Politics. The reason why Thanksgiving dinner ends early or why there was never a second date. This multifaceted word breaks families apart, literally and symbolically. Those who do not care about politics are not cool or hip, they are simply ignorant. Imagine having the privilege to not care about politics. It is not a hobby, it’s people’s lives. Sure, politics might include what kids end up going to CSHS rather than AMCHS but it also includes who qualifies as a person. We should not leave politics up to politicians if we do so the world will burn.  I do have a few politicians whom I admire greatly but for the avoidance of a possible inter-twined psychological grading bias, I will not name them just the qualities they so greatly possess. Henceforth, as a precautionary statement moving forward, I live by a simple thinking method when it comes to politics; I respect your opinion as long as it does not disrespect anyone’s existence. 

Mark Twain once said, “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.” How wonderfully vivid is this quote? My ideal politician is a person who is unifying, composed, elegant and sane. Whenever a crisis arises, they should not send their thoughts and prayers, but impose action. They should see diversity as a strength. He/she should ensure all Americans are treated equally no matter who they are or who they love. This person works with allies to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ+ community globally and enact legislation to ensure Americans have full equality regardless of what neighborhood they grew up in. This person is not perfect, they might have a past that is dark, but that is okay. As long as they are truly passionate about bettering the lives of others and striving to remain informed about current events. I try my best to remain informed about the world around me instead of opinionated.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) is a musical romantic comedy film written as a follow up to the 2008 film Mamma Mia! Of course, I have seen Mamma Mia! five times. The film is called Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again not Mamma Mia here we go once. The sequel (which is also a prequel) features extra subplots, additional romance entanglements, and a prodigious cast. As the film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present, the cinematography blends nostalgia and fairy-tale idealism astonishingly, dressing it up in Greek shades of white and blue and vivid 70’s style. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again follows Donna (portrayed by Meryl Streep) on her post graduation adventures, experiencing the debaucherous fun she had with the three possible dads of her daughter, Sophie. Meanwhile, in the present Sophie is striving to fulfill her mother’s vision with the newly renovated Hotel Bella Donna, while wrestling with the prospect of history repeating itself. Sophie discovers herself to be pregnant and realizes she is more like her mother than she ever realized. Her worries give her a new insight into how her mother must have felt at her age.

One paragraph into this blog and just by typing the title thrice, I’ve extended my personal allotment of exclamation points. The soundtrack, wardrobe, and choreography in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is absolutely breathtaking. The film is tailored around the music of the ABBA in the 1970’s. The closing musical number featuring the characters’ past selves dancing alongside their present-day counterparts defies time and space in a way that suggests that our lived reality is not nearly as linear as we think it is. The soundtrack makes me feel inspired to drop everything, throw on overalls, and dance my way through Europe. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again will forever remain an international treasure in my heart.

I do not consider myself to have a tellurian “best friend” because everyone I have ever loved has left me. However, I do have a few close friends whom I have learned to appreciate greatly over the years. Growing up, I was always astounded about the concept of a single, lifelong best friend. Finding the Phineas to your Gene does not come naturally to everyone. The harsh reality is we will probably graduate in twenty-six months and go our separate ways and never speak to each other again. Except for at High school reunions. (If social media does not overpower reunions and push them to the verge of extinction.) Because let’s face it: high school reunions take place every morning, while one sits at his/her computer not doing anything productive, browsing former classmates’ statuses. Who cares Kathy’s grandson’s neighbor’s electrician’s brother lost his obese cat or that Brenda just ate a taco? 

For the purpose of the prompt, I am going to tell you about my comrade Evelyn Torres. Evelyn is absolutely precious. She is the human embodiment of the feeling you get after watching a Disney movie. She makes me laugh until my ribcage hurts and she has to rush to get my inhaler.  Her laugh is my favorite sound in the world because it is so contagious. We met in fifth-grade while saving earthworms from the parking lot during recess and immediately became best friends. I think the basis of our relationship is based on our similar sense of dry humor. As we watched each other grow up in our own bubble, the similarity of adversities we endured led us to have a better understanding of ourselves and each other. One of the most pulchritudinous qualities of friendship is to understand and to be understood. How lucky am I to have a person like Evelyn in my life!

Hello there! I hope all is well in your life.  I have decided to take a new approach to blogging and talk to you as a friend! 

Thank you for asking how I am holding up this six weeks. I am genuinely scared for the state of the planet. I am worried about the fossil fuel industry which is literally burning the planet for the short term profit of a vanishingly small capital class. Even though scientists around the world have said we are on our way to warming the planet to uninhabitable levels, on the bright side, College Station is getting a Waffle House. Hoorah! 

If we as humans keep this destructive behavior up, hundreds of years from now, children listening to “Baby it’s cold outside” are going to find it abnormal and we’re going to have explain that the song has to be understood in the context of its time. We will have to explain to the children that it used to get cold outside. Enough depressing rants, let’s get into sophomore year so far.

If I had to describe sophomore year in one word it would be nondescript. I am struggling with being confident in my writing abilities. These blogs are somewhat difficult for me because I am not sure if how to answer the prompt or how to create a proper paragraph structure. Maybe God knew I would be too powerful if I could make my sentences flow.  Which makes me think about how only dead fish go with the flow. Furthermore, I prefer doing solo projects in English, it gives us an opportunity to unleash our creativity. Into The Wild was absolutely captivating and I often find myself philosophizing about Chris McCandless’ legacy in the dead of the night.

I feel as if my grades in certain classes have not been a proper reflection of my work ethic. However, I just need to learn what methods work best for me, and that is what high school is all about; finding out what study habits work best for you. On a side school related note: I just discovered iced coffee is not an acceptable meal replacement. I am shocked and confused.

I am going to let you in one a little secret. Promise not to tell anyone? Last year, I took the Spanish IV Language and Culture AP Exam. As a part of the exam, you must engage in a five-minute simulated conversation with someone on the phone for five minutes. Usually, the person on the line is having a mega-crisis and needs assistance or advice. Mine was an epic fail because I could not stop laughing. When I had to fill up extra time with Spanish Dialect, I started to recite the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish. Recently, I received an email from the College Board that my audio was anonymously used as an example of what NOT to do. Personally, I think it is hilarious that my audio was chosen out of thousands as an example of what to avoid. It is incredible to think that hundreds of thousands of students across the country will hear my obsessive laughter for five minutes. Do not worry, despite my tragic fail, I still managed to pass the test.

I am currently the Service Committee Head for Student Council and it has been a challenge coming up with ideas for activities to do at meetings. Since the committee meetings are only fifteen minutes long. So much to do, so little time. Last week, we put up domestic violence outreach and suicide awareness posters in the women’s bathroom stalls. The week before that, we made birthday cards to send to children in CPS custody. We have upcycled old t-shirts and made them into reusable dog toys for the Humane Society. If you have any ideas on activities to do to improve the well-being of the school, please let me know! 

Warmest Regards,

Mary M.

3rd period

September 10th, 2019

As a child, my favorite book was ‘Love You Forever’ written by Robert Munsch. The book is a heart wrenching coming of age story. Growing up, I never thought of the message behind the story. Now as an adolescent, with more complex and developed thinking patterns, I recognize the story is about the enduring nature of a mother’s love and how it crosses generations. Love You Forever lulled me to sleep with affectionate words. On every other page, this sweet refrain is repeated:  

“I’ll love you forever, 

I’ll like you for always, 

As long as I’m living

My baby, you’ll be (Munsch). 

Before this tender ode was a nursery rhyme, it was a way for Robert Munsch to grieve. Robert Munsch and his wife had two stillborn babies. His loss is what inspired him to write this children’s allegory. My sister, who is my best friend, begs me to read Love You Forever before bedtime. It is difficult for me to read the book without a lump in my throat or tears forming in my lacrimal glands. Reading aloud Love You Forever reiterates the unconditional love I have for my sister and reminds me what a blessing she is.