English+B+Portfolio+2010

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__ The Soundtrack of My Life __
==== On a bright, early morning on May 19th, I was born. My full name is Brooke Elizabeth McDonald. I have two parents and a huge family, even though I am an only child. Before I moved, I lived in Danville, Illinois for eleven years, and then I moved with my parents and loyal dog to Trenton, Recently, I turned fourteen years old, and I am a freshman in high school. Music is very important in my life. Some of my musical hobbies are singing and I used to play the flute in band. Music affects me because I always have a song in my head. ==== ==== Have you ever wanted something in your life so badly that you would go to the ends of the Earth to get it? I had always dreamed of having my own tiny, happy, energetic puppy. Ever since I can remember, I spent all of my birthday wishes asking for a puppy. Every holiday, I would ask my parents for one, and finally gave in. On my sixth birthday, I was in my kitchen opening presents. I had a could-this-finally-be-the-birthday feeling as I tore into the next gift. Extremely surprised, I pulled out two stuffed Bichon Frise dogs. My parents sat me down and told me that the next day we were heading to Bloomington to pick up my very own, brand new puppy dog. I was so happy, excited, and overwhelmed, and I did not know what to do. My sixth birthday was the best birthday ever! I think this moment is described best by the song, “I Just Want to Celebrate.” This song works for this memory because I was so happy and excited to get my own dog that all I wanted to do was celebrate. ==== ==== My mom had just sprung the news. “Brooke, we’re moving!” I had reacted the worst way possible. Stomping, kicking, and yelling, I ran all the way to my room. My mom let me go, knowing I needed time to think about it. I pictured the scene. A huge ==== ==== U-haul was leaving the happy Danville, the exciting Danville, the comfortable Danville, and driving towards the different, unusual, and unknown. Not knowing what to expect, I became nervous, upset, and confused. What would happen next? The song that best describes this crazy moment in my life is “A Place in This World” by Taylor Swift. This song is all about being lost and not knowing where you fit in and not knowing what might be up ahead. ==== ==== When you think of your first day of high school, what do you remember? Do you remember friends, new teachers, and how excited you were? Those are not any of the things I remember. I remember I was as nervous as a porcupine in a balloon shop, I was as scared as a cat being chased by a pack of dogs, and I was as oblivious as Snow White when she ate a poison apple. My hands were lives wires, shaking and never holding still. My knees were knocking together, forcing me to sit and wait for my ride. On the way there, I was absolutely silent. I saw our school in the distance, growing in size as my fear grew inside of me. Sliding out of the car, I walked to the door, opened it, and just stopped and stared. Familiar faces stared back smiling at me, laughing, and having a good time. Relaxing, I forgot about all of my fears, and settled back into home. I let the fun and good times begin. The song that best describes this event in my life is “Be Okay” by Ingrid Michaelson. This song describes my first day of high school because it talks about everything being okay no matter how nervous of scared you feel on the inside. ==== ==== These events have all had a huge impact in making me the person who I am today. Getting my puppy dog taught me how to care more about others than about myself. Moving taught me how to except things the way they are. My first day of high school taught me that you should not make a decision of how thing will be before you experience them. All of these moments are important in making me the person who I am today, and together, they are some of the songs on the “Soundtrack of My Life.” ====

__Sound of Music__
=== The new and powerful king is slowly, gracefully, and rhythmically making his way to his bejeweled throne. He is being welcomed, he is being greeted, and he is being accepted by all of his thrilled and hard-working workers and dedicated, willing servants. They make him feel at home by starting the traditional “First Dance”. The whole time evil masterminds, who do not like the king, are sneaking up on them and watching the jubilant, cheerful ceremony. All of the sudden, they pop out of hiding and start chasing the king. He runs and mounts his trusty steed as fast as lightning and they take off into the night. Villains are close behind him, but somehow he loses them. The new king relaxes for a second, but it’s not quite over yet. Villains are still behind him until the king jumps the gushing, aqua river and leaves the villains in his swirling, thick dust. The king makes it back to his awaiting, grand castle and finishes celebrating with his loyal people. ===