Final Reflective Essay .

When I started having this blog, I struggled with many things. Whether it was what my next topic would be, how I could make my blog posts sound more interesting, having writer’s blocks, and many more things similar to these. As I wrote more and more blogs, I started to realize that blogging is a way to express my self. I do not need to make every single one of my posts interesting, because I am just expressing my self. Blogging has become one of my ways to express my feelings.

4. In what ways do writing response posts to classmates' blogs help me become a better writer, reader, or thinker? Are there other ways in which my classmates' blogs help me learn?
As I wrote more and more blog posts that were related to me, I also started blogging about my class mate and blog posts that are related to them. So when I started writing response blog posts, it helped me become a better writer, reader, and even thinker.  And that is because it made me think more, and as I think more, I wrote more. And as a result of writing more, I have became a better writer because as I wrote more, I knew how to deal with ways when I have writer’s blocks. I knew what to do when I did not know what to write. And what I did was keep on writing, do not stop. That is because if I continue writing and writing, I know ideas will come up in my mind, and I will get inspired and write better things and ideas.
Although I still get stuck when I write ( writer’s block happening right now right now ! ) but I knew how to deal with it now.

In addition, reading my classmates’ blogs made me learn more, it made me learn more about themselves.  For instance I noticed that a lot of classmates have a lot of things to say about Justin Bieber. Karen C. loves Justin Bieber so much that she wants to start a club just FOR HIM and the people that loves Justin Bieber. This is what she said “We are going to have a Justin Bieber club. We decided to have a club about him specifically because he is super cute and talented. He deserves to have a fan club. If you love Justin Bieber whether it's for his personality ,cuteness, or his singing you should join this club.”

Not only Karen loves him, but many of my classmates do too. Like Billy, he loves Justin Bieber, and wants to defend for him , this is what billy said on his post  “I really need to talk about something VERY important. Everyone knows who Justin Bieber, but why does everyone hate him. Mr. Bieber is a regular normal teenager (just like all of us) who has an amazing voice and is very popular” After I read this post of Billy about Justin Bieber, I learned that Billy wrote this post not only to show his love for Justin Bieber but also to defend for him. He listed the reasons why people hate him , and also had a comeback to those reasons that people think of Justin Bieber.
Lastly, reading my classmates’ blogs made me learn a lot from them, but writing a response post back to their blog posts, it helped me express my true self too.  I wrote a particular response blog post about an online social network, its FACEBOOK. In the blog post, I responded to Andy L., he wrote a blog post about Facebook, and so I wrote back a response blog post. In this response blog post about Facebook, it showed what I think of Facebook. The following is what I said in my response post: “Facebook can be addicting  yet boring at the same time. Though I said it is boring, yet I find myself going on that website everyday. Facebook is a addiction and also a distraction. “  This blog post shows that I am someone that procrastinates a lot, because of Facebook addiction.

 In conclusion, based on the blogs I have written so far,  I came up with a few goals. My writing or blog posting goals for my blogging is to have and writing better or coming up with more creative topics to write on my blog. This is important to me because not only that my classmates can read this blog, other people from other countries are reading it too. When I went to my blogging stats, I noticed that most of my audience are from United States, however interestingly, 63 are from Slovenia, and 12 from Russia, and a few other numbers from other countries. Besides that, my other goal is it that I want to change my working methods, and that is I should not procrastinate, and having to do my blog on the last minute. This means that not to post up blog posts on the last ,day, hour,minute, or even second. To end my habit of doing my blog at the last minute, I should start on my blog entries before the day it is due, so people can get ideas from it and write it on their blogs. My last goal is to not write so much even though we need at least 350 words on each blog posts. What I mean by “less is more” is less repeated words or ideas in the post. But have more creative ideas in it instead, and stronger ideas. What I should do to accomplish my goals I listed above it to is to always re-read my post before posting it up, and after reading it I should edit it, like take out the stuff I don’t need in there. Although, blogging is sharing my feelings to the whole world, it gave me experiences of knowing how to blog better. I do not think I will continue blogging for other uses other than homework.  And that is because the only reason that I blogged was because I was getting graded on it.

Book Review : The Smart One And The Pretty One .

In the book called “The smart one and the pretty one,” by the author named Claire LaZebnik talks about two main characters, Ava Nickerson and Lauren Nickerson. Two sisters who look alike but couldn’t be more different. Ava Nickerson is a smart and accomplished lawyer. She takes pride in her work and could care less about fashion and beauty.Lauren Nickerson works in a shop and takes pride in being beautiful, loving fashion and cares a great deal about appearance.

Ava and Lauren are sisters that lived separately in their lives until recently, Lauren, the pretty one, moved back from New York to LA into their parents house. While, on the other hand, Ava is independent, and also is a lawyer. Although both of them are siblings, there are many differences between the two, such as their personalities, styles of clothing, views on relationships, responsibilities and many other more.

There is one specific quote in the book that shows who Ava and Lauren are. Lauren said out loud, “You’re the important lawyer who knows about contracts and never gets into debt. I am the loser sister.” (page 33) This quote demonstrates that Lauren is buried in debts,  which also shows that she is not responsibility because she owes a lot of debts. Lauren owes so much debts that she has to move back and live with her family again. Lauren is also a person that buys a lot of things which led her into burring in debts. In addition, this shows Lauren has low confidence in her self. She called herself a loser, if she was confident and proud she would not have called herself that...

On the other hand, Ava is totally different. Ava is a lawyer, she is the successful one comparing to Lauren, that is also why Lauren lost confident because she has a sister that is so successful unlike herself. Although Ava is successful in her career, she is not so successful in relationships, or dating guys. Unlike Ava, Lauren has tons of experiences from her ex boyfriends, while Ava only had 1-2 boyfriends.

As the book titled said, “The Smart And Pretty One,” obviously Ava who is successful lawyer but does not have so many experiences with guys or men is the smart one. On contrast, Lauren the pretty one, spends all her money on clothes, makeups and stuff, which made her into owing lots of debts, however she has many experiences with men.

The book titled, The Smart One And the Pretty One is by the author named Claire LaZebnik. When I first saw the title and the front cover of the book, i thought that this kind of book is going to be about teen girls, and their lives in school or what so ever. However, as I started reading it, I was totally wrong. This book is about two mid - aged women, that are siblings. In addition their sisterly relationship. This is a book about the stories of both of their lives. And the times when they were in conflicts, fun, and hardships.  

So as I was saying this book is about two sisters, Lauren And Ava. So i believe the purpose of this book is about the relationship between two sisters, and how through the support of one and another, they complete their goals and other stuff. On page 52 “ I need a debt counselor and you need a boyfriend.” lauren said. “ we are both just trying to help each other out. thats what sisters do, right.”  This quote right here is saying that lauren is in deep debt, while ava is lonely without a boyfriend. However, with each others help, the problem is solved. Laauren found a debt counselor, and thanks to lauren, Ava found a boyfriend.

Peer Review Comments .

For Elizabeth : .after reading your rough draft of the book review, I think your book is weird but interesting at the same time !! it interested me into wanting to read this book too [: 
Although you said that you are not finish with the draft of the book review, I think there are few things you can add onto to make your draft longer. After reading your draft, I noticed that you do not have any quotes, so to make your draft longer, you could of added some quotes. Also, can you give more explanation or description of what the village "bad ass" is like? 


For fermin : after reading your review on your book, it also interested me into reading this book. I also like how you related this book to the child called it. Also you said "The other book that i read from the same 
author is Brothers in Arms. Both of these books share many similarities. They both have the same plot, violence in the conflict and there’s always the main character has a hard time staying safe everyday"  <---  I think you should add on to this, you should list more 
similarities and go into depth more, because its just too little. ADD MORE !


For ivan: to begin, your book review's length is too short, remember it has to be at least 1000 words.  also,  you said that "When Tess was introduced, her character seems to be a cold-hearted person with one specific purpose in life. Tess held a purpose she was determined to accomplish, without allowing any interference." so you said tess only help one purpose in life. what is that purpose ? i think you should elaborate what the purpose is. but over all, good job. 

The Smart One And The Pretty One : Book Review RD .

In the book called “The smart on and the pretty one,” by the author named Claire LaZebnik talks about two main characters, Ava Nickerson and Lauren Nickerson. Two sisters who look alike but couldn’t be more different. Ava Nickerson is a smart and accomplished lawyer. She takes pride in her work and could care less about fashion and beauty.Lauren Nickerson works in a shop and takes pride in being beautiful, loving fashion and cares a great deal about appearance.

Ava and Lauren are sisters that lived separately in their lives until recently, Lauren, the pretty one, moved back from New York to LA into their parents house. While, on the other hand, Ava is independent, and also is a lawyer. Although both of them are siblings, there are many differences between the two, such as their personalities, styles of clothing, views on relationships, responsibilities and many other more.

There is one specific quote in the book that shows who Ava and Lauren are. Lauren said out loud, “You’re the important lawyer who knows about contracts and never gets into debt. I am the loser sister.” (page 33) This quote demonstrates that Lauren is buried in debts,  which also shows that she is not responsibility because she owes a lot of debts. Lauren owes so much debts that she has to move back and live with her family again. Lauren is also a person that buys a lot of things which led her into burring in debts. In addition, this shows Lauren has low confidence in her self. She called herself a loser, if she was confident and proud she would not have called herself that...

On the other hand, Ava is totally different. Ava is a lawyer, she is the successful one comparing to Lauren, that is also why Lauren lost confident because she has a sister that is so successful unlike herself. Although Ava is successful in her career, she is not so successful in relationships, or dating guys. Unlike Ava, Lauren has tons of experiences from her ex boyfriends, while Ava only had 1-2 boyfriends.

As the book titled said, “The Smart And Pretty One,” obviously Ava who is successful lawyer but does not have so many experiences with guys or men is the smart one. On contrast, Lauren the pretty one, spends all her money on clothes, makeups and stuff, which made her into owing lots of debts, however she has many experiences with men.

The book titled, The Smart One And the Pretty One is by the author named Claire LaZebnik. When I first saw the title and the front cover of the book, i thought that this kind of book is going to be about teen girls, and their lives in school or what so ever. However, as I started reading it, I was totally wrong. This book is about two mid - aged women, that are siblings. In addition their sisterly relationship. This is a book about the stories of both of their lives. And the times when they were in conflicts, fun, and hardships.  

So as I was saying this book is about two sisters, Lauren And Ava. So i believe the purpose of this book is about the relationship between two sisters, and how through the support of one and another, they complete their goals and other stuff. On page 52 “ I need a debt counselor and you need a boyfriend.” lauren said. “ we are both just trying to help each other out. thats what sisters do, right.”  This quote right here is saying that lauren is in deep debt, while ava is lonely without a boyfriend. However, with each others help, the problem is solved. Laauren found a debt counselor, and thanks to lauren, Ava found a boyfriend.

The Smart One And The Pretty One :

1. What was the author's purpose(s) in writing this book, and how can you tell? How well was this purpose achieved?

Hint: If your book has an introduction, it's a good place to look for direct clues about the book's intended purpose and good quotes to include in your review.

The book titled, The Smart One And the Pretty One is by the author named Claire LaZebnik. When I first saw the title and the front cover of the book, i thought that this kind of book is going to be about teen girls, and their lives in school or what so ever. However, as I started reading it, I was totally wrong. This book is about two mid - aged women, that are siblings. In addition their sisterly relationship. This is a book about the stories of both of their lives. And the times when they were in conflicts, fun, and hardships.  

So as I was saying this book is about two sisters, Lauren And Ava. So i believe the purpose of this book is about the relationship between two sisters, and how through the support of one and another, they complete their goals and other stuff. On page 52 “ I need a debt counslor and you need a boyfriend.” lauren said. “ we are both just trying to help each other out. thats what sisters do, right.”  This quote right here is saying that lauren is in deep debt, while ava is lonely without a boyfriend. However, with each others help, the problem is solved. Laauren found a debt counselor, and thanks to lauren, Ava found a boyfriend.

In conclusion, through the support of one and another, we can accomplish anything. Just like ava and Lauren.

The Smart One And The Pretty One : Ava & Lauren .

In the book called “The smart on and the pretty one,” by the author named Claire LaZebnik talks about two main characters, Ava and Lauren. Ava and Lauren are sisters that lived separately in their lives until recently, Lauren, the pretty one, moved back from New York to LA into their parents house. While, on the other hand, Ava is independent, and also is a lawyer. Although both of them are siblings, there are many differences between the two, such as their personalities, styles of clothing, views on relationships, responsibilities and many other more.

There is one specific quote in the book that shows who Ava and Lauren are. Lauren said out loud, “You’re the important lawyer who knows about contracts and never gets into debt. I am the loser sister.” (page 33) This quote demonstrates that Lauren is buried in debts,  which also shows that she is not responsibility because she owes a lot of debts. Lauren owes so much debts that she has to move back and live with her family again. Lauren is also a person that buys a lot of things which led her into burring in debts. In addition, this shows Lauren has low confidence in her self. She called herself a loser, if she was confident and proud she would not have called herself that...

On the other hand, Ava is totally different. Ava is a lawyer, she is the successful one comparing to Lauren, that is also why Lauren lost confident because she has a sister that is so successful unlike herself. Although Ava is successful in her career, she is not so successful in relationships, or dating guys. Unlike Ava, Lauren has tons of experiences from her ex boyfriends, while Ava only had 1-2 boyfriends.

As the book titled said, “The Smart And The Pretty One,” obviously Ava who is successful lawyer but does not have so many experiences with guys or men is the smart one. On contrast, Lauren the pretty one, spends all her money on clothes, makeups and stuff, which made her into owing lots of debts, however she has many experiences with men.

How We Write Is Who We Are .

After looking over most of the vignettes that people wrote,  I saw many interesting ones that talked about their lives, names families, personalities, and many other mores.  As I was reading through the vignettes, I saw some that interest me to write about it. I think Alex N. and Bianca’s vignettes that talked about their hand writings as well as their family’s members is really interesting.

I agree that every one's handwriting is different and unique in its own way because it is kind of impossible to have the same handwriting as other family members in your family. My handwriting can be neat when I have to time to write neat, or I would write neat for a in class essay, so it would be easy to read. Plus, and in projects. My mom and dad’s handwriting are relatively big in size, while my mom’s handwriting is slanted with a hook and the last word of her sentence, my dad’s handwriting is a mixture of capital letters and lower case too. At the same time, my sister’s handwriting is like any other little kid’s handwrtings.

Just like in Alex and Bianca’s vignettes, they both discussed about the differences of handwriting in their dads, moms, and sisters.

In Alex’s vignette, he started by talking about his dad then later moved onto the rest of his family. I noticed that in this particular vignette, he uses handwritings to  describe the personalities of his family
“My Dad’s handwriting looks like quick scratch, where every word seems to blend together, but surprisingly it is still readable. My Dad’s messy handwriting is derived from the thousands of papers my Dad has written due to the fact that he is a lawyer.”
In this quote, Alex is trying to say that because of the job his dad has, as a lawyer, he needs to be constantly taking notes of the opposing side. As a result, he has to write fast, and because of that he writes messily.
On the other hand, Bianca describes her sister’s handwriting as a mood changer.
“If she is wide awake, her letters are the same size, each in an orderly manner. If she is bored it starts to slant over like our mother's. If she is in a rush, the letters grow bigger and bigger.”
This is similar to Alex’s dad’s handwriting because Alex’s dad is often in a rush, and has to write messily, and when Bianca’s sister is in a rush, she writes big.