Family History Essay

I’ve know both sides of my parents family pretty well. But during these six weeks, I learned more about my mother’s side than my fathers. My mother’s father is Florentino Pena, her mother is Concepcion Pena. They were both born in Anahuac, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She has two sisters and two brothers, and she’s the second oldest. All of my grandparent’s children which are my aunts and uncles were either born in Laredo, Texas or Dallas, Texas. At first, I thought that they were all born here in Dallas because this is where they live now. But, my uncle who was born first and my mother who was born second were not born in a hospital. My grandmother had a midwife there at her home in Laredo, Texas. She had my uncle and then went to a lady that wrote birth certificates that were authentic, and legal. The state had certified this lady to write birth certificates. My grandmother then had my mother and she went to this lady again to get her birth certificate. Now when my grandmother went to Dallas, this business with the certified lady was going very slow. She needed money and many people didn’t want to go to her to go get their child’s birth certificate, so this lady went Mexico, started to sell the documents that were already legal in the U.S and made them illegal. Now, this lady sold many certificates and had people cross the border so that they can live here and have freedom. Later on, this lady was caught, she was arrested and had to give up her right to write down certificates and her citizenship.

Later on when my uncle tried to get his passport and they asked for his certificate, they told him that it was fake, and that the lady that “sold it to my grandmother legally” was caught for selling them across the border so, he couldn’t get his passport because they couldn’t figure out whether it was documented before she started selling them across the border or after she did all that. There was no proof that it was real of fake, so they turned him down. When my uncle came and told this to my grandmother, she of course was furious and decided to go all the way to El Paso, Texas and go in front of the judge to solemnly swear that it was real and they had gotten it before the lady went to Mexico to sell them. After that, he was able to get his passport, and now when my mother tried to get hers, they again told her that it was fake and the whole same story came to place, now my mother has to go to El Paso, and do the same thing over again. She hasn’t done it yet but will do it soon.

When I found out this story, I thought they were playing with me at first because they were laughing as they were telling it but then my grandmother who is a full Christian lady told me that it was all of God’s plan so then I knew that it was real. I wouldn’t think something like this would happen to my family, but knowing this world, anything can happen. But what you have to learn is how to fix it.

NEWS!

US HIGH SCHOOLER TAKES 32ND IN SKI JUMPING

WHISTLER, British Columbia - Peter Frenette arrived at Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley at 8 a.m. Saturday well before most other ski jumpers.
He had to wax his own skis and rip apart a few seams from his ski suit - the same ski suit he personally sewed a few weeks ago while training in Park City, Utah.
Such is life for cash-strapped U.S. ski jumpers, who are not funded by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association"We're the first athletes here every morning because we have to wax our own skis," said Frenette, who turns 18 Wednesday. "Everyone else has people that do everything for them. It'd be a lot easier to focus on just our jumping than, 'I've got to go there and wax my skis and make sure my suit's legal and do all this stuff.'"
Frenette, considered the future of U.S. ski jumping, barely missed the cutoff to advance to the finals in the large hill ski jumping event Saturday. He finished 32nd out of 50 jumpers with a score of 90.6 after soaring 114? meters at a top speed of 92.2 kilometers per hour.
"Definitely regrets," Frenette said. "There's so many little things. You're like, 'OK, if I could have done that, I could have gone a couple meters farther.' It's kind of hard being that close because you know you can be in with the top-30."
Switzerland's Simon Ammann won his fourth career Olympic gold medal by soaring 144 meters in the first round, then 138 meters on his second jump. "Hopefully, next Olympics I'll be right there," said Frenette.
Still, not too shabby for a 17-year-old who a month ago thought his first shot at the Olympics would be 2014 in Sochi.
Despite Frenette never competing in a major international competition or World Cup event, U.S. coach Jochen Dannenberg saw talent in the Saranac Lake, N.Y., native on the Continental Cup circuit. He was the top American during a recent event in Japan and finished 12th at world juniors in Germany last month.
So in late January while training in Austria, Frenette received a call from U.S. Nordic Director John Farra that he was an Olympian.
"It's been really exciting, and kind of intimidating, too, being my first big international competition," Frenette said. "I'm jumping against the best guys and it's definitely a lot harder than other competitions I've been in. But it's a cool experience."
Between world juniors and Olympic training, Frenette returned to his home just outside Lake Placid for two days. He celebrated by catching up on homework - math - because he's been away from school since early January.
But the Olympics make the lofty investment from Frenette's parents worthwhile. Frenette comes from a family full of skiers and his parents, who are school teachers at the same high school he attends, have to work two jobs to support their son's career.
His dad, Peter Sr., a computer teacher by day, does carpentry. His mother, Jennie, a music teacher by day, works at a restaurant.
"It's definitely hard not having any funding," said Frenette. "It's just another thing to worry about when you really don't need to be worrying."
Frenette guesses that between a few donations, sponsorships and his parents own money, he's spent $30,000 since last summer.
"Ten thousand on plane tickets alone," said Frenette, who has taken three trips to Europe and one to South Korea and Japan since last year. "Skis are $1,000. Suits are $500. Europeans have like 30 suits. We sew our own when they rip. Boots are $300. Hotels in Europe, training costs. It adds up quick.
"Hopefully the plan is to keep getting better results and someone will sponsor us or fund us."
Frenette then put his hand over the USA logo on his warmup jacket.
"Not them. Not them yet," Frenette said, disappointedly. "I feel it's going to happen. But you just don't know. It's definitely a tough situation."
But 30 grand? Sochi is four years away. How are Frenette's parents and a few sponsors going to continue to support him, especially since he plans to continue ski jumping in lieu of college?
Frenette noted how the USSA has invested money in recent years to biathlon and Nordic combined, and "it's paid off." Frenette was there last week when Johnny Spillane won the Americans' first Nordic combined medal.
"Someone's got to see it," Frenette said. "What it'll take to make ski jumping more popular in the U.S. is just consistently good results. Podium at Olympics. Podium at World Cups. Nobody knows about ski jumping in the U.S.
"Having good results here is making me want to keep doing it, get better, try to be the best one day and put ski jumping on the map."


Analysis:

I think this is so cool, i wouldn't be able to do something like this. I have way too many problems with my back and my knees even though I'm barely starting out in life! I would be more worried about my schooling but if it gets my attention and i like it i might just go for it. I don't like to lose, that's my biggest problem. If i am going to get some kind of prize, I'm going to go for it. I know its bad and everyone is a winner but there is only ONE prize, not 5 but 1. So good job to him and i hope he proceeds and does well in skiing.

By Brian Rhoads

Canada’s dreams of ice hockey gold on the line

VANCOUVER, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Canada’s hopes of a medal in Olympic men’s hockey live or die on the ice on Tuesday as the hosts, stung by their shocking loss to the United States, face off against Germany.The ice hockey-mad Canadians dropped goalie Martin Brodeur after he struggled in the 5-3 upset by the Americans and now it will be Vancouver favourite Roberto Luongo in the net.With Alpine skiing under way, Swiss sensation Carlo Janka led the men’s giant slalom after the first run. Italian giant slalom specialist Massimiliano Blardone was in fourth and another favourite Austrian Benjamin Raich was sixth.American Bode Miller’s hopes of a fourth medal from four races disappeared when he almost fell and then skied out on a cold and cloudy morning.All eyes will be on the ice at Canada Hockey Place, where the Olympic hosts seek to redeem themselves against winless Germany after losing to the U.S. on “Super Sunday”. Even with a win, the Canadians must face Russia to keep their gold dreams alive.Taking no chances, Canada replaced Brodeur in goal after the game’s most successful goalie struggled against the United States.LOOSE GOALSBrodeur, who led Canada to gold in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and has the most wins and shutouts ever in the National Hockey League, allowed some loose goals and was outplayed in Sunday’s defeat by American goaltender Ryan Miller.“We’re in the winning business,” Canada coach Mike Babcock said. “And to win at any level you need big saves, you need momentum-changing saves. I think (Luongo) gives us a real good opportunity to win.”The 30-year-old Luongo—Bobby Lou to Vancouver fans—is a three-times NHL All-Star who has played the last four seasons in Vancouver for the Canucks. He was between the pipes for Canada’s opening 8-0 win over Norway.Babcock indicated that he would sink or swim with Luongo.“One thing about this tournament now, if you’re changing goalies, you’re probably out of the tournament,” the coach said about the knockout phase of the competition.Russia took the first of the day’s five golds in the women’s 4x6km biathlon relay, overcoming the German favourites who competed without exhausted double gold medal winner Magdalena Neuner. Germany settled for bronze behind France.Golds were also due to be decided in the men’s 10,000m speed skating, Nordic combined team 4x5 km relay and women’s ski cross finals.Dutch speedskater Sven Kramer is favourite to add a 10,000m gold to the 5,000m one he has already secured in Vancouver. Kramer is the world record holder at both distance events and winner of the last three world all-round titles.Canada hope to add another gold with Ashleigh McIvor a strong hometown favourite in the women’s ski cross, but she will have to head off former Alpine skier Ophelie David of France and other challengers.

Analysis:

I really don't watch the Olympics as much as i should, it just does amuse or get my interest. I would rather watch a movie. But i think its dumb that i don't like it when I'm a huge sport fan. I don't know if its the snow that i don't like or it reminds me of the time the whole school got into trouble that snowy Thursday or, if its just the idea of people all over the world competing for something valuable to the eye. I don't know much of the other countries but of USA'S I do know more than i should know, it helps make other people understand what kind of crisis we are in and what we are coming to in the future. I like hockey, i cant play it, i cant even skate, but i like the idea of sliding a puck into a net with a stick, sounds like fun. I hope USA wins, i checked how many medals we have and its the most but we have the most in gold too. It doesn't matter if we win or lose but it's better to win, i like Canada but not for their Canadian bacon, its just like ham to me!

Snow Blows Through Western Edge Of North Texas

It wasn't quite the winter blast many North Texans experienced just a few weeks ago. Nonetheless, mother nature gave a healthy dusting of snow to many cities just south and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
In Stephenville, Bill Lowrance found an innovative way to scrape the collected snow off his Cadillac.
With plastic placemat in hand, Lowrance shoveled about two inches of the powdery stuff from his windshield. All the while, acknowledging, this isn't a typical North Texas winter.
"Might as well be in Pennsylvania or Michigan," Lowrance said. "I tell you, it's just amazing."
Amazing to have yet another round of heavy snow move through the area within just weeks.
It may not have had the same consistency we experienced a few weeks ago, this time the snow was wet and not as fluffy. Yet those who live in Stephenville said they still loved the sight of snow.
"I think they should cancel school so we can play in the snow," Tarleton State University student Karin Wasner said.
By mid-day Tuesday, a couple of inches of snow covered cars, tree branches and blanketed the ground. The streets turned a bit slushy, but the environment still created and enticing playground for some Tarleton State University students.
"Once my friends get out of class, I'll definitely play in the snow and stuff with my fraternity," student J.J. Griltz said.
An opportunity to remember and enjoy the winter of 2010. "It is what it is - it's mother nature," Lowrance said. "It does what it's going to. We just have to go along with the flow."


Analysis:

It has been cold these past weeks, or even this whole month of Jan. I hope it quits soon because I'm ready for spring to come and i can wear everything but my big jackets and scarfs. Its boring now, yes i know what snow looks like now and no i don't want anymore of it, if i would want more i would go to Canada or some place where there's always going to be snow. I want it to snow in December not January!

Charlie Sheen Headed To Rehab

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Charlie Sheen is heading to rehab.

A rep for the actor confirmed the news to Access Hollywood on Tuesday.

"As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility," the rep said in the statement.

A source, however, told Access Hollywood Sheen has not yet checked into a facility and is still at home. He is planning to check in soon, the source said.

Through his rep, Sheen, who is currently facing charges in Aspen, Colo., over a December 25 incident where wife Brooke Mueller claimed her husband threatened her with a knife, (something he has denied), said his rehab stint will affect his job.

"He will take some time off his series 'Two and a Half Men,'" the rep's statement continued.

CBS was expected to release a statement on Tuesday afternoon about the actor's situation.

Sheen's rep said the actor is asking for "privacy" in light of the news.

"He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned," the statement concluded.

The news comes just two weeks after Sheen's rep told Access Hollywood, "Charlie Sheen is not headed for rehab," back on February 10.

According to another insider, Sheen's rehab move is not a surprise to those close to the actor.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Sheen was officially charged earlier this month with one felony count of menacing, a misdemeanor count of assault in the third degree and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief, as a result of his Christmas day arrest.

Following Sheen's arrest, the insider claimed the actor was heavily encouraged to seek help as the charges carry a potential three years in jail, and many people's jobs at his CBS sitcom, "Two and a Half Men," are on the line if he receives that sentence. Additionally, the source claimed, he was encouraged to to show the court in Aspen he was trying to seek help.

Sheen's last public appearance was at the Los Angeles opening of "The Subject Was Roses," a play starring his father, actor Martin Sheen, on Sunday.

On Monday, Sheen's wife, Brooke Mueller, left a Malibu, Calif., rehab facility after an alleged patient confidentiality breach. She was reportedly staying at a home in Los Angeles, but on Tuesday, a person close to the situation told Access Mueller is back in a rehab facility.

A rep for Sheen also confirmed on Monday that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services visited Sheen and his twins with Mueller - Max and Bob.

"CPS went to Charlie['s] home as a matter of routine procedure," the rep said.

Additionally, the person close to the situation told Access Hollywood, the couple has help taking care of their twins in the form of two nurses and two nannies while they seek treatment.

Analysis:

Okay, who cares about this guy?? I do not want to open the web page with this doh-doh on the front page. You sir need to get anger management classes, a new hair-do, just get a new life, good your going to a place where you can become human again. I didn't like him from the start and i don't think he will every get my attention for movies or t.v shows!

Pictures of Winter Break!

Picture of Me and My Family

4th Six Weeks

These 6 weeks was somewhat different then my other 6 weeks. In a good way, I was able to accomplish more things that I needed for school and out of school activities. I feel like this was my best 6 weeks yet for many reasons. One, I was had time to do extra things for my classes to get me a higher grade average. I tried more in accomplishing projects as in adding decorations, and getting more points in creativity. I did more in my homework assignments. I always do them but I sometimes don't fully write what I need to say, I usually just get to the point without explaining and didn't try hard in describing what I was told to. I have a student teacher named Mr. Jimenez for my Spanish IV AP class. I was already having a hard time with that class, and I didn't think that I was going to do well, but I tried like I planned and now I have the highest average in there. Hopefully I will do as well as I have done and get what I need finished.
It’s hard when you have so many ideas you want to do but have no time for. I thought I would have time to make a homemade card for my boyfriend Jairo with pictures of us and lots of creativity, things from the “heart” but it was hard. I didn’t make it and ended up giving him nothing which I still have to think about. Church is going great. I still have Bible Study on Tuesdays, I enjoy going a lot, it makes me more interested in what God wants us to do while were still here. I plan on getting baptized but not right now. I’m not ready for that big commitment which is bad for me to say because people come up to me and ask me things that I didn’t know they would be interested in.
During the winter break, I had a lot of fun, I always have packed plans for the break because, the 22nd is my dads birthday, which as we Mexicans party until we have to go home (Because I would rather hear the word of God instead of drinking and telling everyone I love them when I don’t even know them, I tend to stay home and do what I think is fun.) then we have Christmas Eve. Great Another party! Then Christmas Day, another party, the 27th is my mothers birthday so on the 26th we just end up having other party! The 28th, 29th, and 30th are what we call a “little get together” which is a smaller version of a Regular party. The 31st as we all know is New Years Eve. And last but not least, New Years Day…what a weekend…what a break…what a life! So For this 4th Six weeks, it was just loads, and avalanches of fun.

3rd Six Weeks

This 3rd six weeks was more interesting to me than the other six weeks so far, i really starting putting my hard work and dedication to my studies and what i want to do later on in life, i know at times i can be lazy and not want to do my work, but i will start it and i will try to finish it, and most of the time i do! My outside life, the one that doesnt involve school, is also very different than usual, if you can recap what my life has been before I found God, it would be like i came from a different planet or universe! I dont usually care what the world has done for me, but i try to do something that will come back to me later, and then i would feel good about myself, i like to help, alot, and id rather you say thank you, than to give me somthing in return. Anyone who ever needs help, ill be there, like this six weeks, i help as many people as i can through out school, and at home, just to let them know that im there, i would help anyone, anytime. I studied for my academic decathalon class, i have ocathalon soon, and i need to be ready! It is a hard class but i can make it seem like it was just another thing on my to do list. My church life is also great. I can learn how to balance my time for school, and my time for God. And as we all know, to me God is first on my list, it may seem like i like school, school work, classwork, and homework, but it doesnt matter to me, i like how im doing what i do, and helps me concentrate, i can focus more.
I dont like to make people think that im all about school. I mean school!! Going to tutoring, extra credit, which i do, but i can have fun too, it doesnt matter how much work i have, i can get it all done and play games. I guess that is just the work God can do for us! I love my family, friends, and myself. For Chirstmas, i stayed over my grandmothers house, i was there with my family all day, and after that, i stayed over with my aunt, and younger cousin there at her apartment. The next day, we went to the movies, North Park Mall, and we went back to my grandmothers house to stay for the rest of the day, then i went home to my house so that the next morning, i can go to church like i do every Sunday. For New years, i went back to my grandmothers house, and stayed there till about 2am. After there, i went back to my house so that i can go back in the morning when everything went back calm. As i finished off all my work, before we went back to school, i made sure everything was right and turned everything in. Now i know what to do and not what to do for the next six weeks.

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