When I first heard that Gus Kunkle was coming to our AP Comp classroom, I have to admit that I was a tad bit frightened. (For those of you who didn't read my last blog, I am scared by children and prefer to not be in their presence.) Gus Kunkle is Kunk's awesome little son! By the time he left, I definitely put him on my short list of children I actually enjoy being around.
As Gus came into the classroom, he immediately ran over to T.J. and gave him a high-five! Then came my favorite part.
"Well guys, I'm four years old!" Gus exclaimed as he stuck out his fingers to demonstrate his age.
The class instantly fell in love with this charming young boy. We asked him why he was wearing two different colored socks.
"Because I couldn't find the other one" Gus shyly said.
Man, is this kid ever cute! He actually very closely resembles Mr. Kunkle (almost like a mini-me.)
As Kunk hands Gus his gigantic lunch box, it rapidly falls to the floor. It seemed a little too heavy for this four-year-old to handle. Nonetheless, it was still amusing and precious to watch!
When it was time for Gus to leave, the whole class had a tear in their eyes.
"It was nice meeting all of you" Gus charmingly remarked.
AWW! what a little sweetheart! :)
KUNK---BRING GUS BACK!! WE LOVE HIM!! :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The N-Word
Last night I read/annotated this personal narrative written by a black woman professor. I found parts of her story fascinating to read, and it made me feel sorry for her at times. Obviously, I've never had the experience of growing up as a person of color and experiencing racism, but belive me, I wouldn't want to have to endure it. Bernard obviously has a lot of strength to not let harsh remarks (including the N-Word) leave a chip on her shoulder. I admire this strength in her, partly because I'm lacking in it.
I think I was probably around 10 years old the first time I heard the "N-Word." Growing up in McFarland (a mainly all-white town), I was never really around African Americans. I do belive that I was in school when I learned about it for the first time. The term confused me, mostly because I didn't understand why anyone could call another human being such a harsh name! I'm not one that's fond of swearing or saying anything cruel, so I can't remember a time when I've actually said the word. I've tried to avoid it at all costs, even if I'm in a room with all white people. I just don't feel comfortable saying it. So I understand where Bernard is coming from, because I certainly wouldn't want anyone to call me such a name!
I think I was probably around 10 years old the first time I heard the "N-Word." Growing up in McFarland (a mainly all-white town), I was never really around African Americans. I do belive that I was in school when I learned about it for the first time. The term confused me, mostly because I didn't understand why anyone could call another human being such a harsh name! I'm not one that's fond of swearing or saying anything cruel, so I can't remember a time when I've actually said the word. I've tried to avoid it at all costs, even if I'm in a room with all white people. I just don't feel comfortable saying it. So I understand where Bernard is coming from, because I certainly wouldn't want anyone to call me such a name!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What Scares Me
If I were to compose a list of all the things I'm afraid of, the list would extend for ten pages. To be brutally honest, I have pantophobia (a.k.a the fear of everything). I haven't been clinically diagnosed, but I just have unusual, irrational fears that I shouldn't have.
Growing up as the oldest cousin on both sides of the family, I was constantly surrounded by 12 younger cousins. Maybe it was all the babysitting or torment I endured, but now I abhor children. Especially younger children. Once they're about 9 or 10, I can handle them. Otherwise, they completely freak me out. Every time I see a little kid, I feel like they're going to attack me. Just look at them glaring at you with their evil eyes! I'm not crazy, I swear.
I'm also deathly afraid of germs. It grosses me out to see people share drinks or rub their eyes after touching a doorknob. Do you know how many common objects aren't sanitized (such as this school computer keyboard I'm touching)? EWW. I'm shuddering right now at the thought. Time to dig my sanitizer out of my purse.
Along with consuming germs, I'm also terrified of getting long-term or terminal illnesses. I would hate to suffer through cancer or diabetes. I think that's why I avoid junk food (mainly trans fat) at all costs- because I'm afraid of growing older and sicker.
If anyone wanted to knock me down, all they'd have to do is criticize me. I have such an intense fear of being negatively criticized that I frequently go far out of my way just to avoid it. I don't know why I'm so afraid of this. I'm definitely labeled as a perfectionist. Maybe that's why I hate criticism--because I don't want any bad marks that will label me "less than perfect."
Class time is up, but my list of irrational fears continues to grow as the clocks tick. Those who know me understand my fears and try (somewhat) to accommodate as much as possible.
Growing up as the oldest cousin on both sides of the family, I was constantly surrounded by 12 younger cousins. Maybe it was all the babysitting or torment I endured, but now I abhor children. Especially younger children. Once they're about 9 or 10, I can handle them. Otherwise, they completely freak me out. Every time I see a little kid, I feel like they're going to attack me. Just look at them glaring at you with their evil eyes! I'm not crazy, I swear.
I'm also deathly afraid of germs. It grosses me out to see people share drinks or rub their eyes after touching a doorknob. Do you know how many common objects aren't sanitized (such as this school computer keyboard I'm touching)? EWW. I'm shuddering right now at the thought. Time to dig my sanitizer out of my purse.
Along with consuming germs, I'm also terrified of getting long-term or terminal illnesses. I would hate to suffer through cancer or diabetes. I think that's why I avoid junk food (mainly trans fat) at all costs- because I'm afraid of growing older and sicker.
If anyone wanted to knock me down, all they'd have to do is criticize me. I have such an intense fear of being negatively criticized that I frequently go far out of my way just to avoid it. I don't know why I'm so afraid of this. I'm definitely labeled as a perfectionist. Maybe that's why I hate criticism--because I don't want any bad marks that will label me "less than perfect."
Class time is up, but my list of irrational fears continues to grow as the clocks tick. Those who know me understand my fears and try (somewhat) to accommodate as much as possible.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"Seeking" brought back old memories!
I was extremely thrilled to read Melissa's essay/article called "Seeking" (really, no sarcasm here!) I took AP psychology last year (which I might add, was my favorite high school class thus far), so it's fair to call myself a huge psych nerd! It's strange how after studying psychology intensely, I notice that psychology is EVERYWHERE and applies to virtually EVERY aspect of life! This essay is no exception.
I am a victim of "seeking," just as many other classmates are as well. It's fascinating to see how we are fueled by receiving text messages and "notifications" on Facebook. I am guilty of intending to use the internet for a short period of time but end up spending a good 45 minutes to an hour simply doing "nothing." It's as if the screen has sucked me in and I become a Facebook Zombie. Once I awake from my trance, I immediately regret wasting so much time online when I could've been doing more productive and useful things.
Anyways, back to psychology. Last year, I learned all about the hypothalamus, which was frequently discussed in this article. There are two parts of the hypothalamus: the lateral and the ventromedial. The lateral hypothalamus was the star of this article, which claimed that if it was to be continually stimulated the labrats would feel so much pleasure that they'd eventually collapse. This is true! We made a little mneumonic device last year to remember the differences between the two parts of the hypothalamus. Lateral sounds like "lunch," so if it is stimulated it drives someone to eat/seek pleasure. If it is destroyed, however, the person will have no will to even eat or be motivated (this was also briefly mentioned in the essay.) Don't laugh, but the ventromedial hypothalamus sounds like "vomit," and thus, when stimulated it will produce feelings of satiety/no motivation. When it's destroyed, the person will become so hungry that they basically overeat themselves to death. (Thank Ali Carollo for coming up with these mneumonic devices! :) )
Neurotransmitters were also discussed in the essay. Dopamine was the main player in this "seeking" addiction. It is apparently released when we find all these bits of "useless" information. I wonder if those with depression (having a lack of dopamine) spend more time than usual "seeking" in order to get their neurotransmitters back in balance. This is all very interesting for me; hopefully we'll find a cure for this troubling seeking addiction!
I am a victim of "seeking," just as many other classmates are as well. It's fascinating to see how we are fueled by receiving text messages and "notifications" on Facebook. I am guilty of intending to use the internet for a short period of time but end up spending a good 45 minutes to an hour simply doing "nothing." It's as if the screen has sucked me in and I become a Facebook Zombie. Once I awake from my trance, I immediately regret wasting so much time online when I could've been doing more productive and useful things.
Anyways, back to psychology. Last year, I learned all about the hypothalamus, which was frequently discussed in this article. There are two parts of the hypothalamus: the lateral and the ventromedial. The lateral hypothalamus was the star of this article, which claimed that if it was to be continually stimulated the labrats would feel so much pleasure that they'd eventually collapse. This is true! We made a little mneumonic device last year to remember the differences between the two parts of the hypothalamus. Lateral sounds like "lunch," so if it is stimulated it drives someone to eat/seek pleasure. If it is destroyed, however, the person will have no will to even eat or be motivated (this was also briefly mentioned in the essay.) Don't laugh, but the ventromedial hypothalamus sounds like "vomit," and thus, when stimulated it will produce feelings of satiety/no motivation. When it's destroyed, the person will become so hungry that they basically overeat themselves to death. (Thank Ali Carollo for coming up with these mneumonic devices! :) )
Neurotransmitters were also discussed in the essay. Dopamine was the main player in this "seeking" addiction. It is apparently released when we find all these bits of "useless" information. I wonder if those with depression (having a lack of dopamine) spend more time than usual "seeking" in order to get their neurotransmitters back in balance. This is all very interesting for me; hopefully we'll find a cure for this troubling seeking addiction!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
My First Thoughts on AP Composition
I'm enjoying myself more than I thought I would in this class! I really like having a small class of seven people. Everything is a lot more personal than if you're in such a large class. I have a feeling we'll all be a lot closer once the quarter is over...
The annotations we've done in class since school started are a lot more relevant and interesting, in my opinion. I didn't really understand what the point was in reading "Skunk Dreams" over the summer, but essays like "How to Write" really pertain to AP comp. I'm really hoping I can dramatically increase my writing skill level by the time the AP test rolls around.
I have to admit that I enjoyed reading my non-fiction book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man a lot more than I enjoyed writing the critical analysis about it. I went home on Friday completely clueless as to what this was (the powerpoint left me very confused). I spent a lot of time researching what a critical analysis should include, but it was still tremendously difficult to actually write the paper! Now that the rough draft's done, I feel like I've made it over the hill!
I'm excited to discover what else we'll be writing about and reading. I'm very glad I decided to take this class instead of some other AP ones!
The annotations we've done in class since school started are a lot more relevant and interesting, in my opinion. I didn't really understand what the point was in reading "Skunk Dreams" over the summer, but essays like "How to Write" really pertain to AP comp. I'm really hoping I can dramatically increase my writing skill level by the time the AP test rolls around.
I have to admit that I enjoyed reading my non-fiction book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man a lot more than I enjoyed writing the critical analysis about it. I went home on Friday completely clueless as to what this was (the powerpoint left me very confused). I spent a lot of time researching what a critical analysis should include, but it was still tremendously difficult to actually write the paper! Now that the rough draft's done, I feel like I've made it over the hill!
I'm excited to discover what else we'll be writing about and reading. I'm very glad I decided to take this class instead of some other AP ones!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
How I Write
When I write, I follow several guidelines that all blend together into my unique style. I generally try to make all of my papers optimistic/positive, even if I'm writing a piece that is disagreeing with a belief, value, etc. I don't think that people would want to read a paper that is filled with complaints and has a negative tone (I know that I wouldn't!). I also try to incorporate humor into my writing so I don't sound so uptight and harsh.
I'm a very structured writer. I hate messes and things that are thrown together. I love to sit down and plan what I'm going to write before I actually do it. This helps me save time while I'm writing because I already have a blueprint.
I also use good grammar and punctuation in my writing. As a result, my writing seems more sophisticated and less childish.
One thing that I'd really like to improve when I write is my vocabulary. This is definitely my weakest area academically. I am trying to look up new words and also use a thesaurus constantly in order to improve my word bank.
I'm a very structured writer. I hate messes and things that are thrown together. I love to sit down and plan what I'm going to write before I actually do it. This helps me save time while I'm writing because I already have a blueprint.
I also use good grammar and punctuation in my writing. As a result, my writing seems more sophisticated and less childish.
One thing that I'd really like to improve when I write is my vocabulary. This is definitely my weakest area academically. I am trying to look up new words and also use a thesaurus constantly in order to improve my word bank.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Response to 'Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man'
For my non-fiction book, I chose a book written by Steve Harvey. It's called "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." This title caught my attention while reading through the New York Times Bestseller list.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I also learned a lot about the opposite sex; it was almost as if I found a copy of their playbook! However, I think this book was not targeted at seventeen-year-old girls. I felt like Harvey was frequently referring to topics that do not pertain to teenagers, such as myself. He talked a lot about how to introduce your boyfriend to your children, sexual stuff, etc. Don't get me wrong, he did give lots of beneficial advice on these important aspects of a relationship. I felt like Harvey wrote this book for single women in their upper twenties to mid-thirties who have children and are desperately looking for "the one," but having no such luck. Hopefully his wisdom will help these ladies out! Also, there were lots of examples of situations, etc. that Harvey seemed to cater to the African-American race that wouldn't really help out a white person like me. Obviously this is because Steve Harvey is African-American, so he knows a thing or two about it!
One thing that I did not enjoy much was Steve Harvey's personal stories. Some of them were necessary to support his beliefs, but it seemed like some were just filler stories. For example, he would write about ex-girlfriends and his experience with them, but it didn't do anything beneficial for his book. There weren't really any lessons he learned, the point of those stories were basically, "I dated this girl, and she wasn't the one for me."
All negative opinions aside, I thoroughly did enjoy reading "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." It was nice to find out that men generally think the same, as opposed to how complex every woman is. I'll save you the lengthy summary (for now--I'm sure we'll be discussing the books in class.) Harvey covered every aspect of a relationship in this book, including: how men think, how men love, what men need, what scares men, playthings vs. the marrying type, mama's boys, cheating, standards, the ninety-day rule, meeting your kids, strong women, how to get the ring, and a q&a chapter filled with answers women have been longing for.
My favorite chapter in the book was titled 'Strong, Independent--and Lonely--Women.' I enjoyed it because it had so much valuable information, a story that made me cry, and some of Harvey's viewpoints that I totally disagree with. Harvey states that women are the driving force of men--without us, men would be filthy animals living off beer and pizza and going to strip clubs all the time. Men are looking for a woman to love and take care of. In Harvey's words, "To us, your power comes from one simple thing: you're a woman, and we men will do anything humanly possible to impress you so that, ultimately, we can be with you. . . You're the ultimate prize to us." The upsetting thing for Harvey and other men around the world is that women want to be very independent. I greatly disagree with this whole section of the chapter. Harvey states that women these days have been raised to believe that women aren't seen as that important to men and that they should get great jobs and be independent women, even if it means denying a serious relationship. Of course, all men want to "protect, provide, and profess" their love for women, but we make it impossible to do so when we refuse them the opportunity to protect and provide because we're strong and independent. Harvey states that at some point, women need to back down and just be a 'lady.' Let a man take care of you because that's what he genuinely wants to do. Harvey says being a lady is a lost art form--it's time to relax and let men do the hard work while we sit back and appreciate them. I translated this to, "Women should act cute and helpless while men do all the dirty work." Hmm...does this remind anyone of the Mary Wollstonecraft essay? She stated that women SHOULDN'T act like this--and I totally agree with her!! I believe that a strong, independent woman is happier than a weak, dependent woman. We don't need men to make us happy!
Even though I didn't agree with Harvey on this, he did share a personal story that made me realize that some women are WAY too overboard about being independent. One of Harvey's friends was at the grocery store and all he wanted was one bottle of pineapple juice (his favorite.) THAT'S IT...ONE BOTTLE. When his girlfriend was turned away, he grabbed the bottle and put it in the cart. She immediately discovered the juice and went balistic. He replied that the juice was all he wanted to be happy, and what did she do in return? She spit at him and said, "You've got no money!" Then smashed the glass bottle of pineapple juice at his feet, and stormed away. The man left the store and obediently sat next to her car, tears in his eyes. He loyally helped her load the groceries, even though he was hurt. This woman didn't allow the man a chance to provide for her, so shortly after he left her. Maybe I'm just a very sensitive or emotional person, but this story brought tears to my eyes.
Overall, this book was very beneficial for me to read. I think once I'm looking to get married I will read it again. Every woman should reading this book before getting into a serious relationship! Thank you Steve Harvey for writing the key to a happy relationship!!
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I also learned a lot about the opposite sex; it was almost as if I found a copy of their playbook! However, I think this book was not targeted at seventeen-year-old girls. I felt like Harvey was frequently referring to topics that do not pertain to teenagers, such as myself. He talked a lot about how to introduce your boyfriend to your children, sexual stuff, etc. Don't get me wrong, he did give lots of beneficial advice on these important aspects of a relationship. I felt like Harvey wrote this book for single women in their upper twenties to mid-thirties who have children and are desperately looking for "the one," but having no such luck. Hopefully his wisdom will help these ladies out! Also, there were lots of examples of situations, etc. that Harvey seemed to cater to the African-American race that wouldn't really help out a white person like me. Obviously this is because Steve Harvey is African-American, so he knows a thing or two about it!
One thing that I did not enjoy much was Steve Harvey's personal stories. Some of them were necessary to support his beliefs, but it seemed like some were just filler stories. For example, he would write about ex-girlfriends and his experience with them, but it didn't do anything beneficial for his book. There weren't really any lessons he learned, the point of those stories were basically, "I dated this girl, and she wasn't the one for me."
All negative opinions aside, I thoroughly did enjoy reading "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." It was nice to find out that men generally think the same, as opposed to how complex every woman is. I'll save you the lengthy summary (for now--I'm sure we'll be discussing the books in class.) Harvey covered every aspect of a relationship in this book, including: how men think, how men love, what men need, what scares men, playthings vs. the marrying type, mama's boys, cheating, standards, the ninety-day rule, meeting your kids, strong women, how to get the ring, and a q&a chapter filled with answers women have been longing for.
My favorite chapter in the book was titled 'Strong, Independent--and Lonely--Women.' I enjoyed it because it had so much valuable information, a story that made me cry, and some of Harvey's viewpoints that I totally disagree with. Harvey states that women are the driving force of men--without us, men would be filthy animals living off beer and pizza and going to strip clubs all the time. Men are looking for a woman to love and take care of. In Harvey's words, "To us, your power comes from one simple thing: you're a woman, and we men will do anything humanly possible to impress you so that, ultimately, we can be with you. . . You're the ultimate prize to us." The upsetting thing for Harvey and other men around the world is that women want to be very independent. I greatly disagree with this whole section of the chapter. Harvey states that women these days have been raised to believe that women aren't seen as that important to men and that they should get great jobs and be independent women, even if it means denying a serious relationship. Of course, all men want to "protect, provide, and profess" their love for women, but we make it impossible to do so when we refuse them the opportunity to protect and provide because we're strong and independent. Harvey states that at some point, women need to back down and just be a 'lady.' Let a man take care of you because that's what he genuinely wants to do. Harvey says being a lady is a lost art form--it's time to relax and let men do the hard work while we sit back and appreciate them. I translated this to, "Women should act cute and helpless while men do all the dirty work." Hmm...does this remind anyone of the Mary Wollstonecraft essay? She stated that women SHOULDN'T act like this--and I totally agree with her!! I believe that a strong, independent woman is happier than a weak, dependent woman. We don't need men to make us happy!
Even though I didn't agree with Harvey on this, he did share a personal story that made me realize that some women are WAY too overboard about being independent. One of Harvey's friends was at the grocery store and all he wanted was one bottle of pineapple juice (his favorite.) THAT'S IT...ONE BOTTLE. When his girlfriend was turned away, he grabbed the bottle and put it in the cart. She immediately discovered the juice and went balistic. He replied that the juice was all he wanted to be happy, and what did she do in return? She spit at him and said, "You've got no money!" Then smashed the glass bottle of pineapple juice at his feet, and stormed away. The man left the store and obediently sat next to her car, tears in his eyes. He loyally helped her load the groceries, even though he was hurt. This woman didn't allow the man a chance to provide for her, so shortly after he left her. Maybe I'm just a very sensitive or emotional person, but this story brought tears to my eyes.
Overall, this book was very beneficial for me to read. I think once I'm looking to get married I will read it again. Every woman should reading this book before getting into a serious relationship! Thank you Steve Harvey for writing the key to a happy relationship!!
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