... way, he opened the refrigerator, removed a drink, carried it to the counter, opened it, removed the tab, placed the tab in a recycling bag, took one small drink and returned to his waiting seat in the bedroom. These rituals and set patterns were something that had always given Bradley a structure in his life, they had always maintained themselves as an unwavering constant. But most importantly, they were carried out slowly, and in the current times of speed and fast results, it was very reassuring to be able to take time to go through the routines which had been a part of Bradley's life for at least fifteen years, now. Bradley savoured his drink, choos ...

... me and still don’t like me to this day because of all of the activities that I have been involved in. Through grade school I won state spelling bees and social studies fairs , which brought on even more hatred from my peers. Then I began participating in community theater, and the actors involved became a second supportive family to me. Throughout junior high I wasn’t liked much either because I continued to be active in school and community activities. Only when I began conforming was I accepted. This period of conformity lasted from ninth through eleventh grades. I wasn’t happy inside, but on the outside I was accepted by others. But now in my senior ...

... way, he opened the refrigerator, removed a drink, carried it to the counter, opened it, removed the tab, placed the tab in a recycling bag, took one small drink and returned to his waiting seat in the bedroom. These rituals and set patterns were something that had always given Bradley a structure in his life, they had always maintained themselves as an unwavering constant. But most importantly, they were carried out slowly, and in the current times of speed and fast results, it was very reassuring to be able to take time to go through the routines which had been a part of Bradley's life for at least fifteen years, now. Bradley savoured his drink, choo ...

... no way that I was going to control that monster-sized material. The bicycle remained in my backyard as a decoration for a month because I refused to ride it. Honestly, I was scared to try it. After a month, my dad gave me a lecture to teach me what being a man was all about. I was finally determined to try it. My dad was proud of me and I felt very manly. He and I went to the park to see what we could do there. The park was empty when we arrived. I had no dought that my dad told everybody not to be there because we had to use it. I felt badly for other people, but I was proud to have such an onnipotent person as my dad. We found a sm ...

... overwhelmed me, I felt as if I had nothing inside my body. I thought, "what am I going to do?" Then I had to face my parents, boy was I scared. What was I going to tell them? Sorry mom and dad but I wasted your money; I had no excuses so I told them the truth. What happened after that changed my life forever. It was either the military or go to a community college and try to redeem myself. I wanted to do neither, but I had to choose. The military was off my list and going to a community college sounded o.k. So I registered and the rest of that summer I had to deal with the fact that I had not accomplished anything in the past year and this was wake up call ...

... unlike any other holiday. On Valentines Day I felt loved by everyone. On that day, I would obtain the card that I had picked out from my father. Classmates would give everyone Valentine cards. Some extremely generous kids would even attach candy to the cards. It didn't matter if you hated each other, on Valentines Day everyone put aside their differences and even presented cards to the children nobody liked. That one day of love seemed to unify the worst of foes through love and forgiveness. I could hardly wait for that day to come. As the night before Valentines Day had rolled around, anticipation had escalated to an all time peak. Nevertheless, it was a ...

... then took off, and he told no one where he was going. So now there is a grandmother weeping, a nervous rookie cop, and an upset missing teenager; what is the family to do now. They just lost their dad, and son, and now his child has taken off. Talk about a nightmare of a morning. After Jesse took off his grandmother sat there on the couch, clutching the work shirt of her dead son crying, "Oh Edward, Oh Edward." The cries echoed through the empty house as the grandmother sat there in tears. "How could this have happened?" Thought Jesse to himself, "he was just in Green Bay and now he's dead. Who did this? They will get theirs." The only thing th ...

... it rush through my system leaves me with a sensation as clean and pure as the air. Taking in the majestic sights the mountains have to offer gives me such a refreshed feeling—sometimes city life can leave one with a cold emptiness. Hiking through unmarked paths makes me curious to explore the new territory. I often think of Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled” when passing through these sections. Sometimes I sit and observe all of nature’s critters at work: rabbits digging, squirrels playing, and birds chirping. I also enjoy the wonderful views nature has to give. It is absolutely breathtaking: the colors of the flowers in the springtime. Bright ye ...

... each team's captain onto the playing surface the referee informed them of the rules. “I want a clean game. No elbows, no scratching, or biting,” said Bob, the head referee. Bob tossed the ball high into the thick air and the game began. Shelby won the opening tip and converted it into a quick two points. The Detroit Central Cougars brought the ball up the court and scored a lay-up. Todd was determined not to let this game slip out of his fingers. Led by Todd the Tigers had been to the finals three years in a row and had lost every time. Now that he was a senior it was Todd's last chance at redemption. Exchanging baskets the teams battled it out for the lead ...

... they had no idea where it was. Hector, being the more courageous of the two was willing to take the chance. Steve, who was not nearly as strong had mixed feelings on the idea. He was willing to stay on the rapidly sinking ship to wait for another ship to come by. Hector decided he was willing to agree with Steve, who had been his best friend through grade school. After five minutes of discussing memories, praying, and then telling each other how much they would miss each other, a ship came out of nowhere. It was a black ship, very large and elegant looking. From a distance, it appeared to be a cruise ship. As the ship came closer, Steve spotted a name on t ...