Essay by Tayler H.

As long as I can remember, everyone has always been greedy. All anyone wants is money, and more money. I’ve been taught differently. Instead of obsessing over money and all the small things, I’ve learned to take life as it comes to me. I’ve also learned that there’s so much more than money out there, and that’s not something that’s important to me. Just because people have money, doesn’t mean that they are happy, and I’d so much rather have happiness than money. Instead of money being the most important thing in the world to me, I take the smaller things in, and don’t take anything for granted.

***

The bell rings at 2 o’clock, everyone running and screaming because school is finally out. Everyone’s getting ready to go home, except for my team and me. I’ve been waiting to play soccer all day. I go into the locker room, and I get out all of my equipment. I take out my cleats, untie them, and place them on my feet. The colors red and white blind my eyes more than you can imagine. The stains show from the game before, and they remind me of how hard I played, and how the glory felt after beating our rivals.

I start with changing into shorts and a tee-shirt, wondering if I should put a tank top underneath because it could get very warm outside, and I might be wishing I had a tank top on instead. Rolling my shorts up carefully, evenly, so they’re not down to my knees. Then, I slip on my shin guards, still damp from the sweat they poured out like a rainfall on a Sunday morning. In the last game from working incredibly hard and giving it everything I have. After that I pull clean, fresh smelling socks over my shin guards, and hope that today’s practice is easier than the previous practice. Lastly, I put my right foot into my cleat first, then the left. My cleats are what I admire the most. I love my cleats, and they’re the ones that keep me going when I feel like I can’t go anymore.

***

It was a Wednesday afternoon and we were playing our rivals. The tables have turned, and we beat them last time we were matched up against each other, but that doesn’t mean anything. Anything could happen in this game, and we have to prove ourselves. The game started at three-thirty and we were on our toes from the second the game started to the second the game ended. We came out on top in the first half, with Brianna Tabin getting the first goal, Tayler Hersom with the assist. The first half ended with the South Hadley Tigers winning 2-1. In the second half, Olivia Lauren scored another goal, to put South Hadley up 3-1. We ended up beating our rivals three to one. Winning felt better than anything in the entire world, it felt was like we won the division.

***

My cleats, quite frankly are the most important thing to me. They carry me on and off of the soccer field. The colors red and white cover them, but white overpowers the red, making it hard for them to not get dirty. However, the dirt and the grass stains only show the pain and glory from the game before.

What’s Truly Valuable to You? by Sam P.

Something that you buy may be valuable to you because it is worth money. It could be expensive or it could be cheap. As long as it means something to you, then it’s important. A memory, routine or even a feeling could mean a lot more to you because it could be something no-one else has. It can be valuable to you in a difference sense than something that is worth money. A feeling, routine or memory is priceless but possibly your most valuable possession.

***

Baseball is my favorite sport. Hitting, running, pitching and catching – it doesn’t matter what I’m doing, I love it all. Throughout my season we played the Holyoke Nick’s Nest baseball team twice. The first time we played them we got beat 15 to 1. The second time turned out much better and we won 5 to 2. I pitched a complete game that night giving up two earned runs and striking out six. My team finished the season a couple games over .500 and had a couple tournaments to look forward to.

***

I was at my friend’s house when my Dad called me. He said that the Holyoke Nick’s Nest team was in the state tournament and wanted me to play for them! I was in shock and couldn’t believe it, but I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t know anyone on the team, I didn’t want my teammates on the Tigers to be mad and I thought, well, it’s the state tournament, could we actually win? I went back and forth the rest of the night weighing my pros and cons. Finally I decided I would play for the team but I was still a little hesitant. The next day I had a practice with them. The coach introduced me to all the players and they all seemed very nice. The coach had some really nice things to say about my pitching and it made me feel a little more comfortable. Our coach talked a little about the tournament and then we started practice. The coach had me throw a couple pitches with their catcher. I was nervous but I did alright. Through the season with the tigers I was our starting catcher. It was my favorite position and pitching was just something I did when my team needed me. After practice that day I went up to the coach and told him I can also catch. He said that was good. They already had a starting catcher but needed a backup so I told him that I was fine with that.

Our first game came within the next week. We played the Springfield Indians. We won. I pitched three innings giving up one hit, no runs, and had five strike outs. Our next game was against a team from Boston. After the first inning we were down 7-0. We didn’t give up though and came back to win 15-7. Our next game was against the Tantasqua Warriors. We were playing great coming into the game. I got the start at first base because their starter was injured. We fought hard through out the whole game but we lost. They had one of the best pitchers any of us had seen all year. We walked off the field with our heads down because we thought we had no chance at winning anymore. Our coach reminded us that it was a double elimination tournament so we were still in it.

Our next game was against Belchertown. We needed a win in order to stay in the tournament. I started pitching and started off great. I stuck out the first two batters but then things turned a little. I finished strong thought and pitched four innings giving up four runs and striking out six. In the end we won the game. The next day we were playing a game that meant a lot to me. We were playing the Westfield Bombers. I didn’t like them when I was on the Tigers and I didn’t like them now. The day before the bombers had beaten Tantasqua and now it was between Tantaque, the Bombers, and our team. Whoever won the game between the Bombers and Holyoke would play Tantasqua in the championship game. It was a battle between the Bombers and Holyoke. It was close but we pulled it out at the end. The final score was 9-8.

The next game was the championship game against Tantasqua. We wanted revenge. Our pitcher gave up two runs in the first inning but didn’t give up a single hit the rest of the game. I caught the whole game. When our pitcher throw the last strike on an up and in fastball we all went crazy. We mobbed the pitcher at the mound and made a huge dog pile. We won 6-2 and it was one of the best moments in my life.

***

I’m sitting in my car with another two and a half hours left in the car ride. I need something to do to pass the time so I take out my Ipod. My Ipod has all my favorite songs on it and even some comedy skits. It’s a silver Ipod nano with four gigabytes. When I’m listening to my music it helps make any car ride quicker. Also, when I’m listening to my Ipod it relaxes me and I can fall asleep.

My Ipod isn’t only used during long car rides. I also use it to get me pumped up. Before a game, no matter what sport, I almost always listen to my Ipod. I like to play either some rap or metal music to get me pumped.

I have a lot of different music on my Ipod. I have a lot of rap, some metal, some rock, some R&B, and a little bit of Motown. My Ipod is my most valuable possession at a price of 200 dollars. My Ipod means a lot to me and I would hate to lose it or break it.

My Ipod is important to me because it’s worth a lot of money and I love it. It is replaceable but I wouldn’t want to buy another one. Also, not everyone has an Ipod so I’m lucky. My state championship is important to me because only my teammates and I were able to experience it. I had my own feelings about the victory which makes it valuable to me in a different way. I can always call myself a state champion which would be much more impressive then saying I own an Ipod.

I believe that something you can’t put a price tag on would be more valuable than something you can. It’s yours forever and no one can take it away from you. Also it is irreplaceable. Something you buy can be broke, lost, or stolen but you can replace it. I think that this shows that money really can’t always buy happiness. I can put a price tag on my Ipod but I can't put one on my state championship experience.

Money vs. Memories by Kyle C.

Everybody values things. They might be worth money or might be priceless. Most of the things you value might cost money. Although, you’re most important value might be priceless. Everyone has days they will never forget. It could be sports or just times with friends. It is the most important to you because you will have it forever. Things you value with a price tag on them you might lose or not have forever. Memories are your most important values, not values with a price tag on them.

***

When I wake up on a Saturday or Sunday morning, my first thought is that I have a basketball game. That’s my mindset through the whole morning or day depending on what time my game is. So after I wake up I go downstairs and breakfast is usually prepared for me. I eat and watch some T.V. After I finish my breakfast I go back upstairs and get ready for my game. My games are usually in the morning so after I get ready I usually go to my game. Our home court is the Holyoke Boys Club. When I arrive there I go to the far end of the court and sit on the bleachers with the rest of my team waiting for the game before us to end. We are all getting our basketball shoes on and getting pumped to play. Once the game before us is over, my team and I walk across the court to our bench. We finish getting our shoes on if we haven’t already then we get in two lines and start to do lay-ups to get warmed up. Everyone is focused and ready to play. We do other drills to get warmed up and then the referee blows his whistle signaling the start of the game. Then our team runs over to our bench and huddles up. Our coach tells us our game plan and what we are going to do on offense and defense. After that our starting line up goes out to mid court. We have a big starting line up besides me with everyone being at least 5’9. The opposing teams’ starting line up also comes out and we are ready to play. One player from each team steps in the center circle, the referee throws up the ball, and the game has just begun.

We always full court press and try to force turnovers. We like to have a transition game on offense. The first half sets the tone for the whole game so you have to come out playing. Our coach calls out the play if we are in a half court set. We do more substitutions in the first half than the second because we want our best players in at the end of the game. We play fourteen minute halves and we don’t stop running until the buzzer sounds. Once the buzzer sounds that means it’s the end of the first half. The players on the court go to the bench and then we all go down to the corner and our coach talks to us about the first half. He tells us what we did well and what we need to work on. After he’s done talking, if there is still time, we do lay-ups to stay fresh. Once the referee blows his whistle, it’s time for the second half.

The second half is almost always more intense than the first because there is less time remaining in the game. Fatigue is always a factor because the starters are getting tired. Defense and not committing turnovers is vital in the second half. You need to get stops to win the game if it’s close at the end. You also need every possession you can get so you can’t turn the ball over. At the end of the game the ball is always in my hands because I’m the point guard. My coaches and teammates trust me to take care of the ball and I think I do a good job of it. When the buzzer sounds yet again, that means it’s the end of the game. After the game is over both teams line up and we shake hands. Then we go back to the corner and our coach tells us what he thought about the game. After that we all leave after a hard fought basketball game.

***

I’m riding in the car, bored as can be. I hate long car ride, they get so boring. Luckily for me though, I have my Ipod. It keeps me so entertained and it makes the car rides so much better.

I got my Ipod on Christmas this past year. It was the one thing I really wanted and I ended up getting it. I was excited when I got it, and I wanted to download music on it right away. It’s hard to figure out at first how to put music on it, but once you figure it out, it’s simple. Its size is also really convenient because it can fit in almost any place.

I love music. I love to listen to it and download it. That is why I love my Ipod. I can listen to any song I feel like listening to and it makes the car rides so much better. My Ipod also has games on it that can keep me occupied. I space out a lot when I listen to my Ipod so my mind isn’t on when we are going to arrive at our destination.

My Ipod also gets me pumped for basketball or any other sport. It keeps my mindset on basketball and I don’t think about anything else. Once I get on the court I am relaxed and ready to go because of my Ipod. It suits me well with my music interest and I am thankful to have it.

***

I value my Ipod and basketball for different reasons. I value basketball because it’s a great feeling to play the sport I love. I know I will value that feeling forever. I love my Ipod because I love music and it serves many ways to keep me occupied. I can’t be sure that this will be a value of mine for my whole life but I know it is now.

Like I said before, my most important value is one without a price tag. You know you will have that feeling forever, you will never forget, and its worth absolutely nothing financially. I like my Ipod a lot, but I don’t know if I will love it forever, and it costs 200 dollars. That is why money can’t bring happiness and value things that you will have forever, not something you might for only a certain amount of time.

Valuable vs. Priceless by Sam C.

Value means different things to different people. The actual definition of value is something of worth, but is that the only definition? Whether it is something of great money value, or something that is priceless, they all make up our lives. For instance you may have an iPod worth hundreds, but you could also have an animal that would be worth money too, and you would never put a price on them.

***

Splash! We jump into the chilly pool. As our skin hits the hits the water the element of shock hits us. Now we are surrounded, emerged in the water. As we break through the surface, we gasp for breath. The wind catches you in a breeze and chills run down your back, so you have no choice, but to dive under again.

My pool has made some great memories over the 7 years I have had it. Our pool provides a cool spot during the summer for friends and family. During the summer we invite tons of friends over to roast marshmallows around a fire and make s’mores, and go swimming. It is so much fun and we do it all the time, and sometimes we have about 15 people over. If you have a pool you probably couldn’t imagine life without it right? It keeps you cool when you are hot in the summer, and it is a great form of exercise, but it is also fun.

Last summer I remember a time when we had a lot of people over and everyone went in the pool and we played volleyball. We set up a net across the pool and played 4 or 5 games. It was really fun because we were diving and jumping all over the place and we were laughing and having a good time. At the end of the 3^rd game we all got out and went to stuff our faces with s’mores.

The pool is a money value to me because it would be about a few hundred to a thousand dollars. If we were to sell our house, the pool would definitely be a big portion of the price. I couldn’t live without our pool because I constantly use it during the summer with my friends.

***

I hear a meow coming from the side of my bed. I pat my bed and up jumps my cat, Cookie. I start to pet her as she finds her place of comfort on my bed with me. She starts to purr, and she lies down. I scratch her under her chin and she purrs louder. By now I am memorized by this sound, and I fall asleep with her right next to me. She stays by my side and when I wake up she is awake and purring, and staring at me. I remember this one time she came up and laid on my stomach and I could not breathe well for a while because she was crushing me (She is a really big cat). She stayed there for a long time too and surprisingly I loved every second of it.

My cat, Cookie, has been my best friend for 7 years. We got her when I was about 7 or 8. She is easygoing and laid back, and I love her to death. She is black and tan, but her stomach, back legs, and front paws are white. I can not imagine my life without her and I realize that she will have to go sometime, but I never try think about that. I would not give her up for any money in the world and that is why she is my “priceless” item.

***

As you can see, value means different things to me. My pool has a lot of memories which makes it somewhat “priceless”, but if I had to sell the pool or my cat, it would be the pool in a heartbeat. I have great memories with both my cat and my pool, but my most priceless item is Cookie. So what is the definition of value? To me it has different meanings; the value of money or what something is worth and the “priceless value” of something.

Camping to the Sounds of Music by Rachel L.

What is value? I guess it’s different for everyone. For some it’s diamond rings with others it’s a night with the family. Value is something that makes you content. An object or memory that you would never want to lose. How can one define value?

***

My sister, Kylie, my dad and I arrived at Vermont after our short, but boring car ride in my dad’s Hyundai Sonata. It was about 6:30p.m. As we step out of the car my aunts come to greet us. Their rottweiler, Stolie, jumped up, and almost knocked us over; she had dog drool hanging from her mouth. Once things settled down a bit we started to pitch our tent, and blow up the air mattresses for that night. Once we finished setting up the tent, we started the fire

The warm, cozy fire lit up our faces. The dull, foggy sky with the full moon was lying above us. Then we exchanged all different stories. Most them were about stuff that is going on at home, and other times ghost stories. Dani, my aunt began, “Your grandma would always bring us to aunt Midge’s house. One night she brought us over there to spend the night. After a while, she left and was driving on the road for about 6 minutes and her car broke down so she had to walk back to Midge’s house. It was a good 2-mile walk. After she had been walking for a while, she heard something following her in the bushes. She was scared, but she was curious so she got closer and saw…” all of a sudden a twig snapped, and Stolie barked at it and we all screamed. It was perfect. Finally, when my aunt stopped laughing she said, “your grandma didn’t find anything in the bushes . She came into the house looking terrified as she told us everything”. We then began to make S'mores. Kylie not caring how hers was going to come out, she submerged her marshmallow into the flame and pulls out a burning fireball. After a few blows she is satisfied with her black charcoal. She then takes pleasure in eating it very slowly to savor the flavor. I on the other hand, like to cook mine slowly to get it to a perfect golden brown. Then I devoured it in seconds getting marshmallow all over my face.

Once our stomachs were full of S’mores it was time for bed. My dad and aunts went into the trailer, but there wasn’t enough room for Kylie and I so we had to sleep in a tent. It was a pretty decent sized tent; it could fit 4 people comfortably. Kylie’s air mattress had a hole and was losing air fast, so she asked to sleep on mine; we piled them on top of each other. This was fine with me because I was freezing I had one tiny sleeping bag which was extremely thin and I was so cold and shivering. Kylie on the other hand was loving life. She had a huge triple padded sleeping bag. I thought the closer I was to her the more heat I would receive, but I was wrong. I spent the whole night shivering trying to get warm; it was the worst feeling ever. The next morning we got up and made some breakfast over the fire. We stared a few more stories then packed up to go back home.

***

Music always helps me become calm and tranquil after I am having a really bad day. For example, one day at school I was stressed for most of the day because I had two tests, one in Geometry and one in Science. I hadn’t studied for them, and I wasn’t prepared at all. My first four blocks seemed to drag on forever. Finally I had lunch and had a little time to study for my test after I finished eating. Then I was off to Geometry. The teacher handed us the test as soon as everyone was seated. I stared at the test forgetting everything I studied during lunch. Trying as hard as I could, I eventually got through it just before class was dismissed. Of course with my luck science was next. I overheard many people talking about the test and how tough it was for them. The teacher handed out the test, and when I first saw it, I thought this would be easy. It was just a half sheet of paper, but I was mistaken. I went to my last class, and I couldn’t pay attention at all. I was just thinking of how bad I flunked both tests.

The bus pulled up to my stop and I walked the rest of the way home. I ran up to my room and just laid on the bed. I was exhausted but now I could relax. I had a really bad headache. I grabbed my mp3 player and got lost listening to my music. At first I was listening to louder music to get my mind off school and homework, but then I listened to soft music really low to make myself placid and I feel asleep. When I awoke I felt incredible. My headache was gone.

***

Camping and music are two things that take me away from the world for a bit. If I had to pick one I would pick camping. I love camping with my family. Talking, and laughing is something I couldn’t live with out. If my mp3 player died I could easily replace it. If one of my family members died I could never get them back. Although music is an important item of my life, my family is much more valuable. Camping takes me to new places to enjoy new scenery and spend time with my family. Listening to the lyrics of songs makes me think of myself, or enables me to make connections to most them. When I can’t get up to Vermont, listing to music is my way to get away from it all.

More Than a Bunny by Olivia N.

Some things are more important than others, some things are more expensive than others, and some things may be priceless to you, but financially worthless. To quote a little plaque that I once saw, “The best things in life aren’t things” in some cases, this is true, when you are referring to other people; friends, siblings, grandchildren, parents, and cousins. They aren’t things that you can just go into a store and buy. There is no price you can put on them. However, there are things that are valuable to you, even if they are just “things”. To some people they may be just “things” but to you they can mean so much more.

For example, I got my MP3 Player for 30 bucks at Wal-Mart, but it means a lot more to me than just 30 dollars. If have I have to do some long boring chore, like clean my room or something, listening to my music makes cleaning as enjoyable as it can be. Not just when I’m cleaning though, it’s good for long boring car/plane rides, and jogging. If I listen to music while I run it does two things for me, one: it keeps my mind off how tired or sore I am, and two: it helps me to sort of get into a rhythm, where I don’t even have to think, I just run. Music puts me in such a good mood and before I could only listen to my music on the computer, in one room, in my house. That’s a very limited amount of places to listen to music. The freedom to listen to my music wherever and whenever means a lot to me, and that’s why I like my MP3 Player so much. Music adds more color to my life, it makes it more interesting, and I think the music you listen to describes your personality, and I love to listen to my music on my MP3 Player.

***

He may have been 40 dollars at Dave’s but there is no amount of money you could pay me to take him away. He’s absolutely priceless. Bilbo, my bunny was my birthday present last year, and that had to have been my best present ever.

When I first got him he was so tiny you cold hold him in one hand. He was softer than velvet and as sweet, well, as sweet as a little baby bunny. I still remember the day I first brought him home. So delicate, I though I would crush him if I even picked him up. And he was so soft! Bunnies have this one silky spot on the back of their necks, and he was that soft all over. (Now, all his baby fuzz is gone but he does still have that silky spot on the back of his neck.) I brought him into the living room and put him down on the floor. He hopped around and sniffed everything in sight. Then I took out a Pickup Stick and dragged it across the carpet in front of him. He chased it around, grabbed it in his mouth, and hopped away with it. This is not what I was expecting. Here is this tiny midget of a bunny, weighing less than ½ a pound and smaller than a guinea pig, who had only been at my house for ten minutes, after what I’m sure was a frightening car ride, leaving what was his home and now he’s playing with me, about 200 times his size. Spunky little guy.

When he was only a few months old he would fall asleep in my arms while I ran my fingers through his silky baby fuzz. He loves to eat fruits and veggies out of my hand, and his favorite food is lettuce. When the weather is nice and there’s lots of green grass to nibble, we both love it when I take him for walks, with his little leash and harness. Bilbo is a very curious bunny and when I let him hop around the house he always sniffs everything, and says hello to anyone who walks into the room, including the cat. Bilbo gives kisses to everyone, me, our other bunny, and even Nibbler, our little guinea pig. (Bilbo is bigger than both the other bunny and the guinea pig now.) He’s also very tolerant, putting up with all the toddlers who see him and come running to pet “the Easter Bunny” and he’ll even let me dress him up in baby clothes. He’s also a comfort; when I was sick with pneumonia he didn’t run away saying “eeewww, gross, don’t cough on me”. He just sat on my lap and kept me from getting lonely. Every moment I get to spend with him is priceless, and there’s nothing that could ever replace my little Bilby.

Whether it’s your pet bunny, or your MP3 Player, there are things in life that are worth more to you than anything else. They may be different things, and valuable to you in different ways, but they mean a lot to you. The sort of things, that keep you not necessarily happy all the time, but content. Things that you can look forward to when you’ve had a bad day, and that hold a special place in your heart. The best part about them though, is that they are precious to you specifically. And even if they mean nothing to someone else, they are valuable to you.

The Value of my Cell and The Cape by Melissa O.

Some people cherish items that can be bought but I prefer the little priceless moments. I also value items with a price but just not as much. People with money value priceless moments but people with out money value money because to them it is really scarce. Then again some rich people can be cheap and only care about there money. Where some poor people only care about being happy and spending time with their family.

***

I check my pocket, and it’s not in there. Now I am starting to panic. Did I leave it in one of the stores? My chocolate cell phone was missing. I have just spent a long day in the mall and it could be any where. I begin to search frantically through all of the shopping bags because I might have accidentally dropped it in there. But it is no where to be found. My friends and I go back into the mall and try to re-trace our steps, but the mall is closing and we have no choice but to leave without it. I leave feeling the worst I had ever felt, with the horrible thought that my cell phone was left at the mall.

Without my cell phone I would not survive. The only way I am able to keep in touch with my friends is by text messaging them. I am not a fan of talking on the phone just because I don’t like asking for someone and I absolutely hate those awkward silences. From text messaging so much I have become really fast at the strange key pad, where I have to press the button more than once. When I first started it I was very slow and it took me forever to reply to a message. My bill is very low every month because I have unlimited text messaging and I rarely ever talk on the phone.

In my cell phone are pictures of my friends, family, and vacations I have taken since I got the phone. If my phone were to be lost all of those memories would be lost. I have pictures of friends from a while ago of the funny things that they did that would be impossible to reattempt. For instance I have a picture of me and a friend sitting on a rock in the ocean after the tide came in around us. I also have pictures of my family. There are some of my parents and my pets, but there are a lot of pictures of my baby cousin as she was growing up. Those shots were priceless because now that she is older they would not be the same. There are also pictures from my vacations that I have taken to Maine and Cape Cod.

I get home feeling sick with the anticipation of telling my mom. I know that she won’t be happy that I lost my cell phone. When I get in the house I just blurt out what had happened. She just stood there with a blank look on her face. Then she starts to laugh and I was confused at what was happening. But then it hits me. When I had left that morning I had handed my cell phone to my mom and told her to hold onto it so I didn’t loose it. So all along I was worried about my cell phone when it was at home. This made me realize just how valuable my cell phone really was to me.

***

I wake up Sunday morning feeling great that I will be soon spending two weeks in Cape Cod. I travel three hours until I finally arrive in Eastham. I am staying with a friend one week and then with my family the next week. I have been waiting for this week for what seems like forever, but it is finally here. Now I am ready for two fun filled weeks of the beach and shopping till I drop.

The first day was spent lying by the pool and just relaxing from that long drive. The next few days were spent lying on the beach until I was so hot I could not stand it. The great thing about the beach is that when you get too hot you can just jump into the cool water. After the beach we spent most of our time in the neat little shops that were located all over the place.

The beach is my favorite summer place. Shopping is my favorite past time. Both of those together, were like a dream come true. I wouldn’t trade those two weeks for anything in the world. We evenly spread out the two activities to make it two weeks of my two favorite things to do.

***

Nothing could replace my two favorite things. They are my cell phone and my vacation to Cape Cod. Everything about them is so special and important to me. These also hold some of my greatest memories. I suppose I value things that make me feel good and that make life easier. Which they both equally do.

My Priceless Values by Katie T.

Coming from a community where people only obsess over the small things, you might be surprised when I say I don’t. I don’t only value the small things in life; I value things as wholes. Some people are all about the new high tech gadgets and the new electronics, I mean those are good too, but no one ever thinks about what really matters. Such as moments that you want to treasure and memories you don’t want to forget. Doing things you love, while you are still living is all that counts. Lately there has been some new technology I want to see and get and that’s okay, as long as you don’t forget to remember everything else.

♥ ♥ ♥

I got really excited when I was on the computer and all of a sudden I hear this noise. A noise that was very familiar to me, it was a song, my favorite song. I look around the area, getting closer and closer, trying to find my phone. ”It starts in my toes, makes me crinkle my nose...” I found it! My phone was hidden inside my purse where it always is. I quickly open my purse and whip out my phone. I soon discover that I have a text message from my best friend, Kayla, informing me on tonight’s plans. Next thing I know my fingers are moving faster than the speed of light. I had just replied to my friend.

My phone is filled with the newest and latest technology. I not only can contact all of my friends but I can buy ringtones, play games and take as many pictures as I want to. My phone is very special to me and I don’t know what I would do without it. I use it 24-7 and the sad thing is I’m not even lying to you. I can change my settings and ringtones all I want. I have certain ringtones set for when certain people call me. “Our song” is set for when my four best friends call me. “Bubbly” is set for when they all text me. “Throw it away” is set for when anyone but them texts me and “Vulnerable” is set for when anyone calls me. Whenever someone in my family calls me “Would you go with me” plays. I recently just bought on of my latest and favorite songs: it’s called “Everything” by Michael Buble. When I buy new ringtones they make me really happy inside and excited whenever somebody calls me.

No matter where I am or what I am doing, I can always communicate with the people I love. I know exactly what goes on everywhere. People tell me everything through my cellular device. If my phone dies, which it rarely does, I get very sad. Every day I get so many text messages in my inbox, that it makes me delete them all, since there’s no room in it anymore.

Sometimes people think phones are dumb and pointless, but I couldn’t disagree more. I got my cell phone when I was 11 years old. I not only wanted it but my mom insisted on getting it for me. That was the age when I started going places with just friends and needed it to contact my parents. My phone is my life. I take care of it very well. I treat it as though it’s my baby.

♥ ♥ ♥

Thirty seconds left in the game, I quickly receive a pass from attack; I’m running my heart out up the field, my heart it pounding. I fake out the defender; it’s just me and the goalie, face to face. I put my left foot in front and use my arms to put the ball into the net just in time. GOAL! I scored the game winning shot. The ream runs onto the field to congratulate me. I was so excited and filled with joy.

The feeling I get while playing a sport, and actually doing something that helps my team, really puts me in a “couldn’t get any happier” kind of mood. Sports are pretty much my life. Every day after school, that’s all I do, practice for games, and then play in games. Soccer, lacrosse, and dancing are the three sports I play, and I’ll be completely honest with you, I still don’t know which one I love more. I work so hard to get better and to achieve my goals, but the feeling of doing something great for yourself and your team is the kind of feeling I don’t like to forget.

♥ ♥ ♥
To me, playing sports and having my phone will always have a place in my heart. They both have gotten me where I am today. My phone keeps me inline with all my closest relatives and friends. It helps me through my rough patches and helps me when I need a life. I am so good at using my phone and it means a lot to me. I have the same emotions when I play sports, as weird as that sounds. When I have a soccer game, or any type of game, I work my hardest and never give up even if I do something that may disappoint me, I work through it. If I am mad or angry during a game, I don’t go pouting around looking for people’s sympathy, I just deal with it. I put all of my frustration into the game.

Both my phone and the feeling I get while laying sports are greatly treasured to me. I love using and being with my phone and I absolutely love playing sports. It’s what I do. I really can’t put a value on either of them. It’s way too hard and if I were to price them, not even Bill Gates, the Hiltons, or Donald Trump would be able to afford them. They mean way too much to me.

The Material of Comfort by Emma M.

The line between the valuable and priceless today has been severely blurred. If you were to stop two kids in two different neighborhoods and asked them what they valued most, you would probably get two completely different answers. My i-pod, my computer, my cell phone, my parents, my friends, my teddy bear, these things that may mean nothing to one person and it may be the center of another’s life. In my opinion, comfort plays a big role in what people find priceless or valuable. A tub of ice cream, a special movie or song, a piece of clothing that brings back fond memories, or friends and families are just some of those comforting things.

I wake up in the morning, turning slowly to hit the snooze button on my radio. My eyes adjust to the dim light and my first thought is, what will I wear to school today? I gradually get out of bed, swinging my legs over the side as my radio comes back on, the latest song filling my room. My first priority is my jeans. As I walk across my room to the crate, I stare at the mound of possibilities. Will I roll them or will I leave them alone? Should I choose jean shorts or jean gauchos? Endless possibilities fill my mind as I reach into the standing crate and grab at random. It is the perfect way to pick them, in my opinion; otherwise I would never be able to decide.

As any of my good friends could tell you, I wear jeans almost every day. Besides being comfortable, they give me a feeling of comfort. Every time I slip into a pair, I remember the last time I had them on, what happened during the day, after school, what the newest rip on the bottom was from. Each individual memory leaves an imprint- on the jeans and on me. Another thing my friends could tell you about my personal jean selection is that I won’t go for the high priced jeans. Just because they are $90 at the most popular store doesn’t mean that they will give me the comfort I need. As soon as I go into a store, I head right for the clearance rack where there are hundreds of jeans, calling to me to take them home.

Roars of laughter fill the auditorium as I am carried by my arms and legs out onto the stage. Screaming and thrashing, I try to wiggle my way out of their grasp, but, they have a firm hold. Finally, I pull my entire body down towards the floor and fall. Jumping to my feet I run after the culprits, losing my shoes in the process. After sliding through the door, I see them trying to escape, but it won’t work. I am there in an instant, in their faces and determined to make them pay. Noticing that my shoes were missing, I walk back into the auditorium to find them exactly where I had started to run. Well, I think to myself, that was sort of funny.

Friends are one of the few things that make life worthwhile, the ones you can turn to, the ones who understand you. They are my most valuable yet priceless things. I would never trade my closest, best friends for anything in the world. Whether they are girl friends or guy friends, I know that I can always turn to them in a time of need for anything. We can look to each other for help, guidance, support, and comfort.

Comfort is a key word in my life. I love the feeling of knowing everything is going to be okay. Two things in my life bring me the comfort I need, my jeans and my friends. Two seemingly unrelated things are entwined in my life. My valuable jeans and my priceless friends both help me when I am seeking that boost of support. If you were to turn to my friend, she may say something completely different than me, but that is okay. Everyone is allowed to seek comfort in his or her own valuable and priceless thing. It is up to them, though, where they draw that line and where it separates their life.

Light to the Mind By Danielle L.

What makes something valuable is a question that not many people can answer. There are two types of values. One in which there can be a price tacked to, and another that is priceless. Values to people differ from those of others. They can be very simple or complex. To me, a value is what is very important that would hurt me if I had to give it up. A priceless value is one in which you cherish and can not put a price on. A value with a price is one you cherish, and one that can be sold or bought.

♥♥♥

I mark my calendar. There is a jumpy, fluttery feeling in my stomach. I can not get rid of it. The cool, November air blows. Stores are decorated and shoppers bustle by. Each of them has endless lists of gifts to buy for friends and relatives. They struggle, attempting to carry as many bags as possible. Christmas is just about to round the corner. There is only one more month left. Everyone is happy and filled with holiday cheer.

To bring the holiday cheer to our house, we start by digging out our artificial tree. Trimming the Christmas tree has always been a big event in our family. My mom, brother, and I start by arranging the branches by the colors on their stems. This tells us where they should be placed on the tree. When we have finished putting up the tree it looks very healthy. Then we put on the Christmas lights. After this the ornaments are put on, followed by the garland, and then, last but not least, the beautiful angel. In order to put her at the very top of the tree we need to use a ladder. None of us are tall enough to reach the seven foot giant. While we work, holiday music can be heard playing in the background. Usually we play The Chipmunks at a reasonable volume.

Once the tree is completed, we decorate the rest of the house with fake snow, stuffed snowmen, snow globes, angels, candle night lights, a light-up Santa, stockings and, my personal favorite, The Santa Countdown. After all the boxes from the decorations are packed away and put to the side, it is time to light up the tree. The second that the plug goes into the electrical socket the tree comes alive. We all gaze with pure amazement. Big, content smiles spread across our faces.

Every night we eat dinner in the living room so we can be mystified by the gorgeous tree. Our cats sit underneath it and, occasionally, attempt to climb it. This makes us all even more anxious for the big morning to arrive. Holiday cheer is like a contagious cold. It can not be escaped. Without it, Christmas would never be the same.

♥♥♥

I am stressed. There has just been a humongous research paper assigned. Where to start? Books take way to long to look through. This is the purpose of the internet! Whoever invented the computer was a pure genius! By logging onto a computer and using the internet, I can find useful information. I just have to go to Google, and type in key words, and my research is almost complete.

Computers are not only used for research. They also provide an alternative way of communication. Instead of using a phone to talk with my friends or family, I prefer to use email. This is a fun way to hold long conversations or indulge in meaningless chit chat. Emailing is most useful as a quick way to send and receive mail. Instead of waiting all morning for a letter to come that probably won’t arrive for another day or two, I can check my email. It arrives in seconds after clicking the send button.

Whenever I become bored I can go onto the computer. This also helps me to minimize my stress level, and get my mind of things. There are billions of different games. New games are being created every day. There are games to play on the internet, games to play on the desktop and fun activities and quizzes to do and to take. My computer never gets old!

Without computers, there would not be as many advances in the field of technology. Long tasks could not be shortened. Jobs would become more difficult without the modern day conveniences of the computer. The world would no longer be at a fingertips length. Life would not be the same if the computer had never been invented!

♥♥♥

Holiday cheer and my computer are both valuable to me in different ways. Holiday cheer brings light to every holiday, not just Christmas. The holidays would be quite dark and gloomy without it. There would be no excitement. Families would no longer have parties and reunite.

My computer is what makes life easier. It provides entertainment. I am free to explore. I can learn about different cultures, places around the world, and event without leaving the cushioned seat of the computer chair. Also, school tasks would be lengthened if I had to write all of my essays out instead of typing and saving them.

Holiday cheer and my computer both give me excitement. One is abstract and the other is concrete. Although both of these things excite me, there is more to life than just holiday cheer and computers. These are just two things I value. These are not even among the most important things to me. It does help to look forward to a holiday with some holiday cheer and to preoccupy myself with a little time on the computer. It would hurt if I had to give up one or both of these values.

The value of reading and my computer By Alex H.

Today’s world is caught up in the “now”. It needs to be laid back and smell the roses. They need to stop thinking about the money and thing about others. They need to see how others are; they need to stop giving money to people so that they can get praised for it. I think that the rich should spend a day as the poor and vice versa.

@@@

I take out the text. I sit down and start to read. I become one with the story. I feel the protagonist pain; I am part of the conflagration. I see the evils and want to tell, but I am imperceptible to the people. They can’t see or hear me. I see the enemy creeping up behind I try to speak, but no words come, try to stop the antagonist, but he still advances. They fall by the might of evil I stand dumb founded. I can help but it still does nothing.

@@@

I go to my computer; I turn it on and wait for it to start up. I type in the coordinates of my new web site. I start to play the game. I get entranced in it graphics and its dialog between the characters. I decided to log off and check my email. I have new messages from friends and stuff. I go on the web and search for news and books.

@@@

As I finish my book I hunger for the next one in the series. I start by going to the Library and seeing if they have it. I see that I can only request it, so I request it, and move on. Next I go on the computer to see if any bookstores have it. I see that one has it. I race there only to find that my precious book was just bought before I arrived. I then find out they won’t be ordering another set in 3 weeks. I go home not too happy about my discoveries and entrance myself in another book.

@@@

I engross myself with my computer that I didn’t notice the time. I ran up sirs to get ready for the library. As soon as I go through the door I go get the book that I was waiting on. Then I go to the computer e-mail my; friends that if I don’t answer there e-mails I ‘m reading my new book. My Book that I’m currently reading is called ALEXANDER THE GREAT. I t has a picture of him on the front. I t talks about his life, how his dad died, how he made sure that there was no other competition after he was king. It shows some of his battle plans and how he won those battles. One seen of the book states that once his father was assassinated he took control and killed all his competition. He made sure that all the people he thought would oppose hime were dead. That was his way of dealing with that problem. He had a distent way of fighting his enemies. He won every time.

@@@

I sit down at my computer to look for more books. I find one interesting book on Pompeii. I go get it and stat reading it. The intense eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, destroyed the town of Pompeii an a neiboring town. In a few hours the town in covered in complete ash.

Pricey or Priceless: That is the Question by Caulien C.

A value can be anything you want it to be. It could be an object like shoes or clothes or even your happiest moments and thoughts. There are some things that you can put a price tag on and others that seem priceless. Determining which is which and what the difference is the question. It depends on how you think about it. Do you think it can be priced or is it something that can’t be? You decide.

$$$

I get all dressed up in my snowsuit, jacket and boots. Find my dc toque and fuzzy mitts. My mom says that we are going to an ice fishing derby at Bakers Narrow. I’m wearing like five different socks because I know my feet are going to get cold. So we are all suited up, so we get all the fishing gear and hop in the car and go.

When we get there we drive onto the ice and park the car among the other cars. As I hop out I feel the rush of cold air hit me smack on the face. Boy, is it cold! So we each grab something and start walking across the ice. When we get to our destination I see my friend Krystal. I give my stuff to my mom and run over to see her. As I’m talking to her we start to walk around to see if any one else was here. Then I see Justine, Dylan and Stephano. That’s when the fun starts.

While Krystal and I were talking to Justine the boys thought it would be a good idea to throw sow balls at us. Right when I was going to turn round and tell them to stop, Dylan threw a snowball and hit me right in the middle of my face. The snow didn’t hurt at all. It actually felt good. Then I got back to reality and thought oh, it’s on. So I start making snowballs and throw them as hard as I can at them.

Right when I was going to throw another snowball Justine tackled me into the snow. I was like oh no she didn’t and pushed her down, HARD. Then everyone started wrestling and taking each other down and face washing each other (throwing snow into each others face). Just the thought and the feeling of freezing cold snow in my face and my friends tackling me was just the best moment ever. It was priceless.

$$$

As I’m waiting for the bus one cold morning I take out my iPod and listen to Beverley Hills. As I start to sing along I watch for the bus and watch the cars go by, what a peaceful moment. My iPod is gray and has 2gb. 2gb means that it can hold up to 500 songs. Pretty cool, eh! I’ve also got these gnarly headphones that are an awesome bright green. Just looking at them brightens my day. I found them on the sidewalk when we and my family were walking around Northampton. I was like, sweet new headphones and I didn’t have to pay for it.

I use my iPod only when I don’t have anything to do. For example, if I have an away game for volleyball I’d bring along to listen to it on the bus and also for waiting for the bus in the morning. My iPod has 297 songs, so I still have a long way to go to fill it. It can hold songs (duh), pictures and even audio books which are pretty cool. I have variety of music like Fergie, some rap, Weird Al, and even some Iron Maiden! It’s so cool. If I could price this iPod I would price it in between $50 - $100 because it’s used and it’s got a lot of scratches and may have music people don’t like. Other then that I think its da bomb (but I could still price it).

$$$

These two things are a couple of things that I cherish. Friends from Flin Flon attached with snow to the face. Also there is my awesome iPod with its cool features. I don’t think I could give these up even for the world. Just the feeling of my friends gives me the shivers, but the good kind of shivers. With the right amount of snow added to the mixture it just makes the most priceless moment.

I love my iPod and I love the music that it plays. I love my bright green headphones. My iPod is one of my most coolest and prized possession.

I would have to kill myself before I give these two things up (seriously). I think a value is something that you cherish or even love it altogether. But it sometime depends on how you think about the object. I think that anything can be priced but only the really important things are priceless. But, I’m not the one to decide for other people. This is only my opinion. So what do you think?

My Valuable Cell Phone and My Priceless Dogs by Sabrina M.

In this world there are many people that cherish little priceless moments and some just don’t care, as well as valuable things. There are some kids that get a very expensive present and all they do is want more. But there are some people that get something that was very inexpensive and are thankful for what they have.

I’m in my room watching TV. Then all of sudden you hear the song, “I got My Drink and My Two Step” out of nowhere. I search and look where it come from. When I find it, it turns out to be one of my most valuable possessions, me cell phone. I absolutely love my phone and am very thankful for it.

My phone is capable of doing many things. I can text my friends, go on the internet, go in AIM, and listen to music. I got my new phone before school started. But as well I got a new ipod. So there was no point of getting a new ipod because I could listen to music with my phone. Also, it is very hard not to play with my phone because it opens up two different ways. You are probably thinking, “How does it open up two ways?” Well ill tell you. It opens up like a regular flip phone, and a little mini laptop. At times I don’t like people touching my phone because it could break very easily.

At times I’m sitting in class, and all of a sudden I feel my pocket vibrate three times. And when my phone vibrates three times in a row it means someone sent me a text message. I’m eager to reach into my pocket and see who it is. At times I get the moment to look who it is when the teacher is not looking, but at other times it’s just not possible. When I can’t check who it is I can’t concentrate at times. Since I’ve noticed that I don’t pay attention in class when I get a new text message, I put my phone on silent. But you never know, the text message could be from my mom letting me know something bad happened.

***

One of my most priceless things in my life is my dogs. About a year ago I got a wonderful, extravagant, cute, soft and cuddly puppy. It was my first pet ever. Actually when I was younger I had a turtle, but that’s barely a pet it was like having a pet rock. I’ve wanted a dog ever since I could remember. And my mom never really wanted one. But we finally got one because of my new step dad and he told her he needed to have a puppy around the house. And my mom didn’t really want it but we got one anyways. And at the beginning she kept saying “Ew I hate that dog”. But when he got into a concussion, she showed much love for him. She even called the police; I mean who does that for a dog? But now she’s the one that loves him more than anyone.

My dog’s name is Snoopy. And he is one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known. And I absolutely love taking care of him. I love how he comes and sits on my lap when I’m on the couch. And he knows when I’m sad and he comes and kisses my face. He’s like a person to me at times. He knows when he’s done something wrong, so he goes to his house in his room by himself. And he brings his toy to me when he wants to play.

And just this summer I got a new puppy. She’s very small; I can fit her into my purse. She’s fluffy and adorable. Her name is Daisy. Although she is not trained as well as Snoopy, she’s an ok puppy. She just poops and pees everywhere! And she’s a very strong puppy. My bed is about 3 feet tall. It’s a very big bed, and Snoopy couldn’t jump of it until he was about a year old. Well Daisy is only two months old and she can jump off of it! She’s unbelievable. She can also go up and down the stairs and lots more.

Every morning I get up at six a.m. The first thing I do is go downstairs and feed my dogs and take them out for a pee or poop. And I don’t mind doing it all cause I know they love me for what I do for them.

Valuable Moment vs. Valuable Financial Worth by Lauren B.

In life there are a lot of things I value; many of those being worth money and others being priceless. Both of these things mean a lot to me but when it comes down to it is an object you bought at the store really more important then a special moment or memory? Although a 200 dollar lacrosse stick is great, is the time you spend with your team or the stick really more important? I feel as if today many people get their values confused. It’s easy to get caught up in materialist values rather then those unforgettable memories you’ll never be able to relive. You can buy a new object but you could never go back in time to feel the way you did at a previous time. I think it’s necessary to value each category but with limitations for each.

***

I am in the middle of an intense basketball game standing alone at the foul line knowing that it is all up to me. I wipe sweat from my forehead and bounce my knees to get ready. Starting from the second I receive the ball from the official, my eyes remain glued on the target. I dribble the ball twice and spin it, doing the routine I’ve practiced many times before. The crowd silences and I can feel all eyes pinpointed on me. I bend down, spring up, and release the ball, remembering to keep my elbow in and follow through. The ball swooshes through the net not even touching the rim. The crowd cheers and the pressure on you is released. I feel as though I have not let my team down. I am proud of my hand eye coordination and the hard work of practicing has finally paid off. The satisfaction of making foul shots is something I thoroughly enjoy.

***

A materialist item that I couldn’t go a day without is my cell phone. When I am not in school, I am texting on my cell phone every second. My phone is practically molded into my hand and I just wouldn’t feel right without it. My fingers automatically know what buttons to press without even looking because I text message so much. Texting on my cell phone is a huge way that I communicate with others. If I just have a simple question to ask someone, it’s a lot easier to text them rather than call them. I’m lucky that I have unlimited text messaging or my mom would be paying millions of dollars on our phone bill every month. I also call people all the time on my phone. If I need a ride home, I have my phone to call my mom. It would be really hard to go out without my phone because I would end up getting stranded or not having a ride back. Not only do I depend on my cell phone for a call for transportation or a way to chat with my friends, but it is necessary to “fit in” in this day and age. Basically everyone has a cell phone. While we try to convince our parents that we need one for emergency situations, we all know that they are mostly used to show off and compare to our friends. The electronic device is becoming a necessity for daily life. I don’t go one day without looking at my phone. I play my newly bought ring tones over and over again until the repetitive lyrics and sounds are permanently stuck in my head. I feel as if my cell phone is something I could not go without. The small silver and blue advanced piece of technology has worked its way into a huge part of my life and I feel as though I value it very much.

***

As you can tell, I value both the fulfillment of making foul shots in a basketball game and my cell phone, greatly. The satisfaction of sinking foul shots raises my self esteem and makes me proud and happy. My cell phone makes me feel more comfortable knowing that in under a minute I could have someone to talk to me and be there for me if I needed something. Both my phone and making foul shots are things I enjoy and wouldn’t want to live my life without. Although one is something you could put a price tag on and the other you couldn’t, they both mean a lot to me. Without either of the two, my life would be extremely different and definitely not as good, but I believe a priceless moment is more valuable to me. While I could always buy another cell phone, I am never able to get a second chance at a foul shot in a certain game. These two values make me more than content with my life and are truly valuable to me.