Sitting Alone

Now, I don’t want to take out my very obvious anger out on my very loyal readers, so if I seem a little angry throughout the next few blog I apologize right now. Now my question to all of you is, have you ever been excluded, pushed aside and treated like dirt. I can tell you from far too much experience that I have! Not only have I been treated poorly but also treated like I don’t even exist. In this specific post, I do NOT want to hear comments such as, I’m sorry Noah, or it will blow over because that's not why I’m writing this. Not to make you all feel sorry for me or to have a whining session. I am simply bringing up a past subject of mine, the subject of middle school.

Throughout my education career I always had the most friends, I don’t know why and I don’t know how but things came easy to me in terms of the social aspect of school. But ever since my transition from elementary  school to middle school, things have gone down the toilet. Whether it be the social aspect or the academic aspect, middle school has always been a hard time for myself. Really the only thing I can count on in my life currently is sleeping, I sleep well but have terrible days. My problems vary from ungrateful and insensitive teachers to horrible and unkind students.

I want to put another question out in my writing, how would you feel if your best friends shoved you aside like you meant nothing to them. Over the past few weeks I have experienced that terrible occurrence.  I definitely don’t want to go in the specific details of the events leading up to this unfortunate misshape. All I can say is that you can never have true friends, even if you want to. One of the only good things coming out of this event is that I noticed that certain people that I thought to be my friends were not. That made me open my eyes and not waste my time with horrible friends.

So here I am, sitting alone in the lunch room. Nobody even dares to cross my eye line. Let me tell you this, really chose your friends, if you make the wrong decisions you will end up like me.

 

Daily Question: Did you ever have a fight with your friends, and if so what was it about?

Cruel School

Over the past few weeks I have been an observer. In my past I have been taking part in what I am now observing. The slow disintegration of friendships, love and life is what I am observing. That may be a tad bit cheesy or overblown but in this writers mind I believe this to be 100% true. Also in the past I have talked about the life as a middle school student. But in the past weeks I have come to a convulsion decision that middle school may very well be the worst possible time in ANYONE’S life. From what I have asked people most of them agree with that statement. Even with my 13th birthday looming in the upcoming days, I still can’t get my mind off of the incomprehensible  and terrible life’s that my friends and I suffer because of this terrible time on life.

13 to the Jewish population 13 means adulthood. To me it just means 4 more years of pain and suffering. Throughout the year one of my very good friends has not gone a week without breaking into tears. A seemingly familiar act to me.  Bullying and immaturity is mainly what causes my friend to get so upset so much of the time. To juggle activities, academics and popularity makes ones mind burst into flames. And for my friend this happens all to much for her. I try my best to make things better in her life, being a better friend, making her laugh and just try my best but in the end nothing is going to help no matter how hard I try.

I can just tell in her eyes everyday that she doesn’t want to be in the place she is in. And I know that pain all to well. Being ignored and pushed aside is one of the main difficulties I must deal with on a daily basis. I feel terrible for her, she is even thinking about switching schools mid year. I just cannot handle it anymore. So I am putting it out there that adults NEED to be more aware about the challenges that middle school students are facing every day. Please help my friend stay in Denver and help her stop being so sad. Open your eyes everybody can’t you see that were miserable! Please comment and have my best friend not go to a different school. We wish the best for you!

 

NOAH

Three Saps

 Day 3-

The day after thanksgiving, a day of reflection and digestion. A day of shopping  and the breaking point of the holidays. The winter is upon us, December 21st seems so close. Today was my first day taking up a new family tradition. My father is one for  activities, weather it be cooking, hiking or canning pickles my father is up and ready at the sound of any activity. Last year he found a recipe for  for making chap stick in the New Mexico monthly magazine. Elbow grease  and  hard labor  go into making this wondrous concoction. This tradition started last year. I have always wondered how this holiday treat is started.

So  up early in the morning I awake, with my sweatpants applied and my swiss army pocket knife in my hand. We start down for the forest, dodging the trees and cacti down the hill. My father gives Drew and I a quick overview of what we have to do. Witch seemed pretty easy at first but turned into a real  challenge. Finding the wounds in the trees and cutting off the dry or wet sap seemed pretty straight forward. But with the addition  of rocks thorns and cacti surrounding the trees made it more  of a challenge. Also  with the idea that my hand could be stuck together by the end of the day. One by one the big chunks of sap come flying off. The amazing aroma of the sap makes it really feel like the holidays.


We make our way up to the top of the hill, with a bucket full of sap and a shoe full of thorns. I may not have been the most enthusiastic about the journey but now that I look back I am glad I did it.


NOAH

Uncanny Mistake

Day 2-


This year for thanksgiving we traveled to Santa Fe NM for a nice family get together. A race earlier in the day makes me want to gorge myself in the  most succulent meats and the most sweet and mouth watering deserts. We make it o our final destination for our great meal, a resort on the back road heading into the city. On the most beautiful property in the world, the resort is also home to one of the largest buffet's my eyes have ever seen. A big grin appears on my face as I see the Alaskan crab legs, the turkey and much more as they litter the tables of the dinning hall. The aromas captivate my small nose. I get  my first course. Three crab legs, four shrimp, a dinner roll and a Roy Rogers. These amazing things sit on the table for a good second or so before being attacked  by brutal force. Bite by bite I soon fill up. But was that enough to stop me from getting more, no.

Jokes and chatter emerge from clanking of forks, knifes and full mouths that invade  our family get together.  Its hard to  justify  the reasoning  behind our  family outing why we spend money on food instead of cooking it ourselves. As the second course comes to a close and I start to hit the wall, much like the one in the race. I sit in my chair, arms high to the roof, the groaning of what might  seem at first to be a beached whale, but it is really a twelve year old. Desert. My mortal enemy once it comes to food. I unbutton my belt take a deep breath in and grab one of the biggest peaces of cake I have ever seen. I even think that someone who hasn't eaten for a week couldn't eat this cake. The thick chocolate raspberry filling with the richness of the texture makes this one thanksgiving not to forget. I don't finish the cake but I make it out the door alive.

I hope your thanksgivings weren't as full as mine. Happy Turkey Day


NOAH

Running of the Turkeys

Day 2-


I wake up and feel terrific. Thankful that my family is sleeping in the rooms above me and next to me. Thankful that I actually get to eat a great meal today. The sun is shinning, the birds are flying and my tummy is empty. I am the first up, I circulate throughout  everybody's room and  one  by  one wish them a happy thanksgiving, even if they are too tired to listen. The air is brisk and cool with the thought of food settling in my mind. Today was a first. Our first time running a turkey trot throughout the southern side of Santa Fe. Running in and out of alley ways up and down the rolling hills paved roads turn into dirt. I am usually not the one for running but I wanted to build up an apatite for the festivities later in the day. One the count of three the race stars, and were off, starting a new family tradition.

With the smell of pinon circulating in the cold air and the Santa Fe police department traveling up and down the race track it seems like the Chicago marathon. The cold air soon wears off as I hit the dreaded wall of no going back. I soon realize that the point of stopping is far from gone and that my only chose is to keep going. Running and then stopping was my routine for most of the race. Passing by some of the most beautiful houses in Santa Fe and some of the best views of the city. I was running with my brother with the sounds of Jimi Hendrix in my skull I try to avoid the obvious and  clearly statement that this race will not end soon. We hit the 2 mile mark in the race, about ten or so minutes later we can see the finish line.


We made it, and I have succeeded in my quest to feel hungry for the feast. So I bid you all good day, I will be updating after our meal. Have a great day everyone!

Break

Day One-


We arrived in New Mexico late last night. The air was fresh and cold. I had finally made it through finals week with a pretty big impact on all of my tests. The tri-mester is over, finally we can have a four day period without  stress and confusion. New Mexico is beautiful during November. Waking up to the gray skies only to be welcomed by the sun later in the day. Santa Fe in in general is a great pace for an aspiring writer. The European like setting with no tall buildings and narrow streets. Along with the smell of Mexican food engulfing the plaza. But I come here one main reason, to eat.


The sizzling food in the  restraints  and on the street corner. And what better time to come up with an excuse  to  eat than  thanksgiving.  Our house is outside of Santa Fe, in whorl  New  Mexico is what it seems like. Surrounded by trees and trails it is also a great place  for writing. Rolling hills and highway bring us into town where we spend most of our days looking at art, eating and just walking around. Thanksgiving is upon us, the tie for giving thanks and bringing people closer together. Who can take that away from us. No one. My family is still sleeping, like always. So I get up and do my favorite thing, write.


Writing day in and day out thats what I do. The thought of this wonderful thanksgiving break is wonderful as it sits in my mind. As I sit here with my computer and my thanks to all of my readers I want you all to comment and tell me about your break. I will be updating for a while. Thanks everyone!


NOAH

Chill Christmas in Congress

Everyone is always invited to a Reynolds family Christmas. Whether you are big or small purple or pink or don’t celebrate Christmas you are welcome. But that doesn’t mean you should come. Let me explain, our Christmas is a twisted and odd version of a normal family get together. No big parties, no fancy dinners and of course NO leaving the house! Our first family tradition is to open one present on Christmas Eve to build up the anticipation for Christmas day. My brother’s sister and I always stay awake on the top floor of our house trying to hear the trampling of reindeer on top of our roof. To this day none have succeeded.

I am usually the one who can’t sleep. With thoughts of electronics, food, toys and much more elaborately decorated in the most vibrant pinks, reds and greens in seemingly regular cardboard boxes, layering the downstairs floor of our house. On the faithful morning of Christmas we always start with the stockings. Stuffers filled with gag gifts and inside jokes, along with the unusual presents of a useful gift. Next we head into the family room with the Christmas tree lit up in the most vivacious way. I always go for the biggest present last. We always get movies for each other; our wonderful family room is turned into a movie theater and a library for all of the new books we have received. Under pounds of blankets we read and watch movies all day. Sitting by the fire and sharing memories of friend and family going about their routine. Tears are shed and laughs are traded between the family members. As I said you may want to come to our Christmas but in the long run we will send you home. It is a family Christmas that’s all.

Finals

I grasp my cup of tea. The warmth from my cup makes me feel great. Finals. This is something kids shouldn’t be worried about until high school. But one drawback to going to a private school is the consequential  privilege of more work and tests. One by one the terrible and horrible tests pile up on top of each other. Like a stack of smooth and creamy flapjacks. One good shockwave of having tests comes not much homework. But the homework that is assigned is what I call the homework that never gets done. “STUDYING”

No matter how hard I try and make good out of this studying it comes and bites me in the but. The inventions that keep me from studying are little things I like to call the internet and the Television. These things are killers for the occasional studying phobic adolescent. Study phobic is a little harsh more like study impaired. As I continue my homework I still have the thought of many tests to come and many tests past comparing these to each other. Finals are my least fears as strange as that may seem my biggest fear is getting my grades back. Not that I am an antiquity performing student but… well… no comment.

My cup is now half empty or half full depending on the way you look at it. The sun is setting on a cold autumn evening. And the snow from the latest storm still lingers on the ground.

Test by test each one goes by as if each one was a year. Six years in all this week. One technique I use is asking friends who have already taken certain tests how it was in terms of difficulty. I have asked many friends. But the answers stay the same. “ Fair.” Just fair not great not terrible not arrogating not deteriorating by the test, just fair. So I step into my classroom and get ready for what may be the worst week in my life. I am ready.

I ask my mother if she will fill up my cup. The drops enter and now it is all the way to the top. “This is the final one,” my mother answers. “I bet it is,” I answer back.

Kids Table

If you ever notice on a thanksgiving there is always a kids table perched at the end of the adults table. This is a story of me and my experiences being a member of the kid’s table on one of the best thanksgivings ever. A Reynolds family thanksgiving isn’t family related at all. Actually quite the opposite, friends of friends and family of friends all come to this wondrous affair. It was a crisp and sunny thanksgiving morning. I came down in my Thursday best or in other words my underpants and my 2 dollar old navy to-shirt. I was sitting downstairs drawing turkeys with the outside rim of my rather small and scrawny hand. They would become table decorations for the festivities later in the day. With the smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie and marinated turkey cooking in the oven the house was full of tremendously amazing aromas. Horns bells and drums were flying out of our 1987 TV set a one from an infomercial proclaiming “It was the Best”; no doubt everyone was watching the Macys day parade. It was hosted by the anchors of the NBC morning show the today show. I knew all of their names and backgrounds.

Once the attendees arrived the festivities began. One by one the people with completely empty stomachs arrived at the door. Our thanksgiving is a usual come in and eat while we cook and clean for you party’s. No different for the 12 years we have lived here. Everybody was finally here; the table was set and my turkey table decorators were sitting on top of the beige table cloth and white flowers sitting under my turkeys. I took my final spot at the kids table down at the end. I was trying to hear all the different conversations going on to catch up on my friends and families goings and comings. The faint sound of John Caltrans “Blue Train” was playing in the outskirts of all the chatter.

The turkey arrived, we cleared off our table poppers (the kind with the little paper crowns in them) I was the only person at my table who had the courage to eat the turkey, don’t do it Noah they said, it’s too dangerous. I told them that if I can draw the turkeys sitting of the table I can eat one. That was my first turkey and to this day I have never taken a bite of turkey again. So I moved on to the mash potatoes, the soft and creamy potatoes melt easily in my mouth with the addition of butter and pepper. Up and down the people were going to the buffet coming and going with each course. My head was buried in the red handkerchief type napkin I was holding. “Noah it’s rude to lay down at the table,” be quiet mom I’m sleeping, I commanded her. I eventually made my way under the table hiding there with my friends.

While I was still halfway asleep the others were talking and talking as if they were shouting all across the room. My sister and her many friends were the loudest. All I needed now was a cup full of antacids and an Advil. To be honest I really like the party, friends and family filling our house making each other happy.

NOAH

In The Hood

No one quite knows where the street name Gaylord came from, my brothers made some guesses but they weren't exactly logical. Whenever I tell someone where live I always hear a chuckle or two. Then I just say, “can’t you grow up?” That usually ends up with punches in the face. Anyway, my street has a good reputation of being a great neighborhood with great people. That is partly true. I’m not saying I don’t like my neighborhood its just, well… there are not very many young people. My age, kids to hang out with. But no, we needed to be in block with no one my age. I have to cross a street to get to the block with kids, my legs can’t take that pain everyday. My house is an old one, the kind where you don’t want to be in late at night.

But we have a great backyard, the big kind with tons of trees. No tree house though, we never really needed one. We just went through a year long renovation and the house looks great and perfect. Of course we are already thinking about another one in our other house. Our house is right by a street that leads straight into downtown, so all the cars go flying by 24/7. Just down the street is where I start my day, on the city bus. Our house is right on the “6” RTD bus rout traveling up and down 6 Ave every day. I live in the center part of two community parks. So, fun is just steps away.

For the most part I’m very proud of my “HOOD” I take pride in living here. I love Denver!!!

Middle School, Can Kids Handle it

In late September The New York Times Magazine released a special “School Issue” and as you may imagine this caught my attention. The cover story was about “coming out” as a middle school student and being able to figure out a teenagers sexual identity. Now my question to all of the world is are kids going under so much stress and large issues such that one on the cover we need to do something more about it. I believe that teachers and school officials are almost completely ignoring the fact that kids are having a terrible time in school.

Of course that may not be entirely true but from my experiences in a private school I have noticed depression, break downs and bullying all around me. Also an example would be myself where I have had terrible experiences in school in the last two years, and I use to love school. So the question remains, is this and issue that some people need to be more aware of?

In the Middle

Is taken time and frustration for me as a middle school student to finally relies how terribly aggravating and irritating middle school students can be and are. The selfishness and a complete oblivious attitude to the outside world can send someone over the edge of tolerance. It has taken hours of pacing the floor and thinking of what to say. I have finally swallowed my courage into consumption and I am coming out to say what needs to be said.

Though out my middle school career, I have gone through bad things and good experiences to come to the conclusion that middle school students are the most challenging people in all society to deal with in a social attribute and a mental attribute by far. From the awkwardness of a conversation to the immaturity in all levels of life.

I am not attacking anyone, far from it I am simply educating the people of the internet of the ruthlessness of the common middle school student. In my life I have been reduced to a uncommon little speck of dust in the mass middle school empire.  I have been discriminated agents and yelled at just because I happen to be different and I don’t do all of the things that a “NORMAL” middle school student would do. On that not I wish you all a great weekend and great week. Thanks for reading

 

 

NOAH

NOAH’S BACK

After weeks and months of no blogging and little writing I have finally made my slightly dramatic return on my blogging site. Let me catch you all up on my life that has come and gone. I have successfully started seventh grade, I have gone through hell and back in terms of the social attribute and academic attribute that engulfs middle school. I have met my hero David Sedaris and gotten writing tips from him. I have fallen in love and been shot in the heart at the same time. I have made new friends and new enemies  I have gotten good and bad grades on tests. Plus I became the editor of my schools first ever blog site. After no more tolerance in my life I found out what was missing, more WRITING! So what better way to keep up my very consistent and verbal passion of writing than to write on my blog. I do apologize for my lack of writing but as you may know middle school isn’t exactly an easy time for a teenager. Juggling homework, getting good grades and the very important issue of girls is hard enough but to add a full time blog that can send someone over the edge. No more, I have talked to teachers about the homework issue, I have gotten good enough grades, and the girl issue is nothing to worry about (for now). I do encourage all of my readers to get the word out about my blog, tell everyone. I enjoy followers and comments, and ladies and gentlemen NOAH’S BACK!

A beautiful view of the Rockie Mountains on my class camping trip

Race Day

Dead last, not even close to anyone. It just turns out that swimming is not my cup of tea. My friends and family said “Noah you did great you didn't come in last.” No disrespect mom, dad and everybody else but I got last. Out of about thirty swimmers last was my position. It all started at 6:00. I got up and was ready, swimsuit on and goggles applied. I was able to see the waves from our rooftop breakfast. The balloons and buoys were set up in the water. I was ready to win.

I had been checking the surf report for 24 hours. I would be ready for anything. After a great breakfast we watch Hanna O'Neil in the very first race of the day. After a long race Hanna ties for fourth place. She can swim better than I can, am I'm not trying being nice. As I make my way to the line, I find myself out of place. Half of these kids have six packs and small swimsuits. As for me I have a flabby belly and an over sized suit. The cold hard cement and the cold wind on my bare stomach. As I make my way down to the beach, with a terrible feeling in my stomach and a sore foot I was more unprepared than I thought. I jumped into the freezing water and swam off.

From the moment I hit the water I knew it would be a bad swim. The salt water gets in my mouth and eyes. The cold water underneath me is frightening. 29 swimmers speed in front of me, as I lag behind. I was just taking the swim slowly. As I SLOWLY make it to shore the seaweed and water get caught up in my swimsuit. Just hoping that I make it out alive I am swallowed by a huge wave. Tossing and turning every witch way I plant my feet in the sand. I walk out of the water with my hand in the air and dancing.

I did it as my medal says, “ Survivor”


Noah Reynolds

Wave Day

Towering waves, coming at me like a speeding bus and the bitter taste of sand and salt water in my mouth swishing around simultaneously makes today really show that the Pacific Ocean has no mercy. Waking up with overcast clouds and the sound of the waves hitting the shore makes us feel a little skeptical about the condition of the water. Walking down to the cove still being able to hear the thunderous boom of the waves. With lack of better wording today the ocean was MAD. The sheer furry of the water makes me feel like a frightened little girl. The waves coming up to the end of the sand and crashing into hopeless patrons of the cove.

Seeing my very first water rescue from a woman stumbling out of the water falling to the ground. Frankly I'm surprised that the lifeguards didn't close the beach. We were having a conversation about whether we should stay at the beach or go to another beach. Before we could finish our talk a lifeguard interrupts us and says that the water is just going to get worse and more “wavy, ” as the day goes on. Thinking that we wouldn't be able to swim at all we start our death march.

I wasn't even able to see the bottom of the water because of the seaweed that was shifted around in the water. The freezing cold water and the seaweed trying to maneuver in between the piles of crud that litters the water. After choking and almost yelling for help in the choppy water, I stumble onto the beach.

Later in the day we go to a beach, a soft sanded white water wave beach. The huge waves gives me my first “real” time boogie boarding. I was not the best at this new sport. After aching muscles and sand in my pants later we head back to the house. Race tomorrow, Uh, Oh.

Noah Reynolds

La Jolla Cove

With the beautiful sights and sounds of San Diego, California. From the amazingly amusing Hertz bus driver to the sand filled beach. Today was full of stress free and fun filled events. I remember La Jolla, CA like it was two years ago. The great experience I got to endure and the fun people I got to hang out with makes one of the most depressing weekends in American history a very upside down and backwards look on 9/11. Every year for the past 79 years the community of La Jolla holds an annual rough water swim in La Jolla Cove. This happens to be my second year attending this annual swim.

Rushing out of school collecting all of my papers and homework makes me in a terrible person to be around. We start off the vacation with a wonderful chocolate chip pancake. Joining us on this trip are our good family friends and swimming partners, The O'Neals. With there happy go lucky attitude they are great supporters during this time that I am most stressed out about the race. After mother yells at the rental car origination for the lack of organizing to complete our rental reservation we drive off the lot in a dark blue Chevy... I don't know it is a very small car.

After a nice lunch and some TV we meet up with the O'Neals at the cove, swimming suits ready to go. The cold and vast Pacific Ocean is a wide wonderland of freedom. Perception of a good day. Underneath us is a school of silver, black and orange fish swimming calmly in the cove. From family friendly to whats might be dangerous and scary Pacific waters. The thundering cry of the waves hitting the rocks on the sore of the beach, makes me feel like I''m on Mars compared to Colorado.

Finally, La Jolla.


Noah Reynolds

Week In Hell

I apologize for my lack of writing in the past few days, I have been caught up in school. School is a funny thing, especially in seventh grade. I have spent the last four days of school being hit by volley balls, being ignored by my friends and having a terrible time. An unfortunate occurrences considering my excitement I had towards the school year. But things can change. To elaborate on my first week of school, it was terrible.

I was ignored by every kid I tried to talk to with in fifty feet of me. Still with a confident feeling in my mind I let the ignoring pass by. But t just kept getting worse. My confident feeling went south after the ignoring got to a point that nobody would be happy. The second day of school passed, I got into our big red car and just started to weep uncontrollably. The very pessimistic thoughts I was trying to block all sumer were entering my head as fast as you can say this sucks.

Days Gone By

2:43… AM? Not exactly a great way to start off the school year. With my severely bloodshot eyes empty and severely unsettle stomach I bring myself to my feet at 5:30… AM. The thought that school starts today completely slips my mind until I come out of the shower and look at the date. After some boisterous and gross behavior with my stomach the night before I go to bed with a sore throat and my dignity to ever be in public again shot into little piles of shame.


Am I ready in terms of supplies, yes. Am I ready mortally, NO. The thought of merely stepping into that classroom without having my cell phone and I-pod in my pocket frankly makes me petrified. Then I think, “ Screw it, I’m having a good year no matter who or what gets in the way!” I walk out the door with a good feeling.

I get to my classroom and say hello to some new and old friends. I feel so different not being at the bottom of the middle school food chain. A short introduction about us and our summer leads into another classroom occurrence. We go through the usual rules of conduct, homework ECT. My unfortunate myopic feeling about the school day is going to end up is rattled by how kind and cool the new kids and sixth graders really are. With a good feeling in my gut and great kids left and right of me my myopic feeling turns to a satisfied and perfectly happy feeling.

With lunch time just approaching I get my very first assignment of seventh grade. A creative writing project so it’s right up my alley. Later after lunch I get assigned my second assignment of the year. Work keeps coming and coming. The heat of the day makes my head start to hurt again. But I know it was all worth it. I check my cell phone it’s full of messages about good luck at school. I no longer believe it might be a good year, now I know it will be a great year.

Noah Reynolds

Last Day Of Summer

It’s here, the last day of summer. Months and months of vacations, no stress and constant fun has all come down to this. 9 months and about 270 days of school sits in my grasping hand. Close the water parks stop the late night movies and no more fun school is here.
But I must admit I am very excited to get back in the grove of thing and start a new year. I am sitting at my computer with exactly 24 hours and twelve minutes before school starts, continuing to think that this will be a excellent year. The possibility that this year will be worse than last year doesn’t even cross my mind.
Trying desperately to hang out with friends so I know that they feel the same way that I do. Questions cross my mind, will I fail a class? Will I get detention? Is it going to be a good year? Common questions yet eccentric ones at that. Most kids will be thinking, am I going to get a boyfriend or girlfriend this year? I may be thinking that but it’s not on my list for things to worry about. Other kids might be thinking, am I going to be popular this year? That is why my questions are odd but true.
What I’m asking myself is how to I attain the unattainable. Good grades, good friends and continuing to write daily. Questions like these is what makes me frazzled. The odious feeling in the deep reaches my mind tell me that it will be a horrible and boring year. But the nearer places of my mind tell me that this year will be excellent. I am stuck between a bind.
At that cliff hanger note, I bid you all good morrow until a new beginning of seventh grade. Good day.


Noah Reynolds

Soccer Saturday

Bright sun, perfect weather and a soccer field. What does this interpret, a soccer game! I woke up this morning my father standing over me telling me to “get ready, get ready!”
“For what?” I ask him hoping that this event is scheduled for another day. “ Your soccer GAME!” A few curse words and some laundry later we are out the door in our bright orange uniforms. We walk out the door my foot and knee in agonizing pain I sill decide I should play the game. The opponent looks frighting enough but I think that we will win.

I love looking at the field, the green grass and the thought of what will happen once the game has started. Our referee is clearly from a Spanish speaking country with his fancy whistle and his eager mind to make us all hate him, it seems to me that his job is quiet odious. The whistle blows after the first goal the other team makes and I can not stop feeling a pugnacious feeling in my mind. Then three more goals go past me. I happen to be defense, my least favorite position.

My legs feel like they're going to topple right underneath me. The sweat drips from my head. Then we finally get a goal! Three more goals come flying passed the defensive unit of the other team. Now the game is tied, one more slip up and our perfect game is ruined. The offensive unit, including me heads up the field passing in every witch way, the pressure collapses over us. The other team scores.

Presses time is being wasted, Enzo goes flying up the field he is our only hope. He brings his over sized foot back, then brings it forward. The ball goes flying through the air, landing precariously in the middle of the net. Tie!!!


Noah Reynolds

Rocky MOuntain High

Once again an early start, five days and counting. Today was Drew's day off from working at a funeral home. Up at seven in the morning, today we are heading up to the mountains, the beautiful rocky mountains. This will be my very first time the mountains this summer. Crystal blue skies, the perfect temperature in the air.

Anne, Drew and I grab some coffee and head up. Passing by the overpriced houses of the Colorado front range. As we continue on to the foothills, we spot an extremely large helicopter hovering just feet above our car. I feel that today will be a great day. After a few minutes of Anne yelling at the CD player we start up a great mix tape that Drew made. We start the drive by listing to a classic Hollies.

We have reached the mountains, passing by phone wires, lakes and the amazing pine trees as we get higher and higher. As my ears get filled with air it just gets even more beautiful. As the sunflowers wizz by and the clouds dissipate its a beautiful day. All I can hear is the quiet talking of the road below me. Miles and miles away from BC we are sidetracked by ending up in a part of Colorado that even I have never been to. We arrive at Beaver Creek after a assortment of twisty roads and high altitude driving.

Will it end up being a great day? Lets see, with an optimistic feeling and beautiful scenery in my way its looking like a good day after all. The mountains are extraordinarily beautiful, the sun shines off of the tall peaks with small patches of snow at the top. But along with the snow is the most green grass and clear creeks I have ever seen. The flowers move back and fourth in the calming wind. Hotels and resorts crowed the village, but makes it seem like we are in Switzerland. The trees are slightly carrying the sent and sight of early autumn.

After a stupendous meal, we hit the chairlift. Traveling up the side of the mountain is a joyful experience, not for Anne though. We traveled up and down he mountain each three times. I liked it we all could have a very nice private conversation with the sun and the wind in our hair. With a great afternoon under our belt the traveling gets even better. After conversations of classified information we head down to the village to shop. One store had a 2800 dollar frame and mirror. Another shop had a 2300 dress. So like Beaver Creeks slogan, “Not exactly roughing it”

All and all it was a great day. I got in my share of writing and I got to go up to the thing that makes Colorado famous. Hanging out tomorrow with friends. Five days and counting.


Noah Reynolds

Reunion

Another day at THE ONION. Today started like any normal day would, my mussels and bones ache and I am still tired, but today is again a special day. Another day with my friend Coco Davies at the Onion. Same routine, going back and fourth between hundreds of Cd's that I have never heard of or seen in my life. Another day of complete and udder amaze as I still get to work on the ground of the onion's office. And another day of more exciting events.

After a usual day at work I go home and get ready for tonights big school party. The place where old friends and new friends are reunited into one. With my abnormal defect for style I arrive in a Notre Dame football jersey and Grey shorts. My outfit really isn't very welcoming to new or old friends. But it still draws them to me and me to them as group hugs spread out over the campus of the school. High fives, hellos and the occasional high pitch scream from the girls makes it really seem like school is in the air.

Catching up with friends about how great there summer was is a great and way to start a overdue conversation, and I do just that. “I did nothing, not much, nothing to report.” This is all I hear from my friends. And unlike them I did a lot, and much to report. To start off I said I got an internship at the Onion. That was all I had to say before someone was detracted by another friend. I meet up with some of my guy friends, we talk about “Boy Stuff” and set a place and time to get one more hang out time before school starts.

Swimming pool, blue skies and new friends a good start to a hopefully good year. I get home eat something write this post and go to bed. All around a good day.


Noah Reynolds

One Week To Go

Driving up to Boulder Co, and my day is looking good again. The bright sun at eight thirty in the morning shines straight in my eyes. My mussels are still getting use to getting up this early and not being able sleep in. Having to go through most parts of my body to crack the tense mussels and bones. Click, crack as my fingers go when I put my hands together in the best stop. Stretching out my legs by putting them on the dashboard of the car and my arms hanging onto the handle above. First we stop at a friends house. Spend about fifteen minutes there and get on the road. My mom and I start a conversation, that lasted for all of one minute

Today is one week from the first day of school. To put one week into better words, 168 hours, 10,080 seconds and pretty much is closer than I thought. We are now at the Boulder city limits and listing to the radio and finally having a good time. We can see the flatirons and the sky is dark with Grey. The clouds are almost to the ground and the rain is starting.

We get to the city of Boulder and we start out at a nice little vintage store called Feather thy Nest. A great name for a used goods boutique in Boulder. My mother was transporting two designer chairs along with two automatons. But a devastating loss after my mother unfortunately dropped a hand painted glass bottle that she had been trying to give away for years. After a twirl through one more store we start to head back. As fast as we saw some family Cousins they were gone.

So after an nice visit with some cousins and shops we leave. Seven days and counting!


Noah Reynolds

Onion Crazy

Boring day today? No, a excellent day, a great day a perfect day. Today 8-24-09 I got to intern at one of my favorite publications of all time. THE ONION! From there gut busting headlines to there clever weather reports THE ONION is the funniest publication of all time, and I got to see there office but also work on the floor of there office. Was this a result of my amazing writing skills, No it was because of a family friend. But that is not to say in the near future it will be because of my writing. My job today was simple, organize the hundreds of Cd's spread across the floor of our friends office. organize by name of the artist. I thought this would be easy until I got to the office.

Hundreds upon hundreds if Cd's from the classic era of punk to the R&B scene of yesturyear. Piles stacked up on each other. Music that even my music fanatic mind cannot comprehend or even think about without getting a headache. From such titles as “Rain in Hell” to “Native American folk music.” A extremely wide variety of music makes a one's job much more challenging. I try and recognize some of the Cd's but so far I only know the one “Montle Crue”

Even with two hours of work my job sill isn't done, I will be heading back there later this week. I head out of the office with three free buttons, two stickers, one t-shirt and free water. My family friend, her name is Bree Davies. She reviews concerts in Denver and for right now she is my hero. After talking “Writer talk” for fifteen minutes I go home. I say goodbye to Bree and hello to a new tomorrow. Bree's site is www.breedavis.com Thank you Bree.


Noah Reynolds

Dull Day

Literally staring at my clock inside of my room, hearing each second go by, tick, tick. The day is hot and very tedious with nothing to do. A early engagement was fun and exciting. but brings no hope in anyone saving me from this terribly boring and dull day. I remember the fun days of summer, going with my friends to the mall, taking trips a long way from home and adventures of a twelve year old. But it seems that those hey days of summer are long over. Still with my mustache slippers on its almost like I didn't even get out of bed. Now my mind runs wild, “Is this going to last forever?” I ask myself. “Am I going to die?” These thoughts seem to becoming more and more realistic.

“Maybe its nice weather outside,” I step outside and the 94 degree heat hits me like a moving train. I am listing to my dads classic rock album from downstairs. Then I crash to the floor. I get back up fifteen minutes later and start to just count. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,33,34,35,36,100. Over and over again. My head is starting to hurt along with my feet and legs. I can even see the posters move in my room, am I crazy? drugged? half way asleep? All good guesses but I'm just bored!

Noah Reynolds

Before School Blues

Bored, tired, and with nothing to do it is that time of year again. The before school blues. I can't figure out if I'm excited to go back to the place that literally sent me over the edge of depression and stress. Or am I ready to learn something and get back together with all of my friends. When your caught in between a bind of yes and no and of up and down there is really nothing to do but mop and whine. But this year I am trying to beat that terrible but true fact about the before school blues.

As I sit here with my laptop, my eyes rolling at the mire thought of my parents yelling at me after a bad grade on a test. I know it will happen, you know it will happen but am I ready for it to happen that is the real question. TV seems useless when you have seen every commercial possible. Also when the show you are watching is a rerun from earlier today. Taking a nap? No won't work, that will just make me more tired and depressed. Go outside? Absolutely not, it is 95 degrees out there.

So I am left with my last option whinnying to my loyal readers making it seem like a group therapy session. As much as I hate to say this and believe me I hate to say this, I wish I was in school! I cannot take another second of my parents wanting me to do chores, go to the store with them or anything else. My young mind cannot hold all of the time I spend with my parents. The before school blues really has me in its grasp.


Noah Reynolds

Michael Vick

Michael Vick, a dog torturer, a football wizard a fiend may words can describe Mr, Vick and all of those words are in my mind are all true. From his sentencing to federal prison two years ago, to his release just weeks ago Vick has captured the attention of dog lovers, people who don't care and football lovers alike. The charges agents him are terrifying and hard to read or listen to. His career with the Atlanta Falcons launched his popularity sky high. From award winning video games like “MADDEN” have made him one of the most paid players in the NFL. In my experience I have always loved Vick, his amazing ankle breaking running skills to his superb throwing skills. I have always loved him.

But after the charges agents him my love plus my respect for him have both gone way south. After I heard Vick choked, drowned, stabbed and did many other terrible things to dogs that was to much for me to handle. I don't have a dog nor will I ever get one but everyone I know has a dog and dogs love me. In my opinion I think that Vick should spend five more years in jail. He does not deserve the slack that he gets for brutally killing dogs.

If you agree or don't agree with what I had to say than leave a comment. Thanks for reading


Noah Reynolds

Good Day

Today was a great day, I got to be around all of y very best friends by ourselves. I started my wonderful day by going to a not astronomically expensive or ridiculously crowded amusement park “Water World.” I think that the name explains itself by being water park and being pretty fun one at that. With a great sleep and a new diagnosis of plantar fasciitis in m heel. As I was saying, waking up slowly thinking it would be a normal boring day with nothing to do. I walk downstairs but I notice my swimsuit in front of the house completely forgetting what my mother said the day before, “ Be sure to get ready for water world I will be gone in the morning.” So I rush to my brother who of course is already taking a shower. I put on my swim suit and waited outside for y friends. Minutes later a blue car pulls up to the front of my house and my brother and I get in ready for a day of fun.

As we approach the huge park I ask the parent in charge if she will be going 0n any rides with us, and to my astonishment I find out that the day we will not be wondering the park with a adult or even a teenager but just by our selfs. Just five twelve year olds in a giant crowded amusement park for five hours. As you can imagine I was a bit skeptical on this idea. But I decided to chill out and take a break from my constant stress and anxiety. We started the day by going on a steep white slide. With my big belly and dark blue goggles I make the plunge down to the bottom of the slide. My suit was jammed up my butt and the slide gave me a big wedgie which is one of the most uncomfortable things that could happen to me.

The clouds started to roll in and everybody started to leave the park. the most we had to wait in line for was about five minutes as instead to the usual average of about fifteen minutes. Then after a while of fun in the clouds and on the many rides the rain started to pick up and the rides closed. Thirty minutes went by and nothing changed, the rides finally opened and we continued our day. Just about forty minutes later we had to leave. I will admit I had a fun day. I originally didn't want to go or have anything to do with water world but I had a great time.



Noah Reynolds

Two Weeks

Weeks before school stars and as usual I am not prepared. My mandatory reading taunts me as it silently lays very still on the living room counter. My two projects lay untouched in the hard drive of my computer taking up space and my mind runs wiled from the thought of not staying up late, no homework and many more enjoyable things that the last few weeks of summer have to offer. Going back to school, the very thing I hate the most about summer. No more late night blogging and no more free time.


Seventh grade, the middle of middle school. the very bridge between the mature seventh grader and the immature seventh grader. The very gateway of being a teenager. The very thought of turning thirteen in a mire 4 months and about 123 days doesn't even cross my mind thinking that I have made it this far.

Seeing my old friends and of course my old enemies that make me feel right at home. Maybe try and make new friends maybe not. New challenges and new fears await me in the next two weeks. Am I up to the challenge? Well as I sit in my bed ready to count off another last day of sumer I am cowering in fear of the new school year.


Noah Reynolds

Slow Day

Sitting in my house where everyone is either absent or sleeping. The Grey clouds roll in from the west and the wind picks up from the east. Silently writing as I sit on my big red couch pondering life and common sense as we know it. With the Television running and low volume I can see the reflection in the window in front of me. I can barley hear the local news reporter talking about what is happening in the world and in the city. The sun slowly peaks out from the clouds and shines right through the window blinding me with its power. I take the pillow and shield my face, eyes and mouth from the burning light. Even now everything is very quiet and still. Now with the TV off all I can hear is the constant tap-tap of my keyboard and the air slowly exiting my mouth. It is a slow day and that is the way I like it.


Noah Reynolds

Sick Sensation

The reason I have not been posting on my blog so recently is because I have caught the terrible sickness of Influenza. For me it all stated yesterday when I woke up in the morning. I wasn't feeling great but I thought it was just a morning bug, until as I was passing the bathroom the feeling in my stomach started to hurt and I ran inside and vomited. It was so loud that I was in one part of the house and even with a giant fan on my Mother could still hear my gagging and spitting. My mother immediately told me to take a shower and hop in bed. I was still convinced that this was just a morning bug. That was until my headache started up. The pounding force squeeze my head making it feel like it will explode. The constant throbbing of my head and stomach make me feel like this is more than a small bug. Maybe this is a day of terror and pain.
As I try and fall asleep a commercial for Taco Bell comes on and of course that triggers my stomachs security alarm to send out the troops, if you know what I mean. The vomiting continues for hours at a time. My stomach feels like someone is taking a knife and opening it up. As for my head the pain just gets worse as the day goes on. I try and get out of my parents bed one foot at a time. With my first step comes a wave of nausea and pain. With my second step comes a wave of regret. I really have not been this sick in a long long time. I am finally able to drink some liquid but that really doesn't do any good for me. Food is revolting, light is painful, movement makes me feel sick and talking hurts. Today is not a good day to have the flu. Luckily later that evening at 9:00 I am able to walk without feeling sick, I can smell food without vomiting and I feel much better. I guess it really was 24 hours of terror and pain but as I wake up this morning I feel like a new man. My head feels great my stomach is ready for food and I have beat the flu.



Noah Reynolds

Writer Block

I sit by the pool on a hot summer day litterly banging my head agents the table trying to think of an idea to write about. Then it came to me, what bothers a passionate writer more than anything, Writers Block. I am so desperate to write something I am writing about the very thing I hate. I have many tips passed from teachers, parents and even some of my own original ideas about how to beat writers block. One of the most important things to remember is to NEVER just stare at a blank piece of paper or a computer screen. Get up and walk around, passe the floor or even exercise and get your brain running. Another tip is to find a inspiring picture, study the picture and write a story about the picture. One idea is to read another writers article or story, then you can write a similar story or a story on the same topic. Also what works for me is to go into a library or book store and read or skim some of the books there to think of a good idea. Just a little ice breaker is to write some poems to get your brain warmed up and ready to write big poems and stories. Also try taking a really brad subject and shrinking it down into the most particular subject you can think of. An example of that is taking the topic of American History and shrinking it down to a fiction story about a family that all has to fight in the in the revolution. It is pretty easy. One idea is to take a story you have already written and to make a sequel of the first story. Writers block is a frustrating and irritating but it is something that every writer has to go through in there career. Just keep writing whether the story is dull as dishwater or interesting keep writing.


Noah Reynolds

Last Notion III

I made it! Even if I made it on a McDonadles chicken sandwich a couple animal crackers and a Pepsi I still made it. My food on this trip have gone from excellent to terrible. But one dinner meal caught my eye and taste buds the most of all. The name of the restaurant is Jenny Lake Lodge. The name is pretty misleading considering it is nowhere near Jenny Lake and it really isn't a lodge but that is okay. A five course meal awaits me. One starter, a bowl of soup, a salad, one entree and desert. We were greeted by a very tall nice man named Andy. Andy was our waiter, a great waiter at that. Our meal was a fixed price 5 course meal. What the means is that everything on the menu is the exact same price. As I said before the meal is five courses. My first course was a starter, the Duck Confit Croque Monsieur. This little piece of melted cheese and some duck placed on some Italian bread might have been the best starter I have ever placed down my throat. The most amazing French cheese dipped in tomato water makes the perfect beginning for the perfect meal. Next come the soup, a Delicious curry chick pea soup. With the texture and feel of Mexican soup but the amazing taste of authentic Indian curry soup makes is especially thick and harsh. The soup tasted amazing but because of how rich the soup was I was unable to finish the whole thing. Then came the salad, the dressing almost tasted like rasberry sauce mixed with olive oil. With smoked trout one of my favorite fish dishes on top made me think of the coast of Oregon. Then mix between sweet vinaigrette and trout was an amazing combination. Next came the entree. Seared American Kobe Flat Iron steak was my choose. With red potato's on the side covered in salt made my taste buds rocket up in the air. But the true hero in this meal. Sweet wine sauce is easily noticed along with the most perfectly cut of beef I have ever encountered in my life. With just the right amount of crisp and burnt edges makes this Kobe cut amazing to eat. Next comes desert. For me come three soft warm gooey chocolate chip cookies along the side of vanilla bean ice cream. After this meal I could go without food for a month. This last day in Jackson truly has been the best. I am now sitting at my computer along with my brothers at my house. Jackson was nice but nothing beats home.




Noah Reynolds

Last Notion Part II

After a long drive we make it to a small Mormon town in Idaho. This town is called Driggs Idaho. If you are unfamiliar with Driggs it is home to the famous Spud Drive In the famous giant potato. Of course the potato is fake but we will leave that story for another time. Hiking almost 3 miles can make your stomach really want some food. So we went to a nice Italian restaurant in the small town. I will be honest the restaurant didn't have the best food but anything was fine because I was so hungry. And we saw the big potato ( Like I mentioned before). Then a few miles to the south of us is a nice even smaller town by the name of Victor Idaho. Victor is like any western town with one exception. Victor is home to the original Huckelberry Milkshake. This strange mix of our favorite frozen drink and some strange fruit is apparently really good. Orig anally I wasn't going to try the shake bur for the sake of my blog I gave it a try. I can feel the concoction flow down my throat. The sweet saddle vanilla flavor with the sour taste of the berry makes a great treat in the middle of summer. But the shop that the shake is sold is the only place you can get fishing poles and mood rings at the same place. We slowly bring ourselves away from Idaho. From the nice Mormon town of Driggs to my first Huckelberry milkshake. Idaho was a great way to end the afternoon. But the night life has something in store for everyone. Stay tuned.

Noah Reynolds

Last Notion

I wake up with a new feeling. I am no longer sore, I am well rested and I am ready to make my last day in Wyoming the best one. Talks and whispers of a hike at Laurance Rockefeller's wild life Preserve have circulated through out the morning. It is decided we will take a 2.9 mile hike through the woods and valleys of the preserve. With everyone recalling yesterdays rafting trip we decide to kick the adventure down a couple notches as far as exercise goes. We got in our car and drove up to the preserve, unfortunately we are without two people. I wish Nate good luck in his swim meet and Kara a safe flight home. Anyway, the preserve is 2,100 acres donated by the Rockefeller family, luckily we only have to navigate across 2.9 miles of it. Through out the hike it was just my mother, cousin and myself making jokes and talking about our crazy families. We all talked by just joking of course. I had spent the past week or so covered in sunscreen, bugs eating me alive and also having the time of my life. But this special hike was really great in some strange way that the other events couldn't live up to. I recall seeing many people walking in front of us and just saying hello back and fourth between one another. As our group approaches Phelps lake at the base of a mountain seeing clear blue skies reflect upon the surface of the lake. We climbed down on to the shore of the big lake. We can see little ducks and there mother swimming across the blue water. It made me think how important it is to have family and friends who care about you no matter what. I love having family and friends It it has just taken those six ducks to make me think about it. If you love someone don't ever let them go not matter what.


Noah Reynolds

Snake River Rampage

With no sleep and a sore body, it is a usual day in Jackson. Today happens to be the day that the family journeys on to the class two stretch of the famous Snake River. Cutting thought the morning of the day we get on a old school bus with advertisements for rafting photos everywhere. With a Narptilectic feeling in my head I doze off to sleep, skipping all of the beautiful landscape and scenery. I finally woke up 35 minutes later closing in on the drop off spot and I am excited. Our guied for the day is guide Amy, she better be pretty well prepared for this group. Everyone came except my mother, but on the raft was fifteen people. All of us including a family of four. As we embark on the banks of the river traveling through out the canyon of the tall mountains and hills, everyone is ready. From my eighty year old grandparents to my Aunt that has had many bad experiences on the river no matter what we are ready. Eight people on the raft have the title of paddler. As for me I happen to be a sitter. To elaborate on that position all I do is take pictures with a water proof camera and keep my butt sore until the end of the ride. I think that this job fits me perfectly. Rapid number one is a pretty easy class one rapid stage. Although we seem fine I felt a little nervous having a scared but excited aunt and two grandparents that could fall over any moment. As the nervous in my butt start to disintegrate I decided to take a dip in that water at a point in the river called the "Mellow Mile." As I get ready for my dive my brother goes before me and so I think that the water won't be so bad, I was wrong. Even as the water seeps into my shoes I regret this decision. The freezing cold water makes me actually think I will die. Afraid that this terrible fantasy will come true and that I will float down the river without stopping I get back into the boat. As our journey continues we head towards the biggest rapid in this stretch of river. I prepare myself by bending forward and gripping my feet into the rubber boat, and we made it.
Some jokes and a few observations later we find ourselves at the docking spot. Waiting at the bus was the longest five seconds of my life. Then I slowly close my eyes and doze off to sleep.


Noah Reynolds

Big Biking

It is 8:30 in the morning I find myself spread out on the floor of our hotel room. With my legs and hands sore as can be I forget the very important fact that we will be mountain biking today. I bring myself to my feet and take a shower. I stroll slowly over to breakfast where my relatives are eating and gorging themselves before the big day. We start on the road heading towards the mountain and through the Snake River bridges. We park at the base of the mountain and get ready. I get out of the car with my bright yellow helmet and my Mike Ditka aviator sunglasses. We get to the bike rental spot I notice the many very skilled and ready to go bike riders. I fall short by a mile and a half compared to them. A nice perfect day makes me feel more optimistic than I usually would feel. We start to bike over to the chairlift, my uncle, dad, two brothers and I bike over to the lift. All the woman and my grandfather decided to take a hike down the mountain. We make it to the lift then we head to the lift, bikes in hand sunscreen applied and confidants way up. The sun and sky is great, but my experience won't be the best. Traveling down the trail titled "easiest way down" that is a lie. Bumps curves and dirt slow the process way down, as I turn a corner I feel something wrong. Suddenly I flip off my bike and roll on the ground. I knew this was going to happen but not on the first run of the day. The second run brought us through gravel and mud muck like the third trail. But on the fourth trail I was lucky I didn't die. Huge rocks, logs and piles of dirt can stop even the most thrill seeking biker out there. Traveling up and down through the forest. Some sweat, tears and a few curse words later, I finally make it without falling too much. The mountain bikers are waiting for the rest of the crew to call it a day. We all walk back everyone sore from walking of biking we pile into the car and go home. I guess mountain sports just aren't my thing.



Noah Reynolds

80th Dinner

How can you throw a great birthday party without a really expensive restrant. It was 5 when we went down to the restrant. When we got there the atmosphere was amazing with a view of the mountain and the streets of Jackson below. The sun was far from setting as we started the meal, With our drinks we toasted our great parents and grandparents to some of us there. Then an unexpected toast from my Grandmother to thank all of us coming and especially the children. The first thing I notice on the menu is the 325 dollar bottle of cheapen to the 45 dollar cut of steak. But while I think this is a rip off everyone else is staring at the menu taking to note all the great food combinations. Then astronomical prices don't stop everyone from ordering exactly what they want. Upon the ceiling is some very strange western pieces of artwork. We sit for a while just like lunch with stories hoping back and fourth between relatives. My brother and I decided to split a steak, not the 45 dollar steak, but a mir 25 dollar steak. The steak was the only PERFECTLY cooked steak I have ever had. The amazing spices and tender succulent cut of beef was amazing. It may have not been the most filling meal but being there for my grandparents was all worth it. Our desert was amazing while some ordered cake and pie and others having pieces of pie. I decide to have what I haven't had in a long time. Fresh, smooth, cold and warm hot fudge sundae. When I finished my whole me I could hibernate for weeks. The long wait for Pat Reynolds was finally over. Tired and hungry she said hi and started a whole two course meal. After three hours of being at a crowded restaurant we call it a night. This dinner wasn't just a dinner it was a celebration of the parents that won't yell at you and get mad at you. The parents of experience and trust, grandparents are always there for you no matter what.





Noah Reynolds

Finally Here

Today all of my family arrived. My two aunts, my one cousin, my uncle and my grandparents. To start the reunion was a nice lunch at the hotel. Questions about how everyone is doing and what everyone is doing in there life launched back and fourth between each side of the table. Jokes and stories consume the conversation. The meal was ten times better knowing that all of the people who care for you are there. Not only am I happy to see everyone but the six out of eleven people are regular readers for my blog. And are the usual people to leave comments on my page. I haven't seen some of these people in years. But for one of my Aunts I haven't seen her in ten years. I was really excited to see everybody. Unfortunately my mother couldn't see everybody while her flight was cancelled and I send my hopes out to her. After our amazing lunch we decided to work off the food on a nice walk. We drove up to a nice butte and started our walk. The first thing that I notice is the prudent smell of horse droppings. A eight inch wide trail makes the flowers and tall grass gently scrape my legs. Being on top of this huge butte I am able to see all of Jackson and all of the valley just like at the top of the mountain. Down a 60 degree slope. Seeing all the purple, pink and yellow flowers. Finally everyone is here and ready to have a good time. Tonight we are having a birthday dinner for my Grandparents I will be blogging on that later tonight. Happy birthday Poppa and Poppa Phone.




Noah Reynolds

Tram To The Top

On our second day in Jackson it was a slow start. Nathan being ill and sleeping late; breakfast and showers that we need to worry about. We didn't even get on the road until 11. But today was a specie day we would travel to the top of a mountain and take in the amazing views of Wyoming. To the top is a huge tram that runs every 20 minutes. It can take you all the way to the top of the ski resort. The town is pretty much like any other ski resort. But the top of the mountain is like something I have never seen before, even living is Colorado. We travel very slowly up to the top with a few jerks of the tram ahead of us. I am able to see the grey bike and hiking trails criss-cross each other down to the base of the mountain. We make it to the top with a 360 degree view of the whole valley. The new trail is made out of rocks. I can feel the uneven, jagged and slippery rocks below the souls of my feet. With my amazing view we are able to see the Grand Tee-Tons to the right of us. Just over a small collection of ranches and fields upon a hill happens to be our hotel. All that my eyes can see is a vast never ending Alpine tundra of trees plants and animals. I can't help but to feel sorry for the backpackers as I overhear them talking about a seven day 46 mile trip. My father said " How about a four mile run around hike?" Hiking is highly overvalued part of exercise in my eyes. I am excited for all of my relatives to come tomorrow. I am feeling as if I am at the top of the world. Unfortunately being on top of the world means chest and head pains. I admit I was a total wimp but it was all worth it finally coming down to the bottom of the mountain slowly falling asleep in the car. Well relatives of mine I hope we all have a great time in Jackson. I wish smooth sailing to you all.



Noah Reynolds

The Drive

We embark into the pouring rain in Denver. We drive into the clouds and setting sun. Stocked up with food, drinks, blankets and a DVD player we are ready to go. We left at 8:00 on the 27th of July, one day before we were suppose to leave. Right away we put in a Adam Sandler movie and right away I fell asleep. Two hours later we are at a Hampton hotel in Laramie WY. The next morning we go out just twelve hours after we left Laramie. On the road by eight thirty and driving into the sunrise of the Wyoming wilderness. But on my first real trip to Wyoming I find out that the wilderness is just filled with tall grasses and small trees. Staring out of the car window makes me fall into a deep, deep sleep. I get woken up by the sound of my brother gagging and then vomiting on the car floor. Holding my breath and closing my eyes I pretend that nothing ever happened. Wyoming if you have ever been there is pretty much a desolate waste land. Passing by towns with the population of 75 and 50 is filled with trailers and gas stations. We made it to the biggest town so far Pinedale one of the oil cities of America. Driving in and out of dump trucks and pickup trucks through small little schools and houses we reach the end of this cute little town. Waiting for 20 minutes just so they could pave the road in the day time is a terrible idea. With the smell of freshly pasted tar engulfs my nose and mouth with that horrible sense. Seeing the mountains for the first time we finally make it in the mountains after being woken up again by another one of Gus' vomiting moments. The Grosventre mountains is where we start before coming to Jackson. Seeing the Hoback river flow and wave under our car. After about fifteen minutes in the mountains we can see the Tee-Tons up ahead. Driving up windy roads to bring us to our hotel. Seeing the views of the mountains makes me feel like I'm in Switzerland. Birds chirping and wind swaying, we have made it we are finally here.



Noah Reynolds

Short One

Tonight I embark on a journey to my Grandparents 80th birthday. I am doing a short post so I will be able to get in the car and drive to my very first trip to Jackson Hole, WY. Over the next week all of my poems, pories, essays and stories will be dedicated to my Grandfather and Grandmother. If you would like to give my gradparents a birthday comment just leave it of the comments button below. Again I apologize for this short post but I will be blogging as much as possible on my trip. Keep reading!





Noah Reynolds

Soccer Game

Last night my family and I went to a Colorado Rapids soccer game. This game was a make up game for the malfunctioning fireworks during the Fourth Of July. It has been a while since I have been to a sporting event and I had forgotten all of the sights, sounds and frankly very strange and annoying things that happen in the stands. Many different things happen and today I will tell you about my experience in case all of you have forgotten what it is like being in the stands at a soccer game. As you all know the USA is suffering from a growing number of obese adults. And it seems like all of those adults gather at soccer games so they can eat without being judged. I am not judging them I am just writing about what is common at sporting events. So here are the very big men and woman eating and eating. I had been feeling sick for the past couple of days but this made my stomach turn even more. Plus a river of beer and soda running through the seats. It seems that every time I sit at a sporting event I get the most crazy fans behind me cursing and screaming at the game. If that wasn't enough I had a fan routing for the other team sitting behind me. Then there is a new sensation about having big blow horns that make a noise like a dying seal would sound like. But if you read this and think that I hate sporting events than you are very wrong. There is nothing in the world like cheering on your team even if there a few things that I don't enjoy I love being able to be part of a game. Here is a tip for all of you get off the couch get some tickets and go see a sports game.



Noah Reynolds

Dramatic Experience

Today just hours ago my good friend was followed by a very strange man. I had invited her to play soccer with my brother, my friend and I at the park . My unsettled stomach cut our playing time short. As I go to my phone asking my friend if I could make it up to her by inviting her to my house for a drink. But when my phone rings for a new message. It was form my friend stating that a strange man had been following her and keeping up with the passe she was walking. I told her to call the police then she said that the man had driven off. This man was short with red hair, driving in a blue car. She hurried back to her house and told me her parents were not home. Me being the only person in contact with her decided to go over and bring her over to our house until her parents get back. As I walk to her house I can see her almost crying in the window. The first thing to come out of my mouth of course is a joke. It might not have been the place or the time but she still got a laugh about it. We both started to walk over to my house with me asking the normal questions in a situation like this one. We both waited at the house for the Police Officer to come. I am now up in my office a waiting to hear what might be going on and how we can fix it. I know my friend was really scared but if you can believe it I was also extremely scared.



Noah Reynolds

30th Blog Spectacular

Tonight I am celebrating my 30Th blog in under a month. To get right down into things I have gone to a group of lectures at the Museum of Contemporary Art in down town Denver. These series of lectures go throughout the summer and the group is called "Tag Team." The lectures are two lectures within an hour that have absolutely nothing to do with one another. One example is last week was The Black Panthers and The Stigmata. But tonight the lectures will be about Olives and Salvador Dali. We start with the Olives. The speaker is a well known Denver chef that makes appearances on news shows. The Olive began back in the Greek mythology era. She tells many stories about how the olive plant could have been started but none of them seemed logical. But the olive no matter how it was brought to this world brought great pride in Greece and the Mediterranean country's. The olive was used for luck in battle or currency for people to buy even more olives. The olive was a symbol of peace and rebirth. As told in the bible after the long 40 days and 40 nights of rain a dove flew off Noah's ark and had a olive tree branch in its mouth symbolizing God's forgiveness to the world. But you can't have olives without olive oil. They're three types of olive oil Extra Virgin, Virgin, Pure and Pomace. All three have a special characteristic. Olive oil is usually the most common ingredient in all Mediterranean meals. It also is very healthy and good for you. The woman speaking really made me feel like I was in southern Italy basking in the sun of the Mediterranean sea. Olives and Olive oil really has made history in the cooking world.

Salvador Dali was what is called a surrealist artist. He was born just a small train ride from Barcelona, Spain. His work has changed the worlds artwork as we know it. From his first masterpiece when he was only 10 years old. To his 15 month piece of art as big as a garage door. In his whole Carrier he made about 1200 oil paintings. He was the one to create holograms. To his homosexual lifestyle again to his hatred for Picasso's artwork. Dali was a strange man. But did you know that he wasn't just a artist but also a writer and costume designer. And one of his most famous Pisces of artwork was "Persistence of Memory." His strange life was all over Europe. Some say that he was addicted to drugs but the truth is he hated drugs and anyone who took them. "I don't take drugs, I am drugs" Dali. Salvador really is a true inspiring person to every artist willing to take a step further.


"Except the vine, there is no fruit that bears as great importants as the Olive."

" Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it."






Noah Reynolds

Nowhere Land

In the deep reaches of the Paris underground in 1932 lives a city. Not any city but a city run by kids. Not just any kids but kids that are different. These different kids stick to there name. Simon, the city planner hopes to grow up and be an artist. Simon is a tall guy with big blue eyes and small hands. His purple hair makes him even more noticeable than he already is. Avleen, the head of police, wants to become a SWAT uniform creator. With her beautiful Brade's and her pink flip flops makes her blend in with all the other "normal" girls even though she isn't really normal. Samantha, the cities mayor, is tall like Simon but really wants so become a singer. Samantha really isn't the most popular girl at her school or the most beautiful girl but her voice when she sings makes the whole city cry. Last but not least is Ennis, the city Governor. Ennis wants nothing more in the world but to become a great writer. With his short stature he needs an office at the top of the town. But there beautiful town under grown that they love is just a jungle gym in Ennis' backyard. One problem is that all of our four leaders are 13 years old and still pretending. All the kids that past by Ennis' house call the four friends names. Unheard names. After a while Ennis asked his mother to put a fence up so the other kids wouldn't see them. So she did. All the other kids would still throw balls and rotten fruit over the fence and would hit the four friends in the head. The four parents had a talk with each other and decided to have Simon, Avleen, Samantha and Ennis stop there nonsense. After Simon didn't get into college non of them decided to go even though Ennis got into Oxford. With the rise of the Nazi empire in 1939 and the invasion of Poland on September, 1 , 1939 Simon flew to Poland to join the cause. His plane was shot down he was captured by the Germans and died later that year. Avleen flew to America but was caught in the London Bombings of 1942 and like Simon before her died in a plane crash. In that same year in the invasion of Paris Hitlers army took over the city and killed anyone in there way. Samantha being German was shot by the resistance along with her family. But Ennis out through the war and had all of the bodies of his former friends buried in there old play space. Ennis married and had kids until his heart gave out on December 16, 1996 the year and day his grandson was born. And of course Ennis was buried at the same spot of his fallen friends. " Always have a good imagination no matter what." Ennis Jok 1996




Noah Reynolds

Last Evening

The land of 10,000 lakes boy is that true. You all know my many emotional problems but being here at lake Minnetanka at sunset makes me feel like none of those problems exist. Just watching the orange sun slowly and peacefully make its way down over the horizon. The boats have been pulled in, the rain clouds slowly drift away and the gentle waves smoothly come into shore. The birds balance on the wet leaf's making the small drops of water fall upon my head. My family and friends are skipping rocks on the motionless water. I can see the water towers dominate the skyline in the distance on the other islands. Walking on the soft beach with the newly damp sand sinking under the soul of my feet. The moist and damp landscape makes it the perfect weather for a stroll on the lake. Suddenly I run into my first real group of mosquito's crashing into my face and mouth. Again seeing the last glimpse of daylight and sunlight counting down the moment until complete darkness. Then I see the sail boats bobbing up and down in the bay creating a wake of water below them. Now I finally understand the words of Louis Armstrong and his song "What a Wonderful World."

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today. - James Dean



Always live- Noah Reynolds