Otter World

Latest Update on new puppy

2011-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

As you may well know from my mom's posts, there is a handsome puppy in the house. His name is Rascal, which appropriately fits him. Before Tuesday, he'd never had much problem with the crate, something I found interesting. He'd also never experienced anxiety issues when people came and left. Then yesterday, my dad and I were standing in the driveway organizing things for a trip to Goodwill. All of a sudden, Rascal freaked out.

Some history behind the newest member of our family. Rascal was a stray in Hollister, when CARE, a rescue organization, found him. At this time Rascal was estimated to be about 2 months old, the age of a puppy when you first get them. He went to another family, who had him for quite a while, around 5 months. Then, without explanation, this family moved to Ohio, surrendering Rascal. CARE once again had him and his crazy antics for about a month. Rascal's name was changed to Boots in his time with CARE, but he wouldn't answer to that name. He would only answer to Rascal, so that was what we called him. Basing on his history, he started freaking out on Tuesday, because he thinks he might be given away sometime soon.

Rascal is a good dog, very cute, and shows a lot of promise behavior-wise. However, I can't wait for a trainer to give him some discipline. Here is a photo:

There. I think I just brightened up your day.

Beetles vs Ants: A war Story

2010-10-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from my upcoming story, Beetle vs Ants: A war Story. I won't give many details here, because I don't want spoil the surprise. Just know this is about a warrior's final stand.

The beetle ran up the turret, using the steps as a launching pad. I followed him, charges stuck firmly in my pocket. I knew I would need them as I chased after the warrior. He fired a shot that got a lucky bounce and killed three of my comrades. Rage thundering through my mind, I knocked him down with the baton hidden in my belt.

I caught up to him, watching his face change into a snarl. I slipped by the unresisting guard of the blade he carried to fights, and stuffed his body full of charges. Leaping off and sailing towards the ground, I blew up the charges and heard his scream as he blew. Falling, I saw the enemy crowd the bottom.

I pulled out my trusty, ragged rifle to engage them, but before I had even taken a shot, a beetle sniper shot the gun out of my hands. I quickly turned to my pistols, and not a moment too soon. I crashed into the enemy, and fought them in gun-to-gun combat. All around me, my comrades dropped from the pressure of the beetles sheer numbers. Raising my guns, I knew it was the end.

Charging into the beetles, I confused them, but only for a moment. I fired randomly, feeling the pain from every shot in my body. They had shot me in the legs, arms, and sides, but I would not fall. Two beetles appeared from nowhere and I felt my side writhe in agony. I kept fighting, but the pain began to overwhelm me. Finally, it was too much. I collapsed, still smoking with gun wounds, onto the base and took my final breath.

The Pug Who Always Finished Second (Chapter Five)

2010-08-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Previously, we learned that Pugtacular had been cancelled. And know, back to the story.

Trinket's Journal

Jan 29, 2006

The humans had a big argument at dinner. Mom thought that Bucky should opt out of next year's Pugtacular. Given his recent success, I have to admit that she has a point. However, Dad seemed to think otherwise, saying that she should keep hope. It turned into a big yelling match, with Mom yelling at Dad, and Dad defending his point, though not very well, I might add. Meanwhile me and Bucky were hiding under the table. "What do you think?" I barked.

"About what?"

"Do you want to go to Pugtacular next year?"

"About that," he barked,"I don't know. I honestly don't know."

That was good enough of an answer for me. Good enough.

Jan 30, 2006

My birthday! Henry cuddled me and told me I was the greatest little doggy in the world, which I suppose lifts your morale, even if you hear it twenty times daily. There was cake, of course there was cake, it wouldn't be a birthday. Dad held me over the cheesecake while I tried to bite it, and Mom took a picture. The picture was supposed to be funny, but I didn't find it amusing at all, no sir.

That was out of my mind soon, however, as Henry produced candles, stabbing them deep into the cheesecake. Then, Mom lit them and they all started singing while Bucky romped around. "Bucky," I barked from my high angle,"sing!"

"Why should I?" he barked back."You never sing on my birthday!"

"Okay! I'll always sing on your birthday." Now sing," I commanded.

"Oh fine," he barked, and started singing.

Of course, I probably wouldn't sing on his birthday, so this whole fiasco would start over next year. But enough of that. It was eating time.

Dad divvied up the cheesecake, half in each of our bowls. I never understood this. I was obviously the better dog. And my portion was gone within seconds.

That was the day. I could not hope for a better birthday. But I knew: come Pugtacular, our luck would run dry.

The Pug That Always Finished Second(chapter four)

2010-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, a year came and past. For the purpose of this story, I will send you, reader to the day before Pugtacular where we meet our furry hero.....well, I won't tell you. Reader, sit back and enjoy.(or perhaps you won't)

I wish I could say that Bucky was having a fun time on the day before Pugtacular. Unfortunately, he wasn't. In fact Bucky, at this particular moment, was vomiting. To say that Bucky was having a fun time is stretching the truth to a breaking point. Let's just say that he was glad he did not have to participate in any races, and leave it at that.

"Bucky, I really think you should stop vomiting. You know the race is in three hours and you need to be ready," said Trinket.

"I can't help it. I keep thinking of last year!" wailed Bucky.

"Oh, you'll do fine," Trinket reassured him."I just wish I was coming."

Just then Mom entered the room, carrying the soggy towels she had been using to clean up Bucky's little presents. "Come on, you two, let's go. The race is in three hours and we humans need to stop for lunch on the way."

An hour later, waiting in the car for the humans to their lunch, Trinket was whooping for joy. "I can't believe I'm actually coming with you."

"Humbug," muttered Bucky quietly. He was not happy that Trinket had to come with him, but he was really steamed that he had to race.

Finally, the humans came out of their lunch stop and started driving again. They pulled into the big Pugtacular parking lot. "We're not early, yet the parking lot is almost empty," Henry noted. "Maybe we'd better check out the front of the tent."

So, they parked and exited the car. Henry raced on ahead, glad to be out of the car, with Trinket running with and Bucky a slight bit behind. When Mom and Dad finally showed up, it was to find Henry pointing at a sign at the front of the tent.

Due to the construction, the sign said (well you had to read it), Pugtacular is officially cancelled.

There would be no race this year.

Animal Adventures part 1 of 5

2010-04-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

On a windy afternoon with some hail coming down , a huge boat set off to explore San Francisco Bay. Yes, I was on it.

We were off on our "Discovery Voyage", a field trip where we would all pile onto a boat, and explore the bay for four hours. Boy, was it fun!

We (my fifth-grade class) were exploring the bay with special scientists whose job it was to check on the creatures of the bay. It sounded boring to me, so I geared for 4 hours of trying not to be seasick. It wasn't that boring. I mean, sure, we started out with the usual safety talk. But after that, all fun. First, they had us divide into three groups, since they had three stations to explore. Launch First Mission. Begging first transmission:

First Station:

At the first station, we were studying mud and the creatures that live in it. We talked about different "Invaders", creatures that had come to the bay and began killing the creatures that lived there. Then, using the cranks and levers and rope, everything, to operate a claw to go to the bottom of the sea and snatch up some mud. After we had successfully done that, we each got our own batch of mud to use.

First, we just went through the mud with our fingers. Some of the girls refused to do it when they heard that there were worms in there. Next, we used spray guns, really good ones, to siphon away all the mud (some of the girls refused to do this too). Everyone thought they had caught a lot of worms, but the person leading us (a girl, though she was not afraid to get dirty) said that these were special tube worms. Most were just empty tubes, though we caught a few worms.

Last, we made the oath to "love the mud". We did this by spreading mud on our faces. We also a few Bay Shrimp and sea sponges. First Mission Accomplished. Ending first transmission.

Bucky and Trinket: A dog's life (Chapter 1, part 1)

2010-04-07T16:43:00.001-07:00

Chapter 1

part 1

(Trinket)

Rinnnnnnngggggggg! Trinket pricked up his ears as Mom, dressed in her baking apron, rushed to the phone. The Keys family had been awaiting a call from their dog's veterinarian, a woman named Ms. Self. She was very small and had been stuck taking care of sick dogs for twenty-five years, which had driven to be very to herself, hardly talking except to prescribe some very dangerous medication which made dogs vomit all over whatever was in the vicinity (tables, people, lamps, books, magazines etc). Trinket hated her.

Mom answered the phone, looking downcast as she was answered with a machine telling her to pay off her bills.

"Can't be long now", she said, as Trinket took cover underneath a chair at just the thought of Ms. Self's voice on the phone. The reason for the call was because Trinket had recently begun to talk during dinnertime. When the pug began to talk, no one batted an eyelash. He had been born to talk. It just came naturally.

Three days later, Trinket was to be found hiding under the sink as Dad attempted to coax him out.

"We are not driving to Ms. Self's office," Dad said. Trinket's ears pricked up, and he took a step forward."We're driving to the lobby, and then we shall enter Ms. Self's office." Trinket sunk back under the sink.

Meanwhile, Mom was shoving Trinket's crate into the car, saying "ow" every time it stabbed her in the arm. When this task was completed, she tossed a treat into the crate, locking it behind Trinket as he leaped in. Everybody piled into the car, and they were off.

Preview of Bucky and Trinket: A dog's life

2010-03-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is just a preview of my new story: Bucky and Trinket: A dog's life. Enjoy!

Introduction

On the day of January 30, 1995, a small dog with a huge sense of humor was born into the slightly biggish world. His name was Trinket, for he was the runt of the litter, or so the story is told. He enjoys talking and being slam-dunked on (though not very much. Actually, he doesn't like it at all.). This small dog was born with a white T on his chest, as evidence of super-dog powers, consisting of licking and being hugged.

Trinket's birth was a mere blemish on the year 1995. It was early on in the year, and nobody, not even the dog in question, knew what big events were yet to come. The Keys family made what is a now legendary visit to the Flea Market at the time of who-knows-when. Once there, they purchased a black pug for the family's enjoyment. This pug's birthday was November 15, 1995, which is now known to people everywhere as the day to drop under a piece of big furniture (table, desk, chair etc) and hide.

Later in 1999, I was conceived. The exact date was February 15, which is known as the day after Valentine's day, and so does not get the credit it deserves. People are forever having to choose between the two events, and one that sad note, I must add that the date of my birth is slowly dropping in popularity ratings. For some odd reason, people want to celebrate Valentine's day more than my birthday. In my defense, Valentine's day is getting it's due by giving out free candy. This makes this comparison no fair at all.

When asked about these two amazing creatures, answers very from "I don't care" to "Get out!!!!! You're destroying my paperwork!!!!" I once interviewed a person named Henry Keys who said that Trinket was the better of the two, and that could I please leave. He apparently needed to write a story called Bucky and Trinket: A dog's life.

In spite of these bad ratings, we will discuss the two dogs today. For those of you wanting to plug your ears, that is foolish. These are words on paper, people.

"I have a dog today" speech

2010-02-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have a dog today.

A black dog, a white dog

A gray dog, a green dog

A blue dog, a red dog

And a yellow dog.

I have a dog today.

He is a black dog

With long whiskers

And a big snout.

I have a dog today.

He is my dog.

And his name is Trinket.

I have a dog today.

With an extra-long tail

And a happy-go-lucky attitude.

I have a dog today.

He will stir the deep

Black potions of my heart.

He will smell me

And express his joy.

I have a dog today.

A dog tomorrow

And a dog the day after that.

I have a dog today.

He is a good dog

A bad dog

A cute dog

A fat dog

A thin dog

And a happy dog.

I have a dog today.

He is a nice dog

A happy dog

And he is my dog.

I have a dog today.

Let all dogs be free

Happy

Barking

Singing

And let happiness rule the land!

Two Dog Songs for Family Enjoyment

2010-02-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

The Dog Nickname Song

written by Henry

(solo)

His name is Trinket

Short name Tuko

But we all call him Snakeneck

(chorus)

The dog nickname song

Ohhhhhhhhhh

The dog nickname song

Yeah, (pause) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

(solo)

His name is Bucky

Short name Bucks

But we all call him Bucket

(chorus)

So it's Trinket, Bucky and everyone here

Let's all cellllllllllllllebrate!

The doooooooogggggg (pause) nickkkkk-name song

Lonely Is the Dog That Stays Home

written by Dad

add-ons by Henry

Trinket cry your heart out, Bucky gets to go out

Over the hills to Santa Cruz

Mommy paid the big bucks, For me to do T-Toch

Now I'm on the way to Santa Cruz

Bucky's on a surfboard, Now he's on the boardwalk

Cheese on a stick tastes real good

Trinket has to stay home, he's there all alone

Probably feeling misunderstood

Oh yeah, Trinket cry your heart out

Bucky gets to go out

Life in Los Gatos is not fair

Trinket cry your heart out, Bucky gets to go out

It's more than any doggie can bear

Life in Los Gatos is not fair

Trinket cry your heart, Bucky gets to go out

It's more than any doggie can bear

(softly) It's more than any doggie can beaaar

Extras:

It might be interesting for you to know that in the begging my dad's song was different. I added on the last paragraph.

Here is a link for the original song "Lonely is A Man Without Love"

Why Pine Tree Has Spiky Leaves

2010-02-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

A very long time ago, in a deserted desert, there lived a boastful Pine Tree. Pine Tree loved to boast about his abilities. Eagle also lived in the desert. Eagle was very kind and would never dream of having to hurt anyone. But Pine Tree would not approve of the behavior. Pine Tree would go around, trying to tease Eagle. Eagle would try to ignore Pine Tree. Eventually, Eagle could take no more. "Stop it, Pine Tree!" Eagle cried. These words would eventually make a full-out war. And that night, the war started.

It was a fine evening. However, Pine Tree wasn't enjoying it. He had a plan to get back at Eagle. "I hate Eagle," he muttered to himself. "I will get back at him." Pine Tree's plan was simple. He would wait until Eagle flew down on his night meal. Pine Tree would mutter "I've got you, Eagle." in the voice of a frog. When Eagle looked away, Pine Tree would swing his leaves and trap Eagle in his leaves. Pine Tree smiled a wicked smile. "I've got a plan. Eagle will not survive in my leaves." He sneered. How wrong could Pine Tree be?

Eagle was getting ready to fly. He didn't know Pine Tree would set traps. However, he was always on his guard, from the safety of his cave, to the cactus plants. He started to pick fruit off the first plant he saw. "I've got you, Eagle." Eagle looked at the cactus. Cacti couldn't talk. But then again, maybe they could. Still, who knows what miracles can happen every day. Finally, Eagle asked the question that had been on his lips for the past five minutes, "Who are you?"

"I am who I am."

Obviously, it was a frog. Frogs didn't live in the desert? He looked around. Pine Tree leaped out, trapping him. Eagle screamed as he disappeared under a sea of green.

Pine Tree cackled. Holding Eagle, he began to swing. Thinking fast, Eagle yelled, "If you let me go, I will give you spiky leaves and then hop back in. Then, it will hurt way more!" Pine Tree sat down to think about Eagle's "suggestion". It was not a part of his plan. Could he trust Eagle?

Eagle looked at Pine Tree as Pine Tree sat down, considering his "suggestion". Eagle's plan was much more simple. He would do this and then escape. Finally, Pine Tree looked up, "I agree with your suggestion. But I'm warning you, no tricks."

"No tricks."

"Good!" And Pine Tree smiled a wicked smile.

Pine Tree felt Eagle moving around, cutting his leaves from soft to very spiky. Every once in a while Pine Tree would yell "Ouch!" and Eagle would go around, muttering an apology under his breath. After about an hour, Eagle cried out, "Finished!" Pine Tree cackled. Now came the time. The big moment. Pine Tree swung his leaves, expecting to trap Eagle. He did not. When Eagle saw him start to swing his leaves, he jumped up, straight up. "Come back, Eagle!" Pine Tree yelled. But Eagle did not. Furious, Pine Tree leaped. Then Eagle swooped. And Pine Tree fell back, cringing. And ever since then Pine Tree still cringes when Eagle swoops. And he never got rid of his very spiky leaves.

Pics of San Francisco

2010-01-12T17:00:00.001-08:00

These are two pictures from a meat department we went to.

This is Pier 39's Christmas tree.

This is a new chocolate store that, in about a year or so, will begin tours.

These are two fancy chocolate pieces! My dad got a bag of hazelnuts here.

I don't know why I took this picture. Fancy boat, though.

San Francisco

2010-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, we visited SF. It was pretty fun. We visited the Ferry Building Market (where they had fresh produce), the boardwalk (where I had good clam chowder with an extra order of shrimp tossed in) and Pier 39. On my next post, I will show some pictures I took using the new camera I got for Christmas.

On another note, I'm happy to send out my 50th post on this blog. Next up: 100.

Nico and the Kryikos(prologue and the first part of chapter one)

2009-12-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

Darkness and Kryikos

By Henry

Book 1

of the Nicolas and Kryikos series

Prologue:

An Accident Happens on School Grounds

Squeeeeak! I could finally see the windows of the car. Frost covered the window like a sheet of snow. Sqeeeeak! The frost fell away under my fingertips, and I was surprised by how many cars there were. My hand instantly dropped to my laden backpack, reminding myself it was the last school day before winter break.

A loud blast of music burned my eardrums. For once, I wished my mom would turn down the radio.

My mom’s name was Alexandra, though everyone called her Alex. She loved rock n’ roll, but didn’t have a favorite band. She liked any band she could listen to, preferably on the radio. I liked rock n’ roll, but listening to it everyday going to school drove me crazy.

“Hey, mom, could you turn the radio down?”

“Hmm,” my mom hummed to the song. “Hmmmmm.”

I supposed she couldn’t hear me. I decided to give up. I grabbed a wad of tissue and stuffed it in my ears, trying to block out the dreadful singing.

Moments later, the black SUV pulled into the Elementary Green’s parking lot. The huge parking lot was big enough to fit 589 cars, and 692 people. That meant an average of- I didn’t know how many people would go into each car. I decided to ask Mrs. Carrioson, the math teacher, later.

“See you at 3:30!” I called to my mom. I saw her lips move, shouting something, but I couldn’t quite catch it. I simply nodded, and took off for school.

Then I noticed something. The clouds were moving, uncovering the sun. Two rays of light came through, directly on the huge SUV. They burned bright-white, then vanished.

I hurried to my car door, and peered inside. The place was a mess. It was burned from the inside, which scared me. But what scared me most was the body of my mother. She lay there, as if sleeping. However, I knew better. She was dead!

Here I was, Nico, son of Alexander Crenue, and my mother was dead. I was now an orphan at the age of 10.

Chapter 1

My Stepfather Falls Into A Permanent Sleep

A year later

It has been a year since my mother’s end, and I am getting used to being an orphan. Until this morning, when my whole life backfired.

I had gotten used to how my life was special, different. I had gotten used how my stepfather resented me. He had wanted an aggressive son. My father, Jonathan, had fit this goal but he had drowned on a ship called Las Madres, winner of the seas. It was said that the ship had gone to attack Cuba, but had failed. Go figure.

He drove into the school grounds, his head bopping to that terrifying rock’n’roll. This reminded me with a pang of my own mother, her cherish ways and ability to read your mind. She was annoying but a good mother.

I was brought out of dreamland by the sound of four tires screeching all at the same time, all at once. The sound of my stepfather’s cursing filled the car with loud and obnoxious noise.

“Can’t they move, the idiots!” he screamed. I closed my eyes, willing God to come down and somehow save me from my obnoxious grandfather. I didn’t have long to think however. My eyes widened at the thing, a brown weathered car, looking as if it had been in service for at least fifteen years, spiraling towards me. I ducked almost at once, as if I could duck death itself and the painful feeling as if drowning in my pain filled me.

When I woke up again from my painful unconscious sleep, I was lying in a wonderfully soft bed. After a minute of blinking dust off my eyelids, bright white uniforms swam into view. Nurses were walking around, all carrying various instruments.

Where am I? I wondered. Then I recognized the place. Johnson Hospital in New England.

Another thought went through my brain. What am I doing here? Am I injured? Or is it something else…?

Then I remembered the crash. “Stepfather, are you there?” I wanted to say, but my parched lips would not utter anything other than a grunt. I felt like bawling my eyes out. I wanted to know if my stepfather was alive, but at the same time, I didn’t want to find out that he was or dead.

Finally, I got enough strength to lift my head.

I saw a long bed next to mine. Two long, silken curtains hung around it, curtains that looked fearsome for no reason at all. I had a feeling like whatever was behind those curtains I didn’t want to see.

I knew what those curtains meant. And I knew what must’ve happened in the crash. Most likely, I thought, my stepfather is dead.

But I was very curious. I wanted to know how it had happened. You don’t care about him! a little voice in the back of my mind screamed. Just get out of here as fast as possible!

But my conscious overwhelmed the little voice. I wanted the information about my stepfather’s death very badly.

Nico and the Kryikos

2009-12-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new series called "Nico and the Kryikos". Stay tuned! I am about to send out the prologue and what I have done in the first chapter.

I'm Back

2009-12-08T17:02:00.001-08:00

After a long time of waiting I have decided to come back to the world of blogging.

Ownership

2009-09-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have decided to hand ownership of Otterworld to my mom.

The Crab Olmpics-baseball

2009-05-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Crabbe won the baseball event.

3-0, 8-1 and 7-5

Dogs Are COOL!

2009-05-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

Dogs Are Cool

By Henry

Dogs are amazing creatures. They have different things that each kind of them can do. For example, Beagles have a keen sence of smell. They keep their noses to the ground, always sniffing. Dogs are amazing creatures. They are fun to learn about, and are loyal pets. This is why I think dogs are cool.

The Crab Oylmpics

2009-04-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is just a preview for my next work, The Crab Olympics.

It should be good!

The Pug That Always Finished Second (third chapter)

2009-04-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

The next day, Bucky felt as refreshed as person just out of a shower. Well, maybe more refreshed than that, but that's about what he felt like. Anyway, he had tons of energy. He didn't even care when his annoying brother, Trinket got in trouble.

Trinket was always getting in trouble. In fact, Bucky considered himself the "good dog" of the family. Yeah right. But we have to go with it so I can use his name in print. He can always back out and not get a chance to earn millions.( Or an occasional cookie.)

In fact, Bucky was a dog that always wanted to work alone. Of course mom and dad had to support him later on in his life. He was only twelve, after all.

Bucky was going to wait a long time before the next Pugtacular.

Fifa '09 for PSP

2009-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fifa ’09 has a lot of ups and downs. I hope to cover them all today.

Let’s start with the good parts. The ups. Fifa ’09 has a lot of good graphics. It has stellar sound quality. It has great broadcasting that covers all aspects of soccer. All the teams have their ups and downs. That is very good. And Be-A-Pro career mode is AWESOME.

And now, the downs. There aren’t too many downs in Fifa ’09. What I don’t like is the fact that they cover the UEFA. That’s the only down I can think of.

The Pug That Always Finished Second (second chapter)

2008-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dinner was very subdued that night. Everyone was thinking about that day, and what changes needed to be made. It was Dad who spoke up first.
"This ends another Pugtacular. Tomorrow we go on with life. This was a fun and eventful day." "Not fun for me", Bucky thought, "Not fun at all". Dad looked at them as if to say, "don't challenge my statement."

A round of applause followed his statement. Dad took a bow.
"Nicely said,"said Mom."Nicely said," she said again, passing a plate of mashed potatoes to a very hungry Dad.
"Well, I said it from my heart. We need to settle down after Pugtacular. It was disappointing, yes, but not enough to make us cry,"Dad said through a mouthful of potatoes."Mmmmm, these are good!"

No conversation passed through the rest of dinner. Everyone was busy enjoying dinner. Eventually, everyone drifted off to bed.

Bucky lay awake for a while. He thought about the day ahead and what it would bring. Finally, he drifted to sleep.

Tension

2008-11-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

I was sweating and panting on the bench. It had been a tough basketball match, and me and my brain desperately wanted to rest. I fell back against the wall behind me. Something about the day, or the game was bothering me.

My brain released the game and I began to daydream. In my head, I was stepping out onto an NBA-size court. I could see all the markings on the court. At the top of the key, there was the three-point line. I could see a heavy-marked free throw line. I could see more hash marks, more than you could ever count. Best of all an announcer was yelling like Boston announcers did, "At point guard, Henry!"

I could hear the tremendous roar of the crowd as the announcer yelled my name. I was playing point guard, my dream position. Playing point guard was a dream come true. I couldn't imagine why the crowd would roar so much. I didn't score many points. but still in my head, the crowd roared. I opened my eyes as a chilling thought struck me, what if we didn't make the championship?

After all those happy thoughts it was a surprise to think bad thoughts. However, it wasn't such a surprise to me. After all, if we didn't win this game, we wouldn't make the championship. I fought the instinct. I wanted to keep thinking happy thoughts. But bad thoughts took over. I could imagine my coach shaking his head at us and my teammates breaking into tears. My hands clenched as I thought about it. But no, that wouldn't happen.

I looked up after fighting the bad dreams. I wondered how many seconds we had to shoot. I knew the score was tied, but I wanted to know how many seconds we had to shoot. I looked for my coach, but before I could ask the question he yelled, "Two seconds!" I looked to see if we had the ball, slowly digesting what we had said. Then I realized it. Two seconds!!! My heart shrank. A coldness swept through me. Could we really lose?

Just as I started worrying, we got the ball. I cheered with the rest of my teammates -- then remembered we had two seconds to shoot. Our guy took the ball to the top of the key and began driving. That is what I would do, I thought. He brought the ball up, then shot. I heard a deep sigh directly from my heart as I realized the ball went before the buzzer.

At that moment everything in that game came back to me. My brain showed me tons of moments, but the one I liked was when I got a rebound and narrowly missed a layup. I saw as I got the ball off the rebound and raced up court. I missed the layup and got fouled. I saw as I shot the free throws.

Now I was back at the court and had a chance to go to the championship. The ball went up and in! We won! As we swarmed the court, I set myself for the game of my basketball career.

Library Hop(part 2)

2008-11-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

Finally we reached our last stop. I was refreshed by an "accidentell" nap I had taken when we arrived at this last library's parking lot(it was in a basement.) I was literly bouncing off the walls. That wasen't good because we had to walk 3 stories. Soon however, we were walking in the shadow of the library.

The library was gigantic. It had 3 stories full of books galore. I guessed it had about 1,000 books or maybe 2,000 books. It looked to be maybe 60 feet tall and who knows how wide.

When you enter there is a long hall. The floor is made out of granite. Preety soon you come upon a rug. On the sides of the rug there is a bunch of check-out machines. The check-out machines lead you to the first section of the library. This is the childeren's section. I buried myself in it well mom went to the adult section.

You know that expression"time flys when your having fun"? Well, time did fly well I was having fun. All to soon mom came to say we had to leave. But I will never forget my first time at Santa Clara City Library.

This is the true story of a library hop that changed my book-loving life. As a commercial would say, this library hop was"all I've ever wished for and then some."

Library Hop(part 1)

2008-11-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago mom and I went on a so called "Library Hop." We visited different libraries near our house.

Our first stop, our usual library, near San Jose, held no sign to show what was to come. Mom asked for something to take a picture of, as she would at every stop. She wanted a souviner to show we went to all these libraries. Her pictures are very good. Mom has this thing that allows her to take good pictures.

So off we went, to different libraries, and mom got a picture at every one. But nothing really, really, really entresting happend untill the last one.

The Pug that Always Finshed Second(second half of Chapter1)

2008-10-08T18:12:00.001-07:00

(Sorry to all you fans who like pugs.I took a break off writing this story.Anyway, back to our story.As you may recall,I left our story with dad asking what place Bucky was in.Mom said he was in ''Same as last year!'')

''What!''shouted dad. He yelled so loud mom jumped, and people stared.
''Goodness gracious!''mom yelled, very surprised.Usally dad didn't show much interest in pug stuff.She was the one who visited pug sites and stuff like that.But now he was displaying interest to the pug world.''Is it really that bad?''
''Of course!Did you realize he has been second place for, let me see...4 years?''
''Yes I realize that but...I still don't see what all the fuss is about.''

Of course to Bucky what the adults where talking about made no sense.He'd been wanting to win and lost.There was nothing else to it.He, like mom,'' Didn't see what all the fuss is about.''(which enforeced the fact he was''Mommy's pug.'')

Dad grumbling, gave up the matter.

Later that day, Bucky began to think the thoughts he had been trying to block out.Why do I always finsh last?, he wondered.Maybe I'm not as fast as I think I am.No that can't be true, he argued with himself.He, like dad, was begining to think there was something wrong with the judjing.

Letter

2008-05-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2008

Dear mom and dad,

Something memorable has happened to me lately. You both know just how much I like reading. Mrs. Louthian hands out an award each month for whoever reads the most books. I have not ever got the award. Well, I have very recently got the award. I can't tell you just how much I like it, with its deep blue ribbon and the gentle clink-clink of the chain. When I got it, I just couldn't believe it!

Sincerely,
Your son, Henry

Utah

2008-04-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Utah on a snowy day, where all the snow has turned to ice? Well if you haven't, listen closely. When I went to Utah I found all the mountain peaks were covered in ice. That's right, ice. When I got there I breathed in the smell of fresh wood. I felt happy with my rising in the air. Through the rest of the trip I felt good, like I had won $1,000,000!

My Mom

2008-04-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Cooking is her favorite as she makes delicious things. (Teacher's note: What? Henry's verbal answer: macaroni and cheese) My mom has long fluffy pure black hair, with a few tangles. She's a very busy woman, always doing different things. She really loves to knit, with her needles flashing making beautiful things. She's my good mom.

My Birthday

2008-03-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday. I was very anxious at dinner. Earlier, my dad had given me a present to open after dinner. Finally, it was time to open my present. As I opened it, I gasped. My dad had given me a box of basketball cards. I opened it up. As it turned out I got some good cards. I felt as lucky as if St. Patrick's Day had come a month early!

Baseball

2007-11-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

Baseball has always been special to me. Every time I swing the bat, I dream that I was in the big leagues, hitting a home run. Every time I pitch, I dream I just struck out Babe Ruth to win the World Series. Baseball is my specialty. I like baseball!

The Blueberry

2007-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Blueberry is a machine that helps transport T.V. to people who needs it. When a person who needs it walks up, the front grabber will reach out and grab them. Then, the front grabber will sit them in front of the T.V. Whenever they get thirsty, the faucet will give them water. Whenever they need paper, the printer gives them paper. With hope to save the world, it will continue on its tour.

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Comment from classmate:

"You have very good detail, and heck of a dream."

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Comment from teacher:

"I especially like the way you used complex sentences."

Falling off a cliff

2007-11-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

One night I was alone in my bed, I felt myself drift off to sleep. I dreamed I was away from home on a dirty and cracked sidewalk. I was on my bike, riding. My dad was also riding his bike. My mom was walking. We were next to a beach. Up ahead was a sharp right turn with a lamp next to it. Dad went first, he got across safely. Mom went second, she got across safely. I went last. My handle twisted. I felt myself fall. Straight into the ocean!

It was the scariest moment of my life. I looked down and saw a hungry shark waiting for me. I couldn't stop, I was going to fast. I fell hard.... straight onto my comfy pillow.

I was safe. I was back from ocean and in my room.

My Vacation to Inverness

2007-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

The morning we started packing to go to Inverness, was restless and I found myself trying to remember what I had to bring. Once I had packed all my things, we started to go.

First, we drove to San Francisco, because we could not check in until 3:00 pm. We whiled away our time going to different shops. We had a clam chowder bread bowl. It was really good. After lunch, we shopped around. I got 2 cool hats. For a treat, we went to a chocolate shop. There, we had 2 hot fudge sundaes. They were really good. After, we bought some chocolate. Then, with all our stuff we headed to the car.

We took the long route, so 2 hours later we got to Inverness. We went up the stone steps and rang the doorbell. The owner came to meet us. She showed us to our room. After, we brought our stuff in. The walls of our room were painted with flowers. I stayed up late that night before falling asleep.

The next morning, we woke and had good breakfast. After breakfast, we went to Point Reyes lighthouse. It was fun. We ate diner at Nick's Cove. That night I went to bed early. That next morning, Dad and I walked the shores. When we came back, we packed our stuff, took a couple stops, and headed home to our barking dogs!!!!

Country Report

2007-06-14T22:21:00.001-07:00

Good morning. My name is Henry. I am going to take you on a trip to the country of China. I chose China because my mom was born in China.

China is on the continent of Asia. The closest ocean is the Pacific Ocean. The capital city of China is Beijing. Most people in China speak Mandarin.

I'd like to tell you something about the foods of China. The food they eat there is sometimes like the food we eat here. Like noodles. We eat noodles here but in China they eat noodles more often. We eat rice too but in China they eat rice more often.

Those are some of the things they eat. Now I'd like to compare our American culture to the culture of China.

First here are some differences. In America, we eat steak but in China they eat Peking duck. We also have phonics but in China they have memorization.

There are also many similarities between China and America. We both have schools, rice, noodles and many other things. Both countries also have nice schools that we learn in. We also have chopsticks.

So even though there are many differences between the cultures of the two countries, you can see that we have a lot in common.

Thank you for listening to my report about China.

My First Snow

2007-06-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

It all started when my mom heard some people at her work say there was an event coming up in Utah. So, early one morning, we packed our luggage, and took a plane ride to Utah.

A day after we arrived, I put on a snowsuit and we started the walk to the event. On the way there, Dad and I threw snowballs at each other.

Everywhere I looked was cold snow. Anywhere. Any time. Any place. When we got there I was cold and dripping. A long time after, even now, I think of my first time in the snow.

Fruit Fly Attack!

2007-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

dedicated to Kat, who helped me with homework

One sunny day a fruit fly went to a kitchen to eat fruit. He was diving in and out, in and out when noticed by Blink the toaster, who had lived in the kitchen for twenty years. His turning abilities weren’t great, but he still could turn around good. Blink was so mad that lightning crashed. Then Blink called, “Brothers, sisters!” All the toasters began coming out rapidly. When everything was settled down Blink said, “Now brothers and sisters I have to tell you that, for the third time this week the fruit fly is eating fruit.”

“No!” shouted some of the brothers.

“This means,” continued Blink, “That we will create an army.”

Now all this time the fruit fly had been listening. Once he heard those words, he called more fruit flies and made his own army. “Attack!” yelled the lead fruit fly. When Blink saw the fruit flies coming he said, “You know how to toast toast. Now let’s go toast some fruit flies!” Then the toasters attacked sending jets of fire. They toasted many fruit flies until there was one fruit fly left. He was diving when Blink suddenly moved forward bumping into the fruit fly. Blink sent a jet of fire hitting the fruit fly and slamming it into the ground. Their battle was won. Later, they were named protector of the fruit.

The Route of Life

2007-03-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

dedicated to my hermits, who changed my life

Ch 1 My Hermit crabs

Hermit crabs are sometimes hard to take care of. Especially when you never had a hermit. Last Sunday afternoon I got 2 Hermit crabs. Their names are Crabbe and Goyle.

I have talked with many sales people. The first Petco we went to (where we got the hermits and their things) seemed to have no idea on the subject. So we ended up going to Dolphin Pet Village. They were more experience at the subject. Now we have some of the things we will need. Last week, I went to a second Petco. There we got a cuttlebone, which is the bone of a fish. Now they look happy.

Have a good day Hermit Crabs!

Ch 2 Curious Crab

The week before last week, my mom looked into my crabitat and found that one of my crabs had climbed one of my fake trees. It was on the top branch. Later, when I was changing to get ready for bed, the crab fell out of his branch. I hope he is okay. He’s definitely starting to look okay. How funny do you think that story is?!

Ch 3 Crab Food

My crabs, just like all crabs, need food. So, this is a list of things they need to survive: Scraps from the dinner table; Hermit crab meal and Hermit crab diet. Unlike most animals Hermit crabs need human food to survive.

Everyday on a daily routine, I would take a few scraps from the dinner table, and my dad and I would go upstairs and we would take out my Hermit’s food and we go fee them in their shell.

Ch 4 Stories by night

Always, when mom closes the door, it’s Hermit crab time. They will scurry, bustling about, their night eyes coming out.

Active though they are during the day, but then at night, they go around much more. Line with darkness so it is, they seem to like night, better than day, in their crabitat.

They seem to see in the dark, but, as I generally remind myself, I have only seen them moving once at night. They make noises too like this, Clack! (They bang their shells against the window.)

Ch 5 Curious Crab 2

Once, when dad and I were changing my Hermit’s food we noticed that none of my hermits had climbed up my log. He was teetering at the very top. I don’t know how he did it. It’s a miracle.

Ch 6 Regular Water

To have a hermit you have to give him water. The Hermit’s water never seems to go. But, when we aren’t looking they probably drink some. I have, of course, discovered sand in their water. That water, with sand in it, we change about every two weeks.

Their other water in their dish needs to be changed every day.

Ch 7 Salt water glub

There is another water called salt water glub. It has minerals for Hermit crabs. When we went to Dolphin Pet Village we discovered salt water glub wasn’t needed. But, we kept it anyway. I really don’t understand why my Hermits don’t need it.

Ch 8 Purple pinchers

Purple pinchers don’t need salt water glub. My two Hermits are purple pinchers. I like the sound of “purple pinchers”, don’t you?

They seem to like to climb. They actually have purple pinchers. Only their pinchers are purple, not the rest of their legs.

Ch 9 New day, New Adventure

Everyday, the Hermits live, is a new adventure. The orange sun peeps early to see which Hermit is where. It will be sad when they go to sleep. But, they will always, even when they go to sleep, remember those people that loved for them. I’ll be sad when that day comes, at least that isn’t now.

Tobaganning

2007-02-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

I like to go tobogganing. It is real fun! First you drag your toboggan up the hill, and then you point your Tobago forward and then you push and push and push until your hair is flying in the breeze. Feel that wind going down your back. Soon however your Tobago is slowing down and soon you stop. Then go up and try again. Push, push, and push harder, harder, and harder. Whosh!

Curious Crab on the climbing spree...

2007-02-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today my Dad came home and found one of my crabs had climbed all the way to the top of the terarium, which we call a crabitat. He climbed the side of the background climbing ladder which is very steep. None of my crabs have ever done that before! I really hope he doesn't fall.

My Apple

2007-02-09T20:34:00.001-08:00

My apple is
yellow.
My apple is
green.
My apple is
red.
And I love apples.

Sky

2007-02-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

The sky is
like a blue patterned shell.
The sky is like a
blue ocean.

Maple leaf

2007-02-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

This maple leaf
is chocolaty-brown
and reminds me
of
a tree.

Pumpkins

2007-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

A pumpkin is
pearly-white.
Some pumpkins are
vast.
Some pumpkins are
tiny.
A pumpkin is
orange,
like the sun.

River

2007-02-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

River, you are mighty
But, where do you go?
You hold some animals
But, yet where do you go?

Squirrel

2007-02-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

Squirrel,
Squirrel,
Please come to me.
Squirrel,
Squirrel,
Why won't you come to me?
Squirrels are the best.

Diamonds

2007-02-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

A bunch of diamonds
all perly-white
all bunched up
that's just right!

Dogs

2007-02-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Dogs are
hilarious,
kind,
and smart.
Dogs have
four legs
and they have fur.

Pugs

2007-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Pugs,
all different colors.
Pugs,
Fawn and black.
Pugs,
Bark, Bark
And I love pugs.

A Penny

2007-02-09T20:18:00.001-08:00

A Penny shines
all day and night.
It shines
like a brite light.

Sun

2007-02-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

Oh, sun,
Oh, sun.
You woke me up,
with lots of light and warmth.
Now please go back to sleep.

Baby Brother

2007-02-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Baby brother,
Baby brother,
Please go away.
Baby brother,
baby brother,
Please stop interrupting me.
But you are still okay.

Up the Stairs

2007-02-09T20:09:00.001-08:00

I go up the stairs
up, up, up
Stop
up, up, up
Stop

My Grand Father goes up the stairs
up
stop
up
stop
up
stop.

Curious Crab

2007-01-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

One Monday night my mom looked into my crabitat and found that a crab had climbed into one of my fake trees. It was in the top branch. I looked in later, and found that the crab had fallen out of the tree. I hope he is okay. What a day!

Hermit Crabs

2007-01-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

Hermit crabs are very interesting. However, they do not pinch like other crabs. Today I got 2 Hermit crabs. I also got all the other things I would need for Hermit crabs. Currently, they are my room. There are Crabbe and Goyle. Have a nice day Hermit crabs!

The Pug that Finished Second

2006-12-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1. Pugtacular

"Go!" shouted the judge. Bucky took off at the speed of light. Well, thought Bucky, at least I'm going faster than last year. He raced, feet pounding on the ground. Finally, (It seemed like hours) he jumped into mom's arms. Then they went to the judge and mom asked "What place is Bucky in?" The judge answered "Second place ma'am." Bucky and mom stalked away. Later, dad came and asked "So, what place is Bucky in?" Mom answered "Same as last year!"

Halloween

2006-12-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

Should I tell who I am for the special time? No. Actually, I will. I am going to be Obi-Wan. Ha-ha. It's not funny. Why is it funny? Because Obi-Wan is a wierd name. I don't know why. Do you? Answer qickley! My costem is going to look like him. It is as tan as the sand, with a blue saber as blue as the water. I can't wait for Halloween!

The Sky

2006-11-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

The sky is
like a cover for the world.
The sky is
water-blue.
The sky has
perly-white clouds
shimering like cristals.

The Haunted House

2006-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Once there was a haunted house on Blood Ln. It's blood red windows shine at every brite light. Open the door, and everything groans, because this house is old. Take a few more groaning steps, and see an old batterd sign saying Blood Ln. Turn a corner when suddenly three bats fly from the other side. Everything from that corner is blood red, even the walls. Ghost's and bat's pictures hang from wall. Suddenly you are back where you started. I am never going back there!