Required College Courses

While I was reading through all the essays in chapter nine of The Prentice Hall Reader, I found the story about college courses the most interesting. Why should students take so many required courses that do not have anything to do with their career? I agree that it would lower the cost of college and it could even make you better at what you want to do.

Even though I agree completely with everything in the essay, I can't help but think, "Well, maybe after I get my degree I will realize why I needed to take that course." I will go to school to get my associates degree in Dental Assisting and I really do not understand why I need to take a writing class. I do know that there is a lot of paperwork associated with the dental field, but it is as simple as writing down what has been done at the appointment. I don't understand why I need to know how to write essays to be a dental assistant; it just doesn't make sense to me.

I am hoping that after I graduate from college and get a job I will realize why I needed to take a writing class.

Cell Phones & Texting

Should it be illegal to text while driving? Should it be illegal to talk on the phone while driving? Should cell phones be illegal to use in any way while driving?

Texting while driving should be illegal. Someone that is constantly looking down at their cell phone to text while driving is not only putting themselves in danger, but other drivers too. I went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, a couple days and when I got to a red light, the guy driving next to me went right through the light. I watched him drive by, and he was texting. I felt relieved that this guy wasn't driving behind me, and even though nobody got hurt, he was putting everyone around him in harms way.

As we read the short essay called, "Driving Us to Distraction," we found that drivers are still distracted while talking on the phone. They tend to focus straight forward while talking on the phone and driving. Some people get so into their conversations while they are driving that they don't realize how bad they are really driving.

The use of a hands free device should be legal while driving. Some people have jobs that require them to talk on the phone while driving. If they at least have a blue tooth head set they aren't just using one hand to operate their vehicles.

The Glass Castle

After finally finishing The Glass Caste, I would have to say that it is my new favorite book. Right from the beginning it had my attention, and through the whole book I really didn't know what was going to come next.

One of the main reasons that I like this book is because it shows how dysfunctional a family can really be. If my mother was mentally ill and my father was a raging alcoholic I don't think I would even be able to think about leading a normal life. But, the success Jeannette made of her life is very inspiring. It makes you think that anything can be possible if you want something bad enough and try for it hard enough. She came from her family with practically nothing, and ended up making something of her life. It is truly inspiring!

Blogging

Why is blogging so addictive? Why do people feel the need to blog about random moments of their lives? What effects does it have on that person, and other bloggers?

All three of these question are questions I ask myself whenever I go to blogging websites. What makes blogging so addictive to me is that it is kind of like a public diary. Whatever you want to right, you can. I wouldn't put my whole personal like into a blog like I have seen some people do before, but for some people, blogging and social networking in general is their whole life. I like to blog because if I am having a bad day, I can explain my day, and afterwords I feel a lot better. Another reason I like to blog is because I have so much family that live far away. I like to let them know what is going on in my life by blogging about it.

Finally, the effect blogging has on people can be anything! Some people may take certain posts offensive, some may applaud that same post. Some people may only blog to let out anger, or stress, and some people may blog just because they like to. I didn't really get into blogging until I started this English class. But once I start a blog, I just let my mind run free!

Irreplaceable!

"If you ever need a quiet place to come do homework, or if you want to make a couple bucks, or if you just want to come visit, you know you're always welcome here, Amer." -Elaine Vickerman

This morning was a very tragic day for me and my family. When my grandpa went to wake up my grandma to give her insulin before heading to La Crosse this morning, he felt her cold body. She was 81 years old, and had an amazing life. She's always been there for me whenever I needed anything. She will be greatly missed. I love you, Gram!

Elaine Vickerman 3/31/1930 - 10/20/2011

I love my family!

I think all families have both functional and dysfunctional elements. Personally, I believe that nothing is perfect. The key to making any relationship work with a boyfriend/girlfriend, a best friend, or a family member is communication. If you don't develop a comfortable level in which you can communicate with your family, there won't be that great of a connection. I also believe that if a family is to be functional, they all need to have that special connection that makes them a family.

In order for a family to be dysfunctional, there is no communication and no connection. There are no rules for the family at all, and everyone just does their own thing. I don't think family need really strict rules to be functional, but when there are no rules there doesn't seem to be much of a function.

Friday Night Lights!

Every Friday night, my best friend, Tara, and I are freeze our tails off to watch my boyfriend's football team play! We always get to the football field at about 6:30 p.m. to watch the warm ups. At about 6:50 p.m. there is the National Anthem. Finally, it's game time!

Football starts at 7 o'clock. We've been going to the games for about two years, and we still see the same, dedicated fans (us being two of them). At half time, we either go back to my car to get out of the cold or we take a trip to Kwik Trip for some hot chocolate! Once we return to the game, we get back into our places to watch the rest of the game. Once the game is over Tara will usually come to my house and stay the night, and we will repeat these events every Friday night!

Tara and I at the football game on September 30, 2011