OFFICIALLY DONE WITH FINALS!

I know, I should've been done sooner, but I just couldn't sit down and write my Reflection for my Religion class. I couldn't think of anything I really wanted to talk about. But it's done, and I can go pack.

It'll be a long drive, but I'll be home sometime tomorrow!

Is that snow outside?

Sometimes people really irritate me

Not to rag on people in general. I've found people in general to be rather nice. But I've managed to meet a few individuals that just.... they think that they understand things so well, and refuse to try to see things any other way and that just irritates me. So much, because to me, that's judgmental and forcing everything to be in a box just so. People, things, and events don't nicely into labels and boxes. Life is so complex that you're ruining your chances of getting it, or understanding things by forcing everything to fit in a label. And if you're looking for certain labels, but can't find it in something, that thing gets tossed aside. Like people's opinions, actual facts, people's chances... Really, the list could go on.

And what bothers me the most, is that some individuals take this stance with me, how could I know anything more than they do, we've had practically the same life experiences (not true, I just don't wear my past on my sleeve) or we're the same age, or I'm no farther along in my schooling. It's worse than being disregarded because I'm a child (which doesn't happen any more... that I can recall) because that at least is understandable. You can make assumptions about children that are often (but not always) more or less true. But young adults? Stop thinking you have everyone figured out, because you don't. Your brain hasn't even finished developing, so just stop it. I personally have had my opinions debated poorly, my knowledge (factual and correct) constantly questioned and/or disregarded and I can't seem to even try to explain myself, my feelings or ANYTHING really, because some individuals can't open up their minds and attempt understanding. I'm not saying I'm a saint, but I feel I have tried. I have tried very hard, and I'm just done with it all.

So, no Utah Trip.

Stupid weather, who needs it?
I was driving down with a friend and when we stopped to switch drivers and clean off the window (seriously, the huge trucks driving by were no help for consistent visibility) she got a text from a friend saying a blizzard was heading in/occurring. Having had my first experience with black ice this morning, I didn't want to push my luck or be stranded in Utah for finals week. So we headed back home. Stupid weather.

This means I wont have seen her for almost two years when I see her again. The last year or so we weren't able to hang out as much as either of us would've liked, and she did go through a stint of ignoring her phone because she was avoiding someone, but we've been able to still stay friends. We both love letter writing, so we'll keep up with that. But it's just not the same! Especially when Leverage ends soon, possibly for good, AND The Hobbit AND Les Miserables come out soon. These are all things we would have enjoyed together. And Now I have to wait for-practically-EVER! 

End of Semester Life

Oh my gosh, the end cannot come quickly enough. I don't want to rush it, but come on! Can I just be done with it already? I want to be home, in my proper bed, with my awesome family, with my full movie and book collection, and proper free time, not stolen free time. (because sometimes you just hate having to work on your assignment a single second longer, and decide to get lost a bit on facebook and tumblr. I left my sparkly jar at home, and I'm wishing I'd brought it. I didn't realize how much I like using it.

In other news: 

 I have a new nephew! 

I'm going to see my best friend for the last time for a year and a half tomorrow.

Finals are next week

I get to go home in a week. In seven days, I will be heading home. Literally in my car, driving down the highway.

Silly Range of Judging Attractiveness

I remember reading in a book how this group of friends judged the attractiveness of a guy by what they'd let him eat in bed; crackers, cookies or sugar donuts. Crackers you can eat (if you try) with out making too much of a mess, cookies tend to crumble more, sugar donuts are a mess and are an indulgence "to be shared".

This feels to me (while a funny thing to say to your girlfriends) like how guys (and some girls) rate the opposite sex on a scale of 1-10. From a purely aesthetic point of view, I guess this kind of raking makes sense, but as the only guy who will be sharing a bed with me (out side of when my little brother was young enough to want to come sleep in my room) will be my husband, I want a way to judge them that includes their personality. You know how as you get to know someone their looks sort of change, or you change how you see them? I need something that incorporates how personality combines with looks. Expect to see this soon, possibly with pictures. Oh, or more GIFs! Because I really like those.

Disclaimer: I have no obvious type, regardless of what my roommates say, so there may be an interesting range of guys. I"ll note why their description goes with the picture/GIF in regards to the character they play (unless I know a little more about the personality of the actor. I'll try to mix it up so that my two readers (you know who you are) don't get bored.

Saw "Pitch Perfect"

It was awesome! I really really liked it! It was so much fun. I like laughing out loud, and going to see movies with people I like. Went with my roommate (with whom I have been bemoaning my single fate) and we both had such a good time. I definitely want to get it when it comes out on DVD, and get the soundtrack. And I wish that I had musical talent....

And seeing that movie, while a fun break from the mundane, it didn't help the state of the previous post. Cute guys who can sing? Didn't I mention wanting someone like that in the post prior? Yeah, I did.....

Ugh...

Single sucks.

I tend to become super aware of all the attractive men around, (usually in the shows I watch... since I live vicariously through them and books) and it's just getting ridiculous. Current list of things I'm watching to some degree

Leverage
Attractive Men: 2
Once Upon A Time
Attractive Men: 5 (I may or may not have counted correctly, but I'm pretty sure it's 5)
Castle
Attractive Men: 3
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
Attractive Men: 3
Beauty and the Beast
Attractive Men: 3 (and one is criminally, "offensively" ridiculously good looking. It's unfair.)

This is in conjunction with all the movies I've been watching or thinking about (Red Dawn, The Avengers, Pride and Prejudice...).

Basically I'm tired of waiting to meet someone, because I feel like the longer I wait, the higher my standards get, and it's one thing to want a Temple Worthy guy (not always synonymous with RM, to be noted.) But I'd also like him to be musically talented, strong enough to pick me up, romantically inclined, honorable, respectable, looks good in his clothes, nice hair (ok, I really like hair I can run my fingers through in most cases) enjoys camping, reading, chilling out, seeing concerts or performances, can dance well enough to make it fun, killer eyes, nice features and a voice to die for (this can mean many different things, all of which depend on my mood at the time). Someone who can fix things like my dad, and help with homework (or just give encouragement) and who can cook for/with me and make it fun. I should write down that list again. A friend of mine told me to write down all the qualities I wanted in a husband, reasonable or not, and keep it on me, to help remind me what I was looking for. She said with in a year of writing her list she found her husband, and he didn't meet every requirement, but that wasn't the point. It reminded her to not settle. I don't know what it would help me with, other than another reminder that my standards are ridiculous.

I know people will say "open up more" or "just wait, the right one will come forward" or something sympathetically placating, and I try to believe it, but really, it just sucks to not have a special someone, to talk to, or just to cuddle with when it's cold and watch a movie or something.

Anyway, enough whining. I'm off to go see "Pitch Perfect" with my awesome roommate.

P.S. Don't recommend dating sites, I've already tried them and I have no money.

Struggles

Having a problem with perceived idiotic authority and math problems is the worst possible problem combination I could have.

This is how I perceive my current math situation.

 No, really, I know it's all my fault. When I put my mind to it, I can do well in math, and I enjoy it when I can do it. However, I resent having a teacher that essentially treats teaching like it's a joke, and expects most of the learning to happen outside the classroom. I don't do well in that kind of environment when I struggle with a subject, like I do with math. So it's essentially an endless cycle of me trying, getting frustrated, hating my stupid teacher, not wanting to try, and then hating myself because I just can't get it.

Homework Post: My Top 5 Presidents and Why

List your top five presidents in ranked order.
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Regan
Herbert Hoover

2. What were your five judging criteria, and why did you choose them?
Understood public and private integrity
Put the needs of the nation before party politics
Leaders, in more than just the sense of the office they held.
Took responsibility for their actions and the fate of the nation
Had some kind of work ethic before, during and/or after their presidency.
I believe these reflect an ideal candidate or president. Responsibility and accountability are sorely lacking in this day and age, especially in finger-pointing politics.

3. Did you and your partner largely agree with the criteria and the list of top five presidents, or was there some disagreement? Explain.
There was disagreement, they thought George Washington was too stereotypical, when he was just the first president, and nothing bad really happened under him. They didn’t like they hype about Abraham Lincoln, especially when the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t do what everyone thought it did and he had suspended habeas corpus. No one really likes Herbert Hoover because of the bad press of The Great Depression. But I think there is more to these men than just what some textbooks or some biographical analysis says.

4. What are some common features that you noticed about your top five presidents?
All of them had some kind of hands on work experience, either in tending their own land or in their chosen profession. They knew the value of money, of hard work and of someone’s honor and integrity. They believed in American Exceptionalism and that America had so much to offer the world as a nation.

5. Did any of your presidents govern during a time of crisis? If so, did they share anything in common with the way they handled each crisis?
George Washington didn’t govern during a crisis, but he did govern the first years of America as a nation, and did what he could to set an example of what a president could and should do. The closest he came to a crisis was when he was enlisted to aid in the French Revolution. One councilor was pro-France, the other Pro-Britain. Washington elected to remain neutral until the United States could grow stronger. Thomas Jefferson had to deal with political animosity and conflict and in his second term he did what he could to keep America out of the Napoleonic wars. Abraham Lincoln served during the Civil War, definition of governing during a time of crisis. He kept his head and his temper, never reacting executively with anger, and responding with humor to death threats. Ronald Regan served during a recession, managing to deal skillfully with Congress and help with curbing inflation, renewing growth and increasing employment. He handled relations with the Soviet Union and negotiated a treaty that would avert nuclear war. His long time goal was to achieve peace through strength. Herbert Hoover was president during the beginning of The Great Depression and was painted in a bad light because of his refusal to engage hand out welfare programs. He wanted to cut taxes and balance the budget to expand public works. He had opponents in Congress who circumvented his efforts to create a efficient and effective public works program who painted him as callous and unfeeling and cruel because he wouldn’t endorse welfare programs like the New Deal, of which he was an avid critic.

6. Were your top five presidents good at staying within the bounds of the Constitution? If not, what does this say about our countries highest office and the state of our democracy?
For the most part everyone on this list stayed within the bounds of the Constitution, the most notable discrepancies being Abraham Lincoln suspending habeas corpus for Confederate soldiers and generals, and Ronald Regan negotiating peace with the Russians. I think this says that the president should stay strictly within the bounds of the constitution unless the safety of the nation’s people is in jeopardy. In the case of Abraham Lincoln, he needed to ensure the safety of Union troops as well as people caught in the crossfire. Ronald Regan negotiated a treaty with the Soviet Union to ensure that a nuclear war wouldn’t happen, protecting Americans and Russians. Yes, they over stepped their bounds, but it’s easily arguable that lives were spared in these actions, and neither served an underlying agenda beneficial to the President, his party or other personal interests besides that of the wellbeing of America and her people.

Deep Love: A Ghostly Folk Opera

If you live near Provo or Salt Lake City you need to see this performance! It's a masterpiece! Written by two guys from Rexburg who were going to school and took it into their heads to work on an opera. Genius knows no limitations.

Last night I went to see a Deep Love: A Ghostly Folk Opera. I was blown away from the first moment. The premise of the opera is the love between Old Bones and Constance, thwarted by the death of Old Bones. Constance and Old Bones have sworn to love each other forever, and Old Bones promises to watch over Constance. Constance mourns love lost so soon, but then meets Friedrich. Friedrich has a somewhat implied “bad-boy” history, and he starts to flirt with Constance as if she was any girl from his past, but when he really meets her he falls for her. Their love is what gives Constance new hope and love for life. They can leave the grief of their respective pasts as their love grows. Florence, Friedrich’s former lover, confronts Friedrich about his sudden change. She mocks his ideas of love and tells him they should be together, because she knows the real Friedrich. Constance and Friedrich grow closer together and declare their love for one another. They promise to never leave each other, and Friedrich suggests that they might be together till death. Still watching over her, Old Bones appears to Constance and reminds her of her vows of love for him. Frightened, Constance reaffirms her vows, but inwardly recalls the vows she made with Friedrich. Pressured to choose between the men, she becomes confused and reluctant. Sensing this Old Bones swears he will end Constance’s happiness if she doesn’t leave Friedrich. Constance contemplates the choice before her and, because of her devotion to her new love, chooses to spare Friedrich’s life by leaving him. Believing Constance’s lies, Friedrich rejects her rejection and claims that he’d rather be completely heartless than to ever feel love lost again. Friedrich tries to understand why Constance left him as he was beginning to have faith in love. Old Bones asserts that she left because Friedrich expected from Constance what he couldn’t give: constancy. Old Bones reasons to Friedrich that love and hope are vain, and in this he gets his revenge as Friedrich starts to unravel. In his despair and abandoned by hope Friedrich takes his life. Constance grieves the death of her second love, a death she inadvertently caused. On the breeze she senses Friedrich’s voice and touch, which grants her understanding and peace; the only thing Old Bones could take from her-her life-would now only bring her closer to Friedrich. Florence comes to Friedrich’s grave, blaming Constance for his death, claiming that the earth calls out for vengeance that she will carry out. She confronts Constance, using guilt to torture Constance who defends herself, contending there was nothing she could do to save Friedrich. Still single-mindedly determined to destroy Constance’s will, Old Bones entices Florence to  carry out her vengeance and persuading Constance to accept his protection in exchange for a renewing of her vows. As a ghost, Friedrich sees the torment of his love and attempts to warn and comfort her, attempting to convince her to act with caution. Constance rejects Old Bones as Florence approaches with an axe. In an act of madness, Constance kills Florence with a knife. Completely unstable, Constance tries to rid herself of her demons; namely Old Bones. She digs up his grave, planning to bury Florence next to her former lover. When she uncovers his grave she reaches the ultimate depths of her own despair, lies down in the grave herself, and determines to never live or love again.

The music for this opera was beautiful, haunting, and passionate. I was drawn in to the story from the first song. I’m so glad I finally got to see it. It was worth the admission price and then some. They threw their hearts into the performance and I nearly fell in love with Friedrich myself. They all had such presence on stage, you couldn't help but be captivated. I'm so glad I finally got to see it. After the performance I got pictures and signatures of all the cast! They signed my program and my songbook. It was spectacular. And they liked my funeral attire. (being a opera that revolves around death it was the suggested dress for the event) I have pictures posted on my facebook, and once my friend email’s me the pictures she took of me you can see what I wore.

Magazines are fantastic!

I got The Hobbit: A Tribute to the Unexpected Prequel to the Lord of the Rings collectors edition magazine put out by theonering.net

I'm a little excited about this. I need to get a nice box for all the magazines I want to keep. Because I am keeping this. For a good long while. That is what I do. I collect memorabilia of the things I like. It's nerdy and quirky, but it's one part of me that I like, even though I know it's ridiculous. 

Now I just need to get:

But I may have to go to IF to get it. I do need groceries... Winco and B&N?

Well that was stellar...

This GIF sums up my feelings right now. Making do with chocolate.

Well...I'm in SLC

It's rather metropolitan, if you know where to look. It's also got a graffiti problem in a few areas. I'm staying with a friends who has a very enviable studio apartment (It's the good kind of jealousy though, not the mean kind). It was a short drive, it seemed. I always thought it took longer, but maybe I'm just getting through with little traffic? The drive down was fun, talked a lot with one of my flatmates, (it's not a house, so she's not a housemate, and apartmentmate is weird and, according to the red squiggle, not a word.) had some nice bonding over tv shows  we watch/used to watch. It was fun! Then I drove around SLC a bit trying to figure out where to drop her off and then had to try and find my friends apartment. They have parking in the middle of the street on some streets. VERY odd. we stayed up late talking and around 11 decided to call it a night. I managed to go the whole night without accidentally snuggling her! I'm pretty proud, but it did not make a restful nights sleep. She went to Saturday morning session of General Conference and I'm at a coffee shop getting breakfast for the free wifi. I've decided that I'd love to have a husband who makes me hot chocolate with caramel in the mornings (at least the cold mornings). It'd be nice. Should I add that to the list of requirements?

Awesome Day Thus Far

Last night I asked a question via tumblr to a girl who also likes the show Once Upon A Time. I discovered last week just how devoted a fan following there is, and I browsed around a bit. Anyway, no one knows the background Fairy Tale Land identity of Dr Whale, and I told her about a production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea done by Disney (who owns ABC who does OUAT) and how a character named Ned Land sings a song called "Whale of a Tale" about all the women he's loved. In Storybrooke Dr Whale is a bit of a womanizer, and he has Kirk Douglas-ish similarities. It's possible, since Captain Hook and Mulan are coming to Storybrooke and they're not part of fairy tales, but they have a fairy tale quality, that Dr Whale is Ned Land, or someone from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

So I told her about it, and this morning when I checked her tumblr, just to see, she'd posted my question and her answer! It was so exciting!
http://my-book-nook.tumblr.com/post/32372958820/so-an-idea-for-dr-whales-fairy-tale-land-identity

Then after classes I came through the Manwaring Center on a bit of a whim and I saw that there will be a haunted house day of Halloween in the Hart, and they had sign ups for "The Infection" which is to be their zombie theme Haunted House. Not a fan of zombies personally, but I enjoy productions! I signed up for all the positions; set, make up and actor. I'm looking forward to being able to channel some creative energy, and dressing up, even as a zombie, for Halloween is going to be so much fun! My sugar skull look wont fit in, but I'll make something else that's just as awesome! Plus I'll finally be getting out and meeting people! I'll post pictures on here, and/or on my facebook.

Also, Once Upon A Time starts on Sunday! I'm SO EXCITED!

I wrote a Federalist Paper!

It got rather long, so I had to cut it a bit short. But I think I did rather well. If you feel like reading it, here you go:

Countrymen,

Our future stands on uncertain ground, in uncertain times unfavorable to our continued prosperity. We are at war with each other, and the longer we dispute amongst ourselves, the easier England finds herself able to profit at our expense. Shall we continue to quarrel and ruin the country so many sacrificed so much for? Great men of nation saw fit to band together and converse and debate and re-write the laws of our country, to the betterment of our nation, and its people. It is not fit for us, as hopefuls for a better future, to vehemently reject the very opportunity we need, and many of us have prayed for.

On the subject of separation of governing powers, to avoid a tyrannous rule, we have been given a balanced House of Legislature, appealing to both populous and fairness of representation. Citizens of smaller states have no fear of larger states attempting to oppress them, and larger states have no need to worry that smaller states can or will thwart their attempts to legislate. Instead of a mob of madmen vying for power we have men that we have elected to represent us. What have we to fear but ourselves with this democracy of representatives? If we elect men of integrity, will not our nation reflect such, as it will should we elect men lacking? We have no fear of giving up our sovereignty as states. We are only dedicating time, place and elected men to meet on behalf of our country united. As states we still retain our power to decide who may be chosen and how we may do so. We rally together around a government, who, through the very sameness of the government, can allow equality across our borders that we are too harried with fighting for ourselves to be able to forge.  Unity, the long elusive savior of our warring states is held out to us, that we may but grasp and hold firm to it.

What fear can we have if we should elect a man to the office of president of our choosing? If we wish evil fortune for our nation, we may elect a man of wicked character, but if we seek good, we need only to elect a man of strong, upstanding character. A President, to keep his eye on the Congress, and the Congress to keep watch of the President. Accountability in government is what we sorely lack this day in our own states, as well as fair representation, and honor. A President, a man, a leader who can govern here and represent our nation abroad, who can lead our forces or who can calm the fears of civilians who are unable to see the world and its effects as he can.

Law and Administration we are given, and Justice, through the Courts established, to watch the works of the Congress and President. Judges of this court will be above petty politics and arguments, needing not to hold to popularity, but to the Constitution which sets them apart. Presidentially nominated, they will be held apart, to a different standard than that of the lower courts. They need no taskmaster; they uphold the words written for our country’s benefit. We, so far removed from government, can appeal to these judges when we have been acquitted unjustly, and they, in turn will appeal to the Laws established. Need we fear these men if they are elected by a man who, in turn, was elected by us? If we honorably elect, all will honorably serve.

We are assured security as citizens under a grand design. We are given our rights as free men in a nation, rights that will not be kept or taken from us as a fickle ruler may see fit. No fear need we succumb to, blind terrors that we may face a tyrannous government. We, humble, law abiding folk, need not fear that we will be delivered to an unknown fate in a baited court, not lawless retribution or punishment. Concerning the forming and expanding of our great country, I need speak little, for what unjust action could come from moving to the West, increasing our borders and admitting new States and Territories, that we may continue to prosper as is seen fit to do even now.

A new government means a proper, stable foundation. We need not fear a shaky, baseless institution, unless we plant the seed of our own destruction, by electing unjust men to do our enslavement for us. We are a free nation, governed by the will of free men, and as such, we are to hold strong to our freedom and liberties, even as we accept a governing rule. My Countrymen, allow Reason to hold sway in your hearts and minds, stretch your understanding to its limit, and consider this great work, this Constitution of the United States of America, as a steadfast foundation to lead us into a secure and prosperous future.

An Advocate for a thriving America.

Nerd Out!

So last Saturday I went to see "The Amazing Spiderman" with my roommates. I had a feeling (during the previews) that I will far surpass them in nerdiness. I could name all the previews after a few seconds, maybe a bit longer for the more obscure ones (Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed and Crooked Arrows) but still. I live too much in the world of film sometimes. Anyway. The movie was great, Andrew Garfield is a phenomenal Spidey, and I liked the twist of bringing in Gwen Stacy (who none of my roommates knew, just goes to show that I can really get into the cris-crossing story lines and back stories.) The acting was great, believable even, and I loved Peter Parker's closing line in the classroom. The teacher says "Don't make promises you can't keep." and he whispers to Gwen "Those are the best kind."

I judge movies on several criteria, which might be why I like/watch so many. It'll be good in one way or another for me. But what I really like is when a movie impresses me on several levels. Spiderman blew me away on a few different levels. It was amazing. So great.

Then today I went to see The Avengers, and I was completely alone in the theater, which was a waste, since it's more fun when it's just you and some friends alone in a theater. But I had been dying to see it for so long, so I went. It was so awesome, staggeringly impressive. Joss Whedon knew what he was doing when he was on the job. No "shakey-cam" nonsense, no dizzy spinning, nothing needless or frivolous. He knows how to deliver. I especially liked how he put in strong sensible female characters. I loved the camraderie between the characters and the actors. It must've been so great to film this movie.

And I want to try shawarma. If any one saw the movie and stayed after the credits, that's where they were eating, I thought it was so funny. Some of my roommates have seen it, but they didn't get what the extra clip was. This is who I live with. People I can't nerd out as well with. It's not fun...

But at least I can still see movies. That's good. I have a few more movies I'm wanting to see, but I don't know when they come out at the cheap theater. I'll just keep my eyes open. And I'll post reviews here.

Dishes, Cutlery and...

A RICE COOKER! A legitimate Pampered Chef rice cooker! I'm so excited! I can have rice with my meals, or a rice based meal. I'd like to thank whoever donated that to Deseret Industries. It's great. I also got "Jello-Bean" molds to try that fruit snack recipe I got from Pinterest. I'm excited. I also got a plate, cup, bowl, fork, knife, spoon and a mug. Because I don't plan on entertaining, and I don't want to buy a lot of dishes I'll just have to keep up here. True to form, I made sure they are all different. The plate has a yellow brim with yellow gold flowers. Its detergent, oven and microwave proof. Does that mean I can just cook my baked potatoes on it? The bowl is white with brown speckles and is from Japan! Cool. The mug is just normal. All my cutlery is mismatched too, but I cant remember which has which. One has a fleur de lis looking design on the bottom, another has roses. and the spoon is plain.

Gotta go, time for work!

Summer time....

My summer has been amazing! I got to come home and visit, and basically be awesome with my family. Highlights:
Seeing Marcus and Harper for a day: It was a long day, and an exhausting day, but a fun one. Harper is so adorably darling.
Seeing the Dark Knight Rises with family: That was the after midnight ending of my first day in California. But it was AWESOME! totally worth it, seeing that with my brothers and sister and cousin.
The Steampunk Museum. That was so cool. I want to go back and buy stuff. But school is starting soon, and I need money for that.
Going to the beach. I miss the beach when I'm away.
House/Babysitting: Change of scenery, chance for new fun randomness. And money, which is always appreciated.
Seeing and Awesomely Performed Shakespeare Play: As You Like It, set in the 20s-40s ish. With the female lead wonderfully diverse in her performance, and the male lead talented, believable and a Ryan Gosling knock off.

This is just a post, since I haven't posted in a while. My next post will probably be my notes from the Thomas Jefferson Lecture that I was super late to class for.

Thanks for reading!

Finals Week! And my Birthday was yesterday

Nearly done with my finals week. It's been long, but not difficult. Some written assignments (not essays, but similar in length and quality, just not as structured. In the testing center my computer kept messing up and having to fix itself. I kept worrying that it meant my final was done for, but it saves it for you and you just start where you left off, but with the original time, not whatever time you left of at. Nice, nice. Got a B+ on the first Odyssey test, and an A on the second! Now for my "Stand and Deliver" witing (connecting  things in the movie to writers we've read) for my Education 200 Class, and my math test tomorrow! And then I am DONE!!!! Le Fin!

Well...here's a real update.

So I've been accused of not posting enough on my blog, and when I do, it's homework. Sorry about that. Mostly been drama all up in the Great White North. I don't post often because I don't want people to think I'm just going to complain. And I'm only writing this now because I finally figured out how to see if people posted comments. I'm still getting used to this new set up. So, update of the good things this semester: I got a library card, a B so far in math and I've been told that it would be a tragedy to lose me in the teaching class.

Also, two Sundays now (not in a row) I've been able to get away from the stress of life. Once by myself and once with three of my roommates. It's nice to have places to go to get away. Today we drove to Twin Rivers and just sat on the dock and stuck our feet in the cold water. We just talked and sat and had a good time. I loved it, and I love being with these girls. Half our apartment is getting married before the end of the year, two of those are getting married before the end of the month. Nice, huh? BYU I do indeed. So there's that. I finished my nephew's blanket, want to get some other crafty things to do so I can get all my artsy energy out over this summer.

History and Philosophy of Education Metaphor

A Backpack Metaphor

Ideas: (1) We carry around with us who/what/how/why we are. We show people our outside, while hiding what we have inside until the right people or situation presents itself.

Doctrine: How important is education to you? Is it something you flaunt around like a status symbol? Or do you educate yourself to better yourself and those around you? Or do you just enjoy learning? 

            Backpack: Different types of backpacks have different secondary functions (after being something to hold other things in). Some are meant to be fun or flashy in design, others meant for heavy loads, or for carrying convenience. The better your backpack is for the primary function the less important it is that the outside look cool. You can decorate it yourself, you can add patches or pins, but at heart, it is still a backpack, and its what’s inside that matters.

Principle: How much knowledge are you trying to gain, to keep with you? (80 percent of the brain is built specifically to block new information from coming in. How are you trying to make what you know stick?) Do you carry reminders, do you review, re read, re learn what you want to remember?
                Backpack: What do you keep in your back pack? Do you even keep anything in it? Do you throw your binder in with your books, or do you carry them around because you don’t want to ruin the backpack? 

Principle: What knowledge are trying to gain? Is it important to you? Is it important to someone else?
                Backpack: do you only have textbooks, or do you have a few books meant for you in there too? Do you keep a sketchbook, a notebook or a little project in there for you to come back to every once in a while?

Tools: Do you make sure you understand the information you’re supposed to be learning? Do you take the time to study harder or longer concepts and ideas you didn’t get?
                Backpack: Do you keep pens and pencils and erasers on hand? Extra notes? A Library card? 

Tools: Are you making sure you’re using all your time and knowledge wisely? Everyone is intelligent when given a chance. Are you giving yourself that chance?
                Backpack: with all those pockets it’s easy to lose papers, pens or books. Do you try to organize things so you can pull out the right thing when it’s needed?

Tools: Are you taking care of yourself so you can continue to learn? Are you healthy, energetic for class? Are you getting enough sleep?
                Backpack: Did you remember to pack a lunch?