ALOUD. Think Aloud. Speak Aloud. Live Aloud.
st r i ! F e u Iss
Healthy Chocolate Recipe! Short Story: Shang Hei
Founder: Courtney’s story of life as a young cancer survivor
1st Issue Winter 2014
contents Cover Stories Healthy Chocolate Recipe: Page 8 Courtney’s Story: Pages 12-15 Short Story: An Alien’s Pet: Pages 22-24 Articles New Year’s Resolution: Page 4 Craft Corner: No-Sew Fleece Blanket: Page 5 Hair Styles for All Types: Page 6 “Beauty” Roadblock: Hair Loss: Page 7 Fashion: Page 9 Giving Back: Cure & Co.: Page 10 Babe Page: 16 Gossip: 17 Entertainment: Page 18 Fun Stuff Tips on following your dreams: Page 11 Lorde: Page 19 Quiz: What MTV show are you?: Page 20 One Direction Trivia: Page 21 Quotes we Love: Page 25 Parent’s Corner: Pages 26-28 Want to be our next Cover Girl? Check out page 30 for details! Would you like to submit your poetry, artwork, short story, or article to our magazine? Please email a copy to info@aloudmag.com Submit your questions about school, life, or whatever else to info@aloudmag.com to have us answer your questions. They may be chosen to be in the next issue!
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Letter from the Editor Editor Courtney Wright When I was 14, in 2004, I was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For a little over two years I did chemotherapy and radiation. I had plenty of friends, but I remember feeling so alone. All of them were there for me every step of the way, but I still felt empty.
Courtney@aloudmag.com
Contributing Writers Collins Adams Short Story Ashley Holden
During this time, I went to my fair share of group activities with the hospital to “interact with my peers.” Most of which turned out to be kids less than 9 years old. I also went to camps and on trips with other teens that also had cancer and other “I felt alone, types of diseases, disabilities, but I wasn’t” ailments, etc. At these events I felt less alone. My mom forced me to go on all of these trips, and though I didn’t like it too much at the time, I now see the benefit of me going. I felt alone, but I wasn’t.
That’s why I wanted to create this magazine. For young people who feel like no one understands. I want you to know you are not alone. My dream is to help teens who have been affected by cancer, and if I have helped even one person, I have succeeded. I hope to bring you some type of joy through these articles. Every word in every article stems from our love for all of you. Please feel free to contact me anytime about anything at Courtney@aloudmag.com. I will make sure to get back to you!
Enjoy!
Entertainment & Gossip Ashley Hurst Recipe Courtney Wright All other articles
If you are interested in purchasing a subscription for your business or personal use, please go to our website at www.aloudmag.com.
Please contact us at: info@aloudmag.com
- Courtney Wright 3
Random
New Year’s Resolution What are you working towards this year?
So New Year’s has came and went, and if you’re like most people, you’re reflecting on your past and what you have accomplished this year. You’re also looking at what you’d like to change about yourself, and vowing to make a real change this year. Almost every year since I cared about my appearance I would make a resolution to lose weight, just like the other 99% of people in this country.
May your coming year be filled with magic & dreams & good madness. I hope you read some fine books & kiss someone who thinks you’re
What I’ve learned from this is that when you want to make a change, you really have to make sure you do it for yourself. This year my resolution is to follow my passions wholeheartedly and see where they take me. They’ve gotten me this far in such a short period of time, so anything you can do is possible.
-Neil Gaiman
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So this year have a really awesome resolution like exercising more because it’s good for you and not because you want to lose weight, or do something new each day. The things you can do are limitless so think big and create goals so you’ll know when you’ve accomplished what you set your heart on.
Even if you are reading this in February or October, it is never too late to create a new resolution. So get out there and start becoming the person you want to be!
wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art, and l hope next year, YOU surprise yourself.
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New Year’s Resolution Ideas: 1. Read more
2. Get organized 3. Volunteer
4. Learn something new 5. Eat healthy
6. Exercise regularly
7. Meet someone new each day 8. Try a new hairstyle 9. Have fun 10. Live each day to the fullest
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Craft Corner How to Make a No-Sew Fleece Blanket
B
eing a former stay-in-the-hospital-a-long-time person myself, I clearly remember all of those days when I would look around my hospital room, and I would see is white. Bright colors can turn your whole day around, so pretty soon I was bringing my bright colored blankets! Here’s a quick fun how-to tutorial for a no-sew fleece blanket! Items needed: 1 1/2 yards of patterned fleece 1 1/2 yards of solid color fleece Scissors
Directions 1. First, spread out your fabric and cut off edges that are sewn, or have words on them.
2. Line up your patterned fleece on top of your solid colored fleece. It’s ok if they don’t exactly match. 3. Next, take your scissors and at an edge of the fabric, cut out a square that’s about 3 inches by 3 inches. Do this for all four corners. 4. Cut strips that are about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Repeat until the entire outline of the blanket has been cut. 5. Tie the two strips together by tying a knot. Then tie them again so they’re double knotted to secure them in place. 6. Then stretch out the edges. IT’s ok if you hear a ripping sound. Just don’t stretch it so much that the fabric completely rips.
You’re done! Now all that’s left to do is enjoy your cute blanket! Would you like to win this blanket used in the demo? Check out the last page for details! 5
Hair Care! Whether it’s a your hair, no hair, or a wig, we have you covered! Try some of these tips on
Try some of these tips on
styling short hair!
styling wigs!
No hair? Don’t worry! We have cute stuff for you too!
This hat is sold at
Styling short hair is really easy once you understand how your hair works.
Whether your wig is synthetic or human hair will play a factor in how you style your wig.
You can do super cute
Wigs that are human hair can be styled in a multitude of ways. You can add some playful curls with a curling iron,. You can also create some loose curls with a flat iron.
ponytails and add some accessories like bows for a fun flair. You can also just brush your hair our and put a headband on for another fun way to accessorize. You can also do a cute little pompadour. Just take a little of your hair and make a cute bump. Add a cute barrette for a little something extra. There are so many ways to style short hair so you can also look up so me tutorials on YouTube or Google!
Some synthetic wigs can be styled with heat, so it’s important to look for this on the package. Synthetic wigs are a good way to save some money if you don’t want to spend a bunch for a wig. You can style these the same way with curling irons or flat irons. There are wigs that are synthetic hair and are not heat resistant. You can still spice these up by adding fun accessories. You can also get a wig that’s already curled or straight, and you won’t have to style it at all!
forever21.com and it is the classic open-knit beanie. It has a little drama to it with the contrasting colors. They have a crazy large variety of beanies on their website that are pretty cheap!
This hat by Mossimo, sold at target.com is really cute, and pretty classic. You can wear it traditionally, or you can pair it with a scarf and turn it a little to the side for a fiercer look! Find this hat at Target!
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“Beauty” Roadblocks Hair Loss: Why it sucks, and how to get through it In my early teens I loved to wear different colored hair extensions. Everything from pink, red, orange (tips of course) you name it, I have probably tried it. At my school there were no rules about having non-natural colored hair extensions so I was able to get away with it. I used my hair as an accessory to show my love of color and non-conforming attitude towards boring clothes and hair.
head. Well one day in Health class this senior football player guy was wearing a hat and the teacher told him to take it off. He then pointed to me and said, “that’s not fair. Why does she get to wear a hat?” I wanted to crawl under my desk and never come out again. The teacher got flustered, (I lived in a small town so everyone, including the jerk that singled me out knew I had cancer and that’s why I was wearing the After I started chemotherapy it hat) and he snatched the hat off took only a short while for my hair to start falling out, at first in of his head and took it to his little amounts and then into large desk. clumps. Finally my uncle shaved Yeah you know how people tell the rest of my hair off. I cried. It you to wear a hat and people was another one of those first de- won’t notice? Well, they notice. fining moments that made me The point is that most of the time realize how sick I was. I was so people left me alone about the embarrassed to be bald. To this hat. A lot of people think that day, I cannot tell you why. Maybe cancer makes your hair fall out it’s because in our society we are when in reality it is the chemotaught that hair is beautiful, or therapy that does, so I used it as maybe it’s because I wasn’t get- a way to educate people about ting that gray weave I always cancer. Plus, I have a nice round wanted. head that looked cute bald, and Going to school was a nightmare. When I went back to school the following school year I was a freshman in high school. It was so tragic. At my school people were not allowed to wear hats in school, but I was because I was bald and needed to protect my
A picture of me taken during treatment. My hair was growing back and I was so excited!
once I accepted it, everyone else did. I felt weird when my hair started to grow back. Just accept yourself and your lack of hair because before you know it you will have so much hair on your head you won’t know what to do with it! 7
Take a bite out of this! Chocolate: The New Black! By Ashley Hurst
RAW COCOA NUT BALLS Makes 20 balls (Days 1-4 and 9-10) ¼ c. walnuts ¼ c. ground chia seeds ½ c. pitted dates 1/3 c. raw cacao powder 1/8 c. pure maple syrup ½ c. pure almond butter (no sugar or oil added) ½ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt (celtic grey salt is fantastic) ½ cup whole almonds 2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
Directions
Raw Cocoa Nut Balls Could our bodies be telling us exactly what we need to heal, grow and feel our best? We live in a culture of processed foods and restricted eating that essentially promotes tuning out body cues. But through generations of learning to survive and thrive our bodies have become experts at telling us exactly what we need through hunger cues and food cravings. Now, what I'm not saying here is that following uninhibitedly every craving or thought of food is helpful. There are many different levels of food quality- some offering more of the nutrients you might be crav-
ing. However, being mindful of these cravings and tuning in to what our bodies are revealing that we need can be incredibly useful and fun! One of my favorite foods that I crave on a regular basis is chocolate. Dark chocolate and all its delicious forms from truffles to cake. Chocolate has gotten a bad rap as being more of a sugar laden nutrient depleted food in the past. However, darker chocolates 70% and higher are often lower in sugar and offer a variety of nutrients such as magnesium, copper, antioxidants, B vitamins, and more! An even better way to get these nutri-
Place the walnuts and ground chia seeds in a food processor and process until coarsely ground. Add the dates, and pulse until combined with the nuts. Add the cacao powder, syrups, almond butter, vanilla and salt. Process until the mixture is thick and smooth. Add the almonds, and pulse a few times until combined- you want the almonds to still remain in crunchy chunks. Form the balls with a scoop and then roll them between your hands to form a ball. Roll the balls in the coconut. Place in a sealed container in the freezer until hardened.
ents and chocolate fix is using raw cacao powder. Raw cacao powder is different than regular cocoa powder in that it is processed at lower temperatures to preserve its nutrient value and flavors. In fact it offers so much value, its considered a superfood, offering some of the highest antioxidants of any food. Who knew chocolate’s enticing smell and gorgeous form was actually just an invitation to better health?! EAT ON and most importantly– Enjoy! Ashley 8
Fashion A little Winter Fashion! Cute winter clothes and accessories!
Forever21.com
Forever21.com
Cozy Open-Knit Scarf
Ditsy Lace Fit and Flare Dress
Charmingcharlie.con Sears.com
Fresh Sparkle Clutch
Bongo Women’s Wedge Aeropostale.com Slim Ladder Belt
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Giving Back
Cure & Co. A wellness boutique that offers so much more than products. It offers Hope.
Cure & Company is as much a story of survivorship as it is about wanting to help women who have been affected by cancer. The store was created as a haven for women with cancer, and survivors, to buy products that are tailored for their needs. The owners, Irma Klenk and Sasha Klein, of the boutique have both been diagnosed with cancer in their lives so they know what women need who are going through similar issues they faced. When I visited their store I was amazed by all of the products they have to help make the battle that much easier from deodorant without alcohol, to caps that go under wigs to minimize the itch from wigs and to protect your head. Not to mention the colorful decorations that makes it
seem like you’re in a fabulous closet filled with goodies that help people. It is, in their own words, a “Sephora” for cancer patients. They have clothes, wigs, hats, accessories and more that can help you feel beautiful. It is important to speak with people that understand what you’re going through, and these two women can definitely relate! Irma was so warm and welcoming to me when I went to her store, as I am sure they are with everyone who walks through their doors. They hold meetings at the store, and also volunteer in the medical center to give back to the cancer community. They are beautiful women inside and out and are dedicated to helping people with cancer and survivors.
We think what they are doing is awesome, and we wish them the best of luck in their new business venture! Check out their store in Sugarland, or online. They were also on Fox 26 news, so you can check out their story there as well.
www.cureandcompany.com 2587 Town Center Blvd North Suite A Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Phone 281-265-0533 Monday: 10am-2pm (later hours on Monday are available by appointment only) Tuesday-Friday: 10am-6pm Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: Closed
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Tips & Tricks!: Follow your dreams We’re giving you tips to help you follow and succeed in your dreams!
“At first glance it may appear too hard. Tip #1: Make sure you believe whole-heartedly in your dream. It will take a lot of hard work and perseverance.
It took me 8 years to make this magazine, but I knew this is what I was meant to do, so I never let the time it was taking stop me from doing it.
Look again. Always look again.” -Mary Anne Rodmacher
Tip #2: Hang around people that will support you, no matter how crazy your dream seems. It helps to have people lift you up when you’re feeling down because of all the effort and time you’re putting in.
My friends and family ALWAYS support me and my, sometimes, crazy dreams. Some even volunteered to write articles for this first issue.
This helped me a lot when I was creating this magazine. I have no formal design skills, but with a little tenacity, I got it done!
Tip #3: NEVER let someone tell you that you can’t do something. If you have a dream, you have the power to make it come true! Just put in the time, and you will see the rewards!
Create a List: 1. Make a list of goals 2. Break those goals into smaller goals 3. Track your progress, and be sure to reward yourself and celebrate the small goals!
Trust me. Breaking your dream and goals down into smaller goals will make it seem so much easier to do!
You can do whatever you want to do and be whoever you want to be! I believe in you :) 11
Courtney’s Story A 24 year old cancer survivor’s passion to help young cancer patients and survivors.
Getting diagnosed with cancer at 14, at times I have wondered why I had cancer, and I felt like I had done something wrong, or maybe if I could have done something differently, this wouldn’t have happened. I had a terrible case of the what-ifs, and all I was doing was making myself crazy trying to figure out why this horrible thing happened to me. Through the years I have gone above acceptance and now embrace the fact that I am a cancer survivor. This is my story.
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“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” - C.S. Lewis I
remember the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday. I was at home because my doctor said I might have mono, but he drew blood the day before to check and make sure. That morning, my mom got a phone call from him saying I had an elevated white blood cell count and it was probably just a tumor, and that they were expecting me at a major children’s hospital. So we picked up my siblings from school and we all headed down there.
okay. At the same time my mom walked back in the room, and she had just received the same news from a different oncologist. She looked like she had just seen a ghost. I told her, quite matter -of-factly that I had a tumor on my heart, but I would be fine. THE NEWS
That afternoon, many more tests were ran and that night at around 10pm is when they told me that I had T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic LeukeADMISSION DAY mia. I asked them if I would be able to go back to We arrived at the hospital and my grandma met school the next day and they said no. They told us up there and I was admitted to the emergency me I probably wouldn’t be able to go back at all room. My family and I love card games so we that year, as I was diagnosed on April 14th. busted out a deck of cards and played Spades That’s the moment it hit me. I finally realized I while we waited as the numerous nurses fled in was really sick and that I would probably be in and out the room. They did some blood work the hospital longer than the weekend my pediaand while my mother and I waited my grandma trician told my mom to pack for. took my siblings and left, as they had school the THE PROTOCOL next day. After an X-Ray a woman came in the When I began my treatment, the protocol I was room and introduced on required 108 weeks of various chemotherapy herself and proceeded with a bit of radiation. The first 4 months were to tell me that the reathe toughest. You go from being a normal son my face was swollen is because I had a “I had a tumor on healthy teen girl to a bald, bloated version of your previous self. I had a lot of complications tumor on my heart and my heart” with the chemotherapy I received, but I always blood was flowing in, knew it was in my best interest to go through it, but the blood was not even though it was painful. flowing out at the same rate. I was 14, so I smiled at her and said 14
did many years ago. Every day is a beautiful struggle. I’m not going to lie to you. Once you finAs time went on I got more used to the treatment. ish treatment, life doesn’t just go back to normal. My mom made me attend different events, You are forever changed, but it’s totally up to you camps, and trips and though she pretty much to choose how it changes you. You can either forced me to go, I would meet some wallow in self pity and hate the world pretty amazing people every time. Beall of the injustices there are, or “You can either for fore I was diagnosed I was very outyou can create something beautiful. going and social, had many people in wallow in self You can take small steps to create a my life I believed were friends, and I new better life and version of yourloved to be different. I would wear pity...or you can self. Try a new way to wear your hair, flowers in my hair, Barbie dresses (in wear a neon color shirt, or a hot pink middle school), colorful weave, color- create something lipstick. Take some chances and make ful socks with rolled up pants, and mistakes. Life is so short and none of beautiful.” even more things. I loved expressing us in any situation is promised tomyself as I knew I was an individual morrow. So whether you’re stuck in a and those things that made me differhospital bed, or at home, or wherever, you can ent also made me special. However, after I was live a life that’s worth talking about. I really hope diagnosed and the hair fell out and the weight you get something out of this magazine. A sense came on, I quickly lost that self confidence I once of normalcy, camaraderie, or just knowing that had. So when I went on these trips, I was painfulsomeone understands your struggles. If I have ly shy. Every time. I lost those so-called friends I helped one person, I have succeeded. had, and the few I was left with were more than Please enjoy the magazine! enough to get me through. ISSUES
THE JOURNEY I did make a couple friends along the way, who also had various forms of leukemia. Sadly, a they did not make it, but I know they live through me and what I want to do with my life. I vowed to help teens who were like us, because we were all teens when we were diagnosed. One girl and I had been in the same school since I started there in the 5th grade, and my other friend is a guy I met in the recovery room of PACU after he eaves dropped on my mother and I’s conversation. You see, they inspired me to create something beautiful with my life. They showed me that a life of serving, giving, and caring is the greatest gift I could give to the world. Their spirits live on in my heart. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Now that I am 24, I am finally finishing up the first of hopefully what will be multiple college degrees. It has been a very, very long journey. I am just now starting to express myself the way I once
A Picture of me taken a couple days before I was diagnosed. My face was so swollen I could barely open my eyes. If I could tell my 14 year old self something, I would tell her, thank you. 15
Babe Page! By: Ashley Holden
Austin Butler Model Actor Singer Giver Austin Robert Butler was born in Anaheim, California on August 17, 1991. Austin is a model, actor and a singer. He has starred in several shows such as iCarly, The Carrie Diaries, Zoey 101, and Switched at Birth. Austin’s favorite bands are The Eagles and Kings of Leon. He can play the violin, piano, and guitar. In addition to his many talents, Austin is a Certified Scuba Diver and philanthropist. He supports the Autism Speaks and Girl Prep charities and several causes including those that involve at-risk youths, the mentally challenged, children and women and many more. Not only is he talented and gives back as well! Who doesn’t love a man that opens the door for you?
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Gossip Page By: Ashley Holden Selena Gomez has been banned from Russia. The 21 year old actress and singer was scheduled to perform in St. Petersburg and Moscow when the Russian government cancelled her visa in response to her support of “nontraditional sexual relationships” and gay rights. US gay rights activist John Becker,
who encouraged Selena to speak out for gay Russians upon taking stage, stated that “the Russian government is sensitive” and “they’re afraid to have someone like Selena Gomez come in and potentially use her platform to advance LGBT rights”.
Joe
Selena Gomez
Kim K.
Jonas
& Kanye W.
Joe Jonas, 23, recently took time out of his busy schedule to lend a helping hand to those devastated in Moore, Oklahoma. The Convoy of Hope, which was founded by Joe old and his two brothers, Nick and Kevin, was there to assist in debris removal and supply distribution throughout all of the areas affected by
the massive EF-4 tornado. Joe later tweeted that he was “happy to be in Moore, Oklahoma to help” and encouraged others to “go to charityofhope.org for ways to donate or get down here and help out”.
Kim Kardashian and beau Kanye West welcomed their first child “Nori” to the world on June 15. While Kim is focused on getting back to her original size 8 physique, Kanye is pushing for another baby. Sources have stated that the two have been clashing and Kanye insists he “doesn’t want a big
gap between their children’s ages”, thus putting the pressure on new mom Kim, who has been said to spoil her little girl. So far no one is sure of what the cards hold for the pair, but, with Kim’s many reality shows, it won’t be long before it’s revealed. 17
Entertainment By: Ashley Holden
Here are some of the hottest dramas on TV!
TV Drama s!
#1 The Vampire Diaries The Vampire Diaries Season 5 is already looking juicy. As we all know Caroline loves the thrill of being pursued despite being with Tyler. Actor Kendrick Sampson, who plays Jesse on the show, recently shared that a romance could blossom between
Jesse and Caroline. “He’s persistent, he’s a fighter,” explains Kendrick in reference to his character. Will love bloom and what will come of such? After all, Jesse “doesn’t take no for an answer.” To see what happens, tune in Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.
#2 Pretty Little Liars The cat is out of the bag. A Pieterse, cast member of the show, encourages is really viewers to watch the Ezra! The liars not only stumbled upon A’s ultra- “can’t-miss” Halloween high-tech lair covered in special, adding that “you are definitely going to see Ali’s pictures, but also more of Ali”. Tune in found out that Ali could be alive. But who’s funeral Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC Family. did they attend? Sasha
#3 Teen Wolf Teen Wolf Executive Producer Jeff Davis recently shared that he envisions a spinoff of the show. Although the show does not return until January, viewers can’t expect the return of Derek, Scott’s new role as alpha, and Peter’s true
intentions. More importantly, is Jennifer really dead? After she was killed off, fellow actors questioned Jeff about her return and received a “maybe”. To find out more, tune in January 6 on MTV. 18
LORDE
Lorde Upcoming Teen Sensation Lorde, aka Ella Yelich-O’Connor, is an up and coming singersongwriter from New Zealand. At the young age of 16, she is topping the charts with her hit song “Royals.” Her song reached number one on Billboard’s hot 100 list. Her song lyrics embrace people that are normal, instead of the usual money throwing, flashy car lyrics that are constantly on the radio (we love those too!) She seems to have a really interesting take on music and we are really excited to see what she comes up with and how she develops as an artist.
Her music is very minimalistic, so there’s not a lot of loud bass or a bunch of random instruments in the background which we really like because her voice is so awesome! She also seems really down to Earth. We think it’s awesome that she is pursuing her dream of becoming a music icon. No matter what your age is, you too can pursue your dreams! She was signed to a record label at the age of 13! We think she’ll be the next big thing. What do you think?
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Quiz
What MTV show are you? Are you a little quirky like Jenna in Awkward, just a real person trying to get by like the people we love in True Life, a party girl like Snooki, or a hidden gem like the people on Catfish? Find out with our quiz!
1. Your friend asks you what you think of her outfit and you know it looks really bad. What do you tell her? A. You are sure to stand out! B. Girl, that outfit is a no. C. Who cares? All that matters is we have a good time! D. Yes! Anything you wear looks awesome on you! 2. Which song would you say represents your life best right now? A. Roar– Katy Perry B. Royals– Lorde C. Popular Song– MIKA ft. Ariana Grande D. Secrets– One Republic 3. What are your texts with friends mostly about? A. Some new craft you’re trying out B. An exciting news story you just read on Yahoo! C. What parties are going on this weekend D. A new guy you met on Facebook or some other website
Q U I Z
4. Who is your style icon? A. Katy Perry: Fun with fashion B. Rihanna: Edgy and bold C. Lady Gaga: Center of Attention D. Miley Cyrus: Changes with the wind 5. At a party you can be found: A. Dancing with your friends you came with B. Chatting up some cute boy C. In the middle of the dance floor! D. On your phone chatting online
Mostly A’s: Awkward.
Mostly B’s: True Life
- You keep it real 100% individual. You are kind of of the time. You are very honest, but sometimes socially awkward, but at the end of the day you’re you may be a little too harsh. People appreciyourself and that’s all ate your honesty. that matters to you.
- You are definitely an
Mostly C’s: Jersey Shore
Mostly D’s: Catfish
- You are the life of the party! You are definitely a social butterfly. People like to hang around you because you’re always having fun.
- You hide a lot about yourself to people. You prefer to meet people online because you feel like they don’t judge you. You should open up to people
in your life more often.
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Trivia Take our One Direction Fan Trivia to see how well you really know 1D!
1. Who is the youngest member of 1D? 2. Which member is left handed? 3. Which member can’t swim? 4. On which TV show did 1D get their big break? 5. What song was their debut single? 6. Which member auditioned for the X Factor twice? 7. Which member had an obsession with the power rangers? 8. Who is the oldest member of 1D? 9. How many minutes did 1D’s UK tour sell out? 10.What is the title of their first album?
Answers on page 26!
Music The other Non-addictive, Mood-altering, Non-substance. Ask your doctor If music is right for you. Common side effects include, but are not limited to, Uncontrolled head bobbing, toe tapping, finger Snapping, selective hearing impairment and Persistent melody flashbacks.
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Short Story
Shang Hei By Collins Adams
Have you ever wondered why you shouldn’t drink until your twenty one? At 18, you can vote, drive, and die for your country. So why not drink to it? That’s what I thought. So I decided to have one New Year’s Eve with a little fun. So the clock strike twelve, we toast to a new year, and a beautiful country. Then we toasted to our good luck this year and the next. Then we gave a toast to our lovely ladies. Then many more that I was too drunk to remember. You expect this story to go on to me waking up at my house with a hangover. Well that’s not what happened. Actually I still had a hangover. It sucked. A lot. I have no idea what I was drinking. Probably bourbon with whisky, washed down with a shot of rum. Yeah, I’m hard core. But trust me it isn’t worth it. But I was not at my house. That’s what is important, not my alcoholic tendencies. I don’t know what my first clue was. That the bed was too big, or the drapes were the wrong color. Maybe it was that the sky was purple. But then again that could just be the hangover. I went to the door, to find out that I was locked in. That isn’t a good sign. I was stuck in that room for what felt like hours. Eventually the door was opened. A…….. thing was there wearing some blue suit. It was four feet and ten inches tall. It skin was bluish green. It somehow seemed masculine. His ears were
long, pointy, and slanted downwards like a dogs. The eyes were purple diamonds, and the mouth barely seeable. When that mouth opened, a series of indistinguishable gibberish came out. When I did not move, he made a clicking noise. Similar to what you might make to a horse, or other kind of animal. When he tapped his knee, I noticed a collar and leash in his hands. That was when it finally hit me. This thing thinks I’m his pet. At this point, I’m over freaking out about being kidnapped. Forget the whole alien abduction thing. I’m just pissed that this guy (I think) would try to degrade me to his pet. So I did what comes natural, I slugged him, though I was shocked before I could make contact. More clicking sounds came from the alien. It sounded kind of like he was disciplining me. I scratched my neck, where the pain originated. This is the first time I noticed that there was a patch. I would later name it the punishment patch. It shocked me when I miss-behaved, which was a lot. While I was on the ground, my new owner was saying some words. Draw Nola. I would later recognize this as Bad Human. I spent several weeks as their pet, where I learned about their culture. My owners were a typical family, mom, dad, son, daughter, and pet a.k.a. me. The family name was Del, I believe. I think they 22
called me Earoe (E-row-E). I personally belong to the FRIENDS.” son, who I hated the most. He was in charge of disciShe probably didn’t stress the word friends that plining me, which tended to be painful. It was unformuch, but that is how I heard it. I am on a planet light tunate that I was always a stubborn person. years away from Earth, with no hopes of escape or One day during our walk, which was not to take rescue, with barely any humans around, and I just got me to the bathroom like some people do with dogs, it friend zoned. This planet continues to kick my pride was just for exercise, we came across one of young and push me down. Del’s friends. I don’t know anything about him, just Jessica may have cruelly friend zoned me, but she that he was going the opposite way with his pet. was right about the language. I soon realized I could Which like me was human. Unlike me, it was a girl. pick out words of their conversations and knew what She was a very attractive girl with long brown hair. they were talking about. I even began to like the The two aliens stopped to talk, giving me enough time young daughter they had. She was less than two feet to introduce myself to my fellow hostage. tall and seemed to be a toddler. I actually enjoyed Walked straight up to her and held out my hand. “Hello, my name is James Love. It is very pleasant to meet another human in this planet.”
playing with her. I still hated my personal owner though. Young Del continued to be a thorn in my side. I am not sure how old he is, but I figured in human terms he would be in his late teens. He was taller than She smiled and shook my hand. “Jessica Cruz. I his mother, and his father barley broke five foot three. take it you just got here.” I lost track of how long I had been there. My “Yep. I haven’t been here too long. You are the bonding with young Del had not gone any farther than first human I’ve seen. I had to listen to the blue people I hated him and he seemed determined to break me. speak gibberish and shocking me with the Taser they My bonding with his little sister was going much betplaced on my neck.” ter. She adored me, and I actually enjoyed playing “Well, there aren’t too many humans here. We’re with her. The parents had begun to notice this, and considered an exotic pet because we are so rare here. seemed to take notes on how I interacted with their They can’t take too many humans without people on youngest child. Apparently they liked what they saw, Earth getting suspicious, and we tend to be harder to because they decided to leave the house, with me as the little sister’s baby sitter. control.” I listened to Jessica and nodded. “That makes sense. Is that your guess on what is happening here?” Jessica shook her head. “No I heard them talking about it. I picked up on the language after a while.” That surprised me. “Really, that is amazing!” I couldn’t make heads or tails of the gibberish they spoke. I just managed to guess at names of certain people and a few objects. I suppose that is how picking up a language begins though.
The parents gave me a lengthy explanation of what I was supposed to do, going into great detail on what I was supposed to do. At least that is what I think they were doing. The conversation mostly consisted of them speaking in their strange language and me periodically interrupting to say that I did not understand what they were saying. They ignored me and continued on with their directions.
So there I was alone with an alien toddler. Well I watched my younger siblings before, so it “You will pick it up after a while. Give it a few shouldn’t be too difficult to watch this kid, right? years and you will be fluent.” At this point our own- Wrong. Alien toddlers are much more coordinated ers, kidnappers whichever you prefer, seemed to be and intelligent. She quickly managed to climb onto done talking and ready to move on. As her owner be- the kitchen counter, pick the lock and went out the gan to leave Jessica followed him. She quickly turned window. She moved a lot faster than I expected. around to add one last comment to our conversation. “It was nice meeting you. I hope we can be good 23
I saw her going out the window and wasted no time chasing after her. She ran down the street making the laughing sound they made, which sounded between a cat being strangled and a so called singer using auto-tune. I chased her down, taking twists and turns that soon had me lost. Before I knew it, I was passing a house where Jessica was standing in front of. As we were passing the house Jessica made a loud whistle. The toddler immediately changed course and ran straight to her. Of course she still somehow managed to avoid my arms as she ran pass me.
in her eyes and screamed. The beast ran straight for us.
loss. Jessica was kind enough to lead us back to the house. We chatted, and she told me about her life. She was taken when she was twelve and grew up on this planet. She seemed to have developed Stockholm syndrome, and was okay with it. She rather enjoyed her life as a pet. Jessica was about 17 or 18. Being on another planet, the planets revolution around the sun was a little longer so the years were different. This made her a little uncertain on her age.
Jessica discussed what happened with the Dels. They seemed very happy and from that point on I was given more freedom. Though I was still at odds with young Del, I did get along better with the parents and Tril. I really have no idea how long I will be with the Dels, so I will try to make the best of it. I have decided to keep on good terms with the Dels. Except young Del. Since they have removed the punishment patch we have been butting heads more often. Mostly we yell at each other with full knowledge we do not know what the other is saying. Though I am stuck on this planet as a pet, this is not the end of my story. I haven’t work out all of the details, in fact I have none of them, but I will find a way back to Earth. When I do, I hope I can bring Jessica with me.
As a reflex I lashed out with my fist. The punch did a lot more than I expected. I knocked it off its feet. Once it got up again, the monster quickly ran off. Afterward the aliens made a noise I assumed was cheering. They came and slapped me on the back and said a phrase over and over again.
Jessica later explained what they were saying. They were saying phrases such as “You’re a good boy,” and “way to go buddy,” and my favorite, “good Jessica picked her up and smiled at me. “Hi James, human.” They basically rewarded like you would a did you lose something?” dog that had protected his master. Jessica also let me I smiled. “Yeah, they left me alone with her and in on some very interesting information. Humans are she ran off all of a sudden.” actually a lot stronger than Tors, which is what the aliens were called. Finally I had a name for them. The alien was if Jessica’s arms speaking quickly. Jessica nodded.”Tril was playing a game with you. Even though we are stronger the aliens had better Like tag. She says you are very bad at it.” Tril, so that technology, though they didn’t usually carry the was her name. Jessica continued. “You really are bad weapons to deal with Bonohaws, the yellow dogat it though. Do you realize how far the Del’s house is hamster. Jessica thought I was really brave. She was from here?” She paused than asked with a hint of too afraid to do anything. She even gave me a kiss on amusement, “Do you know how to get back?” the cheek for my bravery. One step out of the friend zone, James Love is on his way to romance. The answer of course was no, I was completely
I had hope that this pleasant conversation go on a little longer. However fate had a different idea. There was this weird yellow creature that was almost as tall as me attacked us. It looked like a cross between a dog and a hamster. A group of aliens were quickly running away screaming from the beast. Tril had tears
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Quotes we We believe a great quote can inspire people, and just put people in a better mood. Here are some of our faves. We hope you enjoy!
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.
The most courageous act is still to
- Inception
think for yourself. Aloud.
-Coco Chanel
Don’t change so people will like you.
The future belongs to those who
Be yourself and the right people will
believe in the beauty of their
love the real you.
dreams
-Unknown
- Unknown
To all the girls that think
Confidence is captivating, it
you’re ugly because you’re not
a
is powerful, and it does not
size 0, you’re the beautiful
fade– and that is endlessly
one. It’s society who’s ugly.
more interesting than beauty.
-Marilyn Monroe
- Nina Garcia
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Parent’s Corner Ask the Parent: How did you cope with your child’s diagnosis?
For this first issue, I thought it was only fitting to interview my mother, Pauletter, for the first “Ask the Parent” article.
What symptoms did your child have? Pauletter: The first time I took her to the doctor is because she said her bones hurt. Then, shortly after she got a lump on her leg by her groin, so I took her back to the doctor. Then her face got swollen and her teacher kept telling me to take her back to the doctor so I did, and they said she had allergies. She started taking the allergy medication and the swelling still didn’t go down, and actually got worse so I took her back to the doctor. By this time he said her spleen and kidneys were enlarged and he thought she had mono. He took lab samples and said he would get back with me the next day. She had just had labs done in December and this all began in that following March.
What difficulties did you face with caring for your child with cancer and your other children? Pauletter: Not too many. Courtney just went to the hospital more than the others. It was more than 50 miles from our house to the doctor one way so that was a struggle sometimes. Luckily her brother and sister were flexible and didn’t mind spending some nights at their friends houses when I would stay with her in the hospital. Her dad was a truck driver at that time so he would be gone for days at a time, but somehow we made it work. We had a strong support system in our small town that I am very thankful for. What advice would you offer to other parents of children with cancer?
Pauletter: Try to treat your sick kid as normal as How did you react when the doctor told you your possible. Let their friends do sleepovers at the child had cancer? hospital, if it’s allowed. Let them be a kid. Don’t Pauletter: I thought they didn’t know what was let your kid see you cry. You are your kid’s rock, going on because we just walked through the and they need you to be strong in front of them. door. I thought those people were crazy. I could- If you want to cry, do it somewhere else. n’t concentrate so that next day I called my friend who’s an R.N. and she came to the hospital and took notes and asked the doctors questions. I still didn’t know what was going on.
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Parent’s Corner Want to help your child feel “normal”? Treat them like they are. When your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, it is understandable that you want to coddle them and try to protect them from everything. However, part of the fight is about the patient’s attitude. My parents treated me the same as my brother and sister. The only difference is I went to the hospital more frequently because I had cancer. Once I got healthy enough during my treatment to go back to school, I had chores just like my siblings. Feeling like I was a regular kid started at home for me. My parents treated me like I was ok, so I believed them. It was difficult for my mom sometimes when I would get invited to spend the night at a friend’s house or to a little gettogether. She was reluctant, but I think she knew she had to let me go with my friends because she wanted me to live. When your child’s life has already been rattled by cancer and all of the hospital stays and visits, the last thing they want is to feel stripped of their friends, who are often the last normal feeling thing in your child’s life. This is not to say that your child is not special. They are amazing individuals, I’m sure. I’m not saying you shouldn’t watch what they do because they are often weaker than other kids, have to take medicine at certain times, and have a slew of other issues. But when you can, let them know that they are just as strong as anyone else their age. Let them know they are like any other kid. I’m just saying from my experience, after I was diagnosed everyone treated me different. They treated me like I was a porcelain doll almost because they were so afraid of what would happen to me. But eventually people started treating me like I was ok. I just wanted to feel normal. I would suggest talking with your child and seeing how you can help them feel normal. Ask them how you could help them to claim some sense of normalcy back in their lives. I’m sure they will appreciate it.
Candlelighters Childhood Caner Family Alliance
Candlelighters is an amazing organization that offers relief and support to families of children with cancer. They offer emotional and educational support as well as practical support. Some of the practical support they offer include:
Meal Passes
Grocery Store Gift Certificates
Gas Cards
Funeral assistance
Family Fun!!!
Contact them today to find out more about the assistance they offer. 713-270-4700 www.candle.org It is tough to have a child going through cancer, but you don’t have to go through this tough time alone. Please reach out to people who really relate and understand what you’re going through. You are not alone.
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Parent’s Corner Tax Season! Since tax season is upon us, we thought it would be beneficial to put a little tax information in this issue. According to IRS.gov, for the 2013 tax year, for the federal tax returns you can claim deductions for medical expenses not covered by your health insurance that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income, if you itemize your deductions. This change affects your 2013 tax return that you will file in 2014, should you choose to itemize your deductions (www.IRS.gov). They have also listed what records you should keep for tax purposes. For each medical expense, you should keep a record of: The name and address of each medical care provider you paid, and The amount and date of each payment. You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing the following: A description of the medical care received Who received the care The nature and purpose of the medical expenses. We suggest speaking with your tax preparer for more information about using medical deductions on your taxes, as these we provided are just general guidelines given from the IRS. We do not assume any liability from the information provided. We retrieved it from the IRS website, www.IRS.gov.
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Resources Here’s a list of resources in the Houston area for cancer patients and their families.
Cancer support and resources
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Information about leukemia, Lymphoma and more. They Also offer support services for Financial matters, patient education Programs and more. 1-800-955-4572
Candlelighters
The Sunshine Kids
Offers practical support, emotional and educational support, and have parent consultants to help families affected by childhood cancer.
Dedicated to children with cancer and provides group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients.
713-270-4700
713-524-1264
www.candle.org
www.sunshinekids.org
www.lls.org
Grief and crisis hotlines
TeenLine
Crisis Intervention of Houston
Bo’s Place A bereavement center that offers free grief support services to children ages 3 to 18, and their families who have experienced the death of a child.
A 24-hour crisis hotline for teens to talk about their problems with other teens who are trained to help them and listen when they need someone.
A 24-hour crisis hotline for anyone who needs to talk about their problems with people who are trained to listen when they need someone.
713-529-teen
713-hotline
713-942-8339
www.teenlinkhouston.org
www.crisishotline.org
www.bosplace.org
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If you would like to be the Cover Girl on our next Issue, please submit a 250– 400 word letter to us telling us why you would like to be on the cover. You can also nominate someone to be on the cover as well. To qualify, you must be a current cancer patient or a cancer survivor between the ages of 11 -30. Email letters to: info@aloudmag.com We look forward to hearing from you!!
Please submit your questions to be answered by our advice columnist, email them to info@aloudmag.com. Your questions can be about anything like boys, life, school, or whatever else you can think of. We would love to hear from you! They will be anonymous and if we choose it be answered, it will be in our next issue!
To enter to win the fleece blanket simply “like” the picture of the blanket on Facebook. We will write the names on paper and do a random drawing and announce the winner. We will message you and arrange shipment. The blanket will be sent to you free of charge. For any questions, please contact us at info@aloudmag.com.
Answers to trivia questions: 1: Harry 2: Niall 3. Zayn 4. X Factor UK 5. What makes you beautiful 6. Liam 7. Louis 8. Louis 9. 12 minutes 10. Up All Night
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www.vampirediaries.wikia.com, www.haveuheard.net, www.onsetproductions.com, www.theplace2.ru, www.aceshowbiz.com, www.afashionablehair.blogspot.com, www.vanessahudgensfans.co.uk, www.craveonline.com, www.forever21.com, www.sears.com, www.aeropostale.com, www.sndblb.com, www.payless.com, www.ieeet.com, www.jcpenney.com, www.fanshare.com, and www.charmingcharlies.com. Use of these photos are not to make profit, and the websites above give credit to the source where copyrights can be found. They are for entertainment purposes in a non-profit magazine. No copyright infringements are intended.
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“ The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.� -Elizabeth Kubler Ros
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