I think that the upcoming inauguration is one of the most pivotal moments in American History. For the first time ever a black man is becoming the president in the United States. Not only is this a great stride for black Americans but a symbol that anyone in America who, given a fair opportunity,  can do anything, and become anything they want. Also, I am cautious as to exalt Obama, because he has so much to live up to. People think he is the next best thing, but if he somehow fails America, like Bush, Americans will be crushed. 

When I had a not-so-great secret I was keeping for a friend, I did lose some sleep thinking about it. I was conflicted with thoughts as to weather or not I should tell someone my friend's secret for his own good. It had a tiring effect on me because I was constantly thinking about what I should do. 

So far I find the Scarlet Letter is confusing, and hard to read. When we talk about the book in class I enjoy the themes, symbolism and story-line. I think that I don't get alot out of the book because I read it just to get it done. Maybe when I'm older and have more free time, then I will be able to truly sit down and appreciate the Scarlet Letter.  

My New Year's resolution is to stop procrastinating. I'd like to stop putting of work until the last minute and stop waiting until the day before to cram for tests. I think my grades will improve vastly if  I stop the usual trend of  my procrastinating. But, I'll probably end up procrastinating and put of my New Year's resolution until next year. 

The Snow Fairy by Claude McKay

Throughout the afternoon I watched them there,

Snow-fairies falling, falling from the sky,

Whirling fantastic in the misty air,

Contending fierce for space supremacy.

And they flew down a mightier force at night,

As though in heaven there was revolt and riot,

And they, frail things had taken panic flight

Down to the calm earth seeking peace and quiet.

I went to bed and rose at early dawn

To see them huddled together in a heap,

Each merged into the other upon the lawn,

Worn out by the sharp struggle, fast asleep.

The sun shone brightly on them half the day,

By night they stealthily had stol'n away. 

"What I like in a good author is not what he says but what he whispers"

                                                     -Logan Pearsall Smith

I agree fully with this quote. I love not just a good story, but a deep meaning that underlies it. In the short story we read in class, the ambiguous ending makes you think about the meaning. On the surface the story is a husband finding out his wife is a witch. But if you look deeper, you can see the story explores concepts such as conscience and evil.