Sunday, March 1, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
FCA 3.4
FCA Form
3X5 sent paragraphs
Hook/Thesis mirrored in conclusion
2pairs, 2 triples – parallel structure
1) "I did not begin by drinking from steep glasses, viscious concoctions of rum, gin, vodka, and triple sec, and I did not start off blacking out or vomiting blood. Like a childhood friend, it aged with me." (Zailckas xii preface)
2) This introduction to the book Smashed, by Koren Zailckas, is almost as if she is explaining herself realistically, yet defending herself at the same time for what led her into a life of alcohol abuse. 3)Her stories, reasonings, and insecurities, are all used as proof in this book that the desire for something is more powerful than most of us imagine. 4)Her first encounter drew my curiosity into the book; it sounded like an ordinary day of being a teenager, and it was obvious that it could happen to anybody, and usually does. 5) She was fourteen, spending her summer days with Natalie, her friend in whom she followed, someone who she looked up to, and wanted to gain respect from. Natalie introduced Koren to alcohol. 6) At the time, neither of them figured what it would lead into.
1) Her desire for alcohol began to increase in high school. 2)Koren is not the most socially accepted person, nor does she feel comfortable in most situations. 3) Her mother even wants her to be more social and more of a risk- taker. 4)That is who Koren becomes when she is under the influence. 5)"All my worries fall over and die like canaries in a mine shaft" (45), was what Koren admitted during her first night of actually being drunk. Throughout her now and then parties in high school, it becomes hard to tell what she is feeling a buzz from: the fact that she has had something to drink or the fact that a cute boy is gently brushing the hair out of her face. In a college setting, her need for alcohol becomes more apparent. She needs alcohol to mask her insecurities- "Just drunk will not swat away my misgivings about Milton, anxieties that are whirling around me when I'm alone with him...I need a bottle of something sweet and potent to perk me back up to a state of past gone." (164), Koren believed, frustrated with the fact that she was only drunk, insisting she needed more.
While she didn’t begin drinking to end up alone, throwing up and not remembering what happened hours before, her innocent drinks that she had now and then growing up in high school gradually led to bigger problems.
3X5 sent paragraphs
Hook/Thesis mirrored in conclusion
2pairs, 2 triples – parallel structure
1) "I did not begin by drinking from steep glasses, viscious concoctions of rum, gin, vodka, and triple sec, and I did not start off blacking out or vomiting blood. Like a childhood friend, it aged with me." (Zailckas xii preface)
2) This introduction to the book Smashed, by Koren Zailckas, is almost as if she is explaining herself realistically, yet defending herself at the same time for what led her into a life of alcohol abuse. 3)Her stories, reasonings, and insecurities, are all used as proof in this book that the desire for something is more powerful than most of us imagine. 4)Her first encounter drew my curiosity into the book; it sounded like an ordinary day of being a teenager, and it was obvious that it could happen to anybody, and usually does. 5) She was fourteen, spending her summer days with Natalie, her friend in whom she followed, someone who she looked up to, and wanted to gain respect from. Natalie introduced Koren to alcohol. 6) At the time, neither of them figured what it would lead into.
1) Her desire for alcohol began to increase in high school. 2)Koren is not the most socially accepted person, nor does she feel comfortable in most situations. 3) Her mother even wants her to be more social and more of a risk- taker. 4)That is who Koren becomes when she is under the influence. 5)"All my worries fall over and die like canaries in a mine shaft" (45), was what Koren admitted during her first night of actually being drunk. Throughout her now and then parties in high school, it becomes hard to tell what she is feeling a buzz from: the fact that she has had something to drink or the fact that a cute boy is gently brushing the hair out of her face. In a college setting, her need for alcohol becomes more apparent. She needs alcohol to mask her insecurities- "Just drunk will not swat away my misgivings about Milton, anxieties that are whirling around me when I'm alone with him...I need a bottle of something sweet and potent to perk me back up to a state of past gone." (164), Koren believed, frustrated with the fact that she was only drunk, insisting she needed more.
While she didn’t begin drinking to end up alone, throwing up and not remembering what happened hours before, her innocent drinks that she had now and then growing up in high school gradually led to bigger problems.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
- Next Three Chapters-
Greek Mythology-
Koren realizes that house parties are just a quick easy way to senior boys to make freshmen pay for alcohol the only way they can get it and pay their rent. After five months of highschoo, "Falling into a buzz is like falling into smoething staunch and comfortable, like a favorite armchair" (138). Koren decides she wants to join a Sorority, yet she is dissapointed that they are not allowed to drink at all during 'rush'. "Our parties are moe like job interviews" (140) After explaining out redicious all the girls are when deciding which girls they belong with she states, "I am not about it". (142) She visits the Zeta Alpha Sigma, an obvious choice for they are called the "Zeta Alcoholics, the fun loving, fast-living, antisorority girls" (142) She gets accepted. During one part of iniation, she is hazed by being forced to drink. Although it is only two Michelobs, she explains why some girls would even want to be hazed by being forced to drink. "Being hazed, however, is one of the few times you can actually admit you are powerless while you caot your insides with light beer" (151). Although the way she worded it didnt sound like it was a good thing, you could tell she meant that it was. Maya, her friend at the sorority is also her big sister. "I will drink to incapacitate myself, and then let sister or friends decide things for me." (154)
You'r Really Pretty When I'm Drunk-
"When i drink, I aim to exceed a state of being just drunk, and enter instead into a state of conciousness that is more like annihilation of brain waves." (157)
Koren's relationship with alcohol is becoming something she loves more and more, but its very clear that it will hurt her in the end. Its not just something to do now, its a way of life. In her new Sorority, there seems to be plenty of entertaining, theme parties; all centered around alcohol or other riciculous acts. The biggest party is Zeta's semesterly formal, she inves a boy named Milton, who she has to share a hotel room with- "I don't really like Milton, but i don't dislike him, which is the standard by which i measure the boys with whom I drink" (161) Almost all Koren's decisions seem to depend alcohol. Hannah and her get adjoinging rooms on the ground floor, and they all spend their time drinking; because they are in Canada they can drink legally.
"I am still drunk, but i cannot be JUST drunk. Just drunk will not rid my head of its worries. Just drunk will not swat away my misgivings about Milton, anxieties that are whirring around me when I'm alone with him...I need a bottle of something sweet and potent to perk me back up to a state of past gone." ( 164) Alcohol is not only a way of life now, its a necessity. It is something that needs to be there for Koren to function correctly in social situtations. It is what she needs to forget about lifes little problems. Koren continues to get wasted, goes to the dance with Milton, and afterwards Milton expect something that he is not going to get from Koren. She is almost too drunk to say anything, and finally is concious enough to swat him away; he gets the point.
Later she meets a boy named Chris. Chris is portrayed as the prime reason why it will be hard for her to stop drinking; "Drunk, I take bigger chances, and therefore reap bigger rewards" (177). She also later explains chris to be almost as rewarding as straight vodka, because when she is with him she forgets about life's little problems. It is not to the point where Koren realizes she cannot express herself the way she wants to without being drunk.
pg 162- I once hear someone use copacetic as a slang term.
Guess: good, at ease
Definition: Fine, excellent, going just right, swell
pg 167- Perry finds a piano in a hallway and thumps out a labored rendition.
Guess: attempt
Definition: a performance of a musical composition
pg 172- His stare tears through me like a cleaver.
Guess: some sort of weapon.
Defintion: a butcher's knife having a large square blad
pg 173 - The dining-hall cook flips hamburgers on a hibachi.
Guess: grill
Definition: Small, portable charcoal grill
pg 182- We can at least beseech safety.
Guess: expect or require
Definition: ask for or request earnestly
Koren realizes that house parties are just a quick easy way to senior boys to make freshmen pay for alcohol the only way they can get it and pay their rent. After five months of highschoo, "Falling into a buzz is like falling into smoething staunch and comfortable, like a favorite armchair" (138). Koren decides she wants to join a Sorority, yet she is dissapointed that they are not allowed to drink at all during 'rush'. "Our parties are moe like job interviews" (140) After explaining out redicious all the girls are when deciding which girls they belong with she states, "I am not about it". (142) She visits the Zeta Alpha Sigma, an obvious choice for they are called the "Zeta Alcoholics, the fun loving, fast-living, antisorority girls" (142) She gets accepted. During one part of iniation, she is hazed by being forced to drink. Although it is only two Michelobs, she explains why some girls would even want to be hazed by being forced to drink. "Being hazed, however, is one of the few times you can actually admit you are powerless while you caot your insides with light beer" (151). Although the way she worded it didnt sound like it was a good thing, you could tell she meant that it was. Maya, her friend at the sorority is also her big sister. "I will drink to incapacitate myself, and then let sister or friends decide things for me." (154)
You'r Really Pretty When I'm Drunk-
"When i drink, I aim to exceed a state of being just drunk, and enter instead into a state of conciousness that is more like annihilation of brain waves." (157)
Koren's relationship with alcohol is becoming something she loves more and more, but its very clear that it will hurt her in the end. Its not just something to do now, its a way of life. In her new Sorority, there seems to be plenty of entertaining, theme parties; all centered around alcohol or other riciculous acts. The biggest party is Zeta's semesterly formal, she inves a boy named Milton, who she has to share a hotel room with- "I don't really like Milton, but i don't dislike him, which is the standard by which i measure the boys with whom I drink" (161) Almost all Koren's decisions seem to depend alcohol. Hannah and her get adjoinging rooms on the ground floor, and they all spend their time drinking; because they are in Canada they can drink legally.
"I am still drunk, but i cannot be JUST drunk. Just drunk will not rid my head of its worries. Just drunk will not swat away my misgivings about Milton, anxieties that are whirring around me when I'm alone with him...I need a bottle of something sweet and potent to perk me back up to a state of past gone." ( 164) Alcohol is not only a way of life now, its a necessity. It is something that needs to be there for Koren to function correctly in social situtations. It is what she needs to forget about lifes little problems. Koren continues to get wasted, goes to the dance with Milton, and afterwards Milton expect something that he is not going to get from Koren. She is almost too drunk to say anything, and finally is concious enough to swat him away; he gets the point.
Later she meets a boy named Chris. Chris is portrayed as the prime reason why it will be hard for her to stop drinking; "Drunk, I take bigger chances, and therefore reap bigger rewards" (177). She also later explains chris to be almost as rewarding as straight vodka, because when she is with him she forgets about life's little problems. It is not to the point where Koren realizes she cannot express herself the way she wants to without being drunk.
pg 162- I once hear someone use copacetic as a slang term.
Guess: good, at ease
Definition: Fine, excellent, going just right, swell
pg 167- Perry finds a piano in a hallway and thumps out a labored rendition.
Guess: attempt
Definition: a performance of a musical composition
pg 172- His stare tears through me like a cleaver.
Guess: some sort of weapon.
Defintion: a butcher's knife having a large square blad
pg 173 - The dining-hall cook flips hamburgers on a hibachi.
Guess: grill
Definition: Small, portable charcoal grill
pg 182- We can at least beseech safety.
Guess: expect or require
Definition: ask for or request earnestly
Friday, February 20, 2009
Third Entry
In the next few chapters of Smashed, Koren Zailkas experiences her first stomach pumping; but she doesnt remember all of it. A few more drinks and she could have died, or fallen into a coma. Her parents are more dissapointed because her mom "wouldnt have cared if i'd been drinking at home last night. She could have drunk herself into a similar stupor, her mom says, gone upstairs, and passed out in her bed. At home, should would have known I was safe." (98) Shes grounded, but not strictly; just that she can't go and hang out with friends. However, she states "my parents ground me for the remainder of november... cruelest seasons to be in lockdown. There are parties that require two-mile hikes through the thick new england woods... the air clearing smells of apple orchard, bud light, and pine-dense bonfire smoke" pg 101 this proves just how much her life revolves around adventure with the component of alcohol. Although Koren wishes she wasnt grounded, she understands she is guilty, and that she must be "temporarily cast aside" (104). Around this time she is still on highschool; just accepting the fact of her one month grounding, waiting to be forgotton, waiting for some other girl to screw up so her mistake can be forgotton, so she can finally get back into the game.
Freshmen year of college:
"Even if you drank every weekend in high school, to the point where you were all but sick of those frothy cups of Bud Light, college will renew your enthusiasm for them- " (110) Koren goes to Syracuse University, and she describes the city to be very dull- " the anciet six-story candle factories, the slate slab of monument in Clinoton Sqaure, the fog standing fast over Lake Ontario (112). I imagine at this point, her drinking and parties that follow college will seem so much more exciting in contrast to the city. She even states, " in the valley below, are thirty-two bars, six liquor stores, and twelve mini-marts that sell beer cans in brown-paper lunch bags" (112). It is clear that drinking will be a big part of her college experience.
At first, Koren doesnt socialize. She has a boyfriend, Reed, in a different state who she seems more interested in. Untill after three days of zero socialization, being ahead in her classes, and simply being bored, she goes to her first party. "I go because a party is the only way I can think of to make friends" (116) indicating that the only time she feels comfortable and social enough is when she has the chance to have alcohol. Alcohol begins to become more casual; "Drinking which was once a novelty, will become the usual...A rhythm will come to pass,whereby afternoon classes will unroll into evenings of swilling cups over card games,...these evenings will unroll into morning, to ear ringing, nausea, and hard-sleeping afternoons" (120). Koren even goes as far as to acoomodate her class schedule to the cycle of her drinking; freeing up her fridays by taking combinations of long lectures on other days. Although she doesnt do much with Tess, her room mate, when they drink, and they drink often, "one night consister of getting drunk and stealing a couch from the dorm lobby while the security guiad is outside on his cigarette break." (122); i found that rather ammusing.
She cheats on her boyfriend; she is drinking tuquila with a boy who she ends up kissing. She breaks up with Reed, after drinking for a half-hour with Tess, Reed waiting in her room, and she rehearses what shes going to say. She makes it sound like no big deal.
Koren joins a cheerleading; she agreed to while she was a party. When things get difficult, "the only thing that eases me through the bruises from misfired back tucks is the promise of drinking with my teammates after practice" (128); drinking is now her escape, her problem solver, her fix-anything.
Her roommate Wendi, who she realized doesnt drink, arnt really close, they dont hang out nor really talk. After a year, Koren even hears her telling her boyfriend "she hates my clothes, my friends, not to mention the way i sleep, eat, answer the phone" (129) ect. So she takes advice, and tries to distance herself from that dorm as much as possible; but Wendi just tells the other girls that Koren doesnt hang out with the girls on that floor because she thinks she is superior, although really its because Koren believes she is inferior.Eventually she pickes verbal fights with Wendi. "i'm uncomfortable with my new capacity for drunken beligerence." (131)Wendi goes far enough to call Koren's parents, telling them that Koren has lost weight, might have an eating disorder, and drinks a lot. I thought that was really low on Wendi's part; she should mind her own business.
PG:
pg 90- "Something sticky has lacquered the ends together."
Guess: keep together
Definition: refers to a clear or colored finish material that dries to a hard, glossy finish
pg 93- "Years later, he will say it was one of those pivotal moments-"
Guess: important
Definition: being of crucial importance
pg 98 - "I can't remember the last time he looked at me this unremittingly."
Guess: not wanting to believe
Definition: ceaseless: uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing;
pg 112 - "...residumm from the tons of teh city dumps on the streets and sidewalks in a vain attemtp to break the ice that will never thaw
away."
Guess: a salty residue
Definition: weathered or partly weathered mineral material that accumulated as consolidated rock disintegrated in place
pg 117- "Without our dirty little accolades, we are the same sex, the same age, the same kind."
Guess: Accomplishments
Definition: award: a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; "an award for bravery"
pg 131- "...the subterfuge of woman."
Guess: not true
Definition: something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity
Freshmen year of college:
"Even if you drank every weekend in high school, to the point where you were all but sick of those frothy cups of Bud Light, college will renew your enthusiasm for them- " (110) Koren goes to Syracuse University, and she describes the city to be very dull- " the anciet six-story candle factories, the slate slab of monument in Clinoton Sqaure, the fog standing fast over Lake Ontario (112). I imagine at this point, her drinking and parties that follow college will seem so much more exciting in contrast to the city. She even states, " in the valley below, are thirty-two bars, six liquor stores, and twelve mini-marts that sell beer cans in brown-paper lunch bags" (112). It is clear that drinking will be a big part of her college experience.
At first, Koren doesnt socialize. She has a boyfriend, Reed, in a different state who she seems more interested in. Untill after three days of zero socialization, being ahead in her classes, and simply being bored, she goes to her first party. "I go because a party is the only way I can think of to make friends" (116) indicating that the only time she feels comfortable and social enough is when she has the chance to have alcohol. Alcohol begins to become more casual; "Drinking which was once a novelty, will become the usual...A rhythm will come to pass,whereby afternoon classes will unroll into evenings of swilling cups over card games,...these evenings will unroll into morning, to ear ringing, nausea, and hard-sleeping afternoons" (120). Koren even goes as far as to acoomodate her class schedule to the cycle of her drinking; freeing up her fridays by taking combinations of long lectures on other days. Although she doesnt do much with Tess, her room mate, when they drink, and they drink often, "one night consister of getting drunk and stealing a couch from the dorm lobby while the security guiad is outside on his cigarette break." (122); i found that rather ammusing.
She cheats on her boyfriend; she is drinking tuquila with a boy who she ends up kissing. She breaks up with Reed, after drinking for a half-hour with Tess, Reed waiting in her room, and she rehearses what shes going to say. She makes it sound like no big deal.
Koren joins a cheerleading; she agreed to while she was a party. When things get difficult, "the only thing that eases me through the bruises from misfired back tucks is the promise of drinking with my teammates after practice" (128); drinking is now her escape, her problem solver, her fix-anything.
Her roommate Wendi, who she realized doesnt drink, arnt really close, they dont hang out nor really talk. After a year, Koren even hears her telling her boyfriend "she hates my clothes, my friends, not to mention the way i sleep, eat, answer the phone" (129) ect. So she takes advice, and tries to distance herself from that dorm as much as possible; but Wendi just tells the other girls that Koren doesnt hang out with the girls on that floor because she thinks she is superior, although really its because Koren believes she is inferior.Eventually she pickes verbal fights with Wendi. "i'm uncomfortable with my new capacity for drunken beligerence." (131)Wendi goes far enough to call Koren's parents, telling them that Koren has lost weight, might have an eating disorder, and drinks a lot. I thought that was really low on Wendi's part; she should mind her own business.
PG:
pg 90- "Something sticky has lacquered the ends together."
Guess: keep together
Definition: refers to a clear or colored finish material that dries to a hard, glossy finish
pg 93- "Years later, he will say it was one of those pivotal moments-"
Guess: important
Definition: being of crucial importance
pg 98 - "I can't remember the last time he looked at me this unremittingly."
Guess: not wanting to believe
Definition: ceaseless: uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing;
pg 112 - "...residumm from the tons of teh city dumps on the streets and sidewalks in a vain attemtp to break the ice that will never thaw
away."
Guess: a salty residue
Definition: weathered or partly weathered mineral material that accumulated as consolidated rock disintegrated in place
pg 117- "Without our dirty little accolades, we are the same sex, the same age, the same kind."
Guess: Accomplishments
Definition: award: a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; "an award for bravery"
pg 131- "...the subterfuge of woman."
Guess: not true
Definition: something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
First Offense
Koren goes on Vacation with her family, in Ocean City, a place she is familar with because of her childhood. She brings Natalie. With their own room, and a city life outside their walls, it is obvious that they would have the urge to sneak out; which they do. The first night is okay, they go to the beach, and find a bon fire. Of course, alcohol is there, just what Koren needs to make her feel comfortable and confident in her own skin. She "conforms to a beer-ad version of" (61) herself. She wants to "probe that [she] can funnel as much beer as they can [soroity girls], that [she] can unflinchingly take the same lascivious looks in the dark" (61). Drinking allows her, in her opinion, to enhance certain aspects of herself. Natalie and her sneak out again the next night, this time leading to more lies and more trouble. They have directions to a get-together, and they go to that house. They'r offered some drinks, and thankfully take them. Koren meets Greg,an older boy, who studies panting, and paints. He offers to bring Koren upstairs to show her what he paints, when she gets curious. Natalie stays behind. Trying to hide her real idenity, and to make her seem more appealing, she tells him that she is 18, and stretches the truth even more with other pointless information.
After him holding her for a while, talking, and kissing, Koren points out "That's the thing about social drinking: In the end, it's the drinking that creates the scene, not the other way around...What's responsible for the light-headed feeling? Is it the Molson, or the boy who is running his fingers through the ends of your hair? Are you chatty because you'r drunk, or because you're connecting with someone on a level that you have never before experienced?" (64) She also mentions that it eventually "becomes a question of which came first, the liguor or the Greg?" I think she makes a very good point, because at such an age of fifteen, distinguising between the two seems difficult. It appears as if she is forming a reliance on alcohol to make her feel comfortable and confident; as if she almost needs it to be who she wants to be.
However, when she decides to go find Natalie and leave, feeling "guilty for neglecting her" (65), turns out Natalie is no where to be found. Koren becomes worried and angry at the same time, wondering what happened to her friend. Greg helps her search the beach. Soon enough they find her, in a house, wearing different clothes, and clearly far gone. With morning approaching, Koren needs to get Natalie and herself back to the condo, through the window before her parent's realize their gone. However, climbing through the window is not an option right now with Natalie's condition. Throughout all this confusion and series of events, Koren tells Greg the whole truth about who she is, because without the comfort of alcohol and with the worries of Natalie, it only seemed natural for Koren to express herself that way. Natalie is really drunk, and drugged.
They make it to the condo, but through the front door. Koren's mother wants to talk to her after she has 'rested'. Koren lies through most of the discussion with her parents, and Koren's mother shares a wise word of advice, almost a commandment, "During times of booze, girls are responsible for nurturing one another", which is what Koren failed to do. With this first offense, Koren is only grounded for a week. Natalie feels viol.ated. She can't remember what happened the night before, but although she doesnt directly say it, it is implied that it is partially if not mostly Koren's fault. Koren even explains "I already know Natalie and I will stop seeing each other once we get home. I already know we will be like overs who have experienced something horrible together...We will have too many reasons not to look at eachother. There will be too much istory in the way." (81)
PG
pg 57 "But too me has always implied hedonism"
Guess: a way of living in the right direction
Definition: the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle
pg 68 "...divulge only the whites of her eyes"
Guess: showing
Defintion: unwrap; to make public
pg 69 "Together we move emphatically for the door."
Guess: boldly
Defintion: sudden and strong
pg 77 "These things aren't regaled but they are allowed"
Guess: considered good
Defintion: giving amusement to others
After him holding her for a while, talking, and kissing, Koren points out "That's the thing about social drinking: In the end, it's the drinking that creates the scene, not the other way around...What's responsible for the light-headed feeling? Is it the Molson, or the boy who is running his fingers through the ends of your hair? Are you chatty because you'r drunk, or because you're connecting with someone on a level that you have never before experienced?" (64) She also mentions that it eventually "becomes a question of which came first, the liguor or the Greg?" I think she makes a very good point, because at such an age of fifteen, distinguising between the two seems difficult. It appears as if she is forming a reliance on alcohol to make her feel comfortable and confident; as if she almost needs it to be who she wants to be.
However, when she decides to go find Natalie and leave, feeling "guilty for neglecting her" (65), turns out Natalie is no where to be found. Koren becomes worried and angry at the same time, wondering what happened to her friend. Greg helps her search the beach. Soon enough they find her, in a house, wearing different clothes, and clearly far gone. With morning approaching, Koren needs to get Natalie and herself back to the condo, through the window before her parent's realize their gone. However, climbing through the window is not an option right now with Natalie's condition. Throughout all this confusion and series of events, Koren tells Greg the whole truth about who she is, because without the comfort of alcohol and with the worries of Natalie, it only seemed natural for Koren to express herself that way. Natalie is really drunk, and drugged.
They make it to the condo, but through the front door. Koren's mother wants to talk to her after she has 'rested'. Koren lies through most of the discussion with her parents, and Koren's mother shares a wise word of advice, almost a commandment, "During times of booze, girls are responsible for nurturing one another", which is what Koren failed to do. With this first offense, Koren is only grounded for a week. Natalie feels viol.ated. She can't remember what happened the night before, but although she doesnt directly say it, it is implied that it is partially if not mostly Koren's fault. Koren even explains "I already know Natalie and I will stop seeing each other once we get home. I already know we will be like overs who have experienced something horrible together...We will have too many reasons not to look at eachother. There will be too much istory in the way." (81)
PG
pg 57 "But too me has always implied hedonism"
Guess: a way of living in the right direction
Definition: the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle
pg 68 "...divulge only the whites of her eyes"
Guess: showing
Defintion: unwrap; to make public
pg 69 "Together we move emphatically for the door."
Guess: boldly
Defintion: sudden and strong
pg 77 "These things aren't regaled but they are allowed"
Guess: considered good
Defintion: giving amusement to others
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
First Taste & First Waste
In first two chapters, consisting of 53 pages, Koren (14 years old) begins describing her first drink, and her relationship with whom she is sharing it with; Natalie Burke. It is in this first chapter that pieces of Koren are revealed that show what kind of person she is. She is a follower. She is someone who seems uncomfortable in her own skin, yet follows others to give herself some dignity. She follows Natalie around, believing in her friend's confidence, which may or may not be a false face. Natalie is the adventerous one, and of course, the one who introduces her to alcohol. It is clear that this is not something Koren would have done on her own, but she seems to have decided that it is good to have her first drink with her best friend. She is among someone she trusts, and she wants to know that the person she drinks with "won't laugh if she advertendtly reveals all of" (Zailckas 9) her secrets and deep thoughts.
Once the deed as been done, they fill Nantucket Nectar bottles with the Southern Comfort, and they head on to a birthday party. At the party, Koren reveals her secret drink to some of the girls, and soon every girl at the party knows. I assume she feels as powerful as Natalie did; having the opportunity to give someone their first drink.
Alcohol seems to make Koren comfortable. She is not drunk, but she is comfortable. She is not shy, and she even flirst a little bit with a boy she probably would never have talked to. She was at ease, and had a feel of confidence within her.
In the second Chapter, Koren begins explaining her boring life, and how her mom seems to make her do everything that she couldnt do herself as a child; ballet, piano lessons, CCD,- the whole time Koren wishing she could have her summer to herself, having nothing to do, eating poptarts and watching tv. Natalie transfered schools and promises that her and Koren will get drunk offically during christmas vacation, but Koren doesnt think she can wait to. It appears that being drunk and just the excitment of drinking has occupied her mind.
She is still concerned with the fact that her mom wants her to be someone she isn't. Koren barely talks to people in school, and is considered "well mannered, coreous, and attentive," pg 33. In other words, Koren is boring when it comes to her social life. Soon she becomes friends with a girl named Billie, who seems to be rather strange but in a comforting way to Koren because Billie's life is so unconventional compared to her own.
Soon enough they drink together on halloween, and Koren finally gets drunk. She explains in like "all my worries fall over and die like canaries in a mine shaft." (45, and once again, she is at ease with herself. However, she makes the mistake of telling one of her penpals, who is very upset about it, and doesnt even want to write to her anymore; Koren is a little taken back by what she says but wants to believe nothing bad will happen to her, so she goes on with her life, being exhilirated by breaking the rules.
PG-
pg 28- "In grade school i begged for ballet slippers and jodhpurs."
Guess: special kind of shoes used to another type of dance
Definition:tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horseback riding.
pg 28 "At fourteen I long for unmitigated free time to spend my summers like normal kids do."
Guess: something with no obligations
Definition: Without qualification or exception; absolute
pg 32 "She puts on a quiet face of bemusement and I can imagine her thinking..."
Guess: confusion
Definition:deeply thoughtful; preoccupied; perplexed and bewildered
pg 37 "At Watsons, they meet men in droves."
Guess: groups
Defintion: in great numbers
pg 43 "They;ll probably assume we're conduction a séance"
Guess: ceremony
Definition: an attempt to communicate with spirits
pg 46 "Everyone is talking at once, bruiting irrelevant stories."
Guess: speaking in a certain way
Definition: to echo; to spread or disseminate a rumour
Once the deed as been done, they fill Nantucket Nectar bottles with the Southern Comfort, and they head on to a birthday party. At the party, Koren reveals her secret drink to some of the girls, and soon every girl at the party knows. I assume she feels as powerful as Natalie did; having the opportunity to give someone their first drink.
Alcohol seems to make Koren comfortable. She is not drunk, but she is comfortable. She is not shy, and she even flirst a little bit with a boy she probably would never have talked to. She was at ease, and had a feel of confidence within her.
In the second Chapter, Koren begins explaining her boring life, and how her mom seems to make her do everything that she couldnt do herself as a child; ballet, piano lessons, CCD,- the whole time Koren wishing she could have her summer to herself, having nothing to do, eating poptarts and watching tv. Natalie transfered schools and promises that her and Koren will get drunk offically during christmas vacation, but Koren doesnt think she can wait to. It appears that being drunk and just the excitment of drinking has occupied her mind.
She is still concerned with the fact that her mom wants her to be someone she isn't. Koren barely talks to people in school, and is considered "well mannered, coreous, and attentive," pg 33. In other words, Koren is boring when it comes to her social life. Soon she becomes friends with a girl named Billie, who seems to be rather strange but in a comforting way to Koren because Billie's life is so unconventional compared to her own.
Soon enough they drink together on halloween, and Koren finally gets drunk. She explains in like "all my worries fall over and die like canaries in a mine shaft." (45, and once again, she is at ease with herself. However, she makes the mistake of telling one of her penpals, who is very upset about it, and doesnt even want to write to her anymore; Koren is a little taken back by what she says but wants to believe nothing bad will happen to her, so she goes on with her life, being exhilirated by breaking the rules.
PG-
pg 28- "In grade school i begged for ballet slippers and jodhpurs."
Guess: special kind of shoes used to another type of dance
Definition:tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horseback riding.
pg 28 "At fourteen I long for unmitigated free time to spend my summers like normal kids do."
Guess: something with no obligations
Definition: Without qualification or exception; absolute
pg 32 "She puts on a quiet face of bemusement and I can imagine her thinking..."
Guess: confusion
Definition:deeply thoughtful; preoccupied; perplexed and bewildered
pg 37 "At Watsons, they meet men in droves."
Guess: groups
Defintion: in great numbers
pg 43 "They;ll probably assume we're conduction a séance"
Guess: ceremony
Definition: an attempt to communicate with spirits
pg 46 "Everyone is talking at once, bruiting irrelevant stories."
Guess: speaking in a certain way
Definition: to echo; to spread or disseminate a rumour
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