blogging

Blogging in this class was not my first time. I had to do it for my biology class last semester. At times I will have to say it was a drag to do. I wouldn't say that I hated it but I wouldn't say I loved it either. I think I will end up keeping my blog just in case another class asks me to blog too. I enjoyed quite a few blogs which are the ones I commented the most. My last words for my classmates is I truly enjoyed your blogs and hope you well in the future.

Mark Bittman video:
I found Mark Bittman to be boring, what he was saying was true though. People now a days are consuming more calories than they should. I was surprised to find out that the food pyramid is not accurate. He went on to mention when frozen food and fast food was started. Also how the way we eat has changed dramatically in the past years.
Jamie Oliver video:
I found Jamie to be very interesting. I was amazed when he went to the elementary school and most of the children didn't now what the vegetables were called. Also I was stunned by the size of the coffins that are now being made for obese people. The way America eats now needs to change, if not then people are going to start dying at younger ages. I truly feel that fast food should get healthier or be banned.
Ann Cooper:
Ann Cooper's speech caught my attention because I have brothers in elementary school right now. The food they are being serve is garbage. I cant believe that a person in prison is given more money to be there than what kids are getting to eat at school. I feel that kids should have a class in school where they are taught what they should eat. That could help lower the obesity rates that are now sky rocketing.

Important people

One person who is truly important in my life is my dad. My dad is 6'1 and muscly. Most people who see him before meeting him are intimidated by him but once they meet him they fall in love with him. He is what all the young people call the “cool dad”. We bump heads a lot of but our fight don't last long. My dad would be the most important person in my life because he has always been there through everything and I feel secure with him.
The second most important person in my life is my sister. Ever since I can remember she has been by my side. We both lived with my mom together and we both moved with my dad together. Shes about 5'6 and light complected. My sister is what I call the “Hippie” in the family. Shes very loving and anti fighting. We do have our occasion scuffles but they only last for a few hours. What makes her important is shes always by my side . Also she cooks for me all the time.
The third person who is important in my life is my younger brother. He is 11 years old, dark, and rocks a spiky hair do. He is the one I consider my “sidekick”. He's my comrade in going to skateboarding events. He's always into what I'm into and always tags along. We even have a bro code. I know he looks up to me as a role model which is why I try to point him in the right direction. I am very protective. I don't like anyone messing with him.

Pacific Sunwear is awesome!

Pacific Sunwear or “Pac Sun” as I like to call it happens to be my favorite store. It is located at the Pacific View Mall on the second floor. The store is not really big but not small either. As you walk into the store there is guy clothes on the left and the girl clothes on the right. The newest arrivals are always in the front. The cash register is located in the middle of the store. On the left side of the cash register are the guy hats and belts. Then on the right side of the cash register are the girls accessories and scarved. Towards the back are the sale items and shoes. The store is filled with skater, surfer, and motocross brands. For example: RVCA, Volcom, Fox, Rusty, DC, Kirra, element, Nike, and many more. The prices range from under $10 to over $100. They usually have really good sales in the beginning to the middle of the week. The environment inside the store is very friendly and upbeat. The employees always greet you when you walk in and even help you pick out different things. I personally think if you young you should shop there, or at least go check out the store. If you cant make it to the store or you want check out the online exclusives you can also go online to www.pacsun.com and shop there. Online there is always the daily deal, where they put up something for the guys and something for the girls for a cheaper price. Online you do have to pay shipping though so it will be a little more than at the store, unless they have a free shipping promo. Hopefully you will take my advice and check it out and hey you might fall in love with it too.

Fast Food is EVIL

Since reading the Fast Food Nation book by Eric Schlosser I have cut down on my fast food intake. Right now I would say I have it twice a month, and it’s not from McDonalds. This book really shed some light on the truths about fast food. I now cant look at the food the same. I find myself not loving the taste like I did prior to reading this book. I like the fact that Schlosser told the truth about the meat and poultry companies. They have so much control that it makes our government look weak. The fact that the government has the power to recall toys but not the meat we eat is mind boggling to me. I’m personally not a big beef eater but I definitely could not survive with out chicken. Now having read this book it makes me look at all meats differently. I find myself wondering if this meat was properly check, which it probably wasn’t, or if this piece of meat will be the death of me. I have actually pondered the idea of going vegetarian but then I think of bacon and it goes out the window. I think everyone should read this book. It is a good way to find out what’s really going on in our society. Fast food is trying to take over the world and it is up to us to show them they cant.

School :(

My truth: I want to marry Paul Walker.

School for me is boring! I’ve never liked it and I don’t think I ever will. If it wasn’t for this recession we’re in I wouldn’t be attending college. My parents say it’s either school or a job you pick. The only time I thought school was ok was in preschool and that’s because we didn’t do anything and we had nap time. Now it’s be in class for hours and gets loads of homework so that when your not in school you still do work. I was never an A student I was more of an average student. I was never and still not an over achiever. The kids that were always doing more than the teacher asked always bugged me because I felt like the teacher looked at the rest of us average students like why don’t you try harder too. Which wasn’t going to happen because I was just not that into school. I actually had truancy letters sent home because I would ditch classes that I didn’t want to go to which were usually math and English. Which was to my dads surprise because he thought I was going to class everyday. The school would threaten to fine if I didn’t go but I got three letters and was never charged so I guess they lied to try to scare me. To this day I still complain everyday about school and the work load that I get, which is more than all my other years that I’ve been in school. Especially in English class(cough cough). I feel like you have to really know what you want in life to be driven to actually go to school. Then you don’t mind doing all the work because you know that at the end you will get what you want.

I love to lie

1. I met big foot

2. My idol is Miley Cyrus

3.I drink 4 cups of coffee a day

4.I want to marry Paul Walker

5.I have a fish named Henry

6.I've surfed in Santa Barbara

El-Rocco's - Tik Tok by Ke$ha (Cover by Tim Bowen)

Gay marriage is a subject that is very controversial. There are people who agree with same sexes being able to marry. Then there are people who completely shun it. I feel that anyone should marry who they want. People shouldn’t be limited to who they love. This country is known for its “freedom” so why not give everyone the “freedom” to marry who they want. I feel as if the older people are the ones who are opposed to it because their so use to having the traditional marriage. Us younger people are more opened minded about the subject. Then of course the adults say no your too young to understand but truthfully we do, were just not afraid of the change like they are. Everybody is just so use to the traditional marriage of man and woman. Which doesn’t always work out as statistics show. The divorce rate is at it’s highest. The society we live in today is the reason why there’s a rise in suicide because kids think they’re different and will never be excepted. Which is not how they should feel at all. Just because their not straight should no be a reason why people should judge them so harshly.

My mom happens to be a huge advocate for traditional marriage yet she has gay friends, I find that to be hypocritical. Supposedly a man at her church “use” to be gay but has now changed by accepting god into his life. Truthfully I think he’s just hiding his true self because of this society. One question I do have is how can the religious people be so against gay people when god put us on this earth (according to the bible) and he obviously made them that way. I know it’s a controversial question but it’s true.

Mi Familia

Family to me means security. Their the ones I wan rely on when I need someone. I know they will be there through the thick and thin. I feel safe around them. Family is a different bond than any other. The bond with family is being there even through the tough times. I cant have that bond with anyone else because there’s the risk of them walking out. For me my family would be my dad and sister. They’ve always been there even when I do have my rage moments.
I would consider myself to be the luckiest person to have my dad. He’s always been there for me. I completely trust him. He’s the person who if I won the lotto I would give it to him to hold for me. I feel secure and safe with him. I know that he would not hesitate to safe my life if it came down to it. He always tells me that the reason why he gets up in the mornings to go to work is to make sure that me and my sister never go without anything we need. To me no other man will ever measure up to my dad. I know he’ll always love me more than anyone else.
The other person I am lucky to have is my sister. I literally starve to death if it wasn’t for her. She’s the one always asking what I want to eat and how I want it cooked. Ever since we were little I’ve been really protective of her. My mom always tells the story of when me and my sister were in elementary school and she fell off the monkey bars. I had thought someone had tried to hurt her so I went with my fists in the air yelling who did, ready to fight. She’s the same way when it comes to me. We’ve been through everything together. Since were not that far apart in age we are close. Even though she tells me that she wouldn’t talk to me if we weren’t related I know she loves me.
In conclusion I think everyone would agree that family equals security. Their there when you need them. Their the ones we run to when were in need. Their the ones in your memories, the good and the bad. Hopefully their the ones to be their until your really old.

Brianna Cuevas Cuevas 1
Professor Croker
English 101
8 September 2010
Graduation Day
Graduating from Hueneme High School was the best day of my life. I had never really accomplished anything before then. Sure I had done sports and gotten trophies but it wasn’t like this. This was the moment everybody hopes to have. It’s the reason why we start school in the first place. It’s what we work for from kindergarten until our senior year. To some people it’s the beginning of their lives and to some, high school was their peak. I know I will never forget that day.
I t was a sunny morning on June 12.2009. My alarm went off at 6a.m. I remember getting up and looking outside and just think for a minute. So many thoughts were running through my head I became overwhelmed with excitement. After my shower I, had woke up my sister to do my hair. She literally dragged herself out of bed because she wasn’t use to getting up early. As she was doing my hair I tried not to think about the ceremony. After my hair she put a little bit of make up on me. I usually never wear it but she said I needed it because it was a big day. Next I had put on my dress and got myself together. Then my dad walks in and asks if I’m ready to go because it’s almost time to be there. Before we leave I took pictures with my dad and sister. Then we were off to my school.
Arriving at the school and seeing everyone was an adrenaline rush. I hadn’t taken my glasses because my sister said I looked better without them. For a few minutes I squinted,
trying to find one of my friends. Finally ,I walked by the gym and there they were. We all
talked about how it was going to go. Everybody was nervous and it really showed. Looking out across the quad it was scattered with graduates wearing their white and red gowns. Suddenly the place where I had had lunch and walked through to get to class was really small. This was the last time I would ever be here, the last day I would be considered a student at this school. It was all a rush standing there waiting to be called into the gym so we could get ready to walk out and begin the graduation ceremony.
Once in the gym, all my friends and I dispersed to get into our rows. When I got to mine I just looked around at everyone. Most girls were fixing their hair making sure it was perfect. Some were putting bobby pins in their hair to make sure the caps were on secure. The guys were more chill about the situation. They were just talking amongst each other. Then the administrators told us to get ready because we were about to go out.
As we were walking out pf the gym I began to get very anxious. Some teachers were by the gates before the football field cheering us on. I could see the ocean of people in the stands and felt my legs turn to jell-o. Once we actually were on the field, the stands let out a roar. Everyone’s friends and family were there. I looked to see if I could find anyone, but I was blind from not having my glasses.
When all the graduates were standing in front of our chairs the principal asked us to take our seats. During the time the principal spoke, people were blowing their air horns and wooing. I looked up to the stands squinting trying to find my dad and there he was. My sister had had the bright idea of making shirts that said “Brianna ,You made it!”. My dad wore the “Brianna,” my sister wore the “You”, her boyfriend wore the “ made it”, and my brother wire the “!”. It was kind of windy that day so I spent most of the time holding on to my cap. Then they began to call the names of the graduates. I then had felt the adrenaline rush kick in again. I literally felt a million butterflies in my stomach. It felt like time was flying by and it was almost my turn. The person signaled my row to get up and I then realized this was it. Everything I’d worked for was finally here. It was about to all pay off. All the mornings I had woke up at 6 a.m. and all the nights I stayed up late doing homework were now paying off. I walked up the stairs and Mrs. Lopez ,my counselor, called my name. I received my diploma and walked down the ramp. The only thing going through my head was don’t fall down there’s a lot of people. Finally it was over! Now I just had to wait to meet my family.
Walking out to the basketball courts, I felt relieved. I could now breathe. I was met by my dad, sister, her boyfriend, and my brother. My mom didn’t show up and still to this day hasn’t told me why. Anyway, the people who were there were all I needed. Then came taking pictures. It was a struggle trying to find everyone. Finally, everyone was together and the pictures were done.
After the whole commotion I went to get my diploma. What they gave me during the ceremony was the empty case. I could finally go and relax after all the excitement. Walking to the car and passing all the other graduates, some which I would never see again, I felt good. I could now say I graduated high school. When I filled out job applications I could check the box that said high school graduate.
Overall, graduation day was very memorable. One day that I will definitely share with my grandchildren. I’m glad that it’s now over with and would not want to have to do all
the things I did to have to get to that point. Hopefully I will be able to graduate again from a good college. Then I will be able to go through the excitement again.

Veronica Gomez :)

The classmate that I had to interview was Veronica Gomez. She is Mexican American and 20 years old. The old Saint Johns Hospital is where she was born and has lived in Oxnard all her life. She has two siblings, one younger sister and an older brother. Monica, her sister, looks up to her as a role model. Veronica’s mentor is her aunt Peggy. Aunt Peggy helps her focus in school and gives her life advice.
Veronica is currently attending Oxnard College. All her classes are at night. One thing she likes about the college is it’s close to home. She is in school to major as a sociologist. Another reason is because her job requires her to be in school. The name of her job is United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Regulation .She balances family, school, and work by working mornings, being home mid day, and going to school at night.
When I asked Veronica to describe herself in three words she said she was friendly, talkative, and spontaneous. She likes any type of music. She has a baby Chihuahua names Mini. Mini was tiny when she got her so that’s how she got the name. She has two tattoos. One is on her shoulder blade. Its is a dove with a dead rose. It is suppose to symbolize strength, life ,and faith. The dove is giving the rose life. The other tattoo she has is on her wrist. It is a heart that spells love and a 69. It stands for her horoscope. She designed both of her tattoos by herself.

Texting is taking over the world
Now a days everywhere you go someone is texting. Whether your at school, in the grocery store, or even driving someone’s doing it. It’s mostly teens who are doing it but there are some adults who do it too. It’s a simpler way to communicate with someone. You don’t have to actually talk to them just send a quick text and done.
I personally text a lot. Mostly with friends but sometimes my mom. I’m not much of a talker on the phone which is why I have unlimited texting and share minutes with my sister. I feel texting comes in handy in many ways. When your bored in class you can text with out making noise. You can do it when your alone in a quiet place. When your at work and there’s nothing to do. It’s also a great way to break up with someone because you don’t have to actually talk and tell them. Though they might not appreciate it. It just makes it easier for everyone.
In conclusion texting is what’s in right now. It will probably end up replacing actually talking on the phone. That’s why there’s so many texting phones now. People just find it more convenient than actually making a phone call. It’s definitely going to be around for a long long time.

Reality Television
Reality shows have taken over television. For the past few years they’ve really been a hit. They range from people just living their everyday lives to people competing for money. I think the reason why reality shows have been a real hit is because people like to see what other people do. They like to see how they live, what drama fills their lives, etc. Whether its people partying, fighting, or just making fools of themselves people are tuned in. There’s also all the dancing shows and the singing shows. American idol is one of the most watched shows. I personally have never watched an episode but there are millions of people out there who watch it.
I happen to really be into reality shows. They are basically 99% of what I watch. My favorite I would have to say is “ The Real Housewives of New Jersey”. I watch that show religiously. It really is my guilty pleasure. Other shows I watch are the Bad Girls Club, Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, Rob Dyrdeks Fantasy Factory, Teen Mom, and The Kardashians. Those are just to name a few. I know of people who actually don’t like reality shows. They feel like there fake. They basically avoid them like the plague. I would agree with them on that when it comes to certain show. One of them being The Hills. It looked really rehearsed and acted. Those reality shows are the ones I try to stay away from. With the big impact that these shows have on society I feel that it can be harmful to the people. Teens are the main target of these show so they are the ones being most affected. Seeing everything that these people do makes them want to go and do it. Such as dress like them. Most of which is low cuts shirts and short shorts. They also see the brands that their wearing and want to go and buy them. They want to go and party and drink like them because most of the people on the show are over 21. This can lead them to do things that can get them in trouble. Some of them watch the teen pregnancy shows and then want to go out and have a baby. This is why teen pregnancy is so high in the U.S. Then there’s the talent shows that has all those people doing bizarre things just to be on TV. Sure some adults watch the show but they aren’t as likely to do the things that they see being done. Unless their having a mid life crisis and need the thrill.
In conclusion reality shows are taking over the television and probably will for awhile. As long as people keep giving them the rating they will stick around. The media sees this as a money making opportunity and they are cashing in on it. Whether it’s peoples guilty pleasure or they just watch it because there’s nothing else on they are watching. Until they start to fade reality television will be here.

My fast food history

Looking back at my childhood I can say fast food was a big part of it. Living with my mom and then going over to my dads on the weekends played a big part in it. My mom would cook at home sometimes but the majority of the time was getting food from the fast food places. Sure the baby sitter would cook during the day but at night it usually fast food. Little caesers pizza, taco bell and wendy’s was a usual during the week. It also didn’t help that my step dad worked the night shifts at pizza hut. Also In my elementary school if you had the most stars for homework the teachers would take us to wendy’s and buy us food. That was when I was with my mom. When I was at my dads I would always eat out. I only remember once that he actually cook. Other than that it was eating Chinese food or going to hometown buffet which was my favorite. Then for treats my dad would take us to get ice cream . The bad thing about my dad was that he never denied me food so basically I was always eating and it wasn’t healthy foods. Eating the fast food didn’t make me feel any different from eating actual home cooked food. I guess I was just so use to it. So growing up I had more food that was cooked by strangers than from my actual family. Which I would have to say is a little sad to say.
Now fast food is still in my life but not as big as when I was a child. Now that I live with my dad and don’t do the whole going over to one parents house during the weekends. I would have to say that I eat out at the most twice a week. Mostly my sister cooks for me at the house. Which is good because I hate to cook and if I didn’t have her I would probably starve or go get fast food. Even though my sister works at little caesers now I don’t eat it. It’s very rare for me to actually eat it unless she brings me chicken wings then I do tend to eat all 8 of them and that’s within the first 5 minutes of her giving them to me. The places that I mostly go to if I do eat out is Rubio’s, Topper, and Chinese food. Those are my weakness’ when it comes to eating out. The food is just so delicious even though I know that its bad for me and its just going to give me health problems in the future. Now I basically stick to eating chicken made at home. If you were to ask anyone I know they would tell you that’s its true all I eat is chicken. Hopefully in the future I can say that I was able to cut fast food out completely from my life.

In my past I lived with my mom. I attended Hueneme Elementary, E.O Green, and Hueneme High School. My favorite channel use to be the Disney Channel. I use to hang out with different people than I do now. My taste in clothes has changed from buying from any store to pretty much just pac sun. I was super obsessed with basketball I could literally name every player in every NBA team.
In present day I am 19 years young. I live with my dad and my sister. I am currently attending Oxnard College. I am jobless but looking. I don't know exactly what I'm going to major in but hopefully I know by the time I finish my general ed.
For my future I hope I am successful in what ever i decide to major in.I also hope that it lets me make a lot of money. I would like to adopt a child instead of having one. Hopefully I will be a good parent and raise it right. Traveling is something I would really like to do. Australia would be at the top of my list I want to see how it is down under.