1. I was able to picture the characters in my head even though there wasn’t an in depth description of them. I could picture the two cousins talking to one another and the expression after the cousin found out that Clayton had been hurt. I would have liked to know if the cousin was a boy or girl. It also would have been helpful to know their age and more about their physical appearance to gain a better picture of the characters.
2. Again I would have liked to know more about the cousins. I also would have wanted to know more about the family, like his mom and dad. I wouldn’t take out any characters in the story because there were only the two cousins who were the main characters.
3. Yes I thought the plot was entertaining. When I read that the cousin almost had to donate his kidney I wanted to know more about what would happen. I was also intrigued as to why the cousin had pains similar to what his cousin was having at the time he got hurt. I enjoyed reading this story and I liked the ending. I think the writer could have spiced up the action by telling more about the accident.
4. I could picture where the camp took place. I imagined a sunny, dry, desert where the campers could learn and ride. It was hard to imagine where the rest of the story took place, because no other details were given. The writer could have given more details about where they lived, the camp, and the hospital. I think the accident was a crucial scene in the story that was underdeveloped.
5. I think the dialogue made the story seem more real. The writer could have incorporated more feeling into the dialogue so the reader could fully grasp what was going on during the situation. I would have liked to see more dialogue between the cousins before and after the accident.
6. I thought this story was an easy read and it got right to the point. The writer could have added more important details about where the story took place and the characters. More dialogue could have been added to make this essay better. I liked the plot of this story and with some adjustments it will make a stronger essay.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
"Catfish in the Bathtub" Blog
In my family, any get together revolves around eating. There isn’t anything better than good food with family and friends. I just so happened to be born into a family that can cook very well and enjoys cooking. My mom is a very good cook. I loved being woken up to homemade waffles and French toast when I was younger. She also had dinner on the table every night and it was always delicious. My grandma is a really good cook too. There wasn’t anything better than my grandma’s home cooked meals and her pies were the best. Even her turkey sandwiches were better than any other I had tried. When I would go over to my grandma’s house, I wouldn’t be showered with money or gifts; I would have a lunch and nice dessert waiting for me. Instead of being spoiled with materials things, I was spoiled with love and food. Even though my clothes would reek of whatever my grandma would fix, I still loved going over to her house to eat and spend quality time with her.
Any family function there would be food. In my family it would be rude not to have a lunch or dinner at a family gathering. During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter my family and I would travel to both of my grandma’s houses. My grandma Betty lives just about five minutes away from me and my grandma Doris lives about an hour and a half. We would drive the longer distance first to have lunch and spend time with family. It would be the same every year. All the women in my family would help make dinner and get everything ready. The men in the family would kick back in their recliners and watch sports. The kids would gather together outside and play while lunch was being made. The signature dish was turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. We would have the traditional green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, and rolls. At the end of the dinner we would have dessert. My grandma Doris was known for her cherry cheesecake and her angel food cake. There would also be the traditional pies like cherry and pecan. At my grandma Betty’s house near home it was operated the same way but on a smaller scale. My family near home is very small and it would consist of my grandma and aunt making the food. We would arrive just in time to eat dinner at her house.
Birthdays were extra special in my family, because you were able to pick what you wanted the rest of the family to eat. This was like the ultimate power and it was fun to pick out the menu for the day. Homemade ice cream cake was a must for my birthday. The main dish for my birthday was barbeque chicken which was then followed by bacon wrapped water chestnuts and twice baked potatoes. These dishes were special, because my mom didn’t make them very often. They took a lot of time to make and it was a special treat to have them. I really looked forward to my birthday dinner with my entire family.
It is clear that when my family gets together that there will be food present. Even on vacation my mom will go out of her way to make a nice dinner for us when we stay at a beach house or make sure we go out to eat somewhere good. She would even make breakfast every morning for everyone. My family is pretty old fashioned where the women in the family prepare the food, but it doesn’t mean that the men and children don’t help clean up when everyone is done eating. After looking back on some of our family traditions I think about how food is one of the major components. Eating and cooking food has brought our family together. All of the the food and family gatherings will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life and someday pass down onto my children.
Any family function there would be food. In my family it would be rude not to have a lunch or dinner at a family gathering. During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter my family and I would travel to both of my grandma’s houses. My grandma Betty lives just about five minutes away from me and my grandma Doris lives about an hour and a half. We would drive the longer distance first to have lunch and spend time with family. It would be the same every year. All the women in my family would help make dinner and get everything ready. The men in the family would kick back in their recliners and watch sports. The kids would gather together outside and play while lunch was being made. The signature dish was turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. We would have the traditional green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, and rolls. At the end of the dinner we would have dessert. My grandma Doris was known for her cherry cheesecake and her angel food cake. There would also be the traditional pies like cherry and pecan. At my grandma Betty’s house near home it was operated the same way but on a smaller scale. My family near home is very small and it would consist of my grandma and aunt making the food. We would arrive just in time to eat dinner at her house.
Birthdays were extra special in my family, because you were able to pick what you wanted the rest of the family to eat. This was like the ultimate power and it was fun to pick out the menu for the day. Homemade ice cream cake was a must for my birthday. The main dish for my birthday was barbeque chicken which was then followed by bacon wrapped water chestnuts and twice baked potatoes. These dishes were special, because my mom didn’t make them very often. They took a lot of time to make and it was a special treat to have them. I really looked forward to my birthday dinner with my entire family.
It is clear that when my family gets together that there will be food present. Even on vacation my mom will go out of her way to make a nice dinner for us when we stay at a beach house or make sure we go out to eat somewhere good. She would even make breakfast every morning for everyone. My family is pretty old fashioned where the women in the family prepare the food, but it doesn’t mean that the men and children don’t help clean up when everyone is done eating. After looking back on some of our family traditions I think about how food is one of the major components. Eating and cooking food has brought our family together. All of the the food and family gatherings will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life and someday pass down onto my children.
"Catfish in the Bathtub" Response Questions
1. We can see the story in our mind when she describes the colors and names of all the animals that we know. When she describes the bird screams, the thud of turtles swimming in the boiling water and their shells hitting the side of the pot, you can almost hear these sounds too. She uses the sense of smell when describing the smell of the dismembered skunk. The sense of taste is described when the author writes about the monkey story. She also writes about taste when she said, “If it tastes good, it’s bad for you,” and “If it tastes bad, it’s good for you.” I think the visual description of how the monkey was brought to the table, clamped to the table and how they removed his skull while still alive was the most effective description of them all.
2. It almost sounds like the Maxine Hong Kingston’s mother was very creative and made up stories to tell her children. Who has catfish in their bathtub? The food that the Chinese eat is so strange and weird that Kingston would rather eat plastic than eat the food.
3. This was probably the biggest fantasy or make-believe story and she describes it at length to create a picture in our minds, because we would never see it that way if she didn’t.
4. She uses personification when talking about the “tender plant with flowers like white stars hiding under the leaves…” She also uses it when talking when he mother used tobacco leeks and “grasses swimming.” Kingston also uses similes, “as tall as the washing machine” and “The curtain flaps closed like merciful black wings.”
5. I think Kingston wanted to grab the reader’s attention by opening up with a lengthy catalog of foods. I know it catch my attention and made me want to know more. I also think that by describing such revolting food, the reader also agrees that they would rather eat plastic.
2. It almost sounds like the Maxine Hong Kingston’s mother was very creative and made up stories to tell her children. Who has catfish in their bathtub? The food that the Chinese eat is so strange and weird that Kingston would rather eat plastic than eat the food.
3. This was probably the biggest fantasy or make-believe story and she describes it at length to create a picture in our minds, because we would never see it that way if she didn’t.
4. She uses personification when talking about the “tender plant with flowers like white stars hiding under the leaves…” She also uses it when talking when he mother used tobacco leeks and “grasses swimming.” Kingston also uses similes, “as tall as the washing machine” and “The curtain flaps closed like merciful black wings.”
5. I think Kingston wanted to grab the reader’s attention by opening up with a lengthy catalog of foods. I know it catch my attention and made me want to know more. I also think that by describing such revolting food, the reader also agrees that they would rather eat plastic.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
"Words Left Unspoken" Blog
My grandmother isn’t any ordinary grandparent; she is more like a mother to me. When my sister and I were younger my mom and dad would work crazy hours with my dad being a deputy sheriff and my mom being a registered nurse, so my grandma Betty would watch us. She became more like a mother figure to us, because she was always there when we needed her. She would heal the wounds, kiss the “boo boo,” and also discipline us when we needed it. Not only did she take care of my sister and me, but she also took care of her mother. This is why I would call my grandma, superwoman. She really could do it all and not look like she aged one bit. Even my friend’s parents would say that she looked a lot younger than what she really was. My grandma would love to hear me tell her that story over and over again.
I would say that my grandma is a very unique woman. My grandma was in charge of taking my sister and me to school every morning. To some this was an easy task, but for her it was a very hard job. Marie and I were probably the hardest kids to wake up. We absolutely did not want to get up and go to school. My grandma would do everything in her power to get us out of bed, which included dragging us from our arms and legs. Just imagine a sixty year old woman dragging two girls out of their beds. She was also very determined to get us to school on time. My grandma would whip her little Toyota Camry in between cars on the highway and fly through red lights to get us there on time. I remember being scared for my life when I would drive with her, but this didn’t change getting up on time in the mornings. I think this is what kept my grandma young.
My grandma was also the queen of cooking. She could whip you up a dinner in minutes for you. Her cooking tasted so good too. Anything she made I would eat. I even ate all my vegetables. My grandma was also the best pie maker I know. I’m not really sure if she liked to bake or not but she was the best at it. She is also the only person I know that would stock up on everything that had to do with cooking. I remember going through her pantry and she had ten jars of grape jelly, fifteen boxes of brownie mix, and probably twenty cans of Pringles. She didn’t want anything to go to waste so she would freeze everything too. I think I really learned the value of a dollar from her. I also learned my organizational skills from my grandma too. She labeled just about everything in her house that could be labeled. She would label food by the brand, the date she bought it, and when it would go bad. She always had everything nice, clean, and neat and organized, even though she would tell you that her house was a wreck.
Now that I am older and I don’t need a babysitter anymore, I don’t get to see her very much. I appreciate my grandma so much more now that I am older. I really don’t know what I would do without her in my life. She was and still is a very important person in my life. She taught me so much and gave up part of her life to take care of my sister and me. Even though my grandma did some things that were out of the ordinary, I am still very proud and thankful to have such an amazing grandmother like her.
I would say that my grandma is a very unique woman. My grandma was in charge of taking my sister and me to school every morning. To some this was an easy task, but for her it was a very hard job. Marie and I were probably the hardest kids to wake up. We absolutely did not want to get up and go to school. My grandma would do everything in her power to get us out of bed, which included dragging us from our arms and legs. Just imagine a sixty year old woman dragging two girls out of their beds. She was also very determined to get us to school on time. My grandma would whip her little Toyota Camry in between cars on the highway and fly through red lights to get us there on time. I remember being scared for my life when I would drive with her, but this didn’t change getting up on time in the mornings. I think this is what kept my grandma young.
My grandma was also the queen of cooking. She could whip you up a dinner in minutes for you. Her cooking tasted so good too. Anything she made I would eat. I even ate all my vegetables. My grandma was also the best pie maker I know. I’m not really sure if she liked to bake or not but she was the best at it. She is also the only person I know that would stock up on everything that had to do with cooking. I remember going through her pantry and she had ten jars of grape jelly, fifteen boxes of brownie mix, and probably twenty cans of Pringles. She didn’t want anything to go to waste so she would freeze everything too. I think I really learned the value of a dollar from her. I also learned my organizational skills from my grandma too. She labeled just about everything in her house that could be labeled. She would label food by the brand, the date she bought it, and when it would go bad. She always had everything nice, clean, and neat and organized, even though she would tell you that her house was a wreck.
Now that I am older and I don’t need a babysitter anymore, I don’t get to see her very much. I appreciate my grandma so much more now that I am older. I really don’t know what I would do without her in my life. She was and still is a very important person in my life. She taught me so much and gave up part of her life to take care of my sister and me. Even though my grandma did some things that were out of the ordinary, I am still very proud and thankful to have such an amazing grandmother like her.
"Words Left Unspoken" Response Questions
1. Leah Hager Cohen’s earliest memory of her grandfather was of his chin. She could remember his strong, jutting chin. When Cohen would visit her grandfather, he would lift her and the other grandchildren up by the elbows and nuzzle their cheeks vigorously. This rough greeting was how Cohen and her grandfather communicated.
2. Since Leah Hager Cohen’s grandfather was deaf he could not express his love to his grandchildren verbally, so he had to show hid love with his actions. I think this made their bond stronger because they could not communicate with words, but by the things they did together.
3. When Cohen says, “That was the longest conversation we ever had” she means that for the first time she was on the same level with her grandfather by walking in the same rhythm with him. She was also holding hands with him and that kept the connection with her grandfather. Even though they didn’t look at each other, they knew what they were feeling and they were communicating in their own special way.
4. Cohen uses similes when describing her grandfather’s chin and his voice when he would try to get the grandchildren’s attention. She also used a simile when she was describing how her grandfather would sign to his friends.
5. I think Cohen means that now that her grandfather has passed away, she will have to figure out more about him through his belongings or stories. The little things about him would be the “clue” to figuring out more about her grandfather. I think it is an effective was to end the essay because it keeps the reader wanting to know more.
2. Since Leah Hager Cohen’s grandfather was deaf he could not express his love to his grandchildren verbally, so he had to show hid love with his actions. I think this made their bond stronger because they could not communicate with words, but by the things they did together.
3. When Cohen says, “That was the longest conversation we ever had” she means that for the first time she was on the same level with her grandfather by walking in the same rhythm with him. She was also holding hands with him and that kept the connection with her grandfather. Even though they didn’t look at each other, they knew what they were feeling and they were communicating in their own special way.
4. Cohen uses similes when describing her grandfather’s chin and his voice when he would try to get the grandchildren’s attention. She also used a simile when she was describing how her grandfather would sign to his friends.
5. I think Cohen means that now that her grandfather has passed away, she will have to figure out more about him through his belongings or stories. The little things about him would be the “clue” to figuring out more about her grandfather. I think it is an effective was to end the essay because it keeps the reader wanting to know more.
Monday, July 26, 2010
"Ground Zero" Blog
As a young girl, I looked up to those who were older than me and I was fascinated by how much they could do. I was especially fascinated with girls that were older than me and played volleyball. I wanted to become awesome volleyball players just like them. My older sister played volleyball in high school, so I had the pleasure of going to every game she had. A normal child would have refused to go and watch, but I loved going to see what I would call “volleyball stars.” I was excited to go with my family to watch the varsity high school match. It was something that I looked forward to as cheesy as that sounds. There was one particular game that I remember and affected how I viewed volleyball for the rest of my life.
It was a Thursday night and it was a typical humid night at the end of summer. It was a night for a volleyball match. The usual family went, my mom, dad, aunt, and my grandma. We all piled into the car and we were off to the game to watch my sister and her team beat their rival team, North Posey. It was going to be an exciting game because both teams were doing really well in their season and we hadn’t won against them in several years. We arrived at the school gym just in time to watch the end of the junior varsity game and watch the varsity warm up. As always I would sit with my little grade school friends and we would watch the game together. The game started and the high school girl’s gym was packed. Almost the entire county was there to watch. You could smell the fresh popcorn that was lingering in the gym. I was so close to the floor and the action that I felt like I was a part of the game. I could see the glistening sweat pouring from not only the players but also the fans. This was how intense this game was. I could hear the coach yelling from her seat, “Side out girls!” and “Get to your side lines!” I noticed her pacing back and forth anytime the team made an error. I would look back to the fans and they too would hang their heads at the faulty play. I would see a few parents stand up abruptly and yell a curse word or two at the referee. Our team really wanted this win.
It was bump, set, hit, and dig and so on for four agenizing games. To win the match they had to win the best three out of five games, so there was one more game to play to 25. I could see the players really starting to drag. After an awesome dig, it was followed by a slow, painful getting back up to finish up the game. It was almost too hard for each team to serve because they were just exhausted from playing so long. Soon their shoes looked like they were stuck to the floor with crazy glue. My friends and I were on the edge of our seats cheering on our team, “You guys can do it!” We were bottled with energy that I think we could have played for them.
The game was coming to an end and it was down to the last point. Our team had the serve and the battle was on. The other team got the ball back over and our team was able to set up the last play and slam the ball back down on the other side of the net. Our team won the game! I remember the sounds of the fans clapping, the high pitched whistles, and parents screaming out their daughter’s names. This was an exciting game to watch and it taught me something. Even though the girls were so tired after playing this game, they never once gave up. They pushed through the pain and won the game for our town. They also just had fun while playing and would say comforting words to each other to bring them back to positive thoughts. Watching games like this made me into the athlete that I was in Jr. High and high school. I thought about this very game when we played our rival my senior year. It made me want to work as hard as I could and to never give up on myself. I also thought about the little fans that may be looking up to me which pushed me to become a better role model for them.
It was a Thursday night and it was a typical humid night at the end of summer. It was a night for a volleyball match. The usual family went, my mom, dad, aunt, and my grandma. We all piled into the car and we were off to the game to watch my sister and her team beat their rival team, North Posey. It was going to be an exciting game because both teams were doing really well in their season and we hadn’t won against them in several years. We arrived at the school gym just in time to watch the end of the junior varsity game and watch the varsity warm up. As always I would sit with my little grade school friends and we would watch the game together. The game started and the high school girl’s gym was packed. Almost the entire county was there to watch. You could smell the fresh popcorn that was lingering in the gym. I was so close to the floor and the action that I felt like I was a part of the game. I could see the glistening sweat pouring from not only the players but also the fans. This was how intense this game was. I could hear the coach yelling from her seat, “Side out girls!” and “Get to your side lines!” I noticed her pacing back and forth anytime the team made an error. I would look back to the fans and they too would hang their heads at the faulty play. I would see a few parents stand up abruptly and yell a curse word or two at the referee. Our team really wanted this win.
It was bump, set, hit, and dig and so on for four agenizing games. To win the match they had to win the best three out of five games, so there was one more game to play to 25. I could see the players really starting to drag. After an awesome dig, it was followed by a slow, painful getting back up to finish up the game. It was almost too hard for each team to serve because they were just exhausted from playing so long. Soon their shoes looked like they were stuck to the floor with crazy glue. My friends and I were on the edge of our seats cheering on our team, “You guys can do it!” We were bottled with energy that I think we could have played for them.
The game was coming to an end and it was down to the last point. Our team had the serve and the battle was on. The other team got the ball back over and our team was able to set up the last play and slam the ball back down on the other side of the net. Our team won the game! I remember the sounds of the fans clapping, the high pitched whistles, and parents screaming out their daughter’s names. This was an exciting game to watch and it taught me something. Even though the girls were so tired after playing this game, they never once gave up. They pushed through the pain and won the game for our town. They also just had fun while playing and would say comforting words to each other to bring them back to positive thoughts. Watching games like this made me into the athlete that I was in Jr. High and high school. I thought about this very game when we played our rival my senior year. It made me want to work as hard as I could and to never give up on myself. I also thought about the little fans that may be looking up to me which pushed me to become a better role model for them.
"Ground Zero" Response Questions
1. I think that Berne means that once before the streets around the World Trade Center were busy with people and activities and now there is a blank area with nothing. She mentioned in the story that to the people who weren’t from town would think that the area was a construction site. It means more to those who were actually there and saw what used to be there. I think that after she took in everything that was not there, “nothing,” she got a deeper feeling of that nothingness, which was absence of what used to be there.
2. The televised images and newspaper pictures that Berne was referring to are the buildings collapsing, the people running out of the building and away from them, and the smoke and debris that filled the air. When Berne experienced ground zero she saw a different picture. She saw what looked like a construction site and the emptiness.
3. I think the scene most crucial to the story would be when she is talking about the cemetery attached to St. Paul’s Chapel. She slows down the story here by explaining the scene and what was going on. She describes the cemetery and the photos and prayers for all of the loved ones that they had lost. She went into great detail here so that we could get a better picture in our minds of what really happened.
4. I think Berne described ground zero in so many ways, because she saw it in so many ways and she wanted the reader to picture it how she did. There isn’t just one way to express how she felt when she experienced ground zero and she wanted the reader to know that also and be able to follow along.
5. When I think of this piece being called “My Ticket to the Disaster” it gives me a different feel to the story. It makes me think that people want to go and view ground zero for their pleasure and not to go to be there in reverence for the people who lost their lives in a horrible tragedy. It also loses the feel of the people who were also mentioned in this story.
6. I think Berne means that a “repopulation” is taking place, because there are many people going to ground zero to give their condolences to the families and to support them in their time of need. This support has made our nation much stronger and with strength, we can grow even more.
2. The televised images and newspaper pictures that Berne was referring to are the buildings collapsing, the people running out of the building and away from them, and the smoke and debris that filled the air. When Berne experienced ground zero she saw a different picture. She saw what looked like a construction site and the emptiness.
3. I think the scene most crucial to the story would be when she is talking about the cemetery attached to St. Paul’s Chapel. She slows down the story here by explaining the scene and what was going on. She describes the cemetery and the photos and prayers for all of the loved ones that they had lost. She went into great detail here so that we could get a better picture in our minds of what really happened.
4. I think Berne described ground zero in so many ways, because she saw it in so many ways and she wanted the reader to picture it how she did. There isn’t just one way to express how she felt when she experienced ground zero and she wanted the reader to know that also and be able to follow along.
5. When I think of this piece being called “My Ticket to the Disaster” it gives me a different feel to the story. It makes me think that people want to go and view ground zero for their pleasure and not to go to be there in reverence for the people who lost their lives in a horrible tragedy. It also loses the feel of the people who were also mentioned in this story.
6. I think Berne means that a “repopulation” is taking place, because there are many people going to ground zero to give their condolences to the families and to support them in their time of need. This support has made our nation much stronger and with strength, we can grow even more.
Friday, July 23, 2010
"Only Daughter" Blog
I have a small family of four and I think it has made us stronger throughout the years. My parents had two daughters, so that means there would be a lot of sharing and compromising between my older sister, Marie and I. I would have to say that I am very blessed to have parents like mine. After 25 years of marriage they are still together and going strong. They have set a very good example for Marie and I. My parents have taught us very good values and always steered us in the right direction. Even though Marie and I were taught the right way to behave and act, it didn’t mean that we didn’t fight. We would fight all the time and I, the baby of the family, would always be the one who got in trouble. My parents thought that I was a liar and that my older sister was an angel when we were growing up. I felt like I was a huge troublemaker and it would make me have a serious issue with Marie, because she would love every minute of me getting into trouble.
There is one story that I will never forget. It was probably one of the biggest fights that Marie and I had together. As sisters we couldn’t share anything and it was a fight every time we had to share anything with each other. My parents were leaving on a Saturday for the day and Marie and I were just old enough to be home alone, so we didn’t have a babysitter to watch us. Mom and Dad gave us the talk about how we needed to get along and not to fight otherwise there would be a punishment for the both of us. Marie and I were getting along at the time and we thought we could handle staying home alone with each other. After my parents had left Marie and I continued to play with our doll houses and trying not to start an altercation. We were playing so nicely until one of us started to have a small argument over which doll was ours. I thought it was mine and she thought it was hers because we both had the exact same doll. With my older sister being bigger than me and stronger she was able to steal the doll away from me causing a pushing match. I was not about to stand for this and fought back. Soon we were rolling around on the ground fighting over whose doll it was. The fighting did not end until my parents came home. They immediately broke up the fight and we were sent to our rooms. Of course they went to talk to my older sister first wanting to get the entire story. After a while of talking it was my turn to be talked to. The minute they came into my room they looked at me like I was the one who started the fight. My parents heard my story and then told me that we were both not allowed to play dolls for a week. At this age I was devastated. I knew that toy was mine and that it wasn’t Marie’s. I didn’t understand why I had to be punished?
I remember the next day Marie came out of her room saying she found her doll in the back of her closet. She was so glad to have found her toy that she must have forgotten our fight the day before. I knew I was right and that the doll I was playing with was mine. It was such a great feeling and I was just waiting for my parents to say that I was right. To my dismay they didn’t reward me for telling the truth. I was told that I was a part of the fight and that I was still in trouble. This fight definitely showed that the older sibling always gets the better treatment. I’m sure that being the baby of the family I got away with doing something bad, but my parents took my sisters word most of the time.
Like any younger sibling I looked up to my older sister. I think my parents expected Marie to take care of me in some ways, teach me new things, and to be my lifelong friend. I think my parents also expected us to have our fights and make ups. We may have pushed each other’s buttons, but we knew we loved each other and it made our family stronger. I don’t think I would have changed anything about my childhood and the fights that I got into with my older sister.
There is one story that I will never forget. It was probably one of the biggest fights that Marie and I had together. As sisters we couldn’t share anything and it was a fight every time we had to share anything with each other. My parents were leaving on a Saturday for the day and Marie and I were just old enough to be home alone, so we didn’t have a babysitter to watch us. Mom and Dad gave us the talk about how we needed to get along and not to fight otherwise there would be a punishment for the both of us. Marie and I were getting along at the time and we thought we could handle staying home alone with each other. After my parents had left Marie and I continued to play with our doll houses and trying not to start an altercation. We were playing so nicely until one of us started to have a small argument over which doll was ours. I thought it was mine and she thought it was hers because we both had the exact same doll. With my older sister being bigger than me and stronger she was able to steal the doll away from me causing a pushing match. I was not about to stand for this and fought back. Soon we were rolling around on the ground fighting over whose doll it was. The fighting did not end until my parents came home. They immediately broke up the fight and we were sent to our rooms. Of course they went to talk to my older sister first wanting to get the entire story. After a while of talking it was my turn to be talked to. The minute they came into my room they looked at me like I was the one who started the fight. My parents heard my story and then told me that we were both not allowed to play dolls for a week. At this age I was devastated. I knew that toy was mine and that it wasn’t Marie’s. I didn’t understand why I had to be punished?
I remember the next day Marie came out of her room saying she found her doll in the back of her closet. She was so glad to have found her toy that she must have forgotten our fight the day before. I knew I was right and that the doll I was playing with was mine. It was such a great feeling and I was just waiting for my parents to say that I was right. To my dismay they didn’t reward me for telling the truth. I was told that I was a part of the fight and that I was still in trouble. This fight definitely showed that the older sibling always gets the better treatment. I’m sure that being the baby of the family I got away with doing something bad, but my parents took my sisters word most of the time.
Like any younger sibling I looked up to my older sister. I think my parents expected Marie to take care of me in some ways, teach me new things, and to be my lifelong friend. I think my parents also expected us to have our fights and make ups. We may have pushed each other’s buttons, but we knew we loved each other and it made our family stronger. I don’t think I would have changed anything about my childhood and the fights that I got into with my older sister.
"Only Daughter" Response Questions
1. Whenever Cisneros’ father would refer to her as “only a daughter” it meant that she would become someone’s wife and wouldn’t be able to make a life for herself of her own. She wanted to have a profession and wanted to go to college to make a future for herself. Her father thought that going to college was good so that she could find a husband. When she was referred as “the only daughter” she was talking about the times she felt lonely and alone because her brothers were embarrassed to play outside with her. This gave her time to think, imagine, and read and to prepare herself.
2. Cisneros was given time to herself when her brothers did not want to play with her and she was “the only daughter.” It allowed her to have time to think, to read, imagine, and to prepare herself. The aloneness was good in her eyes because it would help her to be a good writer. Being “only a daughter” she was able to go to college and major in English without her father getting upset. He thought girls should go to college to meet their future husband, so he didn’t care what Cisneros majored in.
3. From Cisneros quoting her father we learn that he was very proud that he had sons and he used this to try and get a break from paying so much money for his large family. We also learn that he only spoke a little English.
4. I think that she tries to convey her father in a sympathetic way more so than in an unsympathetic way. She quotes her father many times, and being referred to as “only a daughter” is a part of how their culture views women. I don’t think he meant that he loved his daughter any less, his thoughts about women is something that he was taught and raised to believe.
5. Cisneros is referring to her father finally accepting that she was a good writer and wanting to share with it with the rest of his family. The “wonderful thing” is the acceptance that she got from her father after all those years of him thinking she was just going to be someone’s wife. Her father read her book and enjoyed it so much that he wanted the rest of the family to read it also. Cisneros wanted her father to introduce her as “My only daughter, the writer” and I think she was finally able to be known to as good, educated writer to her father.
2. Cisneros was given time to herself when her brothers did not want to play with her and she was “the only daughter.” It allowed her to have time to think, to read, imagine, and to prepare herself. The aloneness was good in her eyes because it would help her to be a good writer. Being “only a daughter” she was able to go to college and major in English without her father getting upset. He thought girls should go to college to meet their future husband, so he didn’t care what Cisneros majored in.
3. From Cisneros quoting her father we learn that he was very proud that he had sons and he used this to try and get a break from paying so much money for his large family. We also learn that he only spoke a little English.
4. I think that she tries to convey her father in a sympathetic way more so than in an unsympathetic way. She quotes her father many times, and being referred to as “only a daughter” is a part of how their culture views women. I don’t think he meant that he loved his daughter any less, his thoughts about women is something that he was taught and raised to believe.
5. Cisneros is referring to her father finally accepting that she was a good writer and wanting to share with it with the rest of his family. The “wonderful thing” is the acceptance that she got from her father after all those years of him thinking she was just going to be someone’s wife. Her father read her book and enjoyed it so much that he wanted the rest of the family to read it also. Cisneros wanted her father to introduce her as “My only daughter, the writer” and I think she was finally able to be known to as good, educated writer to her father.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
"Homemade Education" Blog
When I was younger I always knew that I wanted to help and care for people when I got older. I was given this idea because I was around health care providers. My grandma was a nurse and my aunt and mom are currently nurses, so I was surrounded by loving and caring people all my life. My mom used to tell me that I would play doctor with all my stuffed animals and dolls and be so gentle and kind with them like they were actual human beings. My mom never put any pressure on me to go into the same profession as her; she just wanted me to do something that would make me happy. I knew from then on that I wanted to become a health care professional. I also knew that this would be something that I would have to do on my own to achieve my goals. A lot of hard work would have to come into play so that I could go to a good school and get into a program.
The first question that came to my mind was, “What do I want to be? A nurse, a doctor?” I really hadn’t explored my options very much yet and I was eager to learn more. At my high school there was a class where I could go and shadow health care professionals and receive credit for the class. Most of the students applied for the class so they could leave school for a few hours and be able to eat lunch in Evansville. For me this class was a great opportunity and I was really excited to get into this program. I was very pleased to find out that I made the grades and my essay was good enough that I could be a part of this group. It was a lot of hard work of making good grades in my biology and chemistry classes. I studied even more for tests and made sure that I did everything to get an A in these classes. It was almost like a little incentive to get good grades. Writing is definitely not my strong point, so it was something that I had to work extra hard to do well at.
After going to the hospital and following different people in different professions, I finally figured out that I wanted to become an Occupational Therapist. I knew that his profession was for me after shadowing. I was so excited to finally figure what I wanted to do. My next step was to find a university that was right for me. This again was going to be hard work. I would have to find the right school and then make sure that my SAT and ACT scores would be good enough to get into a good college. Then I would have to go through the application and accepting process. I was starting to feel scared and overwhelmed by all of these thoughts. There were deadlines and tests and more tests. I knew that this was what I wanted to do and that I would do everything I could to achieve this goal. I studied and studied for my exams and applied to the school that I wanted to go to for my major.
With hard work and drive I was accepted to the school that I wanted to go to, USI and major in Occupational Therapy. I will apply to the Occupational Therapy program in January and I hope to make it into the program. I am working to get good grades and complete my prerequisites that I need. I am on my way to my dream job and it was something that I had to pursue on my own. I have learned a lot about myself from this experience and that I can do anything that I put my mind to and with hard work and determination.
The first question that came to my mind was, “What do I want to be? A nurse, a doctor?” I really hadn’t explored my options very much yet and I was eager to learn more. At my high school there was a class where I could go and shadow health care professionals and receive credit for the class. Most of the students applied for the class so they could leave school for a few hours and be able to eat lunch in Evansville. For me this class was a great opportunity and I was really excited to get into this program. I was very pleased to find out that I made the grades and my essay was good enough that I could be a part of this group. It was a lot of hard work of making good grades in my biology and chemistry classes. I studied even more for tests and made sure that I did everything to get an A in these classes. It was almost like a little incentive to get good grades. Writing is definitely not my strong point, so it was something that I had to work extra hard to do well at.
After going to the hospital and following different people in different professions, I finally figured out that I wanted to become an Occupational Therapist. I knew that his profession was for me after shadowing. I was so excited to finally figure what I wanted to do. My next step was to find a university that was right for me. This again was going to be hard work. I would have to find the right school and then make sure that my SAT and ACT scores would be good enough to get into a good college. Then I would have to go through the application and accepting process. I was starting to feel scared and overwhelmed by all of these thoughts. There were deadlines and tests and more tests. I knew that this was what I wanted to do and that I would do everything I could to achieve this goal. I studied and studied for my exams and applied to the school that I wanted to go to for my major.
With hard work and drive I was accepted to the school that I wanted to go to, USI and major in Occupational Therapy. I will apply to the Occupational Therapy program in January and I hope to make it into the program. I am working to get good grades and complete my prerequisites that I need. I am on my way to my dream job and it was something that I had to pursue on my own. I have learned a lot about myself from this experience and that I can do anything that I put my mind to and with hard work and determination.
"Homemade Education" Response Questions
1. Malcolm X was motivated to begin his studies because he wanted to write to Elijah Muhammad. He was not able to express himself the way he wanted to. He also didn’t have very good handwriting or vocabulary, so he wanted to improve those aspects to get his point across in his letters. He also envied Bimbi and how much knowledge he had.
2. Malcolm increased his vocabulary by copying every page of the dictionary. He would then read and study the words. Malcolm said that the dictionary was like an encyclopedia and he became very interested in wanting to learn new words to increase his vocabulary.
3. When I think of “Prison Studies” it puts a different thought in my mind. I think of all the prisoners having to study all together and that it wasn’t something that Malcolm wanted to do. When I think of “Homemade Education” I think of Malcolm wanting to improve himself and having to motivation to do so. A reader will think of “Homemade Education” in a more positive light and that Malcolm had determination and motivation to become educated.
4. The term “homemade” makes me think of warmth, family, and love. When I was younger I loved to make crafts with my mom and be able to share it with my family. Over the years my parents have kept my homemade gifts and it’s a great feeling to know they care. My gifts were never perfect, but it didn’t matter to them. When I think of homemade I only think of positive things and the good times that I had making little projects with loved ones and friends.
5. I think that Malcolm meant that he was so free because he was able to improve his knowledge on his own without anyone telling him he couldn’t. Since he was in prison, he wasn’t able to do whatever he wanted and he had many boundaries and restrictions. With being able to read and study the dictionary he was finally free to increase his vocabulary and be able to use it for the rest of his life.
2. Malcolm increased his vocabulary by copying every page of the dictionary. He would then read and study the words. Malcolm said that the dictionary was like an encyclopedia and he became very interested in wanting to learn new words to increase his vocabulary.
3. When I think of “Prison Studies” it puts a different thought in my mind. I think of all the prisoners having to study all together and that it wasn’t something that Malcolm wanted to do. When I think of “Homemade Education” I think of Malcolm wanting to improve himself and having to motivation to do so. A reader will think of “Homemade Education” in a more positive light and that Malcolm had determination and motivation to become educated.
4. The term “homemade” makes me think of warmth, family, and love. When I was younger I loved to make crafts with my mom and be able to share it with my family. Over the years my parents have kept my homemade gifts and it’s a great feeling to know they care. My gifts were never perfect, but it didn’t matter to them. When I think of homemade I only think of positive things and the good times that I had making little projects with loved ones and friends.
5. I think that Malcolm meant that he was so free because he was able to improve his knowledge on his own without anyone telling him he couldn’t. Since he was in prison, he wasn’t able to do whatever he wanted and he had many boundaries and restrictions. With being able to read and study the dictionary he was finally free to increase his vocabulary and be able to use it for the rest of his life.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"Shame" Blog
When I think about my childhood I can recall some good times and I can also recall some bad times. More good times would have to be when I was playing volleyball. I was pretty much destined to play because not only was my sister a volleyball player, but so was my mom and my aunt when they were in junior high and high school. I attended a private catholic school when I was in grade school and girls couldn’t play sports until they were in the fourth grade. I couldn’t wait until I was in the fourth grade because that meant I could play volleyball. I couldn’t wait to start playing and finally show my family that I could be a volleyball player too. My mom and sister would play in the backyard with me so that I could get better and learn a few skills before our first practice. We only had a few practices a week so I really needed all the practice I could get. I honestly was not very good. I didn’t have a good attention span so I really never learned how to do things correctly because I never paid attention long enough. I tried my hardest though to do my best and to impress my family. I wanted to be just like my older sister and be good at volleyball just like her. I remember having so much fun playing with my family and getting the neighbor kids to play against us in our backyard.
Playing volleyball also helped me to make a lot of friends in school. It made my best friend and me even closer. We were always partners and made sure that we got on the same team. I also met a few of my other good friends while playing volleyball in high school. I grew up playing with and against these girls in grade school and now it was time to unite in high school. Volleyball is a longer sport so we were all with each other every day for several months. Our circle of friends would share secrets and be able to make each other laugh out loud. This created a trust that could never be broken.
Volleyball not only helped me be a better friend, but it also taught me discipline and good work habits that would make me to be the person that I am today. I always wanted to do my best and achieve my goals in school. This helped me to make honor roll every school year. I probably had the best coaches that I learned a lot from and would always be willing to help me in anything that I did.
I can remember to this day my very first varsity volleyball game. It was a Thursday night and the varsity game started right around 7 p.m. That day at school all I could think about was playing in that game. I couldn’t wait for the game to start. I also had the biggest butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous that my hands shook. When it was time for the game to start I remember wishing it wasn’t time yet. I could see my family and friends in the stands watching and cheering our team on. This made me even more nervous. I didn’t think I would get to play with being a freshman and it being a high school varsity match. I sat on the edge of my chair waiting and watching as our team was losing to our rival school. I then felt like we were all in slow motion when my coach told me to get in the game. I was thrilled but I knew I had a job to do. I wanted to prove myself and I didn’t want to let my team down. I ended up playing the rest of the game and we won our first home game of the season. It was a great feeling to be a part of a winning team. We had our ups and downs during that season, but I grew to be a better person by winning and losing.
I am the person that I am today by playing volleyball as a grade school student to being a college student. I learned how to work hard and have discipline while gaining experience and knowledge from the game. I also made good friends and had a good time with family. Playing volleyball will always be a good memory that I will cherish forever.
Playing volleyball also helped me to make a lot of friends in school. It made my best friend and me even closer. We were always partners and made sure that we got on the same team. I also met a few of my other good friends while playing volleyball in high school. I grew up playing with and against these girls in grade school and now it was time to unite in high school. Volleyball is a longer sport so we were all with each other every day for several months. Our circle of friends would share secrets and be able to make each other laugh out loud. This created a trust that could never be broken.
Volleyball not only helped me be a better friend, but it also taught me discipline and good work habits that would make me to be the person that I am today. I always wanted to do my best and achieve my goals in school. This helped me to make honor roll every school year. I probably had the best coaches that I learned a lot from and would always be willing to help me in anything that I did.
I can remember to this day my very first varsity volleyball game. It was a Thursday night and the varsity game started right around 7 p.m. That day at school all I could think about was playing in that game. I couldn’t wait for the game to start. I also had the biggest butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous that my hands shook. When it was time for the game to start I remember wishing it wasn’t time yet. I could see my family and friends in the stands watching and cheering our team on. This made me even more nervous. I didn’t think I would get to play with being a freshman and it being a high school varsity match. I sat on the edge of my chair waiting and watching as our team was losing to our rival school. I then felt like we were all in slow motion when my coach told me to get in the game. I was thrilled but I knew I had a job to do. I wanted to prove myself and I didn’t want to let my team down. I ended up playing the rest of the game and we won our first home game of the season. It was a great feeling to be a part of a winning team. We had our ups and downs during that season, but I grew to be a better person by winning and losing.
I am the person that I am today by playing volleyball as a grade school student to being a college student. I learned how to work hard and have discipline while gaining experience and knowledge from the game. I also made good friends and had a good time with family. Playing volleyball will always be a good memory that I will cherish forever.
"Shame" Response Questions
1. I think it’s surprising and unexpected that Richard Gregory experienced shame at such a young age. When I was younger I really didn’t think about having any shame on myself. I always thought about having fun and really didn’t care what other people thought. I also think it was surprising that he first experienced shame at school. Most young boys worry about sports and playing rather than thinking what girls thought about them.
2. Gregory’s shame lasted for 22 years. He was seven when he first experienced shame and he was 29 when he overcame it. He finally overcame his shame when he made something of himself, when he got married and started making money.
3. Gregory would rub his tennis shoes on the back of his pants to make them look clean and he would wish that his hair wasn’t messed up. He also wished that his clothes would fit better so he would look nicer for Helene Tucker. Gregory would shovel off her walkway to make her family like him and put money on her stoop late at night. In class he would use a lady’s handkerchief so he wouldn’t have to wipe his nose on his hand. He would brush his hair and even wash his clothes with the melted ice water from a grocery store.
4. I think that the teacher’s name wasn’t used so that the reader could relate to the story better. This allows the person reading to think about someone in their life that made them feel shame about themselves and put them in the story as well.
5. The dialogue in this story made it seem more realistic and live. When I was reading I almost felt like I was in Richard’s shoes and what he was feeling.
6. I think that Gregory says, “Now there is shame everywhere” because he really felt like the entire world now knew about his shame after the teacher told the class. Richard felt shame by going to a Christmas dinner for under privileged children and having to wear the same outfit that welfare gave to three thousand boys. Also, his shame was illustrated by having to ask to eat rotten peaches and having to sneak through alleys so no one would see him.
2. Gregory’s shame lasted for 22 years. He was seven when he first experienced shame and he was 29 when he overcame it. He finally overcame his shame when he made something of himself, when he got married and started making money.
3. Gregory would rub his tennis shoes on the back of his pants to make them look clean and he would wish that his hair wasn’t messed up. He also wished that his clothes would fit better so he would look nicer for Helene Tucker. Gregory would shovel off her walkway to make her family like him and put money on her stoop late at night. In class he would use a lady’s handkerchief so he wouldn’t have to wipe his nose on his hand. He would brush his hair and even wash his clothes with the melted ice water from a grocery store.
4. I think that the teacher’s name wasn’t used so that the reader could relate to the story better. This allows the person reading to think about someone in their life that made them feel shame about themselves and put them in the story as well.
5. The dialogue in this story made it seem more realistic and live. When I was reading I almost felt like I was in Richard’s shoes and what he was feeling.
6. I think that Gregory says, “Now there is shame everywhere” because he really felt like the entire world now knew about his shame after the teacher told the class. Richard felt shame by going to a Christmas dinner for under privileged children and having to wear the same outfit that welfare gave to three thousand boys. Also, his shame was illustrated by having to ask to eat rotten peaches and having to sneak through alleys so no one would see him.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
About Me
Hello everyone, my name is Michelle Buchanan. I’m twenty years old and I’m majoring in Occupational Therapy here at the University of Southern Indiana. I also work while going to school at the Buckle in the mall as a sales associate. I really like to stay active by playing volleyball whenever I can. I played intramural co-ed volleyball my first two years of college and had a blast. I like to not only play sports, but watch them as well. My favorite sports that I like to watch would have to be major league baseball and college basketball. I also enjoy shopping, reading, and watching movies. Spending time with my family and friends is another huge part of my life. I try to spend as much time as I can with all of them. Another activity that I like to do is travel. I have been to Germany and I would love to see other places around the world. I look forward to writing in this class and learning more about my other classmates.
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