Two people ran for their lives through the suburban neighborhood. At the end of the street, Susan started to turn right, but Frank yanked her arm in the opposite direction. They ran, and reached Republic Road, a busy street with several businesses.
Susan was doubled over in pain when he again yanked her arm, yelling "This way" and making towards the local Family Video.
The front door of the building was accented with a large obelisk studded with blocks of privacy glass. This is where Frank stopped. Sarah was grateful to stop, immediately doubling over in her attempts to breathe. Between her huffs and her puffs (it had been awhile since she had ran that far,) she asked how renting a movie would help them escape. Frank's response was to gesture to a small door that had opened in the side of the glass tower. They stepped inside. The floor began to descend as soon as the door was shut.
"What..is...this...thing...!"
He proceeded to explain. It was one of many safe havens for operatives in trouble. Most Family Videos had them, and many park bathrooms. He finished by reflecting on the luck of being attacked at night. During the day, obviously, breaking into a Family Video obelisk would not be an option. Too many people around. The alternate haven would have been a similar shelter in the park next to the elementary school, which was a 1/2 mile further. And observing the heavy breathing of his partner, as well as hearing the gunshots and shouts above him, he doubted that they would have made it.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Farewell
Dear Sunny,
Hello, I hope you are well. I have been very busy recently, with Prom a couple of weeks ago and high school graduation this Friday! Since I'm a senior, I don't have to take very many finals. My biggest final will be the advanced placement test for Calculus II. I am nervous, but I feel that I have prepared and studied well. I also have several big end-of-year track meets coming up. After this Friday, I will officially be done with school! However, I will keep running track because track season still has a couple of weeks left.
Once summer starts, I plan on relaxing and reading a lot of books. I will also be taking some summer school. Hopefully since I am only taking two classes for summer school it won't be too stressful. After this summer, I head to college in fall at Olivet Nazarene University.
I will try to keep in touch if you would like. I have enjoyed hearing from you and learning about you these last few weeks. However, I understand if you are busy, or have other interests.
I hope you have a nice summer.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn
Hello, I hope you are well. I have been very busy recently, with Prom a couple of weeks ago and high school graduation this Friday! Since I'm a senior, I don't have to take very many finals. My biggest final will be the advanced placement test for Calculus II. I am nervous, but I feel that I have prepared and studied well. I also have several big end-of-year track meets coming up. After this Friday, I will officially be done with school! However, I will keep running track because track season still has a couple of weeks left.
Once summer starts, I plan on relaxing and reading a lot of books. I will also be taking some summer school. Hopefully since I am only taking two classes for summer school it won't be too stressful. After this summer, I head to college in fall at Olivet Nazarene University.
I will try to keep in touch if you would like. I have enjoyed hearing from you and learning about you these last few weeks. However, I understand if you are busy, or have other interests.
I hope you have a nice summer.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn
Monday, April 18, 2016
Iconic Photo
The dude on the television set was a little weird looking. He wore a black turtleneck, his eyebrows were a little crazy, and he held in his hand a small metallic box. The child dismissed his shiny new product and waited for "Wheel of Fortune" to come on. The teenager gazed at the fancy-looking gizmo, while the mom barely glanced as she stirred something on the stove.
Soon, the brief news bit was over, and the weather man came onto the screen. Just then, the dad came home. After watching the weather report, he promptly turned the channel to the baseball game. The child pouted, upset that "Wheel of Fortune" was a no-go. She was still irritated as she began positioning silverware on placemats. The teenager was still enchanted by the IPod as he began placing dishes on the table.
Soon, dinner was ready and the family began discussing the day. During dinner, the phone rang for the dad. He stepped into the home office to take the call. He talked in low voice to the caller. He returned to the family after hanging up. Immediately following dinner, he returned to his office asking not to be disturbed.
He closed the door, and played a recorded sound bite that sounded like he was working. Then, he lifted a hatch under the oriental rug, and slid down the secret chute.
"What seems to be the problem, gentlemen?" He asked on arrival.
"Well, sorry to interrupt your evening sir, but we've got a disturbance in the North corridor."
"Right, well let's take a look."
Old Photo
The leaves and grass looked fresh in their springtime hues of yellowish green. Later in the summer, they will again take on a look of yellow -green. The difference is that now they are the color of new growth, and later they will be scorched from heat. But being new to the region, she didn't know this yet. As she sat bouncing in the covered wagon, all she knew about the coming summer was that she was teaching, and that she was staying with a family in a small stone house in the woods. The sunshine, light breeze, and previously mentioned greenness of the grass created such a beautiful day, that after awhile she forgot her nervousness.
A little over 100 years later, on a similar day in Spring, a soon-to-be Sophomore in high school sat in the back seat of an SUV. After driving across the dam, and through the city of Branson, they turned off of the highway and began driving through a country road. The road began descending into a valley, and in time they reached the same stone house. It looked older, and the garden could use some work, and so could the yard, but other than that, the house was unchanged.
Beatrice and her parents went inside and greeted her grandmother. As the adults went into the parlor to talk, she stayed behind in the entryway. There, she picked up an old photo of her great-grandmother. Greetings, goodbyes, and the appropriate hugs were given until her parents left. While carrying her suitcase up the stairs, she nervously wondered what the summer had in store. What was she supposed to do all summer? At least her Aunt was staying there too. She was spending the summer at the Branson hospital to get experience, so that hopefully she could get into med. school.
But she wasn't here yet, for now it was just Beatrice. Beatrice sat thinking about what she was going to do with herself all summer (aside from a week at camp) when her grandmother called her downstairs.
"Beatrice, it's about time to eat. Will you help set the table?"
She walked downstairs, the smell of fried chicken and biscuits making her mouth water. Later that night, after post-dinner ice cream, she went back to her room and looked out the window. The moon shone brightly through the lacy curtains and she thought back to the picture of her great-grandmother
A little over 100 years later, on a similar day in Spring, a soon-to-be Sophomore in high school sat in the back seat of an SUV. After driving across the dam, and through the city of Branson, they turned off of the highway and began driving through a country road. The road began descending into a valley, and in time they reached the same stone house. It looked older, and the garden could use some work, and so could the yard, but other than that, the house was unchanged.
Beatrice and her parents went inside and greeted her grandmother. As the adults went into the parlor to talk, she stayed behind in the entryway. There, she picked up an old photo of her great-grandmother. Greetings, goodbyes, and the appropriate hugs were given until her parents left. While carrying her suitcase up the stairs, she nervously wondered what the summer had in store. What was she supposed to do all summer? At least her Aunt was staying there too. She was spending the summer at the Branson hospital to get experience, so that hopefully she could get into med. school.
But she wasn't here yet, for now it was just Beatrice. Beatrice sat thinking about what she was going to do with herself all summer (aside from a week at camp) when her grandmother called her downstairs.
"Beatrice, it's about time to eat. Will you help set the table?"
She walked downstairs, the smell of fried chicken and biscuits making her mouth water. Later that night, after post-dinner ice cream, she went back to her room and looked out the window. The moon shone brightly through the lacy curtains and she thought back to the picture of her great-grandmother
Monday, April 11, 2016
Chinese Visit
Last Friday, our Creative Writing class had the pleasure of meeting several Chinese students at MSU. I met Jenny, a graduate student at MSU. I learned that she previously attended Qingdao University in China. We did a get-to-know-you activity, in which we learned several things about each other. I learned that she likes bunnies, Lord of the Rings, Modern Family, and reading. She felt like two fish represented her personality because it is her Zodiac sign. I don't know my Zodiac sign, so I said that I was represented by a horse because I have long hair like a horse's mane. I also said I was like a book because I'm more reserved. Furthermore, I shared that I like the tv show Downton Abbey, and I also like Lord of the Rings.
Next, I took her on a tour of the school. I showed Jenny the science wing, the student center, the library, the orchestra room, the weight room, and several other spots in the school. It was difficult because there were a lot of classes going on and I didn't want to interrupt. She seemed interested in the fact that we have extracurricular activities at our school. Apparently, her school did not have sports and there are special schools in China for sports. When we got back to the room, she tried to teach me a little bit about the Chinese language. Apparently, in China, where and how you enunciate is really important. She said it is difficult to understand English sometimes because of the different places different people put the stress in the same word. In Chinese, they have the four tones which are different vowel pronunciations. It was hard! I probably made her laugh with my awful pronunciation.
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to meet Jenny and the rest of the crew that visited us. It was very interesting to learn about different cultures. Sometimes, the things we said to each other were lost in translation and it was hard to tell if she was completely understanding what I meant. Nevertheless, her English was really good and we had a very interesting conversation. If we had had more time, I would have liked to learn more about Jenny, because a lot of the time was spent talking about Kickapoo. I also would have liked to get better at the tones. I definitely need more practice!
Next, I took her on a tour of the school. I showed Jenny the science wing, the student center, the library, the orchestra room, the weight room, and several other spots in the school. It was difficult because there were a lot of classes going on and I didn't want to interrupt. She seemed interested in the fact that we have extracurricular activities at our school. Apparently, her school did not have sports and there are special schools in China for sports. When we got back to the room, she tried to teach me a little bit about the Chinese language. Apparently, in China, where and how you enunciate is really important. She said it is difficult to understand English sometimes because of the different places different people put the stress in the same word. In Chinese, they have the four tones which are different vowel pronunciations. It was hard! I probably made her laugh with my awful pronunciation.
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to meet Jenny and the rest of the crew that visited us. It was very interesting to learn about different cultures. Sometimes, the things we said to each other were lost in translation and it was hard to tell if she was completely understanding what I meant. Nevertheless, her English was really good and we had a very interesting conversation. If we had had more time, I would have liked to learn more about Jenny, because a lot of the time was spent talking about Kickapoo. I also would have liked to get better at the tones. I definitely need more practice!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
PHOTOS!!!
Photos from around the 'Poo.
Something Beautiful
Every time I walk through this hallway, I see several beautiful pieces of artwork on the wall. This painting of a lily has always stuck out to me. I think because it is pink and several of the pictures surrounding it are of more muted color.
#skillz
On a side note, the phrase, "Something Beautiful" will forever make me think of the song "Something Beautiful" by Needtobreathe.
I just liked this picture, it is not related to this activity whatsoever.
#oops
I like these posters because they are not what you expect. Usually, posters in school are motivational, or say something like "got milk?" So I like these snarky ones.
#sassymonkey
Something Irritating
People get irritated with I.d.s and with teachers that enforce i.d. rules. I don't know why it is a big deal to wear the stinking thing, but people seem to dislike it on principal for being too controlling.
#idcops
Something Handwritten
Who you gonna call? Not ghostbusters, but 39142. They have the antidote. Or maybe they have spare ids. Which is the antidote to the disease of not having your id on.
#whois39142
This face is a stunner, folks. Literally. Don't stick your finger in there. The two faces in the electrical outlook look surprised, even shocked. This further emphasizes my point.
#shocking
Ah, Band. I would have gone into the band room to take a picture of my locker, but I'm sort of not in band anymore and not allowed in the band room. So the music stands will suffice. They will always remind me of my time in band.
#thisisasharpnotahashtag
This is from the staircase at the top of the student center. Those two white things at the bottom of the frame are not my flawlessly white flip-flops folks, they are chairs from the cafeteria.
#coolbeans
This fern is a plant, so it counts as from nature. I hereby name it Fred. Ferns make me think of the book, Where the Red Fern Grows. I should read that book. But I know that the dogs die, and I really don't want to have to go through that emotional trauma.
#fredthefern
Well, this plaque has been very educational in my life. . . Just kidding, my dad, se llama Rick Elmer, is listed here. Well, he has certainly taught me a lot over the years, so he gets priority over various teachers I could have chosen.
#thanksdad
Someone you'd like to be more like
Well, folks, mi madre happened to be subbing the day I took these pictures, so of course I chose her. Her kindness, compassion, and crochet skillz are all very admirable traits.
#whenyourmomworksatschool
#thesearereallylonghashtags
#thisiswhyidon'thavetwitter
Well, if you look in the back row, you'll see District Softball, First Place. I was on the team, so obviously I will be nostalgic about the softball team winning districts for the first time ever when I'm a starting Senior. That was a long sentence.
#whosaid
Something a Little Kid Might Notice
This dinosaur head is pretty cool. So I think a little kid might notice it. I can imagine a Night-at-the-'Poo scenario where it comes to life at night.
#scary
There are several rectangular somethings here, which is close enough to square that we are just going to go with it.
#closeenough
Something Quintessentially American
This is an old photo of cheerleaders. Sports teams and cheerleaders are very American.
Something Round
Alright, well, its not a perfect circle or anything, but it is roundish. Also, its hanging from the ceiling. #pearintheair
Monday, April 4, 2016
Dan in Real Life Questions
Hide-And-Go-Seek Spot
My best hide-and-go-seek spot was under the sink in the bathroom. We have cabinets underneath the sink. When I was about 4 years old I hid in there, and it took forever for my siblings to find me. Eventually they did, and I remember getting bored and opening the cabinet to see what was going on. I remember seeing my dad and two older siblings waiting for me. I guess I wasn't being as quiet as I thought and were waiting to see how long I would stay in there.
Ruthie "Pig Face" Draper
My family likes to nickname people. Mostly my sister's boyfriends. Some highlights include Bob Ross, the Schnoz, and the Crawdad. My sister gets the brunt of the nickname treatment because she dates. My brother and I haven't dated very much. Also, she tends to date nick-nameable people.
Can You Know in 3 Days?
I don't think you can know that you love somebody in three days. You can love somebody in three days, but you don't know yet. In my opinion, 'being in love' and infatuation can be hard to tell the difference between. I think you need to spend more time with somebody to see.
Pick Up Lines
What is romance? Well, you have to have chemistry. And good pick up lines. Here are some good 2 for 1 combos:
"Are you full of beryllium, gold, and titanium? Because you are Be-Au-Ti-ful!
"You must be a positive ion, and I'm a negative ion, because I feel an attraction between us."
"Are you a carbon sample? Because I'd like to date you."
Who can understand love? Well, who can understand math? Math and love combos are always important as well:
"Hey girl what's your sine? It must be pi/2 because you're the one"
"Are you a 45 degree angle? Because you are acute-y!"
"Your beauty is so constant. . .it's derivative must equal 0"
Okay, well you probably shouldn't use those. They probably wouldn't work. But they might.
Seriously, though: I've got one last pick-up line. This one is fail-proof, guaranteed to work. This is the way to go, let me tell you:
"Were you forged by Sauron? 'Cause, baby, you are precious."
It works best if asked in your best imitation of Gollum. That one's for free, folks. You're welcome.
Bowling:
I am not a good bowler. I always get a lot of spin on the ball. This makes it curve, resulting in mass quantities of gutter balls. I'm pretty sure I've bowled under 30 before.
Vacation Home:
I would love a vacation home similar to the one Dan's family has. I would also be o.k. with one on the coast of Maine, or South Carolina. Something in the Appalachian Mountains would also be acceptable. Finally, there's nothing wrong with Table Rock Lake. I would not be opposed to a lake house there.
My best hide-and-go-seek spot was under the sink in the bathroom. We have cabinets underneath the sink. When I was about 4 years old I hid in there, and it took forever for my siblings to find me. Eventually they did, and I remember getting bored and opening the cabinet to see what was going on. I remember seeing my dad and two older siblings waiting for me. I guess I wasn't being as quiet as I thought and were waiting to see how long I would stay in there.
Ruthie "Pig Face" Draper
My family likes to nickname people. Mostly my sister's boyfriends. Some highlights include Bob Ross, the Schnoz, and the Crawdad. My sister gets the brunt of the nickname treatment because she dates. My brother and I haven't dated very much. Also, she tends to date nick-nameable people.
Can You Know in 3 Days?
I don't think you can know that you love somebody in three days. You can love somebody in three days, but you don't know yet. In my opinion, 'being in love' and infatuation can be hard to tell the difference between. I think you need to spend more time with somebody to see.
Pick Up Lines
What is romance? Well, you have to have chemistry. And good pick up lines. Here are some good 2 for 1 combos:
"Are you full of beryllium, gold, and titanium? Because you are Be-Au-Ti-ful!
"You must be a positive ion, and I'm a negative ion, because I feel an attraction between us."
"Are you a carbon sample? Because I'd like to date you."
Who can understand love? Well, who can understand math? Math and love combos are always important as well:
"Hey girl what's your sine? It must be pi/2 because you're the one"
"Are you a 45 degree angle? Because you are acute-y!"
"Your beauty is so constant. . .it's derivative must equal 0"
Okay, well you probably shouldn't use those. They probably wouldn't work. But they might.
Seriously, though: I've got one last pick-up line. This one is fail-proof, guaranteed to work. This is the way to go, let me tell you:
"Were you forged by Sauron? 'Cause, baby, you are precious."
It works best if asked in your best imitation of Gollum. That one's for free, folks. You're welcome.
Bowling:
I am not a good bowler. I always get a lot of spin on the ball. This makes it curve, resulting in mass quantities of gutter balls. I'm pretty sure I've bowled under 30 before.
Vacation Home:
I would love a vacation home similar to the one Dan's family has. I would also be o.k. with one on the coast of Maine, or South Carolina. Something in the Appalachian Mountains would also be acceptable. Finally, there's nothing wrong with Table Rock Lake. I would not be opposed to a lake house there.
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