Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Freestyle Week #13
I often wonder what it would be like to be an English teacher. Reading all of the assignments, wondering what goes on inside a students head. Where do they come up with some of this material? You have some students who thinks life is a bed of roses ‘cause mommy and daddy have paved their way and you have other students who have grown up in an abusive home and have so much hostility inside that they are ready to explode at the next person who looks at them wrong. This makes you wonder if you should notify authorities or at least it would me if I were an English teacher. That brings me to the shootings that occurred last week at Virginia Tech, you just never know and that is scary. One part of me is happy to live in Bangor, Maine where not a lot of violence occurs but another part of me wonders what lurks around the corner.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Freestyle Week #12
I’ve never flown before for fear of the unknown and I have been scared of water ever since I was five when my best friend drowned. Next March, March 29th, 2008, to be exact, I will be flying to Miami, Florida and getting on to a cruise ship, the Carnival Victory, for seven days. We booked it officially on Friday night. I have never been so scared and so excited all at the same time. I know that the experience will be amazing and if it so happens that something goes terribly wrong than I know in my heart that God has better plans for me. There are four of us going on this trip. My roommate and I will be sharing a room. We opted for a balcony room so that we can have the door open and get some fresh air. The other couple going with us also opted for a balcony room. It’s a little more expensive than the room with a window only, but that window doesn’t open and I would rather pay the extra money and have the fresh air. The ship will be stopping at three ports, San Juan, St Thomas, and St Marteen. I’m looking forward to visiting all three ports and experiencing the different cultures. I have not traveled out of the country so I’m sure it will be quite the experience for me. I’m also looking forward to the few “fun at sea” days that we will have on the ship. There are casinos, a spa, clubs, pools, waterslides, a gym, and so much more to explore. I’ve heard that in order to reserve a chair by one of the many pools you need to get up early and have a book or sandal in a chair in order to get one. They say they fill up fast, so I have a plan since lying out in the sun is definitely on my list to do! I will be packing a pair of cheap flip-flops that will be for “chair reserving” only and when I get up in the morning to go get a cup of coffee, I will be going to reserve my chair as well! At least I have this to look forward to and think about as I sit watching the television today and they are talking about all the fun weather headed our way tonight into tomorrow. I guess wearing sandals will be out of the equation for tomorrow.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Example Essay #5
Why must I make sure everything in the house is perfectly positioned and not out of place before I leave for work in the morning? Why do I get my nails done every other week to make certain they keep looking presentable? Why is it that my clothes are to be ironed even on the weekend when I might not even leave the house? I blame these crazy obsessive-compulsive habits on my mother.
When I was growing up my mother was a fanatic about the house looking acceptable whether we were having company or not. Vacuuming was done every day, she dusted weekly, bathroom was cleaned daily and if I was going to play with a toy it was to be cleaned with lysol before I could play with it for fear I may catch a germ. She even went, as far as if I went outside I was to only play on the pavement so I wouldn’t get dirty. Now, living in my own house, dusting is done weekly, vacuuming is done weekly, bathroom is cleaned weekly and I freak out even if a picture frame is out of place. I can’t even leave a dirty dish in the sink. They are washed every morning and every night.
At night, I remember my dad, my mom, and I all would watch the Crosby show together from 7-730pm. Between commercials, I remember my mother would be giving her self a pedicure or manicure depending upon what night of the week it was. She usually gave her self a pedicure on Tuesday nights and a manicure on Thursday nights. I always wanted her to paint my nails and toes so I could be just like her. Now, once every two weeks I go have my nails professionally done and once a month have my toes professionally done. That way they always look perfect just the way my mom used to do them for me. I love to pamper myself and other than getting my hair cut and highlighted once every four weeks, it’s the only other thing I do to feel good about myself. I guess I never outgrew the love of having my nails and toes painted by someone else.
As a child I can remember my mom had my clothes laid out for me when I got out of the shower in the morning. Stretch leggings were the in thing back in the late 80’s paired with slouch socks and an oversized tee. Mom always made sure I had the best clothes and always looked presentable whether I was going to school or just outside to play. Today, the same rule applies. Even if I’m going outside to do yard work, my clothes match. If I wear my blue nike wind pants than its usually paired with my white nike t-shirt with the blue swish or if its hot than I will wear my white nike shorts that have the blue stripe down the side paired with my blue nike shirt.
As I sit here reminiscing about what it was like growing up with my obsessive-complusive mother, I realize that I have grown up to be just like her and it isn’t a bad thing. Just because my mother and I like things neat and presentable doesn’t make us bad girls. Looking at my mother now and seeing what she has accomplished in her life by becoming an RN and seeing how she has complete control with her life and her future can only mean that being like her gives me an opportunity to have complete control of my life and what happens with my future.
When I was growing up my mother was a fanatic about the house looking acceptable whether we were having company or not. Vacuuming was done every day, she dusted weekly, bathroom was cleaned daily and if I was going to play with a toy it was to be cleaned with lysol before I could play with it for fear I may catch a germ. She even went, as far as if I went outside I was to only play on the pavement so I wouldn’t get dirty. Now, living in my own house, dusting is done weekly, vacuuming is done weekly, bathroom is cleaned weekly and I freak out even if a picture frame is out of place. I can’t even leave a dirty dish in the sink. They are washed every morning and every night.
At night, I remember my dad, my mom, and I all would watch the Crosby show together from 7-730pm. Between commercials, I remember my mother would be giving her self a pedicure or manicure depending upon what night of the week it was. She usually gave her self a pedicure on Tuesday nights and a manicure on Thursday nights. I always wanted her to paint my nails and toes so I could be just like her. Now, once every two weeks I go have my nails professionally done and once a month have my toes professionally done. That way they always look perfect just the way my mom used to do them for me. I love to pamper myself and other than getting my hair cut and highlighted once every four weeks, it’s the only other thing I do to feel good about myself. I guess I never outgrew the love of having my nails and toes painted by someone else.
As a child I can remember my mom had my clothes laid out for me when I got out of the shower in the morning. Stretch leggings were the in thing back in the late 80’s paired with slouch socks and an oversized tee. Mom always made sure I had the best clothes and always looked presentable whether I was going to school or just outside to play. Today, the same rule applies. Even if I’m going outside to do yard work, my clothes match. If I wear my blue nike wind pants than its usually paired with my white nike t-shirt with the blue swish or if its hot than I will wear my white nike shorts that have the blue stripe down the side paired with my blue nike shirt.
As I sit here reminiscing about what it was like growing up with my obsessive-complusive mother, I realize that I have grown up to be just like her and it isn’t a bad thing. Just because my mother and I like things neat and presentable doesn’t make us bad girls. Looking at my mother now and seeing what she has accomplished in her life by becoming an RN and seeing how she has complete control with her life and her future can only mean that being like her gives me an opportunity to have complete control of my life and what happens with my future.
Process Essay #4 - Take 2
I have often sat back and wondered what makes me have a good day and what makes me have a bad day whether I’m at work, school, or home. I’ve been giving it a great deal of thought lately as I have observed myself have some negative behavior and thoughts. I understand that trying to stay positive and eliminate any bad thoughts is the first step to trying to have a better day. At least that is the process I have been trying to practice.
When I awake in the morning, I stretch and I thank God that He has blessed me with another day. I always make sure to tell myself “it’s a great day to be alive”. Most of my thinking whether good or bad comes first thing in the morning while I’m exercising and then when I’m taking a shower. Most of the time any negative thoughts I would have this early in the morning would be the fact that I hate getting ready for work, applying make-up, doing my hair, it always seems to be such a process. Like the other day, I knocked the blowdryer off the bathroom counter and right into the toilet. That’s just my luck. At times like these, I’m always sure to put my life into perspective, to focus on the positive in my life and to be thankful for my family and friends and that I have a job to go to..some people don’t.
At work, my position in accounting can be very stressful at times, especially at end of month. I fight any negative thoughts and try not to dwell on the bad, like its month end and my desk looks like bomb went off from all the general ledger accounts and statements. It is times like these I try to make sure everyone including myself tries to stay up beat and enthusiastic. I like to send out funny or joke emails to try to make them laugh. I also try to smile a lot, more than normal, hoping it will rub off. I try to be optimistic and help in any way I can to those that may be more apt to dwell in the negativity of thinking “this place is the pits” because they are so bogged down with paperwork. Anytime I feel like I am headed down the road of negativity, I sing myself a happy tune, usually it’s the song I last heard on the radio that morning when I was driving to work, I just hope that’s it’s a good up beat country tune not one of those down in the dumps ‘cause the wife left and I shot the dog tune. I also keep in perspective that the obstacles I face now are just stepping-stones to my future in accounting and life.
School is a new concept to me. Although I enjoy my classes, I can still feel the stress from time to time from deadlines of homework. Working full time has a big part of that stress factor. If I only had known what I know now I would have definitely gone to college directly after graduating from high school. Then I could have switched the roles; gone to school full-time and worked part-time. In order to stay up beat and positive I do not dwell in the past, regretting not taking full advantage of living at home with parents and continuing my education, instead I focus on my future and the goals I have set for myself. I believe having goals for myself has given me a sense of personal power that in itself has given me strength and great positive energy that I will continue to gain from for years to come.
Life isn’t perfect for me or for anyone so when things look grim for me I have a success file that I pull out and praise myself to try and better my spirits. I also listen to my body. If I’m feeling stress from the pressure of work, school or personal issues, I take time out for myself. I take a long walk outside or if it’s in the dead of winter I take a nice hot bath to ease my mind. I also believe that making the right decisions in what I eat and drink to keep my mind and body healthy has a strong role in keeping a positive attitude. Although I must say having a big 22 oz. beer and bowl of popcorn usually cures any ailments I may be having. If all else fails I go to bed, tomorrow will be a better day.
When I awake in the morning, I stretch and I thank God that He has blessed me with another day. I always make sure to tell myself “it’s a great day to be alive”. Most of my thinking whether good or bad comes first thing in the morning while I’m exercising and then when I’m taking a shower. Most of the time any negative thoughts I would have this early in the morning would be the fact that I hate getting ready for work, applying make-up, doing my hair, it always seems to be such a process. Like the other day, I knocked the blowdryer off the bathroom counter and right into the toilet. That’s just my luck. At times like these, I’m always sure to put my life into perspective, to focus on the positive in my life and to be thankful for my family and friends and that I have a job to go to..some people don’t.
At work, my position in accounting can be very stressful at times, especially at end of month. I fight any negative thoughts and try not to dwell on the bad, like its month end and my desk looks like bomb went off from all the general ledger accounts and statements. It is times like these I try to make sure everyone including myself tries to stay up beat and enthusiastic. I like to send out funny or joke emails to try to make them laugh. I also try to smile a lot, more than normal, hoping it will rub off. I try to be optimistic and help in any way I can to those that may be more apt to dwell in the negativity of thinking “this place is the pits” because they are so bogged down with paperwork. Anytime I feel like I am headed down the road of negativity, I sing myself a happy tune, usually it’s the song I last heard on the radio that morning when I was driving to work, I just hope that’s it’s a good up beat country tune not one of those down in the dumps ‘cause the wife left and I shot the dog tune. I also keep in perspective that the obstacles I face now are just stepping-stones to my future in accounting and life.
School is a new concept to me. Although I enjoy my classes, I can still feel the stress from time to time from deadlines of homework. Working full time has a big part of that stress factor. If I only had known what I know now I would have definitely gone to college directly after graduating from high school. Then I could have switched the roles; gone to school full-time and worked part-time. In order to stay up beat and positive I do not dwell in the past, regretting not taking full advantage of living at home with parents and continuing my education, instead I focus on my future and the goals I have set for myself. I believe having goals for myself has given me a sense of personal power that in itself has given me strength and great positive energy that I will continue to gain from for years to come.
Life isn’t perfect for me or for anyone so when things look grim for me I have a success file that I pull out and praise myself to try and better my spirits. I also listen to my body. If I’m feeling stress from the pressure of work, school or personal issues, I take time out for myself. I take a long walk outside or if it’s in the dead of winter I take a nice hot bath to ease my mind. I also believe that making the right decisions in what I eat and drink to keep my mind and body healthy has a strong role in keeping a positive attitude. Although I must say having a big 22 oz. beer and bowl of popcorn usually cures any ailments I may be having. If all else fails I go to bed, tomorrow will be a better day.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Freestyle Week #11
Saturday April 7th, 2007 – 830am
Man, am I ready for the sun and warm weather. Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Maine. I love all four seasons and I certainly wouldn’t have minded the 12 inches of snow we got this week if it was the middle of January so I could go snowmobile. But it’s April. Its time for sandals and capris, not winter jackets and snow boots! The weatherman also said there maybe more snow next week. I am blaming this crazy weather for my grumpy attitude. I think I need a me day. I am going to go tan, to try to shed some light on this gloomy outlook I have and I think a pedicure and manicure is also in my future for today. I have to try something otherwise no one is going to want to be around me if I keep this attitude up. I’m being a royal bitch. Oh yeah, and I also foresee some drinks in my future tonight. That will certainly help any aliments I have.
Man, am I ready for the sun and warm weather. Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Maine. I love all four seasons and I certainly wouldn’t have minded the 12 inches of snow we got this week if it was the middle of January so I could go snowmobile. But it’s April. Its time for sandals and capris, not winter jackets and snow boots! The weatherman also said there maybe more snow next week. I am blaming this crazy weather for my grumpy attitude. I think I need a me day. I am going to go tan, to try to shed some light on this gloomy outlook I have and I think a pedicure and manicure is also in my future for today. I have to try something otherwise no one is going to want to be around me if I keep this attitude up. I’m being a royal bitch. Oh yeah, and I also foresee some drinks in my future tonight. That will certainly help any aliments I have.
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