Katie+Holland

I have always loved reading ever since I was able to. I started to like writing when I was in the 2nd grade with, Mrs. Petiet. We would create our own storybooks every week. She really inspired me when I was younger and made writing fun. In high school, I always looked forward to english class. Now, I enjoy writing about my experiences, other people, animals, psychology topics, history and current issues. I also enjoy writing creative, fictional pieces. I do not like writing long, exaggerated research papers. Senior project last year was defiantly something I did not have fun doing. My biggest problems with writing are my occasional writers block and my procrastination problem. This semester, I would like to be a better reviser and editor. I would like to be a better brainstormer. I would also like to write in a more confident tone of voice. I am excited to improve my writing skills this year.

My best friend, Erin, moved away three years ago. Two thousand, eight-hundred miles away; To the middle-of-no-where, Idaho. She was the one girl I knew I could trust. I could tell her anything and I could always count on her. We spent almost every day together and we were always laughing. She was more like a sister to me than anything. We were insparable and could finish each others sentences. When she told me she was moving, I was completely crushed. I was absolutley devastated that the one person who knew me best, was going to be gone. I thought I would never see her again. When I thought about it, I cried and cried. Remembering and thinking about the good times we shared, broke my heart. Little did we know, our parents had been talking over e-mail. They planned to fly Erin back to Rhode Island the next summer to stay with my family! We called eachother, screaming with excitement over the great news. We never had thought about anything like this happening. Now, every summer we have planned out times to see eachother. We have been to New York, New Jersey, and even Las Vegas last April. Our friendship hasn't changed a bit. The distance is really tough but we haven't drifted apart. We write letters, send packages and text eachother everyday. Our friendship is much too strong to be broken. I know we will be friends forever.

There are several ways to get around this poor economy by limiting your spending. First of all, you can limit how many times you go out every week. Maybe, you could rent a movie instead of driving to a theater. You can microwave a bag of popcorn and eat your own, less-expensive candy at home. Green facial masks, assorted chocolates and the latest Cosmopolitan issue; can take place of a girls-night-out. Second, you could use coupons. Take the time to cut or print out coupons from websites or shopping ads. Try buying the 'Stop & Shop' brand of your favorite snack food or soda. You could find out that it tastes just the same, if not better. Every little bit of money counts, every cent will add up and make a difference somewhere. Finally, stop buying brand names. The other day my friend bought a pair of plan, black boots from Bakers for $90. The next day, we went to Wal-Mart for slippers and found almost the same shoe for $15. The price difference was incredible and she regretted buying the pointless brand name boot. There are several ways to economize when money gets tight, if you just think logically.