tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86081756739738657652023-06-20T06:23:39.468-07:00Creative WritingJessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-57662300547101888292014-07-12T18:14:00.002-07:002014-07-12T18:14:45.179-07:00AssonanceCouldn't wait for you to come home, but things have changed now that she's grown.<br />
Night-time silence turned to drunken violence.<br />
In her bed, sleepy and warm. She didn't know that's not the norm.<br />
In the car, her shoulders heaved. You changed everything she believed.<br />
Remember the words you said, stung no matter how much she bled.<br />
It's been her worst day still, more than when she met the hill.<br />
Disconnecting sad and slow, colder than the falling snow.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-66461469447519238052011-04-08T08:03:00.001-07:002011-04-08T08:03:48.474-07:00Final Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From softball practices to pep fests, Jenna and Victoria were an inseparable twosome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had been best friends since kindergarten, and the friendship stood stronger than ever as their senior year of high school rolled around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went out of their way to see each other in the school hallways, and their classmates joked that they were attached at the hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls spent every weekend together whether they had essays to write or parties to attend, and after school study sessions were common throughout the week. Although the girls were often seen as one entity, they were two very different individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenna was tall and lanky, with long brown hair and a shy, timid demeanor-she expected to blend in with her surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Victoria was outspoken and opinionated, with a vibrant laugh that radiated from deep inside her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood an entire head shorter than Jenna, and her choppy, platinum blonde hair had a rebellious streak of purple hiding underneath her bangs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Athletic and aggressive, Victoria could seem intimidating while Jenna seemed apprehensive and coy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow these conflicting personalities brought the girls closer every day, and their opposite winds created an unstoppable hurricane of friendship that would undoubtedly continue through college and the rest of their lives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenna found it hard to become close to people, so she felt endlessly blessed to have Victoria in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every decision Jenna made involved taking Vicki into account, and she truly had an immeasurable amount of love for her best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had learned so much from Victoria over the years, and she wouldn’t hesitate to catch a bullet for her. She appreciated the steady pattern of day to day life, and change was not easy for her. Jenna was dreading their separation for college in the fall, and needless to say, she fully planned on spending every summer day with her best friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the year flew by and graduation became a memory instead of a goal, the girls remained faithfully at each other’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The summer before college was crammed with days at the beach and nights on the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afternoon visits to the mall and nighttime road trips to the drive-in were carefree and fun as the girls soaked in their last season together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eight days before both girls planned on boarding separate airplanes to attend separate schools for the first time in their lives, Jenna woke up to the morning sun slipping through her window and her phone ringing endlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognizing the number as Vicki’s home phone, Jenna swiftly grabbed her blackberry and brought it up to her ear. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Victoria had another seizure,” Vicki’s mom was blunt and direct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenna’s stomach plummeted and the room spun around her as those harsh words set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having her first violent seizure at age four, Victoria was deemed Epileptic before she entered kindergarten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she was 18 and thanks to surgeries, medication, and almost a decade of extensive therapy, it had been five years since even the most minor episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was cleared to get a driver’s license and move out of state for college, and everyone gratefully assumed that she had found a way to keep her disease under control.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But she’s okay, right?” Jenna assumed. “Now you should just go back to the doctor and get her medication changed or something before this happens again.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She hit her head on a table, so I called an ambulance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t seen her since it happened late last night, but the doctors say she’s at a risk for serious blood loss.” The voice on the phone continued. “She could also have brain damage because of where the table hit her skull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you should come to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vicki would want you here.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lunging out of bed, Jenna didn’t bother to change out of her pajamas before grabbing her keys and flying out her front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinting onto the driveway where she had parked her little silver car, Jenna couldn’t even cry; she was too numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had Victoria’s mom insinuated that her daughter was on the verge of death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would she be in a coma?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Speeding out of her neighborhood, Jenna tried to imagine what life would be like without Victoria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could barely see herself surviving the next four years without Vicki by her side, let alone the next 80. Not wanting to waste any time, the trembling brunette forced her gas petal down even further and prayed that everything would be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clutching the steering wheel, Jenna begged herself to remain composed as the urge to sob grew even stronger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she neared the hospital, her heart hammered inside her chest and the tears finally made their appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was almost at her best friend’s side-the only place in the world she wanted to be.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was a 2006 Pick-Up Truck that plowed into the side of Jenna’s car and killed her instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The collision left both vehicles mangled and destroyed, giving the other driver a slim chance at survival as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily the ambulance was quick in getting him to the emergency room 2 blocks away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This solemn and heart-wrenching scene could be viewed from Victoria’s 6<sup>th</sup> floor hospital room as she lay unconscious in the pure white bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staring out the window with one hand on the foot of the bed, Vicki’s mom looked on in horror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning her back to the window, she was just in time to greet the smiling doctor who had just entered the room.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have good news.” He said genuinely. “Victoria’s X-rays showed no brain damage at all, and her body was able to replenish her blood supply-she didn’t lose as much as we originally thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your daughter is going to be just fine.”</span></div>Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-46664987763378970922011-04-07T06:42:00.000-07:002011-04-07T06:42:21.368-07:00daily journal class recap 4-7-11One thing I really liked about this class was how often we actually got to be creative in <em>Creative</em> Writing. The daily journals were really open-ended, and even though I didn't like doing the pictures as daily journals, I still think it was a good way to get thinking and start using our imagination. I also really loved the poetry unit. I don't usually like poetry but I appreciate that you just gave us the basic format of a certain type of poem, and then let us run with it. It was nice to know that as long as I followed the specific rules for something like a sonnet, I could write about whatever I wanted and make it my own. I'm also glad you let us work during class and at our own pace, because when kids feel rushed to write something we just focus on getting it done and not being good and creative writers. If you just threw concrete due dates at us we wouldn't be growing as writers, which is something I think I accomplished this quarter.<br />
<br />
Even though I really enjoyed writing poetry, I didn't exactly love writing stories, especially science fiction ones. It's good to try something different, because I would never write a science fiction story on my own, but at the same time, I didn't think science fiction gave me a lot of room to be creative. You can be creative by coming up with interesting story lines or plot twists, not just by throwing aliens and time travel into your paper. I also wanted to have more writing time and less lecture time, because once I get 'in the zone' to write, I just want to get all of my ideas down and start working. If I can't do that write away, I get worried that I'll forget my great ideas and be less interested in writing because there isn't very much time left in class for me to do a lot of work. Overall, I really enjoyed this class and I honestly do think I am just that much closer to being a great writer because of it.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-33620644550507954062011-04-06T06:41:00.000-07:002011-04-06T06:41:24.579-07:004-6-11My first real job was at my friend Sammie's family restaurant. It was a pizza shop, and my job was to answer the phones and place the orders that people wanted. I didn't mind it at first, because it was simple to take charge of the conversation and to keep the communication flowing so I got the information that I needed. Also, everyone knows how to order a pizza, so anybody I talked to was able to make the conversation short and easy. While most of the people I talked to were polite and deliberate, every once in a while I would have to deal with a crazy person. One busy night, I had someone on hold while I answered the phone and asked what the person wanted to order. It took them such a long time to respond, and when they did, their words were slurred and I could barely understand what they were saying. Under the instruction of my boss, who is very no-nonsense about things, I hung up because I didn't have time for someone who didn't know what they were doing or even who they had called. I continued to answer calls and place orders, when the phone rang again. It was the same person who had called before, but this time they managed to yell 'YOU HUNG UP ON ME!'. I don't take crap from anyone, and I knew my boss would not have been okay with someone treating me like that when it was clearly their own fault. Still, I was shaky from my first angry customer, but I knew I had to remain firm. "Yeah I did, because I had people on hold who were actually talking to me." I shot back. I was surprised, but this shut the woman up right away, and she promptly ordered her pizza. This was definitely a nerve-racking first for me, and I was freaking out at the time. Looking back though, even though it seemed horrible at the time, I'm glad it happened. I learned that people will generally respect you when you stand up for yourself and take charge for the situation and ownership for your actions. I'm sure the psycho lady learned a few things too; 1. have your act together when you try to order a pizza on a friday night and 2. don't call a pizza place when you're drunk and belligerent.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-20358178242055829622011-04-05T06:40:00.000-07:002011-04-05T06:40:12.872-07:004-5-11If I opened my own restaurant, it would look like a nightclub inside with curtains and cozy VIP - feeling booths. It would be very dim inside with music that is more loud than soft, but not too loud. There would be candles on the tables, and we would have a lovely selection of drinks. The theme colors would be purple, blue, and black with some silver. Basically, if it looks like a Kardashian would hang out there, thats what I want it to look like. The people that work at my restaurant would have to be very good looking- NO EXCEPTIONS. Everyone would have to wear black, and we would make cool nametags so you could identify the employees. We would sell really expensive food that comes in tiny portions so that I could make as much money as possible. I would also make sure that there was a beautiful open terrace in the summer, with a great view. There would only be drinks allowed out there, and the music would be much softer. This is a great idea, and I might just do it so that I can make millions and millions of dollars and live happily ever after. By myself. The end.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-62796460479672571272011-04-04T06:45:00.000-07:002011-04-04T06:45:28.569-07:00science fiction story<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hot, humid air rushes over my face like little flashes of wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m slowly becoming more aware of my senses, and I realize that the fast and steady gusts are partnered with a heaviness weighing over my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong pounding fills my head as I lift it off of the ground and sleepily open my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am met by the friendly gaze of my scruffy little dog sitting on top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her dark chestnut eyes stare at me expectantly, and her tail wags to the beat of her panting breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Get off me, Riley.” I grumble as I sit forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking around, I realize that I am in a small, deserted alley between two tall buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The red bricks tower over me on both sides as the morning sun fills the alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no reason I should be waking up on this empty side-street; the last thing I remember is dozing off in my own bed with Riley resting softly in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Looking to the far end of the alley, I see where it meets a bigger road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the small opening between the buildings I notice people meandering down the sidewalk or hurriedly walking across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The throbbing throughout my skull continues as I slowly get to my feet and make my way towards the sea of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riley follows me faithfully as we step out into the crowded city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assessing my surroundings once again, I rise up on my tippy-toes as my head swivels left and right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quaint little stores line the street on both sides like a scene from an old western movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping my eyes moving, the first thing I realize is that everyone is dressed alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women wear their own variation of the simple and solid black skirt and blazer, and the men wear their own black suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the little shops decorating the street didn’t resemble small town America so closely, I would assume I was dropped in the middle of business-oriented New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become acutely aware and embarrassed of how under-dressed I must appear; my light brown hair is resting in relaxed waves at my shoulders, as I take note that every woman in sight has her hair neatly secured in a tiny bun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My white, lacy summer dress hardly touches my knees, and my bare, bronzed legs and navy Keds don’t match the uniform of black tights and high heels. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This unfamiliar place urges me to ask so many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where am I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did I get here? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above all, how can I get home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deciding to head down the street to search for answers, I quickly kneel down and pick up my puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrying her like a football in my right arm, it doesn’t take much muscle for me to swing all 15 pounds of her to my front so I can support her hind legs with my left arm as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turn to my right and begin walking down the sidewalk, weaving my way through a city of strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women’s eyes scan me from head to toe as I walk past them, and I receive confused glares from the men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clutch onto my dog they way everyone else seems to clutch to their briefcases, and it is obvious that I am an outsider.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I scan the crowd looking for any hints as to where I am, when I unexpectedly see my brother crossing the street about a block ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swiftly put Riley on her feet and begin sprinting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh my God, Mike.” I’m out of breath as I approach him and wrap my arms around his tall, skinny frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tenses up as I hug him, and he quickly dodges around me to continue walking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hold on! I have to talk to you!” I shout as I struggle to keep up with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picks up his pace, and I need to take even bigger strides to remain behind my older brother. “I’m serious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t walk away from me! I just woke up in an alley with Riley, I have no idea what happened!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears are now streaming down my face as the kid who once promised to always protect me is blatantly ignoring me in my time of need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as I consider giving up on chasing him, Michael quickly grabs my wrist and drags me into the nearest empty store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Okay, one,” he begins once we are inside, “I’m not Mike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two, I don’t know who you are, and three,” he pauses to look down at my disheveled sandy-colored pup, “that has got to be the ugliest dog I have ever seen.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is so typical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike is the average big brother who would torment me just to see my reaction, and I am not in the mood right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not funny.” I spit back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not trying to be.” He responds matter-of-factly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he says this, I notice that his eyes are not their usual deep blue; the same deep blue that mine are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they are a shock of electric green that cannot be mistaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My name is Eden.” He says sweetly as he extends his right hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confused, I stare at his hand and notice a small birthmark on top of his wrist that I’m sure I would have seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, it occurs to me that although this person is identical to the brother I grew up with for the last 18 years; he isn’t my brother at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazed, I gaze into his green eyes and introduce myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telling him I’m from Apple Valley and extremely lost, Eden gives me a response I was not expecting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Apple Valley, Minnesota?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks, dumbfounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s not possible.” Throwing him a confused look, he continues to tell me that the city I fell asleep in last night hasn’t existed for over 90 years. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Okay, THAT’S not possible.” I retort. “I know for a fact I fell asleep in Apple Valley last night. So…” my voice trails off, waiting for an explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sighs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jessica, can you tell me what year it is?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eden massages the bridge of his nose like he is annoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it will be my turn to be annoyed when I shoot the correct answer right back at him; I’m not an idiot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah…2011.” I squint my eyes at him, waiting for his embarrassed reaction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It figures.” He sighs again, looking me up and down. “You time traveled. Apple Valley exists in 2011, but not today. It is August 2111.”A rush takes over me, and I am dizzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time Travel? Is he insane? I stare back at him, waiting for Ashton to jump out and surprise me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I surprise myself first and shove him as the tears begin again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shut up!” I yell. “I’m serious, I just want to go back home!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As frustrated as I am, a distinct part of me wishes this strange man really was my big brother Mikey, playing another prank. “Mike this isn’t funny!” Now I’m sobbing, and Riley whimpers on the ground beside me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I promise you, I’m not Mike.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sympathy floods his voice, and I hate to know he is telling me the truth.</span></div>Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-75953325011959396002011-04-04T06:39:00.000-07:002011-04-04T06:39:18.408-07:004-4-11This man clearly just got dumped. and that is clearly his girlfriend underneath the rug. Things got physical when she told him she wanted to break up, but neither of them thought it would escalate like it did. they were running around the room when the woman, whose name is Erin, decided to hide underneath the rug. Her skull was smashed shortly after this photo was taken. The man said oopsies, and the police decided not to take him to jail because she seemed annoying anyways, and he's never really done anything super bad before. Except for the time he killed his wife.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-50855338669435654532011-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:002011-04-01T06:34:46.823-07:00daily journal 4-1-11Behind her the noise escalated, and the building exploded. She walked away like she did nothing wrong, and nobody ever suspected her of anything. She got away with it, and she continued to live a wonderful life. The end.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-41693054702241400292011-03-29T06:41:00.000-07:002011-03-29T06:41:03.982-07:00daily journal 3-29-11Last week was the end of spring break as I know it, but it was a great finale. Every year I go to Naples, FL to visit my grandparents. My mom usually plans a side trip as well, but this year my sister and I insisted on staying at the same resort all week to just relax. We went to the beach almost every day, and I loved feeling the heat of the sun on my body after such a long winter, and hearing the waves of the gulf splash on to the shore. One of my favorite parts of the trip was probably getting to lay on the front of my grandpa's yacht as he streamed through the Gulf, it was so beautiful. Another part of going to Florida that I look forward to is just seeing my Grandpa Tom and Grandma Evie, because they are the real reason that we travel that far year after year. I only see my Grandpa about 3 times a year, so it was awkward to see him when I was younger. Within the last few years, however, we have gotten so much closer and I think we both have a great understanding of eachother. My grandpa is probably one of the most generous people I know; he is so giving, and I can't even find the words to express how grateful I am. Without him, my family would have no reason to travel south for spring break- so I can honestly say I don't think I would have had such amazing and memorable vacations every single year. Also, I would never have experienced what it's like to be up north at a cabin unless he had invited us every summer. My two favorite places in the world are Florida and the cabin, and neither of these places would have been possible for me to fall so in love with if my grandpa hadn't been around. He is also so hilarious and sarcastic. Half the time he says completely inappropriate things around me and my younger sister, but it is so funny because he doesn't really have a filter and can't understand why it's not really okay to swear in front of us and our younger cousins. I could go on for days about how much I love my grandpa and enjoyed my spring break, but I can sum it up by saying it was a great end to a family tradition :)Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-1553041545385876452011-03-28T06:57:00.000-07:002011-03-28T06:57:31.521-07:00daily journal 3-28-11It is dark and humid like the rainforest, and the warm water is running over me like a river. The sound of the rushing rain surrounds me, and I feel smooth and clean as it washes the soap off of me and everything around me. When the rain stops I can feel the air start to dry me immediately, and I can hear the last few rain drops as they slowly drip through the hot air. More dropplets run down me like beads of sweat as I continue to become warm, shiny, and dry. Just as the climate is becoming less dense with water, a rush of cold wind invades the tropical heat I am used to, and the dark is invaded by a growing beam of light that reveals where I have been; a dishwasher.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-56346117433467295992011-03-18T06:45:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:45:18.131-07:00daily journal 3-18-11If I could invent one thing to help mankind, it would be something to predict bad earthquakes and tsunamis. This is so that the situation in Japan would never happen again anywhere else. It is so devistating and saddening, and I think it is the definition of horrific. I want to make sure that history never repeats itself, so I think this invention would benefit people all over the world.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-90337948544240410542011-03-17T06:45:00.000-07:002011-03-17T06:45:42.966-07:00Daily journal 3-17-11I once dreamed about Peter Pan coming into my room, and taking me to Never land with him and Tinkerbell. I must have been about 7, because I was sleeping on the top bunk in my room upstairs. It was without a doubt the most realistic dream I have ever had, and I was so depressed when I woke up to learn that none of it had ever happened. Peter came into my window with Tink, and invited me to go with them. I always dreamed about Peter Pan, so I asked him if this was really happening. He of course responded with a smile, and said yes. I have always been terrified of heights, especially if I was flying through the sky without anything save me if I started to fall. But flying with Peter wasn't as hard as I had expected it to be, and I'm pretty sure I picked it up right away. We took off from my front yard and headed towards the second star to the right. I also think Wendy, Michael, and John were there too. We had a great adventure in Never Land, and it was just like in the movie. We met some very nice indians, and sat around the fire. I requested to see the mermaids, so Wendy and Peter took me to go visit them. They were also just like in the movie, so beautiful and girly. I even got to swim with them! I knew what was next, and I was not looking forward to it. We had done almost everything there is to do in Neverland, except for one thing; it was time to fight Captain Hook. We left the gorgeous mermaids and flew over the water towards the pirate ship. Peter landed on the ship first, and immediately started slaying hook. I wasn't far behind him, and as soon as my feet hit the wood of the boat, I was grabbed by a stout, bald pirate. A tall, skinny, and even scarier pirate grabbed Wendy, and they tied us both to a pole, back to back. The bald pirate told me he would let us go if I guessed the number he was thinking of, and he then informed me that the number was between 7 and 9. When I asked "Is it 8?" I actually said it in real life, and in turn woke myself up from the most memorable and life-like dream I have ever had.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-5908871234500970342011-03-15T07:14:00.000-07:002011-03-15T07:14:52.187-07:00brainstormingThe website I was on said that science fiction is about change, and that every change can have positive and negative effects on the earth. To be completely honest, if I woke up 100 years from now, the only thing I would want would be to come back home to 2011. So I would hope they have a time machine invented.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-87171540880843535172011-03-15T06:40:00.000-07:002011-03-15T06:40:10.724-07:00daily journal 3-15-11I am in no way, shape, or form amused with this picture. Like seriously, what? I love asians, but this big shoe is way out of proportion and it honestly just creeps me out. I could make some jokes about the earthquake or the tsunami, but it's way too soon and that would just be really insensitive of me. I could also assume it isn't in Japan, but some other asian country, like China. Well...I'm still not amused. I could make up a story about a little asian man who lives in a shoe, but that STILL isn't entertaining. This is just a dead end picture..so..I have nothing to write about really? I don't want to work today. I am literally working 24 hours this week, and I have homework, cleaning, packing, and resting to do in between school and making money. Can't forget about walking RIRI eitherJessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-43801581146104353572011-03-14T06:40:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:40:30.422-07:00daily journal 3-14-11My journey on a pirate ship started when I was water skiing on the gulf of mexico during my spring break in Florida. I was bounding over the white-capped waves and catching some seriously impressive air. Before I knew it though, a massive pirate ship coasted next to me out of nowhere. A hand reached down and grabbed me by my pony-tail. It yanked me out of my seat and dropped me on the wooden deck of the ship. Landing on my back, I stared up at the group of pirates towering over me. I asked who they were, and I recieved a friendly 'Howdy I'm Troy!' out of the only male. The other two pirates were girls named Erica and Amanda. They all seemed exceptionally nice and gentle as they helped me to my feet, so I assumed I was on a ship of good pirates. I couldn't have been more wrong-I soon saw the tall, lanky captain standing in front me. He hobbled over on his wooden leg and looked me up and down. 'You, you, and you.' He pointed to the other three pirates, 'You're all stupid. Go shine the statue of me on the front of the boat.' All of the kind pirates scurried away, and I was left with the scary captain and the parrott he carried on his shoulder. The intimidating pirate introduced himself as Gabe, and told me his parrott's name was Brittany. "I'm Brittany! I'm Brittany!" The colorful bird squaked. "Yeah, we KNOW." Gabe rolled his eyes.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-46961214773779559962011-03-10T06:38:00.000-08:002011-03-10T06:38:35.938-08:00Daily WritingThe Easter Bunny was found guilty of grand theft auto on Thursday, March 10 2011. He reportedly broke into an icy blue corvette around sunrise, and continued to drive southwest-planning only to stop once he got to Las Vegas. The expensive luxury sportscar was reported stolen less than ten minutes after the rabbit hopped off with it, and thankfully it was recovered before he could cross any state borders. With no damage done to the vehicle, it was returned to its rightful owner before noon. This picture shows the Easter Bunny being escorted out of the car, just before being searched head to toe. During the frisking, the police found one carrot, three jelly beans, and a chocolate egg. With no drugs or other illegal substances on his person (or animal) the Easter Bunny was set free and pointed in the direction from which he came. Deciding he didn't want to get on the bouncing bunny's bad side, the owner of the vehicle decided not to press charges. 'Besides,' says the owner, who wants to remain anonymous, 'I don't want to send him to jail and ruin easter for all the nice little boys and girls out there. However, when he gets to MY house on easter, I better get some extra peeps..'Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-88545597892093441222011-03-09T19:22:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:22:22.368-08:00Lyrics<strong>Then lyrics</strong><br />
I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met you<br />
You had me mezmorized<br />
And three weeks later, in the front porch light<br />
taking forty-five minutes to kiss goodnight<br />
I hadn't told you yet<br />
but I thought I loved you then<br />
<br />
Chorus<br />
<br />
And now you're my whole life<br />
now you're my whole world<br />
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl<br />
Like a river meets the sea, <br />
stronger than it's ever been.<br />
We've come so far since that day<br />
And I thought I loved you then<br />
<br />
And i remember, taking you back to right where I first met you,<br />
You were so surprised<br />
There were people around, but I didn't care<br />
Got down on one knee right there once again,<br />
I thought I loved you then<br />
<br />
And now you're my whole life<br />
now you're my whole world<br />
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl<br />
Like a river meets the sea, <br />
stronger than it's ever been.<br />
We've come so far since that day<br />
And I thought I loved you then<br />
<br />
I could just see you, with a baby on the way<br />
And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray<br />
What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more<br />
But I've said that before<br />
<br />
And now you're my whole life<br />
now you're my whole world<br />
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl<br />
We'll look back someday, at this moment that we're in<br />
And I'll look at you and say<br />
And I thought I loved you then<br />
And I thought I loved you then<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Song Title : Then<br />
<br />
Artist : Brad Paisley<br />
<br />
1. Why did you choose this song? Why is it important to you?<br />
I listened to it pretty much on repeat when I went to my cabin last summer, so it brings me back to the fun and relaxing time that I had. It is important to me because I had just gotten surgery and I couldn't do very much, so I got really attached to listening to brad paisley when everyone else got to do fun things like water skiing.<br />
<br />
2. What is the story in the lyrics?<br />
The story is just about how Brad Paisley met his wife, and how he loves her more and more each day, even though he didn't think that was possible.<br />
<br />
3. What is the structure?<br />
Mostly free-verse, with A B A B in part of the chorus, while other parts show AA BB<br />
<br />
4. What is the emotional tone or mood?<br />
The emotional mood is really loving and admirable and just overall happy and content with life.<br />
<br />
5. What is the message or lesson?<br />
The message is that no matter how in love you are with someone, you can always surprise yourself by falling in love with them even more as time goes on.<br />
<br />
6. What is the intention of this piece of music?<br />
The intention of this music is for Brad Paisley to show his wife how he feels about her and how their life together started, and to express what it's like to genuinely be in love.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-63266934599485365612011-03-04T06:37:00.000-08:002011-03-04T06:37:52.004-08:00daily journal 3-4-11The first image that came into my mind was me and my family on the gulf of mexico. If I found out I was going to die tomorrow, I would sell all of my belongings and donate the money to an animal shelter. The second thing I would do is rent a huge yacht and lay in the sun all day with my family. The gulf of mexico is so beautiful, and that is what I would want my family to remember about my last day on earth-the beauty. I wouldn't just want my immediate family though, if I could do anything I would bring every person that ever touched my life. I would bring my cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, and friends. I have created really special bonds with so many people, and I would want to spend my last day with all of them just laughing and talking and looking at the sparkling blue water surrounding the boat. I would obviously want my dog, Riley there too! I love my RiRi. I would want to watch all of the old disney movies that warm my heart to this day, and the Wizard of Oz, too. I would also want to take some time to laugh until I cry at my old home videos, they are actually priceless. I would also work time in the day to go to Germany and Ireland, two places that I have very strong family history. Before I die I want to walk to same streets that my ancestors walked, and see the exact same sunsets they saw. The most important thing though, would be to get as much time in with my family as I could. They drive me absolutely NUTTY sometimes, but I love everyone in my life so much, that I would want everyone there. Even Dave.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-58155921329011880202011-03-03T07:03:00.000-08:002011-03-03T07:03:26.312-08:00VillanelleAutomatic strides to sprint through the day.<br />
Feeling hopeless and weak.<br />
Running out of options, now it's time to pray.<br />
<br />
Looking out the window, the whole world has turned grey.<br />
No different than the scenery, the future looks bleak.<br />
Automatic strides to sprint through the day.<br />
<br />
There's a difference between growing up, and losing the urge to play.<br />
Now admitting it's not a phase, not an unusual streak.<br />
Running out of options, now it's time to pray.<br />
<br />
So close to touching happiness, if it's summer then I'm May.<br />
I need to be carried back to reality, maybe I do need a slap across the cheek.<br />
Automatic strides to sprint through the day.<br />
<br />
Surprising myself with the strength and will to stay.<br />
Hoping the future brings more happiness, what I'd give for just one peek.<br />
Running out of options, now it's time to pray.<br />
<br />
Identical to a broken wire, ending with a fray.<br />
A purpose and a genuine smile is really all that I seek.<br />
Automatic strides to sprint through the day.<br />
Running out of options, now it's time to pray.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-74639149304233019422011-03-03T06:31:00.000-08:002011-03-03T06:31:34.282-08:00daily journal 3-3-11Top ten best/most memorable/funniest moments of my life<br />
1. making LDT<br />
2.dance competitions<br />
3.first varsity lacrosse game<br />
4.laughing until I cried at Ace Ventura<br />
5.getting Riley<br />
6.playing with Michael & Corey<br />
7.the time I took 3 vicodin<br />
8. teaching myself to play the titanic theme song on the piano<br />
9. laughing hysterically with veronica, sammy, and lauren<br />
10.a prairie home companion filming/premiereJessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-59401426672291157072011-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:12:26.189-08:00EthereeGirl.<br />
Timid<br />
little girl.<br />
Adoration<br />
for her big brothers.<br />
They love and entertain,<br />
care for, and always protect.<br />
Grown up now, things are different.<br />
Passing through all the stages of life.<br />
Carefree days are gone, memories remain.<br />
<br />
Tears well up, but I've learned to hold them back.<br />
Didn't realize what I had back then.<br />
Like a projector on repeat,<br />
the images play for me.<br />
Never laughing harder<br />
than when they were here.<br />
Promise me we<br />
will not change.<br />
Always<br />
young.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-60301958188508178322011-03-02T06:37:00.000-08:002011-03-02T06:37:10.591-08:00Daily Journal 3-2-11How ridiculous I was as pirate having a sword fight with my sister and cousin. A bunch of silly little kids, we ran around the house with swords in our right hands and hooks as our left hands. As goofy as we may have looked, we took ourselves very seriously. Narrowly escaping the giant octopus or evil shark, the biggest insult to a fellow pirate was making them walk the plank. "But I don't want to get drenched!" Katie would shout at me. We would forget about it and move back through the house as our fight became more in-depth and technical. We would stop for a quick twist before our swords clashed together again, or to take a flying leap off the couch to fly like Peter Pan. My hook hand got in the way, but it was only fair because I was oldest. Out through the front door and down the driveway, our epic battles didn't end in death or a truce like in the movies. They always ended with an 'I'm tired. Can we go have lunch now?'Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-11638751634586251302011-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:002011-03-01T07:13:40.628-08:00Acrostic PoetryJust one word will never sum me up.<br />
Early mornings have always been a problem.<br />
Sensitive sometimes.<br />
Strong always.<br />
If I love you, I make sure you know.<br />
Childhood made me who I am, and will continue to shape me forever.<br />
A constant rush of life.<br />
<br />
Memories are held close to my heart.<br />
August 14th, 2003 never should have happened.<br />
Realistic, but composed 100% of faith.<br />
If you mess with the bull, you get the horns, so don't provoke me.<br />
Everything happens for a reason, I have to believe that.<br />
<br />
Much of what I have learned, I learned the hard way.<br />
Infinitely grateful for the life God gave me.<br />
Look at how far I have come, and tell me I shouldn't be proud.<br />
Living happily ever after is what I aim for.<br />
Sometimes going through the dark is what makes you appreciate the light.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-45749729957016302352011-03-01T06:38:00.000-08:002011-03-01T06:38:14.581-08:00Daily Journal 3-1-11If I had my own government, the first thing I would do is make harsher punishments for animal abuse. Anyone found guilty would be put through what that innocent and defensless animal was put through, and then jailed for the rest of their life. It is extremely harsh, I know, but so is abusing a poor little animal. I would also clean up the foster care and parentless child situation. I would do whatever I could to lower the amount of children who don't have a good home, and I would put each foster and adoptive family through extensive testing to make sure they deserved the chance to raise the child. I also think I would require a certain amount of monetary or time donation to charities from each family per year. I would also try to eliminate stereotypes. So many people don't do things that they enjoy because they think they aren't supposed to. If the kid who is in every single honors class wants to try-out for football, he should be able to. Regardless of how good he may or may not be, the fact that people might judge him shouldn't keep him from doing something that makes him happy. It isn't fair that we look at someone and label them right off the bat, because no two people are alike. Someone may dress completely different from me, but we could have identical life goals and morals, and be able to carry on a great conversation. Isn't that what having friends is all about? It is true that I could know someone who dresses like me and wears their hair the same way I do, but they could be a mean-spirited person and have no personality. Why would I want a friend like that? Basically, if I were in charge of things I would try to transform the government into a portal for people to use to become the best individuals they can be.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8608175673973865765.post-5469149326756339332011-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:07:34.195-08:00Shape Poem It keeps you going <br />
through the hardest part of <br />
the day. When the night is the most<br />
dark, it helps you remember that the sun<br />
will rise again soon. When the work is the<br />
toughest, it tells you that you can rest soon.<br />
At the times life seems the most hopeless, <br />
it tells you that something worth while is<br />
on its way. When you feel utterly lost<br />
it reveals that your destination may<br />
be closer than it seems to be.<br />
As your ship rocks back<br />
and forth in the ocean,<br />
this is what directs<br />
you towards the<br />
dry land.<br />
Love.Jessica Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13083338265485433351noreply@blogger.com0