Recent Literary Activities

In the recent past, I’ve had a number of literary ventures. One of them was being interviewed by an AP (Associated Press, the most prestigious group of reporters in the country) consultant.

The AP consultant’s name was Emily Fredrix. She was writing a report about businesses that have closed in 2008 and she stumbled on my Mervyns and Me blog. She posted a comment on my blogsite. I was extremely happy when I found out I was going to be mentioned in a newspaper and an online report by the Associated Press! She interviewed me by phone on New Year’s Eve, 2008. I told her about how I felt about Mervyns closing. I’d made a few notes on a scrap of paper for what to say. I also talked about my childhood and how much I used to enjoy going to Mervyns. That day, in her report, she wrote three lines about her interview with me.

Here is that article. Click on the image for a zoomed-in view:

Another literary venture was releasing my book, Potions and Portals for Dummies.

I started writing Potions and Portals for Dummies for my sister’s birthday. I was excited because I was making a real book. I dedicated it to her and autographed it on her birthday. My parents interviewed me about the book release afterwards. She read it out loud after 5 minutes. I had written 5 pages of potions, how to make them, and their uses. I also had printed some funny pictures. At her birthday party, I also gave regular copies to her friends. Three days later, on my mother’s birthday, I gave her an autographed and dedicated copy.

Now, time for another venture concerning my mother’s birthday and my sister’s birthday.

I gave both my mom and my sister poem cards on their birthdays. I had to use all my literary genius of the day for both days to think of them. I used a different format for each one. For my sister, I made a normal half - fold card. For my mom, I made a giant one – page poster card. These were the longest and best poems I have ever written.

Things that happened in the recent past & my expectations for 2009

The old year of 2008 is almost over. I’ve done a lot of things during 2008. I’ve watched many movies. I’ve read new books. I started 5th grade this and turned 10 this year. My uncle got a new house. My sister went to 3rd grade and turned 8. I’ve made some new friends this year, too. I witnessed Barack Obama’s win in the U.S.’s presidential election. I’ve also written many blogposts on this website as well. I’ve written over 10 more blogposts than last year. It’s been an awesome and memorable year. Right now, at the end of the year, I’m sleeping late and watching movies everyday.

My uncle moved in to his new house on the first day of school. I woke up early and went to the housewarming party. I witnessed a lot of ceremonies to celebrate getting a new house at the housewarming. I also saw in a newspaper before I left for school that Michael Phelps had earned his 8th gold medal, giving him the most Olympic gold medal in history. Moving on, I have read new books like The Science of Harry Potter and Star Wars: Children of the Jedi. I’ve done book reports, book report projects, and a special project called the Holiday Budget in 5th grade. For the Holiday Budget, I had to evenly spend $600 over decorations, food, gifts, and other things for a holiday. It was a very difficult project. Now let me tell about other things. I’ve made new friends as well. A few examples are Wee Jin Koh, John Theodore M. Mappala, and Annete Tri. In December, I celebrated my sister's and mother’s birthdays. I made a card and wrote a poem for both of them. My sister, dad, and I also made special treats for my mom’s birthday instead of buying a cake. Right now, at the end of the year, I have watched a number of movies such as: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Pokemon: Jirachi Wish Maker, Camp Rock, and the Cheetah Girls: One World (please do not laugh at me). I will now tell you about what I think of each of these movies. The Cheetah Girls: One World is miserable. They kept breaking into stupid songs and phony dances every two minutes. They don’t even explain the storyline gaps between the beginning and end of each song. Now to talk about another movie, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. It’s an awesome movie. It explains a lot of things from Madagascar, like how Alex the lion ended up in a zoo. I t was also very funny. Now let’s discuss the next movie, Camp Rock. It was overall good. The storyline wasn’t flawed and the songs and dances were not phony and stupid. Now, let’s talk about the final movie, Pokemon: Jirachi Wish Maker. It was a good movie. It had a great storyline. Now, moving on, I feel great One year is over and I’m ready for the next. I can’t wait for another exciting year of life. I’m a bit sad that 2008 is almost over, but I’m also happy. It’s been one of the best years of my life, and I’ll always remember it.

Next year, I’ll be finishing 5th grade and I’ll be going to 6th grade. My grandfather and grandmother will also visit and I will visit the majority of my family in India. I’ll be turning 11 as well. I’ll be going to 6th grade and I’ll be learning new things. I don’t know everything that will happen to me next year, but I know it will be another awesome, great, and terrific year.

Happy New Year!