I can't believe we are coming to an end already! The older I get the more time seems to fly by. Well, I'd better get started. My first picture is a forest, and the photographer is lost off the trail. I chose it because nearly everyone values forests. The second part, being lost, is the kicker. Reading is a lost joy to me, a problem that I'm trying to rectify. I felt like I ran out of books. I am an avid Harry Potter fan, reading the series seven times, and I've read the Eragon and Percy Jackson series multiple times as well. I had over a thousand AR points in sixth grade or whenever we did that sort of thing. Then, last year, reading dropped dead. I have never found another series like Harry Potter, something that I was so taken by I can read it again and again. Other than spikes, usually when I just needed out of life for a while or just picked up a new book on occasion, I havent read nearly as much as I'd've liked. Im hoping to slowly ramp it up as I find more time.

That's blogging for me. I mean, it was a cool experience, but it was also hard to remember to do, especially when you realize you haven't read a book in two weeks the day before the post is due. I never had good luck with these posts, I kinda just winged it when i remembered to do them.I mean it keeps me on my toes, and helps me develop my thoughts about a book, which I've never really cared to do in the past. I think its been good for me overall.

I'm still learning. I've grown a lot this year, I know that much. It doesnt matter what others say, I have good friends and i laugh at myself often. I learned to love the little things in life. I learned that yes, I do care, about others, more than I ever thought. I've been through good, bad and ugly, but I like who I am as a person as I keep finding out more. I know where I am weak, finding that and trying to build has been a challenge, and my friends help, as I help build them. I found my community of people i can rely on is expanding. I know none of this is very academic, but I feel like this year is the year I've stepped into who I am, not so much as a student but as me, and that's important too. I do want to thank everyone who helped me grow, and that does include the teachers who helped me on the way. Thank you for a great year!!!

Jack Davis

Hey guys, hows it going? This might be a bit of a weird one, bear with me. I've been reading Calvin and Hobbes. For those who don't know, they're comics about a six year old boy and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. They are HILARIOUS. Of course you think, that's not very smart reading. Yes, while I read them for fun, and they're all brought home by my eight year old brother from the library, I actually discovered that there is a lot of satyr in them. Hard to believe, but i was pleasantly surprised, as it allowed me to write about it. They use a lot of veiled critique about how we all rush around and never stop for anything, endlessly working for our own ends. Of course, as a six year old, Calvin lives for fun. He sits in trees and reads books, plays outside or uses his extremely vivid imagination. Basically, he does what i never see anyone else doing anymore: Has fun, appreciates the little things, enjoys nature, even if it is in a slightly sarcastic way. Its nostalgic yet funny at the same time. It reminds me of me. I love being outside, and I ALWAYS try to enjoy the little things, weather I'm at my friend's place playing wiffle ball or just cruising around town on my bike. If there's anything I've learned from the advice old people always give, its enjoy it while it lasts.