I'm Sorry, Did I Offend You? -- Prompt 28

To Censor: to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable.

I believe censorship is against the rights of the American people, however, when uncensored materiel (explicit sex, drugs, violence, language, etc.) is published in magazines, newspapers, bulletin boards, or other public places I think it is improper and crude. Children are all around in our society and they are constantly being bombarded with images, language and ideas that should not enter their heads for a long time, but are blatantly displayed all around. We do have a right to free speech, but we need to consider those with innocent minds. Our opinions should not be restricted or suppressed, but we need to be respectful and courteous of other and their viewpoints as well.

The most common case of censorship I can think of is in the textbook industry. It is common practice for a publisher to write a text book tailored to his point of view, even though it may distort the truth. This is wrong. Untruth in the school system should definitely be censored, if that is the term you would apply to making sure our education material is worthy of the name educational.

We have rights given to us by the American nation, but we need to use these rights with respect and responsibility. If we expect others to accept our opinions and not be offended, then we must return the favor.

Wordage According to Muah -- Prompt 27

Yes Dear -- Whatever, I'm not up to arguing

Tear, Tear, Double Tear -- I'm so sorry (note the excessive sarcasm)

Anytime this year would be nice -- It's ok, I'm really slow too, but I'm also really impatient, so hurry up!

Don't hurt yourself! -- Said after someone implies they are trying to think in order to remind the person to be careful when trying things for the first time.

I'm Bored Already -- Prompt 26

If I were stranded on a desert island for 10 I would bring:
Kelsea because she is my best friend.
The Bible because there is always something you can learn and be encouraged by.
A CD with all my favorite music on it (Josh Groban, Casting Crowns, ASK, etc.) because I love music.
Potatoes, because they are super yummy and healthy besides.
Water because I think that the island will be surrounded by salt water so I will need some fresh water.
A sarong, because it is an island (duh!).
And finally a boat so I won't be stuck on the island forever.

My Jolly Christmas Break -- Prompt 25

My Christmas break did not start out with a bang, but it did begin with another raucous noise. This noise was emitted from me as I slept for the first three days of my home leave, but soon I returned from my comatose state... just in time to start eating. Even though I did immensely enjoy all the rest and stuffing of my face, I soon fell into a state of complete boredom. Lucky for me, my family took this opportunity to start out on an eight hour trek to southern Oregon.

The drive was long and extremely boring, but the family at the other end of the highway was well worth the back-aches, endless snacking, and miles of black asphalt. While in the snowy northern country (that is a comparison to central California, not the north pole) I enjoyed the playing all sorts of board games (my family has many, most of which take well over an hour to complete), card games, a few good books, and of course I did not neglect eating or sleeping. I was also "thrilled" (note the sarcasm) to discover that my ice-skating skills are much reduced since my last venture across frozen water. Luckily I escaped my encounter with only a nice set of blisters on my ankles.

I was not impressed by the prospect of coming back to Weimar, but here I am, ten pounds heavier. Oh well, there is another home-leave right around the corner in which I can catch up on my much neglected eating and sleeping hobbies.

Half Gone Already? -- Prompt 24

This year has been truly CRAZY!
It is almost maddening when you feel how much you are growing (spiritually, mentally and socially) because of all the growing pains. Sometimes it seems easier to quit and go home, but that is a sign of cowardice, not strength. Even though this year has challenged me in a frillion ways, it has also been one of my best.
It has been awesome to be in the dorm and find a new family that always is there, even when you wish they weren't. It has been so much fun to get to know all the new people, and to get to know the old people even better. Running up and down the halls, screaming is always fun too. It's not just the girls that are my family either; the guys make up another huge part of my large Weimartian family. They are awesome to get to know as people, friends and brothers, since that's what they really are. The final part of the Weimar family is the staff. This year they are amazing. I love all of them, both new and old. I especially love the new blood running through the academy because they are learning just as much as the students. Every person in my big, nutsy family is amazing and I am so glad they are here this year.
There are so many memories packed into every day, it is hard to look back and pick just a few to give as an overview. The ones that especially come to mind are "dorm only" stories, but I will tell you they included such things as permanent markers and overdoses of sugar. As for stories that are kosher for all, I can think of many, but one in particular includes a wild goose chase of a scavenger hunt, complete with wacky, misworded clues. Oh well, we love you anyway Johnathan (although you are high on the list of those needing revenge). Banquets are fun too, sorta ... the food was good, and the entertainment was just that, VERY entertaining.
All in all this year has been amazing. I have learned so much, even though, much to my teachers' chagrin, most of it has not been scholastic. I am looking forward to another semester filled with memories and fun, and yes, growing pains.

To Share or Not to Share -- Prompt 23

Secrets are a confusing topic. One of the most important things to look for in a friend is trustworthiness, but what does that entail. Does that mean that one will never tell a secret, even if it is dangerous to keep quite? I think that a true friend will know when to talk and when to zip the lip. A true friend will only speak when they know it is necessary, not just to gossip or spoil one's reputation. I guess what I'm saying is: find out if you are really loved before you entrust your darkest secrets, or you WILL suffer the consequences of broken trust and possibly a spoiled reputation.

What Kind of Beauty -- Prompt 22

Would I rather have beauty or brains? To me, the answer is obvious; brains are much important that outer beauty. On the other hand, inner beauty (sweetness, patience, love, discerning, ect.) have an infinite value. Brains will help you rise in the business and academic world, but true inner beauty will be of the highest value in the social world.

Life is made of relationships, because of this a happy life will be backed a gorgeous character (inner beauty), but if my options are only between outer beauty and braininess, I would choose the brains, not the fading outer show.