

Jasmine- who is always alone- has no friend. She sat down speechless in her desk, waiting for math class to start. The bell echoed through the hallway and Mrs. Newsbom( Her math teacher) stepped in. But behind er, was a new girl. Her hair was bright yellow, with blue sparkly eyes.
"This is Miley, she is from the U.S.A and she will be joining us in math." Mrs. Newsbom exclaimed.
" Hi! I'm Miley, and I hope I get along with you guys. I am watching out for the people without friends because that is what I really hate to see. Okay? So please don't show me friendless people at the first day of school." Miley retorted in a loud and clear voice. There was a big applause. She found an empty spot right next to Jasmine.
" Hi! Do you mind if I sit here?" Asked Miley politely. Jasmine was flustered.
" No, you can sit here" Jasmine replied.
She saw Miley on most of the class, and surprisingly she sat with her in every class. But she doesn't know that their friendship is growing bigger every second.
Miley- who confront the people who spreads bad rumors about Jasmine- makes her feel special, makes her feel as if she have found a friend she was searching for years. Aspires to be a principle of a school she dreams of. Jasmine realized that Miley hasn't just been friends with her, but that she didn't want to make Jasmine feel the pain of being bullied. Miley, who seems so popular enough by her look, was bullied since 5 th grade. But has learned to be brave and never give up. Jasmine's life was turned upside down when she found out.

There camaraderie intensified. And in there heart, there is a small seed growing, a seed that connects their bonds strong like the Great Canyon. Always Miley would whisper in her breathe,
" People that is addicted to bulling need to change their behavior towards other people." And there you see something glowing in their hearts. ' Friendship'.

Something that really bothers me...

There is somethng that always bothered me. Why does people look at a person on how they look? Why do they depend on people like that? Why?
I always watch someone getting insulted by how they look. Sometimes I want to tell them to look at the person's indside. Their heart is important than the outside. I sometimes wished to tell this infront of their face, I sometimes wished they atoned. I sometimes wished they wouldn't depend on people like that.
"The world is like that"Mama would say. But still I hate it. More than me getting insulted. Why does my inoccent friends have to be looked in a way like that? why?
This is what really bothered me and still does.

Helping a Poor Person With My Own Money.

I still remember when mama and I was in the car to go to church early on Sunday morning.
6: 35, rode empty. I couldn't see a single ant moving, only our car tearing down the street. The sky was the color of peach, the sun rising up the mountains. The music low, a book on my hands. Suddenly a knock interrupts the peace.
A man- the one who has crutches, the one who is wearing ripped clothes- stands beside the car window, holding out a can. Mama scavenges for pennies and nickels, says she can't find any.
I clutch my 1 dollar bill in my pocket, my heart racing. Shall I give him this money? Shall I?
Mama looks at the man, her face pale.
"Mom, take this dollar!" I say, finally making a decision. She smiles, as she takes the money. Mama scrolls down the window, not all, but just enough to squeeze the dollar.
The man's face lights up, as if the dollar was gold, as if he never saw such a thing.
" Gracias, gracias" Is all he said, the smile of his, never fading away.
" Yeji, it was really nice of you to give him a dollar with your own money!" Mama cried.
I've never felt that way. A way you feel as if you helped more than a thousand people. A man so happy for a dollar . My heart feels like the clouds up above my head, and the next thing I realize is that I have helped a poor person with my own money.

3 Word Wednesday=Weakness equals revenge

For Tory, 2 friends to trust on is adequate for her.
Rebeca, her worst enemy-who administers everyone- sometimes agitates Tory. Derogatory rumors would be spread to people to people like virus. But Tory, who can explode with anger, never capitulate, she has her 2 best buddies- Carla and Emma.
Tory rushed through the crowds of people in the hallway, trying to make her way to her locker. By the time she reached there, she is aghast. With big red letters, the note said: "YOU ARE SUCH A LOSER!" She could feel the anger rising up in her head, but she pushes it down. She tried to rub it with her finger but unfortunately it was written with a permanent ink. The letter is familiar as she tried going deeper into her mind. Rebeca! It's her!
Rebeca- who is indifferent to other problems but goes crazy when her nails aren't even- has a face as the rose but mouth as sharp as a chainsaws.
Tory snaps herself from pondering as she rapidly sprints to English class before she gets tardy. The bell rings right after her right foot steps in the classroom rug. The class starts, no one talking just pencils dancing aroung the paper. 3 table infront of her, there she is, the demon, Rebeca.
It is memoir monday and she toiled on the desk, reading a book named " Friends, enemies". She is urgent to finish the book. Mrs. Newsbom, her english teacher, checks on the students every 15 minutes.
"Rebeca! Wednesday isn't spelled wedsday! You are in 7th grade and you have to know those basic spellings. Try not to use the kingdargarten words you know. Use some S.A.T words dear." Mrs. Newsbom cried out loud.
"Sorry, I just don't know those hard words. I don't liked them" I heared her whisper. They both started talking, and I stopped reading and my ears listened carefully. Mrs. Newsbom needed to teach illiterate Rebeca how to read also. That was her weakness. All what I've struggled to know and find out. She has a weakness, everyone does, but it is now heared, and Tory knows what to do, revenge.
Today the rain brought a welcome respit from the tremendous heat. It was cool and so isTory's mind. It is lunchtime and she desided to eat as much as she want. She got loads of food in her plate and headed off to a table where Emma and Carla was. They were eating citrus. Their normal conversation started, nothing happening. Suddenly, Rebeca and her gangs comes walking towards their direction.
"OH MY GOD!!!who on earth would eat like you?I mean I don't care you turn into a pig but at least..."
" Would you buz off?" Tory disrupted Rebeca's talk.
" Yea, and mind your own buisness!" Carla added. Rebeca's evil eyes stares, her mouth not budging.
" Urgh! What a loser!" she says, annoyed.
" Look who's talking. Hey you know what? Would you please stop acting so boor to people and acting like an asinine? I mean in this time go home and study some S.A.T words!!!!!! It is a strenuous work but you would have a better life after that. Or do u want to have a menial job and live in a hovel? It's your choice." Tory purposly shouted it out loud so that others could hear. The lunch room was quiet. Carla and Emma claped, others follow. Rebeca- the one who's cheek's are now red as blood- wonders and wonders, what Tory had just said. Is running out of the lunch room, down the stairs never looking back, and doesn't come tomorrow and the next day and forever...
Tory, who sometimes can be shy, but is brave if she is, won the fight for the first time. Her heart can't stop bouncing up and down, the smile of hers doesn't leave her face.
By: Yeji

Be kind To Your Sister.

Today was a nice sunny Saturday. I was looking at the movie called troy.
"Can you past me some chips?" Minjeong, my older sister begged. My eye's was glued to the t.v.
" No. You get it yourself." I replied stubbornly.
" Don't be lazy, Yeji. It just next to you!" She roared. My mouth was to lazy to answer back. Swish! Minjeong snatched the chips away, rolling her dark eye's. I could see that she went to do some computer.She always do computer. My hands clicked on some channel. Then I froze. I could see this girl about my age taking care of her little sister in the street. No one helping her.

Suddenly I thought of Minjeong. Well... she isn't that bad. Actually I'm the one who's always making the fight?

" To show I'm sorry I'll make her some food she loves" I decided. i could feel my heart being warm.

The inauguration

" I can't wait till I see the inauguration." said my mom as she made me and my sister some sandwich for lunch. She looked really exited today.
" What is that anyway? Is that something special or what? I thought to myself curiously. Without any thought in my head I arrived at school. Suddenly an exited voice dripped out
" Today is the day we watch inauguration . You will hear Obama tell us about america.! Everybody in the world is going to watch it!"said Mrs.brown.
" Maybe this is something very special." I thought. We went down to the lunchroom. Everybody was crambled to see the inauguration. Obama was in the screen.it was hard hearing Obama speaking but I could tell he was saying that he will make America safe.
" Wow. this is important If i didn't see this I really must have regretted it.Because it tells that Obama is going to make America safety. " I said.

The big house.

My friend Kia moved to a big new house. I was desperate to come over. I slowly drew a picture of the house in my head. Finally with my heart thumping, I went to visit. Squeak, the white door open.
“Hi!” Kia said happily.
“Come in” she led me to the living room. My mouth was almost about to fall off.
“What a huge house!” I envied.
“Do you use all this room?” I asked pointing to a white door.
“Yeah.” She replied.
Kia flung open one of the rooms. I was shocked. No nothing? I bet this house is not homey and cozy I thought.
Suddenly I thought if having a big house is better. My eye’s looked around again.
My brain ran to the time I argued to my parents, our house is small. Arguing to move.
My cheeks turned red as an apple.
“Hello?” Kia putted her hands in front of my face wiggling them.
“Sorry. Um… I’ve got to go now. See you tomorrow!” I raced to the door.
Big house aren’t always good, but a home like mine is better.

By: Yeji