Reflection.....................
This is how my writing went for me......
I started this class with very high expectations for myself. Learning things about myself through the entire process. I learned that I can go back to school and that I do have the ability to write more than I thought possible. Honestly when I found out I was going to have to make a blog and write every day I was a little upset. I thought blogging was more of a social media type of thing. I know now that I can actually use my blog as more of a journal for my journey. I will probably use this tool for myself for my entire process of all of my classes.
It hasn't been easy for me with my work schedule, but I made it happen. The writing every day sometimes gets in my way if I don't have time. I did realize though through this process that I have used my blog to help calm myself down. There was one particular assignment that wasn't going well for me because I couldn't find a link for the "Research Assignment." I was making it way too hard because I thought it was something we were trying to research the library for. Well I was on my computer for about 4 hours looking for it. I was making myself ill, and wondering what the hell I was going to do. I opened my blog and started writing and found that it helped just to write about it. That's how powerful it was for me. This tool has allowed me to bring back some great memories of things that I haven't thought about in a long time and has given me a way to put them down on paper because I don't keep a journal.
I feel like I can put things on my blog that maybe are not so appropriate for the classroom discussions. Like things about my struggles and my personal life. These are useful tools to me since I don't really have too many people I can talk to about these things since it is an online class. Some of my struggles would be, trying to get to a computer every day to be able to write on the blog. I was able to overcome this by writing a couple blogs on some days and writing at all hours of the day or night. Sometimes it is hard to find things to write about, the blog prompts that you (Ms. A.) post on the resources button allowed me a few times to write some fun things. THANK YOU!
I feel like this class was a refresher in some ways, but some of the things that I learned weren't even things that I learned in high school because that was almost 30 years ago for me. I do know that everything I'm taking away from this class will be things that I am able to use through my journey of going back to school.
I feel like writing the blogs everyday helped me keep on track because it was more fun than I thought it would be. It was actually the fun part of the class. I have never thought of myself as a writer, and still don't, but I think now I CAN if I put my mind to it. It's just not as enjoyable for me as it might be for other people.
I actually like the Blog and will probably keep writing, even though we don't have to. :)
Ms. Anthony, you have pushed me to my limits, thank you. I didn't think it was possible to get this much done in an eight week period, but we did!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Journal entry #24
Tulsa here I come..................
Wow what a stressful week. I am leaving town today for work and heading to Tulsa. Not my idea of fun, but it is what it is. I hope the rest of the week goes a little better than the first part of the week. I went to Kansas City last week, leaving on Wednesday and coming back late on Saturday evening. I will be going to Tulsa in about 3 hours and coming back on Saturday evening again. This does not work well with a Summer Semester in school. I'm so glad that this is almost over and I can have some breathing room. It has been a wild ride for me trying to juggle home, work and school. I did it though and only have a few more assignments left to go. I think I have learned some valuable lessons with the online classes I'm taking. I need more time management. I have had lots of wake up moments and now know why kids should absolutely go to college straight out of High School. You are younger and can handle it!! You also don't have children to divide your time. Your mind is still fresh with most of the things that are happening in the academic world. Technology is a huge thing as well. I seem to have problems every time I log on and if it weren't for those moments it might have been a bit less stressful. I have one more blog to type and it will probably look similar to what I'm writing right now. It has been an amazing ride.
I think I am packed and need to go to the bank and pack my food for the week and I will be ready to walk out the door. Geez I just need about 3 more days at home to be able to get what I need done for school. Maybe work will call and say the trip is cancelled? FAT CHANCE!!!!!
Wow what a stressful week. I am leaving town today for work and heading to Tulsa. Not my idea of fun, but it is what it is. I hope the rest of the week goes a little better than the first part of the week. I went to Kansas City last week, leaving on Wednesday and coming back late on Saturday evening. I will be going to Tulsa in about 3 hours and coming back on Saturday evening again. This does not work well with a Summer Semester in school. I'm so glad that this is almost over and I can have some breathing room. It has been a wild ride for me trying to juggle home, work and school. I did it though and only have a few more assignments left to go. I think I have learned some valuable lessons with the online classes I'm taking. I need more time management. I have had lots of wake up moments and now know why kids should absolutely go to college straight out of High School. You are younger and can handle it!! You also don't have children to divide your time. Your mind is still fresh with most of the things that are happening in the academic world. Technology is a huge thing as well. I seem to have problems every time I log on and if it weren't for those moments it might have been a bit less stressful. I have one more blog to type and it will probably look similar to what I'm writing right now. It has been an amazing ride.
I think I am packed and need to go to the bank and pack my food for the week and I will be ready to walk out the door. Geez I just need about 3 more days at home to be able to get what I need done for school. Maybe work will call and say the trip is cancelled? FAT CHANCE!!!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Journal entry # 23
My Grand baby.........
I have been so busy with school and going out of town for work that I haven't had much time for the things that are important to me.
I took a much needed break today and had my daughter bring my baby for a visit. She was only here for about an hour and a half..... but let me tell you, she has grown so much in the past couple of weeks that I couldn't believe it. She will be 6 months old on the 28th of this month. She is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Ms. Kaidance Rylee is one of the highlights of my life. When they walked in and she seen me her eyes lit up and the smile on her face was amazing. She was wearing a white onsie with pink and brown cheetah print on it. her hair is so long that it is often in her eyes. I got to hold her for a while and make her giggle. Those are the best moments for me ever. I also gave her a drink of water with orange drink mix in it. I thought she was going to steal the bottle away from me. Her mother hasn't given her too much of anything except what the doctor says yet.
I don't know about any of you, but when my kids were little we gave them stuff all the time. Times have really changed in the way you raise kids and what is good for them and what is not. When my kids were young, they wanted you to lay them on their bellies to sleep, now you have to lay them on their backs. When my oldest was a baby they didn't even have the seat belt laws. The older I get the more things change.
I have been so busy with school and going out of town for work that I haven't had much time for the things that are important to me.
I took a much needed break today and had my daughter bring my baby for a visit. She was only here for about an hour and a half..... but let me tell you, she has grown so much in the past couple of weeks that I couldn't believe it. She will be 6 months old on the 28th of this month. She is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Ms. Kaidance Rylee is one of the highlights of my life. When they walked in and she seen me her eyes lit up and the smile on her face was amazing. She was wearing a white onsie with pink and brown cheetah print on it. her hair is so long that it is often in her eyes. I got to hold her for a while and make her giggle. Those are the best moments for me ever. I also gave her a drink of water with orange drink mix in it. I thought she was going to steal the bottle away from me. Her mother hasn't given her too much of anything except what the doctor says yet.
I don't know about any of you, but when my kids were little we gave them stuff all the time. Times have really changed in the way you raise kids and what is good for them and what is not. When my kids were young, they wanted you to lay them on their bellies to sleep, now you have to lay them on their backs. When my oldest was a baby they didn't even have the seat belt laws. The older I get the more things change.
Journal entry # 22
States I have visited..........
I think the first state I visited was Oklahoma. This is where I would go to gamble the first few times I have been. I also have gone there for work some. We went to Oklahoma City and Tulsa for work. I can't say that they were extremely fun for me, but I went.
I went to Pennsylvania once when I was married. We went to visit his sister about Altoona. I remember going for a motorcycle ride over the mountains and I was scared to death.
I went to Texas driving through Dallas at the rush hour was horrible I will never do that again. I just went to San Antonio in March for vacation and it was amazing. I would love to go back there.
I have been to Florida a few times, always around the Orlando area. My father used to live in Cocoa Beach area and when I graduated high school I got to go out and go to SeaWorld and Disney. Then in 2007 I flew my mom and 2 of my kids out to go to Disney again.
I have been to Arkansas to go waterfall chasing. I love to do this. Around the Buffalo river area there are some great waterfalls that you have to have a guide book to get to. We have lots of pictures and memories from those trips.
I have been to Georgia. I was in PeachTree City for about 5 days for work. This is an amazing city and I wrote about that one on another of my blogs.
I went to Brentwood Tennessee, this is another one that I would love to go back to. I went in to Franklin where you can find lots of civil war history at the battle of Franklin. Very cool place.
I went to New York City and stayed on Times Square this was an amazing experience and one that would take up an entire blog post.
I have been to Michigan, this is a beautiful place just outside of the Detroit area. The lakes are beautiful.
I went to Nevada probably 4 or 5 times to go to Las Vegas. LOVED IT.....
I have been to Kansas in the Witchita area for work....I can't really tell you too much about that one. It was last year and spent most of the time working.
I was in Washington D.C. in 2007 and I loved this trip I can't wait to go back and take my son.
I think the first state I visited was Oklahoma. This is where I would go to gamble the first few times I have been. I also have gone there for work some. We went to Oklahoma City and Tulsa for work. I can't say that they were extremely fun for me, but I went.
I went to Pennsylvania once when I was married. We went to visit his sister about Altoona. I remember going for a motorcycle ride over the mountains and I was scared to death.
I went to Texas driving through Dallas at the rush hour was horrible I will never do that again. I just went to San Antonio in March for vacation and it was amazing. I would love to go back there.
I have been to Florida a few times, always around the Orlando area. My father used to live in Cocoa Beach area and when I graduated high school I got to go out and go to SeaWorld and Disney. Then in 2007 I flew my mom and 2 of my kids out to go to Disney again.
I have been to Arkansas to go waterfall chasing. I love to do this. Around the Buffalo river area there are some great waterfalls that you have to have a guide book to get to. We have lots of pictures and memories from those trips.
I have been to Georgia. I was in PeachTree City for about 5 days for work. This is an amazing city and I wrote about that one on another of my blogs.
I went to Brentwood Tennessee, this is another one that I would love to go back to. I went in to Franklin where you can find lots of civil war history at the battle of Franklin. Very cool place.
I went to New York City and stayed on Times Square this was an amazing experience and one that would take up an entire blog post.
I have been to Michigan, this is a beautiful place just outside of the Detroit area. The lakes are beautiful.
I went to Nevada probably 4 or 5 times to go to Las Vegas. LOVED IT.....
I have been to Kansas in the Witchita area for work....I can't really tell you too much about that one. It was last year and spent most of the time working.
I was in Washington D.C. in 2007 and I loved this trip I can't wait to go back and take my son.
Journal Entry # 21
This weather........
I have been holed up in this house every night for the past 7 weeks except for a few that I have had to travel for work. I woke my son up this morning to go out and mow and weed eat the yard before I leave for Tulsa tomorrow. Needless to say that he didn't get it done before he was carted off to his fathers house this afternoon. I knew the yard was going to have to be mowed one way or the other. My boyfriend came over to see how I was coming along with school and see if he could help me do anything. I reluctantly asked him to mow my yard. I go outside and help him get the mower out and put gasoline in it. WOW!!! I can't believe that the temperature is so comfortable out there. I love it. I would love to have some free time to be able to go out and enjoy the cool weather. On days like this I would love to take a very long walk and just look at the yards in the neighborhood to find ideas for my landscaping in my yard. I love to see what others have thought looked nice and to find things that I may not have thought of. It is absolutely beautiful out there. I think what we will do is find an hour or so and make the time. I am even willing to maybe be a bit late for an assignment, just so I could squeeze in a walk tonight. I love the cool weather anyway and it reminds me of fall, which is my favorite season.
I am looking forward to the break from school. We only have about 9 days till the end. I am going to celebrate for sure.
I have been holed up in this house every night for the past 7 weeks except for a few that I have had to travel for work. I woke my son up this morning to go out and mow and weed eat the yard before I leave for Tulsa tomorrow. Needless to say that he didn't get it done before he was carted off to his fathers house this afternoon. I knew the yard was going to have to be mowed one way or the other. My boyfriend came over to see how I was coming along with school and see if he could help me do anything. I reluctantly asked him to mow my yard. I go outside and help him get the mower out and put gasoline in it. WOW!!! I can't believe that the temperature is so comfortable out there. I love it. I would love to have some free time to be able to go out and enjoy the cool weather. On days like this I would love to take a very long walk and just look at the yards in the neighborhood to find ideas for my landscaping in my yard. I love to see what others have thought looked nice and to find things that I may not have thought of. It is absolutely beautiful out there. I think what we will do is find an hour or so and make the time. I am even willing to maybe be a bit late for an assignment, just so I could squeeze in a walk tonight. I love the cool weather anyway and it reminds me of fall, which is my favorite season.
I am looking forward to the break from school. We only have about 9 days till the end. I am going to celebrate for sure.
Journal entry # 20
Things I want to do on a camping trip.......
I absolutely love camping, it's one of my favorite summer activities. I don't like to camp for only one night because I hate putting everything up and taking down the next day.
I like to go and set everything up. We have 2 tents and air mattress' we find the perfect spots for our tents and then get the air mattress aired up first. Then make the beds with sheets and pillows. I then set up my little kitchen. I have a special camping table that allows me to set up the cook stove and hang all the utensils I will need on hooks. It even has a hook that extends for one of our lanterns. Then we drink some beer while collecting wood for the fire, so we are able to cook our dinner over the open flame as well as the cook stove. I let my son cut the potatoes for the famous french fries that he loves to make. I make sure all of our clothes and things are zipped up in the tents. After dinner we will sit by the fire and roast marshmallows for s'mores. We stay up pretty late this first night and wake up early for kayaking.
After a breakfast of pancakes and bacon, or hashbrowns and eggs we go to the waiting area for the JamesRiver Outfitters to take us to the drop off for the float.
While floating the 11 mile float we stop a lot to enjoy the river and sunshine. We have found a very cool place to make a day of it. You can walk back through this clearing and find some very cool rocks and lots of crawdads. Skipping rocks, swimming, and swinging off the rope swings throughout the float are more of our favorite things to do.
I can't wait for our next float trip. We always have so much fun. The only thing I hate about it is the coming home. You are doing more work by putting everything away and washing the bed clothes. That's the hardest part.
I absolutely love camping, it's one of my favorite summer activities. I don't like to camp for only one night because I hate putting everything up and taking down the next day.
I like to go and set everything up. We have 2 tents and air mattress' we find the perfect spots for our tents and then get the air mattress aired up first. Then make the beds with sheets and pillows. I then set up my little kitchen. I have a special camping table that allows me to set up the cook stove and hang all the utensils I will need on hooks. It even has a hook that extends for one of our lanterns. Then we drink some beer while collecting wood for the fire, so we are able to cook our dinner over the open flame as well as the cook stove. I let my son cut the potatoes for the famous french fries that he loves to make. I make sure all of our clothes and things are zipped up in the tents. After dinner we will sit by the fire and roast marshmallows for s'mores. We stay up pretty late this first night and wake up early for kayaking.
After a breakfast of pancakes and bacon, or hashbrowns and eggs we go to the waiting area for the JamesRiver Outfitters to take us to the drop off for the float.
While floating the 11 mile float we stop a lot to enjoy the river and sunshine. We have found a very cool place to make a day of it. You can walk back through this clearing and find some very cool rocks and lots of crawdads. Skipping rocks, swimming, and swinging off the rope swings throughout the float are more of our favorite things to do.
I can't wait for our next float trip. We always have so much fun. The only thing I hate about it is the coming home. You are doing more work by putting everything away and washing the bed clothes. That's the hardest part.
Journal Entry #19
Trying to do research for the English Comp class I am taking.
I am literally crying my eyes out here. I am going out of town for work on Wed and will not be back until Sat evening. I can't find what she is trying to make us search for and am about to have a nervous breakdown here. I took the day off work so I could catch up on some homework and I feel like the clock is ticking. I know that she is making us do this for a reason but I really don't have time to do this assignment. I hope that one of my classmates gives us a clue soon on our discussion board before I have a nervous breakdown. I had no idea that this class would be so difficult this week. I don't have any choice but to go out of town.
I keep typing in the keywords "Research Assignment" and I am getting no where. When I type in the instructors name, it's like OTC has never even heard of her. I'm sure it's there, I just can't find it. I am feeling much better as I write this out. I guess I just needed to vent a bit. I'm starting to calm down.
I have got to finish writing my blogs and my reflection. I have about 5 assignments left for this week in English and have to finish my paper for the "What is a Place" essay that we are doing and this has to be turned in on Friday. I hope something changes and I can get it all done. I don't want to fail this class. As the tears come I feel so out of my league with this class.
I have learned a very valuable lesson, I WILL NEVER take another difficult course in the summer months. It has been a very rough summer for me because I refuse to fail. I won't give up and I will give 110% always. I will die trying to get this done. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only one week to go. I think next summer I will be using it for a break. I have courses set up...... but I'm cancelling them for sure.
Hope everyone else is having an easier time with this than me.
I am literally crying my eyes out here. I am going out of town for work on Wed and will not be back until Sat evening. I can't find what she is trying to make us search for and am about to have a nervous breakdown here. I took the day off work so I could catch up on some homework and I feel like the clock is ticking. I know that she is making us do this for a reason but I really don't have time to do this assignment. I hope that one of my classmates gives us a clue soon on our discussion board before I have a nervous breakdown. I had no idea that this class would be so difficult this week. I don't have any choice but to go out of town.
I keep typing in the keywords "Research Assignment" and I am getting no where. When I type in the instructors name, it's like OTC has never even heard of her. I'm sure it's there, I just can't find it. I am feeling much better as I write this out. I guess I just needed to vent a bit. I'm starting to calm down.
I have got to finish writing my blogs and my reflection. I have about 5 assignments left for this week in English and have to finish my paper for the "What is a Place" essay that we are doing and this has to be turned in on Friday. I hope something changes and I can get it all done. I don't want to fail this class. As the tears come I feel so out of my league with this class.
I have learned a very valuable lesson, I WILL NEVER take another difficult course in the summer months. It has been a very rough summer for me because I refuse to fail. I won't give up and I will give 110% always. I will die trying to get this done. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only one week to go. I think next summer I will be using it for a break. I have courses set up...... but I'm cancelling them for sure.
Hope everyone else is having an easier time with this than me.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Journal entry #18
The Big Spring,
This is a place that I hold very dear to my heart. I am partial to this place because I associate it with family. I remember having our family reunions here as a child. We would get the entire family together and take our lawn chairs and rent the pavilion there for a couple days. Everyone in the family would cook that special dish that they were famous for and we would have a cook out. We would walk down by the water, which is the biggest spring in the world. Millions of gallons of water would pump out of that spring on any given day. I always remember the days being so hot and just longing to jump in the water there. You are not able to swim in the spring though. Such a tease for the kids for sure. We would gather around in a big circle and just talk and visit, because none of us lived very close. My grandmother was the glue of the family, and we always tried to get together at least once a year for the family get- together. I just remember one in particular. My grandma was getting up in age and I had my daughter, she was probably about 4 years old. We would just sit by her and listen to her talk. Maybe we all knew this would be the last time we would be together before she died. I don't know but I can see this day so vividly. I remember helping her get her plate and holding on to her arm so she wouldn't fall. She had a bad back and had fallen several times. I just remember her asking me when I was going to have more kids. I told her that I wasn't sure and she just smiled. I do know that about 3 weeks after she died I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I really miss Gen Parks and wish she would have had the opportunity to meet the rest of my children. She would absolutely adore the other two, just like she loved my first. Things are so different these days and I know that some of the advice that I could get from her would be helpful for all involved.
Warm breezes on our faces, hot sun beaming down, the cool grass on our feet under the shade trees, the water droplets falling on our legs from the beads of sweat falling from our glasses of coke.
Hearing the rushing water coming out of the spring, the birds in the trees, the laughter of the kids playing in the sunshine, the falling of walnuts on the ground, the screams of little ones as they fall and skin their knees, the idle chatter and laughter of the adults reliving child hood memories.
I smell the hamburgers cooking on the grill, the waft of potato salad as the lid is popped off getting ready for our big meal, I smell the hint of bug spray to keep those pesky creatures from making us their dinner, I smell sunblock, I smell the river water, and crisp smell of water that rushes from the spring as it feeds the river.
This is a place that I hold very dear to my heart. I am partial to this place because I associate it with family. I remember having our family reunions here as a child. We would get the entire family together and take our lawn chairs and rent the pavilion there for a couple days. Everyone in the family would cook that special dish that they were famous for and we would have a cook out. We would walk down by the water, which is the biggest spring in the world. Millions of gallons of water would pump out of that spring on any given day. I always remember the days being so hot and just longing to jump in the water there. You are not able to swim in the spring though. Such a tease for the kids for sure. We would gather around in a big circle and just talk and visit, because none of us lived very close. My grandmother was the glue of the family, and we always tried to get together at least once a year for the family get- together. I just remember one in particular. My grandma was getting up in age and I had my daughter, she was probably about 4 years old. We would just sit by her and listen to her talk. Maybe we all knew this would be the last time we would be together before she died. I don't know but I can see this day so vividly. I remember helping her get her plate and holding on to her arm so she wouldn't fall. She had a bad back and had fallen several times. I just remember her asking me when I was going to have more kids. I told her that I wasn't sure and she just smiled. I do know that about 3 weeks after she died I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I really miss Gen Parks and wish she would have had the opportunity to meet the rest of my children. She would absolutely adore the other two, just like she loved my first. Things are so different these days and I know that some of the advice that I could get from her would be helpful for all involved.
Warm breezes on our faces, hot sun beaming down, the cool grass on our feet under the shade trees, the water droplets falling on our legs from the beads of sweat falling from our glasses of coke.
Hearing the rushing water coming out of the spring, the birds in the trees, the laughter of the kids playing in the sunshine, the falling of walnuts on the ground, the screams of little ones as they fall and skin their knees, the idle chatter and laughter of the adults reliving child hood memories.
I smell the hamburgers cooking on the grill, the waft of potato salad as the lid is popped off getting ready for our big meal, I smell the hint of bug spray to keep those pesky creatures from making us their dinner, I smell sunblock, I smell the river water, and crisp smell of water that rushes from the spring as it feeds the river.
Journal entry #17
I have been thinking so much of my grandma of late. She was such an amazing woman with lots of children. I am to write an essay for this week and wondering if I should write about her house that my grandfather built with the huge hill that she would pile the kids in a jeep and run us up the mountain so long ago. I'm wondering if I should write about the wood shop my grandfather had outside the house where he would make boats and sell to other people. Im wondering if I should write about the cellar that we all had to cram into while a tornado ripped through the town on Christmas Eve one year. I'm wondering if I should write about the Current River that she lived so close to. Or If I should write about that same river running through her kitchen and bedroom the few years it rained so much it flooded her entire house. Should I write about all the canning she did in her kitchen the years I went to her house and helped her pick all the tomatoes or the green beans. Should I write about the year my grandpa took Sam Walton on the river and was his tour guide. Should I write about the years my grandparents owned their own float business. They had the canoes and inner tubes that they rented to people, and would take them up the river and pick them up after a long day floating this dangerous river. Should I write about the Big Springs that we went to on many occasions and had family reunions and had all our families there with us. I could write about so many things, I'm at a loss right now trying to decide what I want to write about. I know that when I do write it, it won't do my grandmother justice. I can't put into words how I felt about her. I really miss her right now and the words are hard to come by. I do know that with each assignment that comes closer to being done for this English class I'm in right now, I think more and more about the life of younger years. I want to go back and show my grandmother what I truly thought of her before she died. I want to take more pictures and remember her with more vivid details. My grandmothers house was a place of peace and coming home. I was always so excited to see her, we lived almost 3 hours from her and didn't see her as much as we should have.
Now that I am a grandmother, I hope that one day my grandkids will feel the same about me and wish they could see me more. Family is so important. I can't imagine life without them.
Now that I am a grandmother, I hope that one day my grandkids will feel the same about me and wish they could see me more. Family is so important. I can't imagine life without them.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Journal entry # 16
An Excerpt from the book The Road to Happiness "Thankful" by Nancie J. Carmody
A thankful spirit is a healthy spirit. As the twists and turns of life lead to feelings of being out of control, sometimes our attitude is all that we have control over.... The following reflection may help you develop a thankful attitude. Sometimes life is all about how we look at it!
I am thankful for...
The mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
The taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.
A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
All of the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
My huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
The alarm that goes off early in the morning hours because it means that I am alive.
The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.
Inspire others ... Share this with them
A thankful spirit is a healthy spirit. As the twists and turns of life lead to feelings of being out of control, sometimes our attitude is all that we have control over.... The following reflection may help you develop a thankful attitude. Sometimes life is all about how we look at it!
I am thankful for...
The mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
The taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.
A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
All of the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
My huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
The alarm that goes off early in the morning hours because it means that I am alive.
The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.
Inspire others ... Share this with them
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Journal entry #15
Traveling to Kansas City for work...........
I had to come to Kansas City today for what I call a road show. Branson is just not the tourist town it once was. I will be here till Saturday evening. My son wanted to come with me because he's never been on a road show with me......
We have had so much fun in the car listening to music and singing our lungs out to lots of different genres. We like to turn it up loud and belt it out.
We are staying at the Embassy Suites on the Plaza.. Wow it's a beautiful hotel with lots to offer. The pool is 7 feet deep on one side, and 6'6 on the other he is going to have an amazing time. They serve an excellent breakfast, cook to order, they even have a happy hour in the evening.
I'm so glad he got to come with me this Time, it's like a vacation for him while I work.
We went shopping and bought all our food for the trip, because the room is almost 200 a night. If he wouldn't have come with me I would have stayed somewhere a bit cheaper. The company gives me a per diem for work and was happy to spend it so he would have a great time as we'll.
My son told me this summer has gone by so fast, I told him it always does when you're having this much fun in one summer. We have gone camping and he's been with his dad some. Wow what an amazing young man he's turning out to be. He will be in seventh grade next year... I look back on my life and think where did time go. The older I get the faster it goes. Sometimes I want some of it back. We are planning a cruise for next summer and planning on taking the boys to Washington D.C. On spring break next year. That will be an amazing summer as well.
Hold on to your babies, time flys, before you know it, they are all grown up!
I had to come to Kansas City today for what I call a road show. Branson is just not the tourist town it once was. I will be here till Saturday evening. My son wanted to come with me because he's never been on a road show with me......
We have had so much fun in the car listening to music and singing our lungs out to lots of different genres. We like to turn it up loud and belt it out.
We are staying at the Embassy Suites on the Plaza.. Wow it's a beautiful hotel with lots to offer. The pool is 7 feet deep on one side, and 6'6 on the other he is going to have an amazing time. They serve an excellent breakfast, cook to order, they even have a happy hour in the evening.
I'm so glad he got to come with me this Time, it's like a vacation for him while I work.
We went shopping and bought all our food for the trip, because the room is almost 200 a night. If he wouldn't have come with me I would have stayed somewhere a bit cheaper. The company gives me a per diem for work and was happy to spend it so he would have a great time as we'll.
My son told me this summer has gone by so fast, I told him it always does when you're having this much fun in one summer. We have gone camping and he's been with his dad some. Wow what an amazing young man he's turning out to be. He will be in seventh grade next year... I look back on my life and think where did time go. The older I get the faster it goes. Sometimes I want some of it back. We are planning a cruise for next summer and planning on taking the boys to Washington D.C. On spring break next year. That will be an amazing summer as well.
Hold on to your babies, time flys, before you know it, they are all grown up!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Journal entry #14
San Antonio Texas...............................
If you have never been to this side of the world, I strongly encourage you to go. March 2014 I took my son, my boyfriend and his son on this long car trip (14hours) to one of the most awesome places I have ever been.
The Riverwalk in San Antonio is amazing. I could have stayed an entire week and not seen everything there was to see. When you get to the Riverwalk, make sure you are wearing good walking shoes. The River winds through the city, there are shops and restaurants lining the river as well. You are even able to rent an apartment above the shops in places.
We ate at the Rainforest Cafe I would recommend this restaurant to any one with children. The food was amazing but a little pricey. While you are eating you are in the forest and you have thunderstorms hit every so often. The animals go crazy, kind of a cool experience.
There are so many different kinds of shops there. From fudge factory's to Harley Davidson shops. They even have a mall. You are able to rent a taxi boat that will take you to all parts of the river and drop you off.
The city actually drains the river running through the town every year. In 2014 they did not drain it for some reason. I forgot why they didn't.
We also went to the Alamo. I was impressed. Just to see where the battle happened so long ago. When you enter the front of the building which is the original frame work, you walk into what looks like a 5 or 6 room open spaces. They tell you the stories of how the bullets and cannons came in the top of the building and destroy most of what was finished and not finished of the Alamo. The original door that was on the front is standing in the back of the building and has the bullet holes and damage in the door. You even have a tour guide who tells you the story of the Alamo and who was there and the people that died. It's amazing to think that not one person survived the battle. They have flags supporting the states that were involved in this battle and on the flags tell you how many people from each state that died while defending the Alamo.
SeaWorld...... If you have never been to seaworld, please go. This is so cool. I'm a roller coaster fan and they have some amazing coasters. One thing I wish we would have saved more time for is the shark tanks. We went to those last and didn't have as much time as I would have liked to see these creatures. I loved the shows with the whales and the dolphins. Wow such amazing animals. Take as many pictures as you are able to take. This will retell your experiences for a long time to come.
If you have never been to this side of the world, I strongly encourage you to go. March 2014 I took my son, my boyfriend and his son on this long car trip (14hours) to one of the most awesome places I have ever been.
The Riverwalk in San Antonio is amazing. I could have stayed an entire week and not seen everything there was to see. When you get to the Riverwalk, make sure you are wearing good walking shoes. The River winds through the city, there are shops and restaurants lining the river as well. You are even able to rent an apartment above the shops in places.
We ate at the Rainforest Cafe I would recommend this restaurant to any one with children. The food was amazing but a little pricey. While you are eating you are in the forest and you have thunderstorms hit every so often. The animals go crazy, kind of a cool experience.
There are so many different kinds of shops there. From fudge factory's to Harley Davidson shops. They even have a mall. You are able to rent a taxi boat that will take you to all parts of the river and drop you off.
The city actually drains the river running through the town every year. In 2014 they did not drain it for some reason. I forgot why they didn't.
We also went to the Alamo. I was impressed. Just to see where the battle happened so long ago. When you enter the front of the building which is the original frame work, you walk into what looks like a 5 or 6 room open spaces. They tell you the stories of how the bullets and cannons came in the top of the building and destroy most of what was finished and not finished of the Alamo. The original door that was on the front is standing in the back of the building and has the bullet holes and damage in the door. You even have a tour guide who tells you the story of the Alamo and who was there and the people that died. It's amazing to think that not one person survived the battle. They have flags supporting the states that were involved in this battle and on the flags tell you how many people from each state that died while defending the Alamo.
SeaWorld...... If you have never been to seaworld, please go. This is so cool. I'm a roller coaster fan and they have some amazing coasters. One thing I wish we would have saved more time for is the shark tanks. We went to those last and didn't have as much time as I would have liked to see these creatures. I loved the shows with the whales and the dolphins. Wow such amazing animals. Take as many pictures as you are able to take. This will retell your experiences for a long time to come.
Journal entry #13
If the world were ending....................
Wow what would you feel. I would feel a sense of loss. A loss of time, a loss of my loved ones. The loss of time spent on stupid stuff. When it didn't really matter one way or the other. Because honestly who cares! Really who really cares!!!! When you put it into this kind of perspective, no one is really going to care much about the little things.
I would grab my family and some really close friends. We would go to a favorite place and use my credit card to get there. We would have the best time. Watching the ocean roll in and roll out. We would then head off to try and see as many things as we could. I would spend a lot of time making sure my family knew how much they mean to me. I think we would all go to the ocean to watch the end coming. Singing and laughing about the memories that we have made so far. My family has a good time around the table at Christmas time just remembering some of the crazy times we have had. I think we would find a bigger table and invite more people not for poor pitiful us, but for the last memory any of us would have of each other. I would grab my babies and kiss them and tell them I love them. I would hold my grand daughter till I couldn't hold her anymore.
I think about driving across America to see things that I always said I would see. I would want to see the Grand Canyon and Niagra Falls and I would take my entire family with me. I have done lots of traveling but haven't been able to take all the family with me on every trip. I would make sure my oldest daughter sees the ocean and my youngest sees Washington D.C. I would make sure my middle child sees anything she wants to see.
It's really hard to sit and think of what you would do....... I just imagine how I would feel. Sometimes our feelings get in the way of what we would really do. You never know about me, I'm a spontaneous person anyway, but when that time comes, who knows what I would do.
Wow what would you feel. I would feel a sense of loss. A loss of time, a loss of my loved ones. The loss of time spent on stupid stuff. When it didn't really matter one way or the other. Because honestly who cares! Really who really cares!!!! When you put it into this kind of perspective, no one is really going to care much about the little things.
I would grab my family and some really close friends. We would go to a favorite place and use my credit card to get there. We would have the best time. Watching the ocean roll in and roll out. We would then head off to try and see as many things as we could. I would spend a lot of time making sure my family knew how much they mean to me. I think we would all go to the ocean to watch the end coming. Singing and laughing about the memories that we have made so far. My family has a good time around the table at Christmas time just remembering some of the crazy times we have had. I think we would find a bigger table and invite more people not for poor pitiful us, but for the last memory any of us would have of each other. I would grab my babies and kiss them and tell them I love them. I would hold my grand daughter till I couldn't hold her anymore.
I think about driving across America to see things that I always said I would see. I would want to see the Grand Canyon and Niagra Falls and I would take my entire family with me. I have done lots of traveling but haven't been able to take all the family with me on every trip. I would make sure my oldest daughter sees the ocean and my youngest sees Washington D.C. I would make sure my middle child sees anything she wants to see.
It's really hard to sit and think of what you would do....... I just imagine how I would feel. Sometimes our feelings get in the way of what we would really do. You never know about me, I'm a spontaneous person anyway, but when that time comes, who knows what I would do.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Journal entry #12
How I remember........
Some of the information that we are reading for our English Comp class can be so overwhelming. I learn better if I read, write, and rewrite. I am going to write down for my journal entry the information on How to write College papers. This is just the notes and sentences I wrote down to remember.
Write what you know, write what you want to know, creating questions for research, then go find what you need to know. You take what you know and add it to what others know in order to create new knowledge.
* start from where you are.
* Think E reserves- Library web pages.
*Extra pointer- distinguish between electronic databases from E journals
* 5 star tip Be on lookout for top "10" lists, general usefulness
*Discover worldcat.com - Public caalog of 1 billion libraries.
*Learn shortcuts- wild card characters ? * #
*gateway sources- Look for other sources while researching footnotes and such
1. Embrace Zen- consider doubt, get used to it.
2. Drive sources- Don't let them drive you, keep it current.
3. Don't fixate too quickly. Let ideas evolve, when doing research, your mind can change.
4. Torture the data- study topic in depth. not mindless loads of data.
5. Record and conquer- You don't want to have to find sources all over again. Detailed notes
6. Act like a researcher- Definite result and conclusion.
7. Fear not the footnote- Learn style professor wants. MLA APA CBE APSA AIP
8. Leave time for writing- time for writing and revising, and editing.
*RULE OF THUMB. Half time writing/ half time researching.
#1 figure out what professor wants- understand directions. ask questions
#2 brainstorm great topic- stand out from the crowd, write something that interests you or else paper will suck.
#3 write outline- Good organization is key. Make outline. Doesn't have to be very detailed and you can stray from it. Just write an outline.
#4 Back up your claims- Claim is statement of facts. Evidence material that lends support to the claim. Don't rely so heavy on examples.
#5 write cool introduction- interesting anecdote, startling statistic, or something that draws in reader
#6 Write very clear thesis statement- Road map of paper. Keep it simple very direct and to the point.
#7 Use good sources- Choose credible sources. Don't rely too heavily on one source. If professor asks for about 6 sources, give them 10
#8 Lose the BS Professor knows, Keep Introductions short.
#9 Never Plagerize
#10 Get help if you need it!
BONUS # PROOFREAD!!!!!!
Some of the information that we are reading for our English Comp class can be so overwhelming. I learn better if I read, write, and rewrite. I am going to write down for my journal entry the information on How to write College papers. This is just the notes and sentences I wrote down to remember.
Write what you know, write what you want to know, creating questions for research, then go find what you need to know. You take what you know and add it to what others know in order to create new knowledge.
* start from where you are.
* Think E reserves- Library web pages.
*Extra pointer- distinguish between electronic databases from E journals
* 5 star tip Be on lookout for top "10" lists, general usefulness
*Discover worldcat.com - Public caalog of 1 billion libraries.
*Learn shortcuts- wild card characters ? * #
*gateway sources- Look for other sources while researching footnotes and such
1. Embrace Zen- consider doubt, get used to it.
2. Drive sources- Don't let them drive you, keep it current.
3. Don't fixate too quickly. Let ideas evolve, when doing research, your mind can change.
4. Torture the data- study topic in depth. not mindless loads of data.
5. Record and conquer- You don't want to have to find sources all over again. Detailed notes
6. Act like a researcher- Definite result and conclusion.
7. Fear not the footnote- Learn style professor wants. MLA APA CBE APSA AIP
8. Leave time for writing- time for writing and revising, and editing.
*RULE OF THUMB. Half time writing/ half time researching.
#1 figure out what professor wants- understand directions. ask questions
#2 brainstorm great topic- stand out from the crowd, write something that interests you or else paper will suck.
#3 write outline- Good organization is key. Make outline. Doesn't have to be very detailed and you can stray from it. Just write an outline.
#4 Back up your claims- Claim is statement of facts. Evidence material that lends support to the claim. Don't rely so heavy on examples.
#5 write cool introduction- interesting anecdote, startling statistic, or something that draws in reader
#6 Write very clear thesis statement- Road map of paper. Keep it simple very direct and to the point.
#7 Use good sources- Choose credible sources. Don't rely too heavily on one source. If professor asks for about 6 sources, give them 10
#8 Lose the BS Professor knows, Keep Introductions short.
#9 Never Plagerize
#10 Get help if you need it!
BONUS # PROOFREAD!!!!!!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Journal entry #11
Jobs I have had:
My first job was washing dishes in a restaurant my mom worked at, I was 10 when I started that one on the weekends and some nights during the week.
I was hired on at McDonalds to help open the store in Nixa, wow that's just telling my age. I was 16 I think.
I worked at a convenience store where we still did the books by hand partly and gas was only 79cents when I started.
I worked for the General Electric plant in Springfield Mo. for a couple of years before I got laid off.
I worked for the Signal gas station on South Campbell before I got married in 1992. I got robbed at gun point at this job. Didn't really deter me from working in a convenience store too much though. I love the fast paced work and people.
After I had my middle daughter I worked for Casey's in Republic. I was the assistant manager there.
After many back problems and lots of time off, I went back to work in the same restaurant I started in.
Then I got my first sales job with Chase. I was in the credit card business side.
Then I went to work for Expedia/Hotels.com
Now I work for Vacation Services of America.
There are probably a few jobs that I left out, maybe not on purpose but in a nut shell...... This is me!
My first job was washing dishes in a restaurant my mom worked at, I was 10 when I started that one on the weekends and some nights during the week.
I was hired on at McDonalds to help open the store in Nixa, wow that's just telling my age. I was 16 I think.
I worked at a convenience store where we still did the books by hand partly and gas was only 79cents when I started.
I worked for the General Electric plant in Springfield Mo. for a couple of years before I got laid off.
I worked for the Signal gas station on South Campbell before I got married in 1992. I got robbed at gun point at this job. Didn't really deter me from working in a convenience store too much though. I love the fast paced work and people.
After I had my middle daughter I worked for Casey's in Republic. I was the assistant manager there.
After many back problems and lots of time off, I went back to work in the same restaurant I started in.
Then I got my first sales job with Chase. I was in the credit card business side.
Then I went to work for Expedia/Hotels.com
Now I work for Vacation Services of America.
There are probably a few jobs that I left out, maybe not on purpose but in a nut shell...... This is me!
Journal Entry #10
PeachTree City GA.
I recently visited PeachTree City on business. If you have never been there, I would encourage you to visit this city just about a 30 minute drive from the Atlanta airport. I was amazed at some of the things that this city is known for.
The first thing that I was amazed at was the humid climate. I know Missouri is very humid here in the summer. This is unlike anything I have ever seen (except maybe Florida in June). It is hot and sticky, you take a shower and walk outside and already you need another shower. This isn't the reason I'm writing about PeachTree today though. I was so intrigued at the way this city has put in a hundred miles of golf cart trails throughout the city. You can go anywhere on a golf cart. In fact most of the residents have a golf cart as their second vehicle. Some I would assume this is their only transportation. It is quite fascinating. I learned that most people are able to run to the grocery store, bank, and even WalMart on their little carts. They actually have special parking for these carts everywhere you go. The hotel I was staying at -Wyndham- had several out in their own spaces that you could rent while on a vacation, or business, and be able to move around this great city. I talked to one of the locals there and found out the only 2 things that could get you in huge trouble with the golf carts. Don't let anyone under the age of 12 drive the carts and don't get caught drinking in the carts while moving through the city to the local grocery stores. I also learned from some of the local people that most of the carts do not operate on gas. Most of the newer carts are electric and also have the electrical outlets for you to plug in where ever you go. The city is trying to move away from the gas carts just to make it a cleaner way of transportation. These are also good for most of the year, because it gets cold in GA, but not like Missouri winters. Wouldn't this be an amazing idea for Springfield Mo? I like this idea and propose that we go for it!!!!!!!
On my way out of Georgia, I also learned from my cab driver that PeachTree City was also built on what they call a green belt. He explained it to me. When you are driving down the street, anywhere you are headed, you don't see the grocery store signs and gas station signs high in the air. You will always see them behind the trees and very close to the ground. You will miss what you are looking for if you rely solely on signs alone. It is a beautiful place and not crowded like all the billboards that we are so used to here in Missouri.
Just a few fun facts about some places I've been! Check it out
I recently visited PeachTree City on business. If you have never been there, I would encourage you to visit this city just about a 30 minute drive from the Atlanta airport. I was amazed at some of the things that this city is known for.
The first thing that I was amazed at was the humid climate. I know Missouri is very humid here in the summer. This is unlike anything I have ever seen (except maybe Florida in June). It is hot and sticky, you take a shower and walk outside and already you need another shower. This isn't the reason I'm writing about PeachTree today though. I was so intrigued at the way this city has put in a hundred miles of golf cart trails throughout the city. You can go anywhere on a golf cart. In fact most of the residents have a golf cart as their second vehicle. Some I would assume this is their only transportation. It is quite fascinating. I learned that most people are able to run to the grocery store, bank, and even WalMart on their little carts. They actually have special parking for these carts everywhere you go. The hotel I was staying at -Wyndham- had several out in their own spaces that you could rent while on a vacation, or business, and be able to move around this great city. I talked to one of the locals there and found out the only 2 things that could get you in huge trouble with the golf carts. Don't let anyone under the age of 12 drive the carts and don't get caught drinking in the carts while moving through the city to the local grocery stores. I also learned from some of the local people that most of the carts do not operate on gas. Most of the newer carts are electric and also have the electrical outlets for you to plug in where ever you go. The city is trying to move away from the gas carts just to make it a cleaner way of transportation. These are also good for most of the year, because it gets cold in GA, but not like Missouri winters. Wouldn't this be an amazing idea for Springfield Mo? I like this idea and propose that we go for it!!!!!!!
On my way out of Georgia, I also learned from my cab driver that PeachTree City was also built on what they call a green belt. He explained it to me. When you are driving down the street, anywhere you are headed, you don't see the grocery store signs and gas station signs high in the air. You will always see them behind the trees and very close to the ground. You will miss what you are looking for if you rely solely on signs alone. It is a beautiful place and not crowded like all the billboards that we are so used to here in Missouri.
Just a few fun facts about some places I've been! Check it out
Journal Entry #9
If I won the Powerball
I have always been one to play the powerball or some of the other games offered to make yourself a millionaire overnight. I think I would at least hire someone who is going to help me track my money. I would also move somewhere that no one knows me. Okay 2 steps out of the way. I would certainly travel, but the most important thing I would do is help my family. I see a lot of great people who have struggled their entire lives just raising a family. I would want to help them out to give them that peace of mind for the rest of their lives. I have a mother who lives with me, and who has lived with me for almost eight years. She has always taken care of me and I would love to make sure that she could go anywhere she pleases without guilt for the rest of her life. I know my kids are going to struggle, that's just what we all do until we work really hard for what we want. If I won the lottery today, I wouldn't just give my kids their hearts desires. I would make them go to school and get an education. I would set up a trust for them with contingencies, that they had to either be a certain age, or complete certain tasks before they could touch the money. I see several people that I work with and several of my friends that have struggled and who are very good people. I would be taking care of these people in a way that I know would benefit other less fortunate people. I can honestly say that I would not buy the fanciest cars and houses. I know there are people out there who need the daily basics. I would like to set up shelter for people who could come in and learn some sort of trade that would help their families survive. I don't believe in standing on the street corner with a sign that you are hungry, when I see the "now hiring" sign behind you at the McDonalds. I sometimes think people play on others emotions to get what they want. I have always heard people say that the people with the signs are making more money peddling than what I do. Whether this is true or not, I don't agree with it. You should work for what you want. I know there are circumstances sometimes out of our control, I get it. But I have always been a firm believer that you don't work, you don't eat. I would most certainly find a few families that really need the help and put them in a much better place.
I have always been one to play the powerball or some of the other games offered to make yourself a millionaire overnight. I think I would at least hire someone who is going to help me track my money. I would also move somewhere that no one knows me. Okay 2 steps out of the way. I would certainly travel, but the most important thing I would do is help my family. I see a lot of great people who have struggled their entire lives just raising a family. I would want to help them out to give them that peace of mind for the rest of their lives. I have a mother who lives with me, and who has lived with me for almost eight years. She has always taken care of me and I would love to make sure that she could go anywhere she pleases without guilt for the rest of her life. I know my kids are going to struggle, that's just what we all do until we work really hard for what we want. If I won the lottery today, I wouldn't just give my kids their hearts desires. I would make them go to school and get an education. I would set up a trust for them with contingencies, that they had to either be a certain age, or complete certain tasks before they could touch the money. I see several people that I work with and several of my friends that have struggled and who are very good people. I would be taking care of these people in a way that I know would benefit other less fortunate people. I can honestly say that I would not buy the fanciest cars and houses. I know there are people out there who need the daily basics. I would like to set up shelter for people who could come in and learn some sort of trade that would help their families survive. I don't believe in standing on the street corner with a sign that you are hungry, when I see the "now hiring" sign behind you at the McDonalds. I sometimes think people play on others emotions to get what they want. I have always heard people say that the people with the signs are making more money peddling than what I do. Whether this is true or not, I don't agree with it. You should work for what you want. I know there are circumstances sometimes out of our control, I get it. But I have always been a firm believer that you don't work, you don't eat. I would most certainly find a few families that really need the help and put them in a much better place.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Journal Entry # 8
Where I have always wanted to live..........
When I was quite a bit younger, I always thought I wanted to move to Montana and live off the land. How cool would it be to build your own house from the land. I'm talking about buying a huge piece of land that has never been touched. You go in and clear the land with your own hands. You build your house out of logs, just like they used to do. Cut all the trees down (only the ones needed for your log cabin) clean them of any wild limbs and leaves. Cut and notch them out to fit just perfect together. Build your house from the ground up, while living in a tent or smaller cabin. Growing your own garden. You could have anything in this garden you would like. Don't grow anything that you don't like. Get you some cows for your own milk and beef source. Chickens for your own drumsticks and eggs. I think this would be the life. You know like the reality TV series of Survivor, but better. Not to win a million dollars, just to live, live peaceful. I think that if you are working for something this hard, you are certainly going to appreciate it more. I would love to live close enough to the river for the water source for your animals. Build your own barn for the horses that are sure to help you out time and again. Something has always fascinated me about this kind of life. Making your own butter and canning your own vegetables. Making due with what you have and not needing anything you don't have. I just think the simpler times were amazing, you did what you had to do to survive.
Well....... Now that I'm a bit older, I don't think I will be moving anywhere up North. The older I get the more I hate the winters. So cold. I even freeze in the summer time just being in the air conditioner. I would keep my house about 77 or 78 degrees if it wasn't for smothering my family. I don't know how this all came to be, but I would much rather be hot than cold. You always hear people say "I would much rather be cold than hot, I can put more clothes on, but can't take them all off." I'm the exact opposite. I can't put enough on. I'm freezing while writing today. I think I'm going to go get my snuggy I got for Christmas one year from my mom and bundle up.
I think if I ever move out of Missouri, it will be somewhere south of Missouri... HMMMMM
The possibilities are endless.
When I was quite a bit younger, I always thought I wanted to move to Montana and live off the land. How cool would it be to build your own house from the land. I'm talking about buying a huge piece of land that has never been touched. You go in and clear the land with your own hands. You build your house out of logs, just like they used to do. Cut all the trees down (only the ones needed for your log cabin) clean them of any wild limbs and leaves. Cut and notch them out to fit just perfect together. Build your house from the ground up, while living in a tent or smaller cabin. Growing your own garden. You could have anything in this garden you would like. Don't grow anything that you don't like. Get you some cows for your own milk and beef source. Chickens for your own drumsticks and eggs. I think this would be the life. You know like the reality TV series of Survivor, but better. Not to win a million dollars, just to live, live peaceful. I think that if you are working for something this hard, you are certainly going to appreciate it more. I would love to live close enough to the river for the water source for your animals. Build your own barn for the horses that are sure to help you out time and again. Something has always fascinated me about this kind of life. Making your own butter and canning your own vegetables. Making due with what you have and not needing anything you don't have. I just think the simpler times were amazing, you did what you had to do to survive.
Well....... Now that I'm a bit older, I don't think I will be moving anywhere up North. The older I get the more I hate the winters. So cold. I even freeze in the summer time just being in the air conditioner. I would keep my house about 77 or 78 degrees if it wasn't for smothering my family. I don't know how this all came to be, but I would much rather be hot than cold. You always hear people say "I would much rather be cold than hot, I can put more clothes on, but can't take them all off." I'm the exact opposite. I can't put enough on. I'm freezing while writing today. I think I'm going to go get my snuggy I got for Christmas one year from my mom and bundle up.
I think if I ever move out of Missouri, it will be somewhere south of Missouri... HMMMMM
The possibilities are endless.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Journal entry #7
I did the Workbench exercise last night, It took me longer than just the 2 hours that Ms. A said that it would. I kept going back and forth just to make sure that I was doing what I was supposed to do. I might have read everything under the sun last night on accident. Wow!! Information overload is what I have to say about that. I'm so glad that we can refer back to it as often as we like. I learned so many things about paragraphs, sentence structure, punctuation, even about voice of the writer. I learned about the reader's job in writing and editing. There is so much good information on this Workbench. Some of it I enjoyed and some of it I did not.
I loved the parts about writing should be like music. We use punctuation to set the rhythm and tone. We also use commas for speed bumps to slow down the reader and periods for stop signs and to pause the reader. I like the parts about sentence structure, and keeping the sentences as short and to the point as possible. You should not just keep adding words to fill the page. Sometimes you should pick different words that don't take up so much space. Make your words speak, not stutter.
I know that we will be editing our own essays this week and this training will be very beneficial. We should always do a first draft and then pull things out and then pull more out. I hope I'm able to do this and not change too much of my feelings and emotions that I put into my essay. The personal narratives are something that I don't really have too much problem writing those, because they are about me.
I actually learned something about myself and writing and reading that I wasn't really aware of, or I was aware, just never thought about. I am a story lover. I don't care for the report type of reading and writing. I love where they showed the difference: Reports point us in direction, Stories Pull us in directions. Great analogy, and for the first time it makes so much sense to me.
I also enjoyed the parts of topics, this really helps because they were giving me an example that I will be able to follow: When the news or topic is most serious, UNDERSTATE, When the topic is least serious, EXAGGERATE.... makes sense this way. With a very serious story, you don't need as many colorful words as you might need in just a story. All of this goes in painting a picture for your reader.
We are half way done with our class..... I'm just going to say that I am seeing light at the end of my tunnel... English is a difficult subject for me, but I feel I'm doing well.
I loved the parts about writing should be like music. We use punctuation to set the rhythm and tone. We also use commas for speed bumps to slow down the reader and periods for stop signs and to pause the reader. I like the parts about sentence structure, and keeping the sentences as short and to the point as possible. You should not just keep adding words to fill the page. Sometimes you should pick different words that don't take up so much space. Make your words speak, not stutter.
I know that we will be editing our own essays this week and this training will be very beneficial. We should always do a first draft and then pull things out and then pull more out. I hope I'm able to do this and not change too much of my feelings and emotions that I put into my essay. The personal narratives are something that I don't really have too much problem writing those, because they are about me.
I actually learned something about myself and writing and reading that I wasn't really aware of, or I was aware, just never thought about. I am a story lover. I don't care for the report type of reading and writing. I love where they showed the difference: Reports point us in direction, Stories Pull us in directions. Great analogy, and for the first time it makes so much sense to me.
I also enjoyed the parts of topics, this really helps because they were giving me an example that I will be able to follow: When the news or topic is most serious, UNDERSTATE, When the topic is least serious, EXAGGERATE.... makes sense this way. With a very serious story, you don't need as many colorful words as you might need in just a story. All of this goes in painting a picture for your reader.
We are half way done with our class..... I'm just going to say that I am seeing light at the end of my tunnel... English is a difficult subject for me, but I feel I'm doing well.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Journal Entry #6
I have been thinking of my Grandmother a lot these last few days. She was an amazing woman who meant a lot to me. I was telling a friend at work today that she has been gone for 19 years this year, actually I was wrong, it's been 20 years this year. She was a mother of 8 children and great cook. I was thinking I might share one of her recipes that she made around the holiday season. I will give you the ingredients, and share with you how I make them, because she seldom measured anything.
Peanut Butter Balls:
One jar of peanut butter.... any brand that you like... crunchy or creamy
One stick of margarine....
One Bag of Powdered Sugar....
A box of Rice Crispy Cereal...... Or the off brand works well too
Almond Bark..... I always get the White and the Dark......
In a large bowl melt all peanut butter and margarine together for about 45 sec. Stir really well and melt again for about 35 sec. Mix till all is mixed together.
Start slow and add rice crispies. make sure that they are all coated. Add until still moist but can still fully cover the treats.
Very slowly add the powdered sugar and stir between adding more. This mixture is the tricky part. Keep adding till you can form balls with the mixture. Needs to be mostly dry, but still moist enough for the balls to stay together.
Make up all the mixture into about 1/2 inch balls and set aside.
I always use a glass pie plate to melt the chocolate bark in microwave 1/2 the bark at a time. Usually takes a min. Then stir and melt again in necessary.
Drop several of the balls in the chocolate and coat well. Place them either on wax paper or foil till dry. I put them in a holiday container with a lid and put in refrigerator.
You can get creative and melt some white chocolate bark and drizzle the top if you like.
Be very careful, These are very addicting and you might eat several. You will have to pace yourself.
I am very reluctant to share, just because in the past, people will ask you to make them and want them all the time.
This is a very easy recipe, but it does take a while to make....Just depends on how tired you get towards the end.. My son helps me and we end up at the end of it with a much wad of peanut butter mixture. :)
Hope everyone enjoys making these. Glad I could share
Peanut Butter Balls:
One jar of peanut butter.... any brand that you like... crunchy or creamy
One stick of margarine....
One Bag of Powdered Sugar....
A box of Rice Crispy Cereal...... Or the off brand works well too
Almond Bark..... I always get the White and the Dark......
In a large bowl melt all peanut butter and margarine together for about 45 sec. Stir really well and melt again for about 35 sec. Mix till all is mixed together.
Start slow and add rice crispies. make sure that they are all coated. Add until still moist but can still fully cover the treats.
Very slowly add the powdered sugar and stir between adding more. This mixture is the tricky part. Keep adding till you can form balls with the mixture. Needs to be mostly dry, but still moist enough for the balls to stay together.
Make up all the mixture into about 1/2 inch balls and set aside.
I always use a glass pie plate to melt the chocolate bark in microwave 1/2 the bark at a time. Usually takes a min. Then stir and melt again in necessary.
Drop several of the balls in the chocolate and coat well. Place them either on wax paper or foil till dry. I put them in a holiday container with a lid and put in refrigerator.
You can get creative and melt some white chocolate bark and drizzle the top if you like.
Be very careful, These are very addicting and you might eat several. You will have to pace yourself.
I am very reluctant to share, just because in the past, people will ask you to make them and want them all the time.
This is a very easy recipe, but it does take a while to make....Just depends on how tired you get towards the end.. My son helps me and we end up at the end of it with a much wad of peanut butter mixture. :)
Hope everyone enjoys making these. Glad I could share
Monday, June 30, 2014
Journal entry #5
I just finished reading How to Say Nothing in 500 Words by Paul Roberts out of our Power of Language book for out lesson this week. my mind has never felt so much like a bowl of mush in my life. I know by reading what he was saying that I fall into the category of just trying to fill the page. Sometimes the words just won't come out. I am really going to have fun with the I Believe Essay I am about to put on paper. It is a personal narrative about something I Believe strongly in. These types of writing are not what gets me. It will be the next week with the more professional writing that I hope I can at least pass. When I feel strongly about a subject I feel like I can just jot down the words and they make sense. I hope my audience will be able to keep up with my thought process. I know that sometimes the words just tumble out and get all mixed up. I'm really going to try and put the pencil to paper and not put too many words in sentences. I think this is what I struggle with the most. Mr. Roberts feels the same way, he was saying that most of the time, people try to use more words than needed to make their point. I also agree with him when it comes to going down the road less traveled with a subject. Instead of trying to go along with everyone else on a topic, pick something that you actually believe and make it your own. If the audience (professor) has heard the same thing a hundred times, by the end you might get a worse grade than if you were the first paper read. If the professor has read the same words too many times, it's an automatic worse grade. Be creative and think of something new on a subject. Go at the same subject with a completely different angle. Choose words that are to the point. Don't try to make your sentences longer with more words just to fill the page. Don't use colorful words and words that are too harsh for your audience. Give them some spice on an old subject. Prove what you want to say by backing it up.
I also read The Maker's Eye: Revising Your Own Manuscripts by Donald M. Murray. He says that when a student finishes a first draft, they think their writing is complete. When a professional finishes his first draft, they feel like the writing can begin. I felt like he was talking to me on this subject. Every time I have wrote anything for this English Comp class, my first draft is what makes it to the TURNITIN button for Ms. Anthony. I feel really bad. I'm positive this is not my best writing. I will say that I do my rough draft and when I'm typing, I'm also editing at the same time. I'm getting ready to revise some of it before trying to type it up for my classmates when I finish my journal for the day. I do feel like it will be a much better paper this time. It is all about me and I hope my class can put up with the same old stuff from me for just a couple more weeks. This will be interesting, since they will be more grading this paper and helping me revise it for next weeks assignment.
I also read The Maker's Eye: Revising Your Own Manuscripts by Donald M. Murray. He says that when a student finishes a first draft, they think their writing is complete. When a professional finishes his first draft, they feel like the writing can begin. I felt like he was talking to me on this subject. Every time I have wrote anything for this English Comp class, my first draft is what makes it to the TURNITIN button for Ms. Anthony. I feel really bad. I'm positive this is not my best writing. I will say that I do my rough draft and when I'm typing, I'm also editing at the same time. I'm getting ready to revise some of it before trying to type it up for my classmates when I finish my journal for the day. I do feel like it will be a much better paper this time. It is all about me and I hope my class can put up with the same old stuff from me for just a couple more weeks. This will be interesting, since they will be more grading this paper and helping me revise it for next weeks assignment.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Lesson 4.2 Freewriting to This I Believe
This I believe essays are awesome. It is a way to list all the things that pop into our heads that have importance. We believe in so many things. We also have feelings about what other people believe. I think it is Okay to disagree with others on what we believe because if we don't that makes us the same. None of us are the same. We have to be different is some ways, that makes us US! I love music and I think everyone does at least some kinds of music. It's good for the soul. I love music with a hip hop beat. The kind that makes you want to move. My kids think it's silly to dance in the car. My son always tells me Don't Sing, Don't Dance. I think it embarrasses him. Oh well I will dance and sing when I want because it makes me feel better. I think we can believe that which we choose to believe but we need to back it up. Sometimes this is hard to do. When you hear something you want to believe, but don't know enough about it to warrant why you believe, you need to do the research and find out why you want to believe. I think that some people don't want to put in the kind of work that it requires to prove their beliefs. I believe in true love. I thought I had true love a couple times in my life, but I was totally wrong. It is something that is important to all of us. God created us to have companions in our lives. He doesn't want us to be alone. I do know that the love for my children is true love in the purest form ever. You will do things for your kids that you won't do for other people. I know that songs can bring up and move you in a way that will say true love. I have no idea where I'm going with this. I'm just writing and writing and writing, I may even be singing along in this because I love music so much!!!!! I have so many things to say that I don't even know what I want to say anymore. I think that my writing is getting faster and faster everyday. This is a good thing since I'm supposed to write for about 10 minutes. I know I should be about done.
Happy oh so Happy......that new song about being happy is my sons new favorite song. Wow I think I'm done.
Happy oh so Happy......that new song about being happy is my sons new favorite song. Wow I think I'm done.
Journal entry #4
5 things I would pack for a trip if I had no idea where I was going.
The first thing I would pack for my trip would be underwear! I know no matter where I'm going I always want to have some clean underwear. It's one of the things your mom always said before you left to go anywhere as a child. "Do you have on clean underwear? You never know what will happen, and you don't want to end up in the hospital without clean undies!"
The second thing I would pack is my camera. If you don't know where you are going, you definitely need to have a way to remember where you were at. Pictures are worth a thousand words and lots of memories.
The third thing I would pack is some comfortable shoes. Probably some tennis shoes for walking. That is going to be the most uncomfortable if you have lots of walking to do. This could totally ruin a perfectly amazing trip if you're not comfortable getting around.
The fourth thing I would pack is going to be money. If I'm going to be out and about and I see something that I have to have, you never know if they take a credit card, but money talks.
The fifth thing I would pack would have to be some comfortable clothing. I think I would pack a long skirt that can be comfortable in any type of weather and some tops with three-quarter length sleeves on them. Not too cold and not too hot.
I guess these would be the basics in my suitcase if I'm going anywhere. Even if I do know where I'm going. I travel a lot for work and these are things I take with me where ever I go.
I have always wanted someone to whisk me off my feet and say let's go. Maybe this will happen for me one day.
The first thing I would pack for my trip would be underwear! I know no matter where I'm going I always want to have some clean underwear. It's one of the things your mom always said before you left to go anywhere as a child. "Do you have on clean underwear? You never know what will happen, and you don't want to end up in the hospital without clean undies!"
The second thing I would pack is my camera. If you don't know where you are going, you definitely need to have a way to remember where you were at. Pictures are worth a thousand words and lots of memories.
The third thing I would pack is some comfortable shoes. Probably some tennis shoes for walking. That is going to be the most uncomfortable if you have lots of walking to do. This could totally ruin a perfectly amazing trip if you're not comfortable getting around.
The fourth thing I would pack is going to be money. If I'm going to be out and about and I see something that I have to have, you never know if they take a credit card, but money talks.
The fifth thing I would pack would have to be some comfortable clothing. I think I would pack a long skirt that can be comfortable in any type of weather and some tops with three-quarter length sleeves on them. Not too cold and not too hot.
I guess these would be the basics in my suitcase if I'm going anywhere. Even if I do know where I'm going. I travel a lot for work and these are things I take with me where ever I go.
I have always wanted someone to whisk me off my feet and say let's go. Maybe this will happen for me one day.
Journal entry #3
I think I would like to tell you today what I would do if I could hire someone to do five things for me. I have always struggled with my weight my entire life. I have always thought about losing weight and lost and gained probably more weight than most people see their entire lives. I think my first thing I would hire someone to do for me is cook for me and my family. I would have them cook and prepare all of my meals 24/7. I would instruct them to make those meals healthy and flavorful. I would also have someone dress me. What I mean by that is this. I work in a job that I have to dress up a bit more than a normal job. I have a huge problem with paying full price for clothing. I like to shop on the bargain racks. That's all well and good till I get home. I buy one piece at a time, so when I get home the one piece that I bought, I can't seem to put it together with anything else that I have. If I could have someone to put them together for me and to let me know what looks good together and what doesn't. I know it sounds crazy, but I have told people for years that I could use the help. I would also hire someone to help me clean my house, especially dust. I enjoy having all dark wood furniture. The dust is just unreal. I can't keep it clean. I can dust it one day and the next day guess what? It is dusty again. I would also hire someone to drive me back and forth to work. If I could have a laptop with me to do my homework and pay my bills on the way to and from work. I live in Nixa and drive to Branson on a daily basis. It is almost a 2 hour trip per day in the car. I could get a lot of my school work done in the car in that time frame. I think the last thing I would hire someone for is a personal finance manager. I am very good with numbers, but I have a job right now that I don't have benefits and any type of retirement savings. This is one of the reasons I am going to school. I need to have a job in corporate America that offers those benefits and retirement options. I'm getting older and have lots of make up to do.
Will I ever hire someone to do these things for me? It's highly unlikely, but it sure was fun to think about some of the things that we do on a day to day basis that sometimes would just be easier to hire someone to do.
Thanks Ms. Anthony for opening up that conversation, even if it was only with myself.
Will I ever hire someone to do these things for me? It's highly unlikely, but it sure was fun to think about some of the things that we do on a day to day basis that sometimes would just be easier to hire someone to do.
Thanks Ms. Anthony for opening up that conversation, even if it was only with myself.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Journal entry #2
As I sit here on Saturday night after my camping trip, I am wore out. I had so much fun with the people that I love. On Thursday we took off to the JamesRiver Outfitters. We set up our camp, we fixed dinner over the open flame. We had Bratwurst and hot dogs. Some cold beer, some chips and sodas. Wow I love an open fire. We were so scared that we were going to get rained on. When we woke up on Friday morning we made breakfast. We had pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. YUMMY! We had to be over at the bus stop at the camp ground by 11am so they could take us to the drop off for the kayaking. We decided we were going on the 11 mile float. Well when we finally got to the river edge about noon. We get out and guess what Cathy does? Oh yea she falls and twists her knee. Ouch. So as I sit here tonight, my entire body is so sore from going floating and paddling down the river. I wouldn't change a thing though... We had an amazing time. We all got some much needed sun and some relaxation on the river yesterday. It took us about 5 and a half hours to get back to camp. We decided to leave a night early, so we are back sooner than planned, but as we were packing up tonight, I closed the trunk with all the stuff packed in it, and here comes the rain. Wow we drove home in the pouring down rain. I'm glad I'm not sitting in that tent tonight. I heard that there is a threat of tornado's out there.
After a trip like that, that's when the work begins. I'm typing but also doing laundry and getting ready to sleep in my own bed. I love taking trips but I love coming home also.
Good night for now. See ya in the morning!!
After a trip like that, that's when the work begins. I'm typing but also doing laundry and getting ready to sleep in my own bed. I love taking trips but I love coming home also.
Good night for now. See ya in the morning!!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Journal entry #1
Today is the first entry into my journal. As I sit here ready for work and wondering what I will be writing about today, I'm actually a little overwhelmed. I have gone back and forth on the assignment sheet probably 30 times in the past few days. I keep looking back so afraid that I will be missing something for this week. I will be honest, Monday when nothing was posted for the assignment, I was so nervous. We are leaving today on a 4 day camping trip. I not only have had to do the shopping and packing for camping, but also have needed to work a bit ahead on classes so I don't fall behind. This week I really have to say, I sat and cried for a few minutes on Tuesday when I found out all the work required. Looking back it really isn't that bad. It just looked so scary with all the information on the blog/journal entries that were required for the rest of the summer semester. I am really trying to do my very best. I think for me when I started my classes, I didn't even have it in mind that I could actually be alright with less than an A in any of my classes. I still don't know that this will be ok with me. When I start something I am determined to be the absolute best at it. Sometimes this is a downfall for me because I won't even try something unless I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will master it quickly. Well here we are almost at the half way mark and I'm still hanging in there. I am having fun trying to keep up with it, but my home life is suffering a bit. That's why I decided to take the camping/floating trip today and come back on Sunday. My son is out of school for the summer and I started my classes just a few days after he finished for the summer. I need some quality time with him and some really good friends. I hope doing this will hit my reset button for the rest of the summer. I will come back a little refreshed and ready to tear it up again. I am under so much right now with work and family, that sometimes school is overwhelming to me. I don't want it to be a burden. When it becomes a burden, then it becomes a failure. I think that's where in my life I have to change a few things. When things get tough we tend to run, I'm not running..... I'm not running........ I'm not running. Full speed ahead.
As far as the assignment goes this week, it has been especially tough for me. "This I believe" is rough, I believe a lot of things and writing the Credo, I probably made it more difficult than it really had to be. I think if we would have been instructed to write the credo without knowing we would have to write the essay on it afterwords, that would have made it a bit easier. I was trying to do too much thinking ahead of myself. One of my biggest issues is getting in my own way. Trying to over think what I'm doing. Over analyzing. It's definitely a learning process for me. They always say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", WELL....... I'm proving them wrong. I'm going to learn everything I can. I want to be able to at least think I can keep up with my peers. I might be able to keep up, but I want the confidence to know that I'm keeping up with them.
Well it is just about time to leave for work. Today will be a very short day and I'm hoping to be done early. We will be leaving for our trip when I get home and finish packing the coolers. When I come back I will have lots of stories to tell of camping, kayaking, cooking, and sleeping under the stars. Hopefully no stories of waiting out the rain in the tent. It's going to be a great weekend and I hope others in my class are doing something fun with family this weekend as well.
As far as the assignment goes this week, it has been especially tough for me. "This I believe" is rough, I believe a lot of things and writing the Credo, I probably made it more difficult than it really had to be. I think if we would have been instructed to write the credo without knowing we would have to write the essay on it afterwords, that would have made it a bit easier. I was trying to do too much thinking ahead of myself. One of my biggest issues is getting in my own way. Trying to over think what I'm doing. Over analyzing. It's definitely a learning process for me. They always say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", WELL....... I'm proving them wrong. I'm going to learn everything I can. I want to be able to at least think I can keep up with my peers. I might be able to keep up, but I want the confidence to know that I'm keeping up with them.
Well it is just about time to leave for work. Today will be a very short day and I'm hoping to be done early. We will be leaving for our trip when I get home and finish packing the coolers. When I come back I will have lots of stories to tell of camping, kayaking, cooking, and sleeping under the stars. Hopefully no stories of waiting out the rain in the tent. It's going to be a great weekend and I hope others in my class are doing something fun with family this weekend as well.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Assignment 4.2 Personal Credo
I believe in making your own way in life. Too many times we fall into the blame game and wanting others to take the fall for our mistakes, or decisions. We all make mistakes, that's how we learn and become adults. I believe in giving 110% in everything that I do. No matter what I'm doing. My kids, my job, my friends, they all get the best of what I have to give. I teach my children to be kind to others and if you make a mistake, own up to it, apologize and move on. We are not perfect, but you can strive for perfection, there is always room for improvement. I don't believe in standing in line for handouts, everyone needs help now and then, but thinking that you deserve it or that you are entitled to something is different. If you don't like your circumstances, CHANGE IT! We all have the power to do this. We are all given one life, use it the way you want. Don't blame your current predicament on something that happened to you 20 years ago. At some point in life you have to take ownership of who you are and why you are. I've always heard the definition of insanity as being, "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result", that's not really the definition of course, but we use it as a crutch these days. Make yourself happy and healthy, be who you want to be, don't expect others to do it for you.
Know Your Audience Blog Post #1
I have learned so many amazing things about the people that I'm taking a journey with this summer. I think it's fair to say that all of us are very proud of ourselves for making that step and taking our education to the next level. Most of us feel like this our greatest sense of accomplishment so far. Some of us would even go to a different country to study if given the chance. It looks like most of the class would be choosing Italy to study abroad. This was no great surprise to me because of the richness of the history and fun facts, like wine and food. Who doesn't love wine and food? I think the biggest surprise to me would have to be everyone's choice for a most memorable childhood experience, mine included. Quite a few of us had some horrible memories with lots of pain.
Another very big surprise to me was the amount of people who haven't been on many vacations. I thought I was the only one in the entire world who wasn't able to travel when I was a child. This is something that I can see from the posts of my peers will be changing in their lives, if they have the opportunity to change it. Most of us dream of going somewhere, and why not? If you are going to dream, dream big right? Well, if we could all remember our dreams anyway. This was something I didn't really expect either. Most of this class doesn't remember their dreams. That's alright though, we are dreaming of going to Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. These are some amazing trips that I hope all of us make it to one of these days. Especially since our bucket lists on this post are 98% travel related. Don't stop hoping, just keep going. There were a couple of us who had dreams of completing our school.
There are very few of us who, if losing memories, wouldn't cherish the memory of family. Family is very important to all of us. They make us laugh and in some instances have made us cry. Especially when remembering the faces of those babies the minute they were born. Even our perfect days would mostly include family and friends. Especially those grandparents mentioned, the ones with great recipes, and being great mentors. The most common mentor I saw was Jesus Christ. Some of this group has a Christian background and loves family. We would also like to pick the brains of some of our presidents, they would be great mentors as well. Whether we are from right here in Missouri, or are from the other countries mentioned, like Mexico, France, or Japan, it looks like most of us have at least one thing in common. We are all TV watchers, at least a small portion of the time. Anywhere from cartoon characters to super hero's to even describing our lives as an on going series, we all have this in common. Most of this class though would rather read the books if they had the choice. I hope we weren't just saying this to please our professor Ms. Anthony. This actually was the majority of our inside activities that we enjoy. You get this class outside and it seems that most of us are active. We like football, sports, working out, running, walking, and water sports. Especially now since this is the most common way for all of us to relieve our stress these days.
If we were choosing meals to eat for a month straight, a lot of us picked pasta or pizza. Sounds like we all need to go to Italy. What was interesting to me, is one of us would eat the things they normally wouldn't eat just to be healthier. I think this is great now, I just didn't have that mind set when I first heard the question. Salmon and Steak were high on that list as well.
What really amazed me was the amount of work and effort everyone put into this assignment. I loved this one. We had a total, as of today, 738 responses to all of the questions posted. With 34 of us participating, great job class.
I loved that we had so many colors of the rainbow described as our attitudes. Not really a surprise to me, but I enjoyed reading how everyone thinks of themselves. I just wonder if those colors would be the same color if we were in the classroom. Hmmmm Makes you wonder!!
I really feel like most of my peers in this class haven't been too far out of high school. Some of us have been out for several years and feel like we have some catching up to do. The most important thing is that we are here and doing just what we set out to do.
I really think that I will be more mindful of how I write and to include more descriptive writing to help paint more of a picture and be more engaging with this audience.
Another very big surprise to me was the amount of people who haven't been on many vacations. I thought I was the only one in the entire world who wasn't able to travel when I was a child. This is something that I can see from the posts of my peers will be changing in their lives, if they have the opportunity to change it. Most of us dream of going somewhere, and why not? If you are going to dream, dream big right? Well, if we could all remember our dreams anyway. This was something I didn't really expect either. Most of this class doesn't remember their dreams. That's alright though, we are dreaming of going to Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. These are some amazing trips that I hope all of us make it to one of these days. Especially since our bucket lists on this post are 98% travel related. Don't stop hoping, just keep going. There were a couple of us who had dreams of completing our school.
There are very few of us who, if losing memories, wouldn't cherish the memory of family. Family is very important to all of us. They make us laugh and in some instances have made us cry. Especially when remembering the faces of those babies the minute they were born. Even our perfect days would mostly include family and friends. Especially those grandparents mentioned, the ones with great recipes, and being great mentors. The most common mentor I saw was Jesus Christ. Some of this group has a Christian background and loves family. We would also like to pick the brains of some of our presidents, they would be great mentors as well. Whether we are from right here in Missouri, or are from the other countries mentioned, like Mexico, France, or Japan, it looks like most of us have at least one thing in common. We are all TV watchers, at least a small portion of the time. Anywhere from cartoon characters to super hero's to even describing our lives as an on going series, we all have this in common. Most of this class though would rather read the books if they had the choice. I hope we weren't just saying this to please our professor Ms. Anthony. This actually was the majority of our inside activities that we enjoy. You get this class outside and it seems that most of us are active. We like football, sports, working out, running, walking, and water sports. Especially now since this is the most common way for all of us to relieve our stress these days.
If we were choosing meals to eat for a month straight, a lot of us picked pasta or pizza. Sounds like we all need to go to Italy. What was interesting to me, is one of us would eat the things they normally wouldn't eat just to be healthier. I think this is great now, I just didn't have that mind set when I first heard the question. Salmon and Steak were high on that list as well.
What really amazed me was the amount of work and effort everyone put into this assignment. I loved this one. We had a total, as of today, 738 responses to all of the questions posted. With 34 of us participating, great job class.
I loved that we had so many colors of the rainbow described as our attitudes. Not really a surprise to me, but I enjoyed reading how everyone thinks of themselves. I just wonder if those colors would be the same color if we were in the classroom. Hmmmm Makes you wonder!!
I really feel like most of my peers in this class haven't been too far out of high school. Some of us have been out for several years and feel like we have some catching up to do. The most important thing is that we are here and doing just what we set out to do.
I really think that I will be more mindful of how I write and to include more descriptive writing to help paint more of a picture and be more engaging with this audience.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
I believe freewriting
hell if i know what im doing here right now. i chose to write abotu the freewriting of traveling makes you live longer. I believe that it does, where would you like to go? where would you go if you could go anywhere. i like the new york city washington dc and san antonio galveston tx and i love to go places i would go everyday if i could we want to go to italy one to these days . my p;lan is to go next summer i want to see the colossem and the leaning trower of pisa i want to lay beneath the eifel tower in paris i want to see niagra falls and i want to go to the grand canyon I love to travel. the europeans travel about 3 times as much as we do. they are made to travel they get the weeks to travel when they get a job. They are awesome peple for setting theis rule up for sure. where do i want to go now. i want tho go far away from my computer right now. i just want to see so many things that i cant even wcount what it si i want to do. i want to go for a plane ride andy anywhere i can go i don't even care where i go i just want to go. travel is an experience that you should want to do. when i hear people say they dont want to go anywhere it makes me cringe. they must not have lived in the same town thy grew up in. I think this is not makeing sense to me right now but i love to travel. just keep writing keep on writing keei on writing. these are the words of dorey in the finding nemo movie. its time to quit this writing stuff i want to go somewhere. anyweher it s time to stop; in less than one minuete
326 word count
326 word count
1. I believe in laughing
2. I believe in love
3. I believe in work
4. I believe in family
5. I believe in telling the truth
6. I believe in giving 110%
7. I believe in God
8. I believe in making your own way in the world
9. I believe in working hard
10. I believe in helping others
11. I believe in treating others and you want to be treated
12. I believe in coupons
13. I believe that a penny saved is a penny earned
14. I believe that children are our future
15. I believe that travel will make you live longer
16. I believe in Christmas
17. I believe in hugging
18. I believe in walking to help stress
19. I believe that people are good
20. I believe people are sometimes bad
21. I believe in locking my doors at night
22. I believe in a clean house
23. I believe in magic
24. I believe in giving your best
2. I believe in love
3. I believe in work
4. I believe in family
5. I believe in telling the truth
6. I believe in giving 110%
7. I believe in God
8. I believe in making your own way in the world
9. I believe in working hard
10. I believe in helping others
11. I believe in treating others and you want to be treated
12. I believe in coupons
13. I believe that a penny saved is a penny earned
14. I believe that children are our future
15. I believe that travel will make you live longer
16. I believe in Christmas
17. I believe in hugging
18. I believe in walking to help stress
19. I believe that people are good
20. I believe people are sometimes bad
21. I believe in locking my doors at night
22. I believe in a clean house
23. I believe in magic
24. I believe in giving your best
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Jung Typology reflection
I just took the Jung Typology test, I wasn't really surprised at the results that I found. I believed it was spot on in the way it described me as having a preference to Introversion over Extraversion. 44% I feel this to be very true, especially in writing. I tend to keep things to myself and am not as outgoing. When writing, it is difficult for me to express myself on paper because I don't like to put it all out there for someone else to judge my feelings and views. My feeling over thinking score was 38% . To compare this with writing it makes sense to me, if I find myself moved by something or have strong feelings about the subject being talked about, sometimes the words just flow, if I really feel a connection with the author or have had some of the same experiences, then I feel like I can talk freely.My problem with writing, is reading something that I have no interest, or feel no connection with. When I find myself connected to a life experience then I start rambling, the words get mixed up and I'm editing before it's time. I am more of a Math person, where everything has a correct answer. By this I mean, I like to work out problems with only one possible answer. When it comes to writing, there is never a right or wrong answer, it's always up for debate.
The meaning of sensing is: At work they have a clear schedule and like to use their proven skills. I believe this fits me, I like rules and regulations. If you give me a task, I will do the best to get it right.
I think this test has defined what I've always known about my writing, and will help me in the future to lean to different sides so as to get a different perspective.
The meaning of sensing is: At work they have a clear schedule and like to use their proven skills. I believe this fits me, I like rules and regulations. If you give me a task, I will do the best to get it right.
I think this test has defined what I've always known about my writing, and will help me in the future to lean to different sides so as to get a different perspective.
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