Blog #8

"Welcome to my humble abode."

To me, an abode sounds beautiful, homely, and comfortable. Just like the word home, it sounds lived in, and welcoming, but not quite as relaxed. Abode sounds slightly formal and snooty, as if a very prosperous family lived there, or perhaps a young, single millionaire. BUt along with it's prim and proper sound, it's also relaxed and family-oriented.

When I hear the word abode, I think of my grandparents house, with it's extravagant raised windows, winding pathway in the front yard, and heavy wooden doors. The old house is beautiful and proper, just like my grandparents, but also inviting. Whenever I visit, I feel at home and happy. Usually at least half of my very diverse family is there, talking, playing piano, and eating delicious Chilean salsa, tasty Swedish cookies, or even a nice Chinese dinner. It feels like a safe haven and a place I could rest my head and relax if I need to.

An abode is comfortable, friendly, and gorgeous.

Blog #7

In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini makes the argument that not everyone can be a hero. He tells us the story of a man that struggled his whole life, trying to prove himself to his father and be a better man. He played a coward his whole life, and regretted it every step of the way. He made many mistakes in his life, but never owned up to any of them, but by the end of the book, he proved to himself that he could change. I believe Hosseini was trying to show that sometimes, people make mistakes and aren't happy with it, but you can always redeem yourself if you just try.

Blog #6

Rap Music. Most people consider it rude, degrading crap, but to some, it's a form of art or a way of life. I personally never liked rap music until recently. I believed it was disrespectful, mostly towards women, and trashy. But if you dig deeper into rap, it can be beautiful. No doubt about it, there is rap music that fits perfectly into the category most people place it in. But if you listen, and really, actually listen, it can have deeper meaning with beautiful, flowing lyrics. It's like poetry, but with a strong beat, and catchy melody. I still very rarely listen to rap music, but since I started actually paying attention to it, I realized it's not so bad.