Journal Entry #4: Free Write

Journal Entry #4: "An Introduction"

Write about a topic of your choice.

For my first free write topic, I figured I would introduce myself. Hello. I’m Matthew George Brockwell. Ha ha . . . maybe I should be a little less formal, considering you already know my name. Anyway, let’s get into some detail, shall we?

I’m 17 years old, although I’m told I look about 15 years old. I’m deceptively smart, considering most people seem to consider me a slacker. I’m not too sure whether or not I like this label. I’m not even sure if it’s accurate, considering I get high 80's in most, if not all of my classes. I just have initiative problems. That’s not to say I’m unable to get anything done, I just can’t find the drive to get work done. I find that I’m able to produce high quality work though. In fact, my sociology teacher thought I had plagiarized an assignment because of the words I used. I’m told I have an extensive vocabulary (although the people who tell me say "You use a lot of big words."). I also write in full sentences and use proper grammar and punctuation when I instant message, or text. I’ve just gotten used to it. It bothers me to see an "im" or a "wat r u up 2."

I live with my mom, dad, and sister. My sister is in grade 9 now, and I must say it’s strange seeing my little sister in the halls. I find it funny that when she asks me something about Stamford, she still refers to it as "your school." My dad is a teacher at Westlane, gross I know. He’s taught Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology, parenting, history, and English. What he teaches changes each year, but this semester he teaches Grade 11 and 12 Anth, Soc, Psych, and Grade 10 history. His grade 12 class must be interesting because he teaches both my best friend and my ex-girlfriend. Fun stuff! My mom is amazing. I have such a strong bond with her. In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a very hard time for our family, but we got through it. She has had some recurrences, but these have all been treated, and I look forward to spending time with her for years to come. I couldn’t go without mentioning my dog, Paige. Paige is a Coton de Tulear. You’re probably thinking "What the hell is that?," and . . . well, I suggest looking it up.

As far as my personality goes, I’d say I’m a pretty laid back kind of guy. I try my best to be a nice guy, but lately I’ve been told I’m getting "emotionally distant." I’m not sure how to take that, considering I hadn’t noticed. It’s a matter of perception I suppose. I consider myself a happy person, and try to let that show, although I’m aware that I may come off as a pessimistic person. I have a very outgoing personality, and I get comfortable around people very easily. I’m sure you’ll find that I’ll be one of the most talkative ones in the class. I tend to have some sort of funny, witty remark to say. I’m extremely sarcastic, but I’m a really open guy. I have a lot of friends who confide in me. I’m glad I can be trusted, it’s a good feeling. I have trouble sleeping because I can’t get my mind to stop working. Because of that, I usually stay up until about 3 in the morning. I’m surprised I’m able to function properly.

I really like to write. Well, obviously, I took this course after all. I write a lot of lyrics, and my friend’s band is making a few songs out of them, so that’s kind of cool. I listen to a lot of music. I’m listening to it right now. I listen to pretty much every genre, I’d have to in order to have the 2304 songs I currently have. It’s a big part of my life. For the amount I write, you’d think I’d read more, but I really don’t. I don’t remember the last book I read. I should really try to broaden my horizons, literature-wise.

I think that will suffice as a journal entry, considering it’s 11:54pm. It’s great to have the opportunity to tell a bit about myself, and I hope you are able to get to know more about me through my writing.