Part Grinch, Part Scrooge

I have often said the last few years that I am the Grinch. I thought I would explain this for all my readers.

You see, I worked retail for a few years. I missed on Thanksgiving and barely made it home for on Christmas (I had to work until 8 pm Christmas Eve because people wouldn't leave the store.) For those years I saw an entirely different side to the Christmas Season. I saw that dollar signs were more important than mangers. I was forced to listen to non-religious Christmas music for hours and hours where presents and myths we tell children are glorified and worshipped. And, I had to listen to people yell at me over sweaters and t-shirts.

So, no, I don't look forward to "The Christmas Season." However, like the Grinch and Scrooge I have a change of heart on Christmas day.


I am part Grinch because I see the "toys, toys, toys" and hear the "noise, noise, noise." But my heart grows three times that day and I think, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"


I am part Scrooge because all through December I almost dread Christmas Day. But on Christmas morning I wake up and remember Christmas Past as a small child, making sugar cookies with Mom, and listening to Frosty the Snowman on my old record player while decorating the Christmas Tree. I feel the joy of Christmas Present where my mother becomes a little girl again and sheds her light and joy on our entire family. And then I think about Christmas Future where my children circle around me and I teach them the real reason for the season - the birth of the Savior of all mankind.

So, I may be part Grinch and part Scrooge, but on Christmas Day they are two characters who truly exemplify what Christmas is about. And that ain't bad.

My meaning of what Christmas means

I think it means that we are celebrating the birth of Christ. The reason I think that is cause my religion. And cause I want to think it, and where little kids beg a fake guy for toys. Well my family gets together for Christmas.

WHY I LIKE CHRISTMAS

I get presents.
I get to see my whole family get together.
Sometimes I get what I want.
I have a lot of fun.
I get to decorate.
I love to open a lot of presents.
I get to eat really good food.
I get to spend time with my family.

What does Christmas mean to me?

Well Christmas means to me that, well I think it means that well when your whole family comes and gets together and share there love and feelings to each other and to appreciate each other. That’s why they buy gifts and presents for each other and show each other that they care. I think Christmas is a good holiday. I think people celebrate it because that’s when Jesus was born and it is a very important day because that’s when he was born.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

I hate Christmas, its way gay and there are too many expectations around that time of year, too many sad faces, too many disappointed people… I don’t care what anyone says... Christmas is lame. Halloween on the other hand is way great; all you do is walk house to house getting loads of way wonderful delectable Pieces of magic. Augh… what an extraordinary Holiday

Scary days

A single mom trying to support four kids and
they are living in a tent. The lady looks like she is scared
for her kids. Probably the reason she is like every other
parent would for there kids if they don’t have enough food
to eat, and that they don’t have good shelter to live in.

Way sad stuff…

Lots of guys sitting around doing nothing there guys are sitting on the car seats and getting paid for it. They look way board and act like they own the place the way they just sit there doing noting and don’t even care. They look like a ruthless bunch of fellows. I would not want to be the spider that lands on there arm. They would problem take a cinder block and drop that monster right on the spider… oooh that would be so sad if it was someone that you cared about like your brother or best friend or sorting. Because then you would feel way bad and you would probably never see them again on the count of they just got smashed and what not.

HOPE IS ON ITS WAY

From the look of my husbands face I could tell what he was thinking. His hands on his hips, looking across the desert. I knew he was worried, I knew he was thinking on something perfect to talk to me and his children. One thin I knew and could tell by the look of his face is that, he can’t believe the car ran out of gas but he knew we were going to make it to California and he wont let us die here because he believes hope is on its way.

Where’s my mom?

Where’s my mom? I need my mom and dad my mom is sick and I am hungry and sad we want our father we miss daddy come back I love you pleas don’t go mommy can’t do this by herself. Please. I’m scared I’m sad I’m lost I don’t know what to do I can’t help it but pray and cry and feel the hurt inside me and the pain everyday.

DARKNESS

AS I LOOK AT THE CAMERA, I THINK COME TO ME MY DARLING, YOUR NECK LOOKS SO APPEALING, AS I MOVE IN POSITION TO POSE. SMOOTH PALE SKIN, UNDERNEATH YOUR VEINS ARE CALLING OUT TO ME, I HAVEN'T HAD VISTORS AND A LONG TIME, DON’T MIND THE COBWEBS, SO COME CLOSER AS WE MOVE THROW THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT!

JESSE

In a Car

My kids make me so sad because I want
Them to have a school to go
And a dad to see and lots of food for
Them and a good bed to sleep in and
To be happy in a new home to
And 'lil dog to play with in the yard and there
Will be a man there can play with and the dog.

Richie

What I’m thankful for …….

Is my family, my boyfriend, my friends,
my house, my money, my life, god, music, for support, forgiveness, love, for everything I have, for school, my teachers, and for being alive.

15 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) THE WAY I AM
2) THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE
3) F A M I L Y
4) LOVE
5) LIFE
6) TEACHERS
7) M U S I C
8) GIRLS
9) JESUS AND GOD
10) FEELINGS
12) SECOND CHANCES
13) MOVIES
14) FORGIVENESS
15) COMPUTERS

JESSE

15 Things I am thankful for.

Today is November 19, 07 and 15 things I am thankful for is well. Well being a native and my ancestors because they came up with thanksgiving and I am thankful for my life and my family and my little nephews and my niece and my girlfriend and just anything I can get in my life.

Yeah, I am also thankful for basketball and my mom and dad I am thankful for sports. I am thankful for god because he answers all my prayers and he’s always with me in my heart.

And I am thankful for what I am not what I want I am very thankful for thanksgiving because my family my whole family gets together I am thankful for the world and those are things I am thankful for in my life.

What I'm Grateful For

1. My life and my second chance at school
2. The fact of being an uncle to a three month old baby boy.
3. My dogs.
4. My house
5. My car
6. My brother and sister
7. My aunt and uncle
8. My aunt jojo
9. My little nephew taner
10. My niece destiny
11. My little bro denim
12. My homie shawn
13. My little bro Doug
14. My shoes
15. but the thing I am the grateful most for is my family

15 Things I'm Thankful For

1. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY MOM
2. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY DAD
3. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY SISTER’S
4. I'M THANKFUL FOR MY OLDER BROTHER
5. I'M THANKFUL FOR MY SECOND DAD JEFF
6. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY SECOND MOM AMY
7. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY DOGS
8. I’M THANKFUL FOR ALL MY FRIENDS
9. I’M THANKFUL FOR THE CHURCH
10. I’M THANKFUL FOR FOOD
11. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA
12. I’M THANKFUL FOR AUNTS AND UNCLES
13. I’M THANKFUL FOR POP/SODA
14. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY MOTORCYCLE
15. I’M THANKFUL FOR MY FOURWHEELER

15 Things I's am Thanksful Four

1. Good Examples
2. Family
3. Capitalism
4. America
5. Good Music
6. Good Movies
7. Creativity
8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
9. The inner good in all of us
10. Modern Technology
11. Art
12. Corn Dogs
13. Annie
14. Education
15. Books and reading, knowledge

Belac

I’M THANKFUL FOR

Having great parents.
Still being alive.
Still having my family with me.
My family coming safe from their trip.
Having food on the table every day.
My little nieces being happy and healthy.
Knowing how to read and write.
Having a brother and a sister.
Having the people I love around me.
Being in school.
Everything in the world.
The program.
Love, honesty, respect, and trust.
Science, and technology.
Change.

What I'm Thankful for this Thanksgiving

For a writing assignment, I had my students write what they were thankful for. Here is my list (it isn't completely serious).

1. Big Gulps and Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Tornado's from 7-Eleven.
2. Polygamist Doctors - he is really nice.
3. Tylenol PM.
4. Excedrin - the only headache medicine. Thank you, Mandy, for introducing me to this wonder drug.
5. Not having to work on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
6. Having long enough hair to fit in a ponytail.
7. Saturday mornings.
8. My So Called Life on DVD. (Best TV show - ever)
   
9. Irene's Cranberry Cookies.
10. Being able to watch episodes of my favorite TV on the Internet.
11. Having a laptop to watch those shows in my bed.
12. And, Internet in the house. Definitely a blessing to help me against my boredom this holiday.
13. Oil painting - even if I haven't gone to class in 3 weeks.
14. Good books.
15. Hamburgers - mmmmmm.

What I'm really thankful for this Thanksgiving is having a place to go for Thanksgiving that feels like home, when I can't actually go home and spend the holiday with my parents. Thank you to the George family for adopting me into your family.

The Things I'm Grateful For

1. mom

2. son

3. dad

4. dog

5. aunt

6. step mom

7. sister

8. music

9. Rap

10. Hip-hop

11. step dad

12. baby's mom

13. ..me

14. help

15. people

Bob Marly is da' shizzle!

BOB Marley is the best guy he was all about natural thing he can sing hella well. It’s just good. The song “Three Little Birds” is the coolest song that he has. When you listen to it you just know what he is saying.

Robert

If I can change one thing about me.

It would be my life, my attitude, my choices
My mind, my looks, and most of all my past.
I wish I had the power to change everything.
Cause all this got me no where but away from home.
So if I can change one thing about me it would be all this.

Charityn

10 Things I like To Do

I love basketball.

I like to cook.

Like to reach my goals.

Live, love and laugh.

Like to be motivated and dedicated.

Like to have fun.

Like to Box.

Love my girl.

Respect people.



Evander

What I live by

1. Kill if you got to

2. l ways stay good to your girl

3. be good to your mom

4. Stay good to your son

5. Make good love to your girl

Richie

Dream

I keep having this dream, I'm pushing' my little sister on the swing.
She keeps screaming, she don't want me to leave
"You're making Mommy cry, why? Why is Mommy crying?"
Julie, Jesse is not leaving no more, as she says "Jesse you're lying
"You always say that, you always say this is the last time
"But you are not leaving no more, Jesse you're mine"
She's piling boxes in front of the door trying to block it
"Jesse please, Jesse don't leave, Jesse - no stop it!"
Goes in her pocket, pulls out a tiny necklace locket
It's got a picture, "this'll keep you safe Jesse, take it with you'"
I look up, it's just me standing in the mirror
These stinkin walls must be talking, because man I can hear 'em
They're saying "You've got one more chance to do right" - and it's tonight
Now go out there and show that you love your family 'jess before it's too late
And just as I go to walk out of my bedroom door,
It's turns to a cop car , they're gone, and this hand cuffs are on
And I'm saying, I love you Julie, and don’t give up on me just yet, and as I
Drive away she says I just wish he would do right,
Then I wake up alarm clocks beeping, I get up and start stretching, and as I
Eat my cereal, I cant stop thinking that’s not the life I want my family to remember me as having.


JESSE

The Taco Gangsta

Soundclick.com

That websight is way cool and I found out about it like yesterday, but I can see me going there often. You can search for prety much anyone and demo whole songs free of charge, same with download's. It's prety tight. And I found out about this group called " The Taco Gangsta" He is prety cool and I like all of his stuff I have heard so far. Augh, what a glorious day =[)

Steven

Rules to Live By

1. Always respect my parents.
2. Always be on time.
3. Don’t mess with my hair.
4. Always take pictures to remember the past.
5. Always think positive.
6. Always stay clean.
7. Each day learn something new.
8. Always protect my family.
9. Sleep for at least 10 hours.
Talk slow think fast.

Kristell

10 Rules

1. Don’t yell at your mom.
2. Don’t go home if you are late.
3. Respect your mom and dad.
4. Go to school all the time.
5. Don’t do drugs.
6. Have a cell phone all the time.
7. Have a mp3 and an ipod.
8. color all the time it is fun.
9. you should have a car and if you don’t you should be lock up.
10. Do origami it is cool.

Robert

10 Rules to Live Your Life By

1. Being blunt up front is sometimes being nicer in the long run: Call it like you see it.
2. Sometimes you have to agree with someone and let it go because it’s just not worth it to be right.
3. Money can make you happy-er.
4. The one good reason why snow falls is so that it can be skied on.
5. “I attract to me that which occurs.” No exceptions
6. Don’t date girls under 5’6, it would dilute the gene pool.
7. Happy wife=happy life
8. The 5 P’s: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
9. Rule for skiing: You can’t get hurt while in the air.
10. In the end most things never really mattered.

Caleb

10 Rules to Live By

1. Show love to those who deserve it, why waist love on those who don’t?
2. Respect the worthy.
3. Laziness is not acceptable.
4. Kindness is earned, not given.
5. Know your place.
6. Don’t be bashed.
7. Keep a journal.
8. If you don’t like it, change it.
9. If you have an education, use it.
10. Never disrespect someone in their dwelling.

Steven

My Rules

1. If you drive in the fast lane - it should be at least 10 mph the speed limit.
2. When you have kids, give them a pet.
3. Always have a cute jacket in you closet.
4. Forgive freely.
5. Get to know your Grandparents.
6. Don't go out at night alone.
7. Work hard, play harder.
8. Laugh often.
9. Remember the past, cherish the present, and live for the future.
10. Be honest - always!

Lesli

Playing hot potato and having fun

Playing hot potato was a fun game
To play. When get lit on fire that was not cool
I hated it so much,
It was cool and stuff like that.
We white washed Jesse in the snow and he
Got so mad because we all got him
So good so he had to get me so I kick him
In the butt, just playing.

“MY HIGHER POWER”

My higher power is not just an individual person, it’s the father and son. Jesus came down and died for me so that my sins can be forgiven and that I can talk to him when I am feeling down and ask him to forgive me for all the bad things I have done in my past. God is my good, orderly direction of my future and the forgiveness I have for myself, for being a person that makes mistakes and will change myself by turning myself into God. I tried changing so many times, but it would never work until I asked god and Jesus to come into my life and to take control of my life and to help me make the right decisions. I am so happy I came across my higher powers, I love them and my family, and hope forgiveness is in their hearts too.

WHY I LOVE SUMMER

I can wear the clothes I want.
I can go to places without having to wear a jacket.
It’s warm out side.
It’s really colorful outside.
It’s my birthday.

Caleb is gonna be rich!!! Buy himself a grill!!!

Rich and Ughly or Beautiful and Poooor

Given the chance to rub a magic lamp and choose between rich and ugly or beautiful and poor I would probably tell the genie to retract into his solitarily confined living space of a lamp while choosing neither of his retarded so-called “wish” options. No wonder why genies no longer exist. As if their granting ability of a wish had to entail a positive along side a negative? I’d venture to say that such idiosyncrasies (ultimate retardadonesses) is why all the lamps of all the genies that have ever existed have been gathered together, pushed into the most explosive cannon, and shot into outer darkness as space debris that will one day be sucked into the nothingness expanse of a black hole or be incinerated by a star. The star probably wouldn’t even be a sizable star. It would probably be a no name loser of a star that shines on nothing because it’s illegitimate in the realm of anythings. That is the kind of star all the lamps of all the genies deserve to be exterminated by. Anyway back to rich and ugly or beautiful and poor. I’d go with rich and uglee. Just makes more sense.

The Boy I Like

My students chose my writing topic today. They wanted me to write about the boy I like. So, here it is.

He is an avid sports fan. He has season tickets to just about everything, it seems. Usually this would bother me, but it doesn't. I don't know why, but it just doesn't bother me. He is a great cook - especially when it comes to grilling food. He is funny and has the same sense of humor that I do. He is honest and trustworthy. I can't help but smile whenever I am around him.

I have known this guy for about 9 months and he has become a regular in the group of friends I do things with. I also love his family. His mom and dad are so nice to me whenever I come over and have made me feel welcome, no matter how loud we watch movies (and I'm sure we have kept them awake at one time or another).

He is one the the best people I have ever known in my life. He is kind and caring towards everyone - even people he doesn't like. This is amazing to me because I can't hide how I feel sometimes. However, this ability to hide his feelings is also really irritating at times. I wish I could hear what he is really thinking.

10 Things People Don't Know About Me

1. I'm afraid of heights.

2. My favorite food is Chinese food.

3. I want to have three kids.

4. I'm 5'4.

5. I love strawberry ice cream.

6. my favorite fruit is mango.

7. I have one sister and one brother.

8. My size of shoe is 7.

9. I don't have a best friend.

10. When I grow up I want to be a immigrant lawyer.

10 Things About Me

1.I have not been married

2. I do not play B-ball good

3.I'm a good kid

4. I have one kid

5.I want to get married

6.I want to have two kids

7.I like to Box

8.I'm 5'8

9.I do not love my dad

10.I'm black.

10 Things About Me

1. I have 8 brother's and no sister's.

2. I don't like Thai people.

3. I love my daughter.

4. My favorite movies are about racing.

5. My favorite food is Asian food.

6. I want only 4 kids.

7. My favorite shoes are Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Chucc Taylars, Iversons.

8. The Colors I wear the most is blue, black, gray, white, green, royal blue, light brown.

9. My best friend's are Bronson, Cha, Tim, Bee, Thur, Joseph, Robert, Tommy, Lorenzo, and there is more of them that are my best friend's.

10. One thing I love about myself is helpping my little brother's not to follow mine and my older brother's foot step's

One Thing I Can't Live Without

One thing I Can't live Without would be my Family, just because all of the things I put them through as a kid and the things I haven't done yet. My family has been there for me all my life, even though they felt like giving up on me, I believe they all had it in their minds to not give up on me and that I can do something with my life. As long as I have faith I can stand up to any obstacle and can change my life as long as I am willing to change my addictions and habits. I LOVE MY FAMILY SO MUCH EVEN MY SISTERS BOY FRIENDS, BECAUSE IF IT WASENT FOR THEM I WHOULDN'T BE ABLE REALIZE WHAT I DO TODAY, I do care for my family even thow I didn't really show it, and I hope they still have faith that I can change and so I cant live without them careing the way they do.

Jesse

One thing I can not live with out.

I can not be with my mom i would,

die because I love my mom so much.

I would not touch my mom in my life

I would kill myself before I would touch

her. I kicked my friends butt because he hit

his mom and I was so cool with her.

When men hit women I get pissed off.

Because I love women and I

care for my girl.

Rich

My Fear

I'm so tired of being here in the world,
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if I have to leave
I wish that I could just leave.
Because my fear still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone.
These wounds won't seem to heal.
This pain is just too real
there’s just too much that time cannot erase,
when I cry, I'd just hold in all of my fears.
When I would scream, I'd fight away all of your tears,
and I held my thoughts through all of these years

But I still have it All of me.
I used to appreciate me
By my resonating for life is gone.
Now I'm bound by the life I have left .
My fear it haunts,
all my most wonderful dreams.
My fear of a voice, chased away
all the sanity in me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that I am done
But though its still with me
I've been alone all along,

With my fear drugs and sadness.

JESSE

WHY I HATE WINTER

I am always cold.

I get sick a lot.

I don’t get to wear the clothe I want.

I always have to wear a jacket.

I miss summer a lot.

I don’t feel like going anywhere.

I just want to stay at home.

Kristell

This is about being a man

Being a man is taking care of your kids,
And if you have some one that you
Care about, just like me. I have a
Kid, just one, and I just have 2 people that
I care about in my life. I am not saying
That I love this one yet, but if we are
With one another, I think I
Could say that I love her just
Like my son. But I do not want my
Heart broken in half but if I say that
I love her it could be.

Rich

IF I COULD CHANGE THE UNITED STATES...

I would let people that really want the best of them and they want to become a better person I would let them come here because I think that everyone deserves a chance. Some people think that immigrants should not be here but I think they should let them come but only the only ones that want to work and be a better person. If the United States had no immigrants imagine how it would be. . .

Kristell

If I was in high school again . . .

If I was in high school again . . .

• I would go to every activity the school offered.
• I would not worry so much about my grades.
• I would take more art and music classes.
• I would not have worked so much.
• I would have been more outgoing and done more fun stuff with my friends.
• I would have tried to do a sport.
• I would have started my own club.
• I would have dated everyone!
• I would have laughed more and cried less.
• I would have had 5 best friends, instead of 1.
• I would have spent more time with my family.
• I would have applied for more scholarships for college.
• I would have gone to bed later.

Lesli

If I was at home I would be . . .

If I was at home I would be . . .

• At school
• Have a job working with my dad welding
• Working to buy a car – a V-Tec Honda
• NOT getting in trouble
• Having fun with my friends
• Working on graduating from high school
• Taking care of my little brother

Edgar

My Mom

My mom is actually a great person, only when she drinks is when she is not my mom any more. She is so out of control when she is on alcohol, I was taken from my mom to the state four different times. They always gave me and my brothers and sisters back to my mom. After a while I got sick and tired of the drinking, so I ran away and I got in trouble with the law and have been in states custody ever since.
When my mom was sober she was so nice but when she toke a drink, it was like she turned into the devil. As a kid I always thought it was my fault that my mom drank, she always told me and my brothers and sisters it was are fault she drank and we drove her so crazy that she hade to do it, but as I grew up and got older, I realized that it was not mine and my brothers and sisters fault that she is an alcoholic. And that she will never change, unless she wakes up one day and realize that she does not half I live the way she is living and that there is hope for her life.
Her Son Jesse

Having a girl

Coming to Summit was a good thing because when I came here I found out that a very fine girl liked me. But she likes a lot of guys too and that is okay. Because I liked her and I always have every sense I came to this school.

Richie

Things You Love About Fridays

The things I love about Fridays is, I get payed and go kick it with my homies. Spend time with my family & my daughter and do things with them like go out to eat our go out to the movies our go out shopping with them. So we could spend more time with each other and show them that you love to spend time with them and that you have a lot of fun spending time with them. I go to the clubs on Fridays to cause I just want to see how it is cause a lot of people said that its fun going to the club, so I only go when my boyz cause I hate being alone, I like to have friends to keep me company. I like to do a lot of things on Friday because its tha weekend it’s time for me to go out and kick it with my homboyz, my racing crew cause I hate liven’ this messed up life that I’m liven’ in right now I hate being in the system now I just want to get out today the September 14, 2007 its on a Friday but anywayz that’s what I got to say….


By: Sarith

ABOUT MY DAD

My dad is a really serious guy he loves to show what he feels about people he is an honest man. He loves to protect his family. He does not let anyone talk about his family. He is always there for his family too. My dad never went to school because he didn’t have enough money to go to school but my dad is a really smart guy with a really huge heart.


Kristell

My favorite things about Friday

1. I like Friday's because I get paid.
2. I get to stay up late.
3. I get to sleep in on Saturday.
4. I get to talk to my family.
5. I get to go on a home visit.
6. I get to go to the mall.
7. No school the next day.
8. The weekend!
9. I don't have to wake up at 5 am!
10. I get to go see my friends.

Edgar

About my mom

My mom is a very nice person. She always been there for me and when I was in trouble she came to see me and helped me out with the problem I was having. I will do anything for my mom, and my dad. I love them. And if I go big they are the first people I will go to and help them out, because they supported me, so I got to do the same. All I go to say to all my boys is that, are family comes first, we need to take care of are family. I mean they’ve been there for us so we got to do the same. My mom is also a strong woman, because she had to take care of 3 boys and 3 girls and she does not give up.

Lorenzo

September 11th

September 11th was a terrible tragedy that took many
innocent lives. The whole story about September 11th,
is a sad story that only people who have respect for the
family’s of the gracious people that lost their lives, ether
by dying instantly by the impact, or dying trying to save
fellow Humans, should talk with respect about the sad story.
All we can do know is try to prevent terrible tragedies like
September 11th.
Dennon

System

I use to hang out wit the homies from Provo but now I don’t because I am in the system. If it was not for the system then I would hang out wit them. Oh well so yeah I can not wait to get out of this school but I want to go home and go to work.

Victor

Ninja

I was going with my friend Lunatic to his girls Cids house and we were watching scary movie 2. It was funny and Hatchet and me started to tell jokes. I thought he was chill, so we keep on hanging out and then I met Bobo a funny guy. Then from there we always hung out. They’re all some down ninjas, my family for life. We would always get in trouble together and party. Those were some fun times. Then I got locked up and every thing went crappy. And now I’m here.

Cole

A Prayer

WE READ A STORY IN CLASS ABOUT HIP HOP CULTURE, AND I WHANTED TO SAY A PRAYER ABOUT HIP HOP AND THE GANGSTER LIFE.

Heavenly father, please hear me tonight
I need so much guidance to live my life right
Sometimes the pressure is to hard to bear
I often wonder if anyone cares

How can I wake up and face a new day
Knowing I have to live my life this crazy way
Heavenly father forgive all my sins
I want to change but where do I begin

Give me the strength to resist the nightly gun fire
please God bless my familie
who's eyes silently plead for me,
not to go, as they watch me leave
And God bless my mother
who cries every night,
hoping I don't get killed in another gun fight

Heavenly father. please answer my prayer
let me know you're listening up there
When will it end? What's it for?
To prove to my homies that I am down, I am hard core

Sometimes I wonder how I will die
A bullet wound? A knife in my side?
Heavenly father; please hear me tonight
give me the courage and strength to live my life right
Show me the way. Help give me peace
So I don't have to fight

Thank you for your forgiveness Lord
and for still being there, and most of all
Thanks for listening to a "GANGSTER'S PRAYER"

AMEN

JESSE

A world of me

If I had a car, I would pick up my friends and I would go to Vegas a lot. I would go to Los Angeles, too. I would like to race a lot. In my world I would only eat Mexican food. I would spend all day kickin it with my hommies and go cruising all day. I would only go home to take a shower and then leave with my friends again.

Edgar

What I like to do

I like to play football cus I like to hit things and stuff just like that. I am not like that a bad man but doing that feels good. Playing foot ball and being with girls and my son make me feel good.

By Rich

What I do

I like to hang out with the home boys and relax. I like to sleep and hang out with anybody that is not boring. I like to kick it wit girls who are beautiful and I like to talk to them. I don’t like Nintendo or anything like that that’s nerd stuff. I like to go cruising around Provo. I like to watch some movies. I just saw the movie Beans Holiday. It was tight.

Victor

CAN PEOPLE STOP USING DRUGS?

What I think is that they can stop if only they want to stop, only if they are serious about doing it. Because they can say they are going to quit using them and they can go to rehab and still do drugs. I think that when a person is going to quit using drugs they don’t need any one to help them. It’s all up to them if they want to quit. I do know that they need support from their family and friends but everything it’s all up to them.

By Kristell

Things to do

Some things that I like to do are: playing ball with my boys, play football, go to the club,
and just have fun and what ever comes up. And if I don’t have any thing to do, I promise you I will find something to do and I will do it. I also like spending time with kids because I like helping them out and they so fun to play with. That’s why I can’t wait until
I have my own kids, because when I do have my own kids we will have fun and I can
be there to support them and help them out with what ever they need help. I have always
been wanting to have a boy first and then a girl.

Lorenzo

School

At school there are many things to do. For one, you go to class. In class you do whatever there is to do in that certain class. In algebra, you do math, and sometimes play games. I could go on and on about what you can do in each class but, I‘ll just talk about the specific class I’m in. First period is keyboarding, second is math, third period health, fourth English, and fifth period is biology. I like all the classes that I have. I also like lunch. The one thing I don’t like about lunch is the way you can’t hang around outside. But, I guess that just the way it is. In conclusion, There are many things to do in school.

By Dennon

This is about a thug life

Being in a gang is the most messed up life you will ever live cause you got to watch your bacc because you mite get killed by your enemy and your family will all be involved with your case because of some gang banger kill one of your family member. Your family will always be there for you no matter what. Even most of your homies will be there for you when you need them and if most of your homies say that they are down for you and when it comes down to it and they are not even there for that’s what you call a messed up homies and when they need your help don’t go and help them show them how you felt when they didn’t show up for you treat them how they treat you…

By: Sarith

IT’S UP TO ME

I believe drugs are very powerful sub stances. They can destroy your life. I know from experience that you can only stop using if you say you will not do it any more. People that have addictions of any drug or alcohol, are powerless over their addiction. They can only change if they want to do so; no one in the world can change you, you have to do it yourself.

I tried changing but it would only work, until I quit using drugs and asked God to come into my life and, to take control of my life.

Jesse

My son

People have called me a nigger when I was a
Just a half black kid trying to live on this
Dirt just like you and I am 15 and have a kid
So it makes it hard for me to be a good dad
Just cuss I am 15 but I want him so bad
I would kill if I had to just for me to have
My kid.

Richie

Do whatever

Do what you want to change what you want.
Do what you think is right in your mind.
Don’t let the world change you.
Change the world or your block.
Just be smart about your business.

Cole

What I like to read

I like to read books, and just hang out with my boys, but when I’m at home and just kick back I like to read books. I like to read autobiographies, because I like to read about other people out there and learn something new so I can change something in my life.

Lorenzo

Why Do People Read?

I think that people read just to find out what’s going on in the world or they read so they can have something to do or they just do it for fun. I like to read only if someone is reading with me or reading the same thing that I am reading or else I won’t read.

By: Kristell

All About What I Do On My Free Time and What I Like to do In the Future

The thing that I like to read and do in my free time is reading about racing cars; because it is the most interesting thing that I like to read about most of the time so I could learn more about import cars and stuff. I’m pretty good at fixing up import cars.

The one that got me into street racing is my cousin. He started to take me out on the weekend and go out to street race so I started to like it. I was 11 yrs old when I first started racing and then me & my cousin got my 3 older brothers in it and my 2 little ones. We all love racing on the weekends even on weekdays. Then my cousin started to teach me & my brothers how to fix up the cars and stuff. I really like it a lot that’s why I always talk about racing cars because that’s how much I love working with import cars. Thanks to my cousin that’s how we keep all the young ones in line, you know what I mean, and plus it keeps us out of trouble and gang banging.

The first car that my cousin had me fix the very first time was my Honda Civic Hatchback 94 black. The second car I fixed was my BMW 745 and it is black too. I don’t know why I like black cars, that’s just my color on most cars though. The things that I put on my hatchback is body kits all around and drop top with tinted windows and 2 white rims in the back and 2 donuts in the front. I really love my cars just like I love my family & my daughter. One thing that I really hate the most is when people eat in my car and I did the same thing to my BMW too. Most of my cars are all stick shift. I hate automatic, I only had two or three automatic cars and one was a Honda Accord 93, dark gray, but I gave that to my mom and my little brother. Another one was a Honda Civic 95, dark blue. The third car was a Mercedes 94, white.

It is really fun when you go out and race cause it keeps you out of trouble and most of the time you will get caught by the pigs or the five-O’s, cause that’s what I call them cops. But no matter what I will never stop racing because that is my hobby. The things that I like to do on my free time, or when ever we feel like, are fixing up our cars, but its like an everyday thing for me & my brothers & my cousins & my homeboyz. We are planning to open our own business and the name is going to be S.S. Corrupts and it is the same name for our racing crew.

By: Sarith

All About Richie

My name is Richie. I was someone who was in a gang, but when I had a kid I wanted to get out for my kid cus I want to be a good dad. I may be acting like a girl, but I do not care if I am cus I really did not have a dad. He was in jail for all my life. By the way, my kid's name is Jerell. He is all I got.

All About Edgar

I grew up in Provo. My favorite thing to do when I get home from school is sleep. Right now I really want to go home. I like to eat Mexican food and kick it with my friends.

All About Lesli

I grew up in West Valley City, but my parents now live in Washington State. My favorite movie (for right now) is The Goonies because I just watched it Friday night. I have one brother and no pets, even though I would really like a dog. When I was sixteen I dyed my hair blond and no, blonds do not have more fun, they just get more attention.

All About Jesse

My name is Jesse and I love music. I grew up in Ogden, Utah. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I also love playing basketball. I go to Summit High School. I have made some bad decisions in my life, but I am changing every day. I will graduate this year, early. I love everyone that has helped me in the past. Thank you school teachers, programs, family, music, and positive friends. I love you!!!!!!

All About Lorenzo

My name is Lorenzo and I was born in Africa. I lived there until I was 11 years old then I moved to America with my family. I been here for about 8 years, and I like it so far, and there is time I will go back to visit then come back. I can speak other language, like French, African and other languages.

All About Sarith

I grew up in Salt Lake City, but I like to call it Sicc Lake City. I'm from West Valley City, also known as Dub V.C. I was raised there with my three older brothers and four younger brothers. I have 7 brothers altogether and we are Cambodian and are good kids to our parents and we love our parents. My favorite thing is fixing up import cars and working with my hands. And going out with my homeboyz.

All About Cole

My name is Cole and I am 16. I grew up in West Jordan, then moved to Sandy on the east side for a while. Then moved back to West Jordan. When I was 15 my dad died. I like to rap and box. I also like to work out and get stronger.

All About Kristell

I was born Mexico; I came to Utah when I was 8 years old. My whole family is living here in Utah. I have one brother and one sister. I have two little nieces, one is two years old the other one is seven months old. I have my mom and my dad here in Utah. My brother is eighteen years old and my sister is sixteen years old. My favorite thing to do is spend a lot of time with my family. Another thing I like to do is spend time with friends and I like having time for my self. What I would like to do when I grow up is raise a family of my own.

All About Victor

I’m a Chicano who was born in Rose Park Salt Lake City. Now living on the South Side of Provo. I like to kick back with the homies and party. I love to eat at Mickey D's.

Welcome to our Class Blog

Welcome, welcome class. This year we will be writing every week on this blog. You may be writing essays, poems, descriptive pieces, short stories, or whatever your heart desires. Other teachers and parents will be looking at this blog and we want to show your best work. I am excited to see what great things you will write this year and what you will share with the world.