Prompt B: Really, now?

Okay, I'll bite. Ah, the Library Tour Library tests. Where do I even start? Alright, given that ours has been called the era of technology and a generation filled with gamers and the search engine overprivileged, it would safely be assumed that we know how to properly enter words and numbers alike into a little box and click on things. It would also go without saying that most of us have been blessed to have a background in computers, specializing in the internet, whether that was from a high school essentials class, innate knowledge, prior experience, or if you've been researching since you were in utero. Much of the tips consisted of ridiculously juvenile instructions and etiquette that even the idiotic follow. Obviously these tests were just to analyze my patience and obedience, not my common (rare) sense and research skills. There were so many things I could have accomplish in the time I wasted spewing back information more for benefit of assurance to the university than myself. For instance: I could have got an oil change, read poetry, cleaned my room, took a needed nap, dusted out the filter above that mysterious closet with just the water heater and shadows in it, done some laundry, made an actually nutritious meal for myself and roommates, applied my afore-learned skills at roaming the wonders of pandora, youtube, facebook, the like, been a typical college student dripping ramen noddle juice across my textbooks; and all of these would have educated my brain better than drooling my way through what should have been completely intuitive information. Better yet, I could have researched specifically for this class, written an improved essay, revised, ruminated; but no! All I could do was skip to the end of the misery-ridden videos with the iconoclast music featuring nods given to Bjork and ABBA's love-child and inspirations of the "multi-cultural" adding so-called flair to background of half-witted lists. Okay, so in reality I just wanted to see how many hyphens I could plaster into a semi-cohesive sentence :) These should be entrance exams given to deer in the headlights hopefuls to the university. Don't badger the already admitted with such trivialities. We're given enough busywork as is. In light of that, please don't kick me out for speaking my mind, the one you're so graciously garnishing.
Time: +1 hr.

Supplemental Prompt B

There are several things that I would love to be doing instead of this assignment. I would love to be driving to Washington right now. Actually I take that back. I would love to be in Washington right now. If I was at home, my mom and I would be cleaning up from the lunch crew that eats at my house everyday. We would be heading to the High School soon to watch my sister perform in the Pep assembly. I would sprawl out on my couch because that is what I miss most. Laying on the couch, watching a movie, and taking a nap. Tonight, my family would pack up and go to the football game. Because it’s senior night and that’s what you do in a small town. While at the game, I would most likely get stopped by every other person asking how school was, what I was studying, and if I was engaged yet. After the game my dad and I would head to Bob’s, the old diner with the most delicious food. Food that will probably cause heart attacks someday because of all the grease. But food that is too good to pass up. Getting a break from school would be nice right now.

More realistically though, I would love to be sleeping. I can never seem to get enough hours of sleep each night. No matter how determined I am to go to bed at a decent hour, something always comes up and distracts e from my warm, cozy bed. Rarely, is that distraction something important or necessary. But alas, I am a college student. It is part of the experience right?

I would love to be eating right now. Particularly ice cream. I haven’t had ice cream in over a week, and I think I might go crazy. I supposed if I was at home I could be eating ice cream while doing this assignment. Honestly though, who am I kidding? I would not be doing this assignment if I had a large delicious bowl of cookies and cream ice cream sitting in front of me. No question. I wouldn’t mind eating a hamburger right now either. A big six dollar burger from Carl’s Junior would hit the spot just right. I am hungry.

There are also several things that I should be doing right now. I should be doing some chores at my apartment. I think it’s my turn to do the dishes. I need to vacuum my room, and while I’m at it the hallway too. I have some laundry to do too. I find it more rewarding to tackle a big project and complete it, rather than keeping up and having no project at all. That’s my philosophy; let it build until you can get satisfaction out of cleaning it. Another part of the experience right?

I should be studying for a test. Or maybe two tests. I swear the tests never stop. As soon as I’m done with one, magically I have another one right around the corner. I should be researching for my paper today. I need lots more information to work with. I really should be working on my American Heritage paper. I just can’t seem to find the motivation to get going on it. And so, I’m done with this assignment. I should do something productive with the rest of the day. But it’s Friday, so happy weekend!

572 words

Supplemental Prompts C: what are your pet peeves?

The worst feeling in the world is definitely wet grass against bare feet. The slimy, green strands have a tendency to cling to the bottoms of your feet, around your ankles, and every now and then you will find a random patch on the back of your calf though you never sat down. I avoid the wet grass at all costs. I have even asked people that I hardly know for piggy back rides to avoid touching the slick vast of green. Once I was stranded in the middle of my backyard unable to move because I was surrounded by wet grass. You may ask how did I accomplish this task of getting into the middle of the yard without getting wet and why can I not take that same approach to leave? The night before I had a party at my house but two of my friends stayed after. The three of us grabbed a blanket, sprawled across it barefoot, and watched the stars. Time quickly passed as we made wish upon wish on the shooting stars, satellites, and airplanes. There is little distinction between satellite and airplane when one is thousands of miles away from it. So we made wishes on every glowing object in the sky until six in the morning. As the sun began to rise they had to leave in order to get ready for work. I gave each a huge hug as they walked to their trucks and drove off. I yawned, stretched, and stepped of the blanket. I stepped off the blanket for about a second and hopped back on the blanket. Though I had taken about 2 years of physical science, I had forgotten about the phenomena that happens each night while we sleep: condensation. Coating each strand of grass were horrible droplets of dew. The lawn glistened to smile at me. Sadly, wet grass covering simply 10 feet prevented me from reaching my house. Normally I would have sat back down and waited for the sun to dry the grass. However, I realized that when you have not slept in over 24 hours the amygdala is not functional. The amygdala is the part of the brain that creates fear and paranoia. My amygdala had shut off. This was my chance! I finally could cross the wet grass without fear. With head held high, I walked on the wet grass step by step. Unfortuneantly, not only was my amygdala not functioning, neither was my coordination. I slipped and fell face first onto the grass. Wet grass on the bottom of one's feet is different than doing a full body plant in the stuff. My amygdala functioning or not I was sick to my stomach just touching the green wet grass. I quickly got to my feet and ran onto the sidewalk. Head to toe I was covered in green wet strands. Wet grass will only come off with a shower and grass stains.....well those never seem to leave. This experience opened my eyes to my fear of wet grass. I won't be as terrified to walk through wet grass because it could always be worse, I could fall and be covered in it from head to toe.

535 words

Running

Writing is flat out great but right now I have no inspiration. I would rather be running right now. The feeling of the wind blowing back my hair and my heart pounding in my chest. There is nothing that can replace the ecstasy of beating your body up so hard that when you stop you don’t want to move anymore. When I am running I escape into a different world far beyond the pavement under my feet. It is a feeling unlike anything I can describe.

I didn’t used to love running like I do now. Running was something I had to do for gym class not something I would do by choice. Then I started playing Lacrosse. In order to be good at Lacrosse you have to be a pretty good runner. My freshman year is when I developed my love of running. It was a freezing cold day in January and the first day of conditioning. I remember just running and running and running. There were a few breaks that first day but not many. I hated it. My feet were sore and everything was cold. Then I had to do this every day of the week Monday through Friday. What had I gotten myself into? After a couple weeks of this running became more fun. I loved the way if felt to be in shape and be able to run for long distances. 

Sometimes running can be boring. I don’t like running for long periods of time with out music or someone to run with. I run out of things to think about or ways to motivate myself. I really don’t like running in the heat. Your body moves slower, there is no refreshment and I constantly feel the need to vomit. I have no motivation to run in the summer unless it is past 9 o’clock at night. I also don’t enjoy starting to run when you are out of shape. Sluggish and inconstant, it is like learning to walk again or trying to move while you are very ill. Running when you are out of shape is like running with a back pack full of bricks. At every step something is pulling you back and it gets harder and harder to breathe. 

Now that my Lacrosse days are over I find it hard to have to motivation to keep running. There is always something else I should be doing or I can’t find the time to get myself running. I try to go three or more times a week but school gets in the way and now that it is getting colder there are less hours of the day to spend running. My legs feel sluggish and my heart is slower.

Last night was golden. The air was warm and my body was warmed up. I ran and ran until I couldn’t run anymore. It felt good to get everything out of my head and feel everything new again. Running is an natural high that you can only get when pushing yourself to extremes. Sure biking is great but there is nothing better than using your two feet. Pounding on the earth I feel like part of me is going into the earth and the earth is putting it back into me. When I’m done running I feel recharged and more able to do the things I need to do. 

Running is recharging the batteries on my life. It gives me the strength and happiness to try to be the best I can. I can’t imagine my life with out the joys of exercise. When I’m running the energizer bunny couldn’t even keep up with me. I take off like an eagle wings spread waiting to share my majesty with all those who can see me. 

Week 8 Prompt A

Why Women do not Reform Their Dress by Charlotte Perkins Gillman


The essay connects with my topic what are the differences between men and women by investigating the dress of women. In my research I have found that apart from some obvious biological differences men and women are not that different and both sexes are very capable. What makes up the bulk of our differences are assumed “gender roles” and the implications of the gender roles. For example women are expected to wear different clothing than men. In some forms of women’s clothing restricts movement, is uncomfortable, and limits women’s capacity. Is it surprising then that women appear less able in some circumstances? (e.g. wearing six inch stiletto heals)
Insight is gained when the essay turns to the discussion of why women decide to dress this way. Contrasting the pain women feel physically from their clothing, and the limits it puts on their abilities, with the pain women feel when derided by their peers, gnawing from their own false sense of beauty ( by this I mean that what they are taught is beautiful is not always so) and loss of social position.
I made the connection because it is important to understand that we chose to conform to our gender roles and the internalized consequences. This explains alot of human behavior and some differences between men and women. Men and Women have different gender roles and when we agree to live under them that makes us more distinctly men or women in the conventional sense. I would like to know if there is a superficial woman/man hood that isn’t really that way at all.
Question I want to answer from the essay include why the gender roles are the way they are. How did they develop? How are they beneficial to those who accept them? What are the benefits of not accepting them? Does not accepting ones gender role make you less of a man or woman? I would also like to explore the male gender roles and discover their unique aspects. I would like to make my investigation less biased and less obviously from a male perspective. How can gender roles changed in the past? Are things that are now contained in the male gender role in the female or visa versa? What things have been dropped all together. How are changes to gender roles made and what are some of the most salient changes that need to be made today? What parts of the gender roles should be defended?
I need to do further research about gender roles and how they play in our society. I think I could answer some of my questions by library research but there are some things that I think it would be beneficially to speak directly with people about. Other aspects of the gender roles need to be researched. How do they manifest themselves other than clothing? Observation would again be beneficial and I could draw good conclusions by speaking with people on campus and library research.

500 words

Week 8 Prompt B

First of all, let me just say that I absolutely hated the second library test. I think it waste biggest waste of time and all it taught us was to put things in search bars and press enter. Do they really think we don't know how to work a search engine? It is basically a glorified google. The worksheets were just tedious "search a topic and then copy it's link." Seriously? But enough ranting for now. The only helpful thing during the entire process was when the videos talked about the call numbers for things you looked up. But even then I don't think they did a good job explaining it (I'm still a little confused about it and where to find them). They should have spent more time with that instead of telling us how to put things into a search engine.
I don't think they prepared us for the library days, and I think the school agrees with me. Why else would there be aides there helping us and giving us advice on how to use the library website? If they thought the tests and videos would help us and make us self reliant, there would be no need for those aides. The tour of the library was the only useful thing I think of the whole library tests. That can actually help us. I know where things are and where I can study. Those videos were just worthless (did I mention that I really didn't like the videos?).
The library tutorials will be helpful in my education because I will probably be spending a lot of time there during my college career doing research and studying. Knowing where things are will obviously be a huge asset.
But maybe I'm being too harsh. I suppose the videos could be helpful to some that are not familiar with computers (don't ask me how that is even possible). So for those few computer illiterate the videos and worksheets would be great. I guess the school just has to cater itself to the lowest level of students rather than make everyone else come up who may not know what the devil is going on.
How they could be improved is simple - cut down on things in the videos. I really don't think it's possible for someone to not know how to search something in an engine. Instead, focus on what is unique to this service. Go into depth about call numbers and how you go about getting the books you find. Talk about how some things you can access online and some things you actually have to go to the library to read. Even though I've done the tutorial where I walked through the library with the little tape recorder, I still don't feel completely confident in my library finding skills. I think they should have reviewed over where things are. Or maybe they could have just shown a map during one of the videos and briefly gone over again where things are located, how to check things out, and what things you have to read at the library.
519 words

Week 8 Prompts

1. Go to Quotidiana.org and find an essay that could apply to your issues paper topic. How does it connect? Why? What insights or questions does it bring up? What further research needs to be done?

2. After taking library test 2, evaluate the tutorials and tests. How could they be more helpful? What was confusing? What was the most helpful? How did they prepare you for your library days? Analyze how the tutorials and tests were beneficial to your overall education (i.e. how will you be able to use this in the future?) and how they could be improved.

3. Go to the periodicals section of the library. Find a hard copy of a journal that might apply to your topic. Skim through the journal; find an article that might apply to your argument. Cite the article in MLA style. Write down notes and quotes you might use in your essay. Reflect on how this process was useful and where/how you could insert your new information in your essay.

Week 7 Prompt A

A human hair grows at a rate of half an inch a month, just as slowly as a continent moves or a mountain rises. What you do with those half inches, cumulatively says a lot about you. The length of your hair can be interpreted to mean many things. Independence, submission, dissonance from societally accepted norms, an acceptance of gender roles, subscription to a certain school of definition of beauty.
Exploring each of these different interpretations of hair can be rewarding and also frustrating. Why is the length of protein chains atop our heads held to mean so much? Is it really that important? I find it disconcerting that I am instantly judged based on my hair. The subtle changes in the the indications that hair give to people are ironic and I often find myself dissembling because of the current ones. All together ridiculous.
For example at the beginning of the measure of time Anno Domini, long hair was considered normal. Men wore their hair just as long as women, even Christ had long hair. The only indication that hair gave off was that of age and health. Long lustrous hair that was a solid color would indicate health and youth, while graying hair could show age, and hair that was brittle and dull would show sickness.
Hair was also used to show affiliation with certain religious groups or adherence to the rights and regulations of that group. Muslim women are to keep their hair covered during religious observances. Some other religions are to cut their hair a certain way, or to not cut it at all. In others men are to have long hair and women to keep theirs a certain length. The use of hair as an indicator of religious belief is very interesting and it complicates things considerably.
Even further complicating matters the last century used hair as an indicator of certain social differences on top of all the things that it had to indicate already. Short hair on women now became a sign of sexual and monetary independence in the 1920’s. Long hair in men showed counter cultural leanings in the 1960’s. Forced hair cuts by police and authority figures indicated an imposed control and return to normalization of those the hair cuts were forced upon.
To top it all off, the university which we attend at makes it a point of policy to deny service to men with hair of a certain length, or style. This is the greatest irony of all to me. Black humor though it may be, an most likely seen a sacrilege, it still makes me laugh that if Jesus and Brigham Young were to come to the University that one founded and the other is to be the dean of someday, they would both be directed to the nearest barber shop. It makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.
Hair is a symbol that has too many meanings and interpretations. It is not important in the least, but it is fixed with too much meaning. Can we all just drop this nonsense and see past the length, or lack there of, of our silly protein chains?

500 words, 3 days late