What's Your Favorite Thing About Yourself?

“What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”

I’m sure many people have never considered the question, “what’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Maybe there’s no need to ask; it’s just a subconscious knowledge you don’t need to ponder. Maybe you have been suffering with self-esteem problems and can’t wrap your mind around the idea of having a favorite thing about yourself. Maybe you don’t want to think about yourself in that way because your humility is too prominent. Maybe you can’t pick just one thing. Whatever the reason, I firmly believe it’s very imperative to know the goodness in yourself.

“My confidence”

The first person I asked this question to, thought about it for a moment, then decided fairly quickly. This friend of mine has been on stage and performing for a very long time so I can understand this viewpoint of hers. However, when she’s not onstage, I’ve noticed that she still holds herself with confidence and I acknowledge that quality about her. I’m glad she knows it too.

“I don’t know”

The next person I asked could not come up with an answer for this question. If given the right amount of time, I’m sure she could find out what she likes most about herself but at that given moment, she hadn’t had much thought about it. However, I know that she is very hardworking and I appreciate that about her whether she knows it or not.

 “…I’m imaginative… I can absolutely lose myself in daydreams and build them into stories…”

This person that I asked was more specific in the certain area that he liked most. He is a writer so it’s understandable that this skill can help to give him more experience in what he likes to do best. Often, a favorite element such as this can really indicate what a person is passionate about and what they should pursue in study or career. I know he is a stunningly talented writer and genuinely good person with a bright future of his own.

 “My free will”

The next person I asked responded quickly. He seemed to be prepared for this question as if he had thought seriously about it before. This simple yet deep answer is very fitting for this person as I also view him as a free spirit. He is respectful and well-mannered because he chooses to be and he’s curious about the things that truly interest him. His answer is very true for his knowledge of himself and his understanding of the world around him.

 “…My mind is very independent… I don’t need much validation…”

Yes, this is my favorite thing about myself. In a way, it’s all I need. With this knowledge of myself, I often accept things for my very experience of them. When I’m feeling sad, I accept that that’s the way it is currently and I trust it’ll get better soon. If I’m happy, I don’t need anyone to remind me to “live in the moment” because I already am. If I’m feeling badly about myself (grades, appearance, friends) I remind myself of times when I was happy and realize that this low streak is only temporary. If I’m feeling good about myself, I take note of it for myself, even if nobody else validates me. This is very important to the standard I hold myself to.

These example are only the first response to this question. Yet, in a way, they are the most pure response because they haven’t over-thought the question, to a point where all their responses could make the true answer foggy. If you haven’t given this a thought before, find your pure answer, however possible.

“What is your favorite thing about yourself?”

By: Katie McAuliffe

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Idioms From An Idiot, Part II

Even after my first informative article on this subject, you may still find several common idioms bamboozling your brain cells. However, fear not. I, Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever, shall once again explain to you the meanings of commonly misunderstood figures of speech to enlighten your mind.

FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH

            It is a well-known fact that children possess more intellect and instinct than adult humans will ever know. Human infants are born with the innate knowledge that sucking on one’s own foot is not only a great way to clean it, but an everlasting source of entertainment. However, as humans mature, they are conditioned to view this behavior as inappropriate in sophisticated circles of adults. This is why they compare the act of saying something immature to putting one’s foot in one’s mouth, and view both of these activities in a negative light. However, it can also be used as an indicator of true friendship in one’s acquaintances; if your friend lets you physically put your own foot in your own mouth to amuse yourself and accepts you for your wisdom, you’ll know that he or she is a keeper.

IN A PICKLE

                        When someone says that they are in a pickle, most people interpret that to mean that they are in a difficult situation. However, in the year 4000 BCE, “in a pickle” was the highest compliment one could receive. Pickles were invented around this time, and were considered a great delicacy. The longer the cucumber was pickled, the greater its intensity; therefore, being in a pickle means that you are an intensely zealous and enthusiastic person.

RAINING CATS AND DOGS

            In ages past, there once existed an ancient city known as South Bork, located in the north regions of West Middle East. The city of South Bork was the cultural and scientific center of the world. It was so advanced that it has been said that the city’s lead scientists were on the verge of discovering why some humans have allergies to domesticated pet fur. They had huge laboratories full of thousands of well-kept and well-fed cats and dogs. Unfortunately, the Great Laboratory was destroyed in the largest flood the city of South Bork had ever seen. The population was decimated, the buildings were levelled, and although not many humans survived the disaster, not a single animal perished. The survivors told tales of how, amidst their fear and terror, they watched as the test animals doggie-paddled to safety. Therefore, when someone says that it is raining cats and dogs, they mean to tell you that although the apocalypse is approaching, you should look for the positive side in the disaster.

EYES BIGGER THAN YOUR STOMACH

            If you have ever heard anyone use this idiom in reference to you, I am so sorry. I, Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever (which include medicine), regret to inform you that you have contracted a rare and serious disease. Magnisoculis is categorized by an uncontrolled growth of the eyes coupled with a proportionate shrinking of the stomach. There is currently no known cause or cure for this terrible, chronic disease. People who have been afflicted for years are plagued with tiny appetites and increased night vision. Eventually, a person with magnisoculis will progress until his stomach can hold no more than a pea, and until his eyes are the size of saucers. At this stage, patients prefer to stay out of sight of the public for fear of scaring others with their grotesque appearance. If you would like more information on magnisoculis and how to raise awareness for this dreadful malady, please visit this entirely real website: www.lookoutformagnisoculis.com.

CHARLIE HORSE

             Charles Phillip Edward Bartholomew III was the most famous racehorse of all time. If you have never heard of him, shame on you. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1874, and since then, his fame has stretched through the centuries. He became so famous that the press would not leave him alone, he had to attend several banquets and ceremonies every day. Soon, after about twelve years of this, Charles grew weary of his life in the limelight. He longed for his younger days when he could frolic in the green meadows and enjoy a cool drink with his friends on a Sunday afternoon. Therefore, he began to take a casual name, Charlie, in order to leave behind his prestigious pedigree. To this day, Charles Phillip Edward Bartholomew III still goes by Charlie (and actually will grow quite angry if you call him by his given name). This idiom is applicable to a person who rejects his or her fame to live a life of simple pleasures.

            I am sure that this educational piece has been very educational in educating you about education. Now you have even more items in your idiomatic arsenal to display with pride through your expansive and nearly boundless vocabulary. You are one step closer to becoming a Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever. Go out into the world now and wield your idioms proudly.

By: the Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever

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Idioms From An Idiot

Many expressions in the English language are baffling. People say one thing when they mean something else, completely unrelated. However, do not fret. I, the Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever, shall explain to you the meanings to commonly misunderstood figures of speech to enlighten your mind.

BUTTERFLIES IN ONE’S STOMACH

            This idiom is quite puzzling. Most humans do not consume these flamboyant winged insects of their own free will. The expression, “to have butterflies in your stomach,” clearly means you are not in your right mind. You are either being blackmailed by a dangerous master criminal who will hurt those you love if you do not comply to consuming butterflies daily, or you are desperate because conventional medicinal techniques have not alleviated your chronic indigestion, or you are blind and therefore unaware of the fact that you have managed to swallow several butterflies while breathing. Either way, it is best to stay away from those who have butterflies imprisoned in their intestines.

WHITE ELEPHANT

            The image of the white elephant is both perplexing and admittedly pale in color. This phrase originated among the people of an ancient society, called the Loxodontas. They believe that the elephant is the symbol of grace and perfection. Each member of the Loxodontan society receives an elephant figurine at birth. As they progress through the levels of full initiation, their elephant is painted or recolored to represent each level of maturity. Passing through many colors, such as lavender, chartreuse, spiceberry, periwinkle, and gingerline, the highest stage of elephant enlightenment is finally reached at white. Therefore, in today’s world, receiving a “white elephant” from someone means that they highly value your intellect and spiritual capacity, just as the Loxodontan chiefs of old.

BREAK A LEG

The expression “break a leg” is commonly used to wish a person luck in an endeavor that they are about to undertake. It is a little known fact that this phrase originated in the days of the Great War of the Bees (circa 3000 BCE), where all human males of fighting age from all civilized societies around the world were called to arms to defeat the massive swarms of bees that were invading their homes in this world-wide pandemic. Fighting conditions were atrocious, as nearly every soldier was stung several times a day. Soldiers had to be in a state of perfect mental and physical health before they could be drafted for direct service. Many families dreaded to have their loved ones endure such suffering, so they intentionally broke the legs of their soldier candidates before sending them off to be inspected at their local town hall. This was a wish of good luck, so that the poor men would not have to face the wrath of bees every day of their lives for several years. If someone in today’s world tells you to break a leg, it means that you should maim your family members’ legs for your noble, pacifist ideals.

HIT THE ROAD

            At first, it may seem silly that a person would desire to strike the asphalt beneath which human beings drive their cars innocently every day. Fortunately, I am here to educate the unsophisticated masses. Unbeknownst to the public, the United States government has buried thousands of puppies beneath public highways all across the country. Animal lovers from all over the world flock to roads in order to claim a young canine pet for their own. Sadly, they are all considered to be bonkers, as critics claim there is no way for the young pups to survive so long without human contact or a basic daily nutrition source. Nevertheless, those who still believe say that they shall “hit the road” when they return to their never-ending task of searching for those puppies.

TAKE THE CAKE

            Does this cake look delicious? That’s exactly what those who “take the cake” think too. The expression “take the cake” refers to someone who is a kleptomaniac, but only for edible items. Whenever he or she sees a delicious-looking food, he or she cannot help but steal it. Cake-stealing is a serious medical condition. Those who take cakes on a regular basis can only be corrected through therapy and medication to lessen their impulsive thievery. However, cake thieves are not bad people. They often try to fight their instincts, but are simply unable to control themselves. Therefore, do not assume that cake thieves are bad people until you have met and shared a meal (maybe of cake?) with them.

            I know that this informative piece has been very informative in informing you about information. Now that you know how all these idioms should be correctly used, feel free to say them to your friends and family. Soon, you may even become a Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever (just like me). Go out into the world now and wield your idioms proudly.

By: the Master of All Knowledgeable Things Ever

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"The Bell Jar" - Independent Reading Review

Independent Reading is an integral part of the English language arts curriculum here are Aquinas. Among the required Independent Reading books for AP Literature, The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath, has been my favorite. Though I have yet to read every novel on the list, I’m confident this novel will remain my favorite. The Bell Jar emerges on the top of my list with ease, especially when compared to the other independent reading books which include Moby Dick and A Doll’s House. Plath writes a semi-autobiographical story about collegian Esther Greenwood’s struggles with severe depression and how she attempts to cope. The mysterious ending hangs over the head of the reader for some time as he or she wonders what will happen next to Esther. Plath’s writing style seems to be all over the place, paralleling the thoughts of Esther’s mind. Despite the publication date of 1963, Esther’s feelings as a young person are sentiments that people fear nowadays, but yet still relate to. These elements make The Bell Jar an enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

by: Victoria Wilson

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In School Issues; lunch prices

            Everyone hates that feeling you get when you hear your favorite lunch is being served but your account is cleared or you don’t think you have enough money left. While conducting some student interviews, it became clear that many people felt this way.              Students feel as though the lunch prices are too high and, although we love the lunches, it’s a struggle. What seems to be the problem is that if you need to buy a whole meal, a combo and water, your cost for one day will be five dollars. If you want to eat everyone’s favorite, the fries, it’ll cost you two dollars just for the small side. This seems like too much for just one day, making the prices a bit controversial among students. 
            The price of parking passes is another problem about which students are concerned. Many people, if not everyone, thinks that the price of $75 for a parking pass is much too high. $75 is especially high since students are unable to reuse the previous year’s pass and must buy a new one each year if they plan on using the parking lot. It is arguable that the seniors should be able to have a discount because they finish school earlier, and therefore will not be using the parking lot for as long as the other classes. 
            While being interviewed, Patrick Barry also wanted to add that the air conditioning was on. And it’s been pretty cold lately. 

By: Lauren Joseph

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