People Watching

Sitting in the airport today, I looked around and noticed the hundreds of people walking by.  Everyone lugging their belongings and hurrying to their gate.  From little toddlers to grandparents, there is always a wide variety of people at the airport.

I cannot help but notice how grungy people dress when flying.  My mom told me that "flying used to be a privilege" and that now "people take advantage of the whole system".  She always expects my brothers and I to dress very nice.  Meaning I will wear a dress and my brothers will wear blazers.  I always thought this policy was a little ridiculous.  People will look at you.  I used to feel self conscious about dressing so nice, but have realized that people can think what they want.  They may think that I am a stuck- up, rich kid but in reality I am not.  I am flying with my family and enjoying my time at the airport.

When I was flying home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, I was very flustered and a little nervous, considering it was my first time flying alone.  I know.  Can you say sheltered?  Anyways, I was going through security, struggling to take off my many bracelets, my belt, my shoes, and any other accessories that might have caused the detector to go off.  The man on the other side of the metal detector, noticed I looked like I was having a rough time.  He stopped and said, "You don't know where the American Airlines gate is, do you?"  Looking at his big grin, I shook my head timidly.  He soon directed me where to go and was a huge help.  

My mom told me that dressing nicely helped my cause.  Presenting yourself in a sophisticated matter definitely helps your situation.  Earning respect of the security, elders, and authorities is very important.  People are always watching.  

Comments...

I commented on thinkagain's blog about the post: The Land is Kind. 

I commented on  Capitalization of Innovation for Value's blog about the post: Question and Answer.

I commented on Paris Hilton's blog about the post: Miz Alice's relation to Heat- Moon.  

Comments...

I commented on college girl's blog about her post: Heat- Moons Journey.

I commented on Chelsea's blog about her post: Blue Highway.

I commented on Lynn's blog about her post: Blue Highways Question and Answer.

Least Heat- Moon

At first when given the assignment to read the passages from William Least Heat- Moon's book, Blue Highways, I did not really understand what the book was going to be about and how he was going to make the middle of nowhere interesting.  Being fired and wifeless, he took off on a journey across America.  The book focuses on heritage and displays several scenes where Least Heat- Moon connects with people of different heritages.

What do you think some of the important pieces of advice Least Heat- Moon can take away from his conversations?  What did he learn from Miz Alice compared to Kendrick Fritz?

-Miz Alice is an appreciative woman with a well grounded personality.  She loves the life she lives although it is on an isolated and secluded island.  Everything is within walking distance and life on the island is peaceful for her.  I feel bad for her because her husband and elder daughter passed away, leaving her by herself.  I think she teaches Heat- Moon about appreciating your surroundings.  Also, she believes a good education involves looking around and recognizing the beautiful things the world has to offer.  She says, "education is thinking, and thinking is looking for yourself and seeing what's there, not what you got told was there" (390).  Not only is Miz Alice very wise, the college student Heat- Moon converses with is connected with his heritage and understands his background.  Heat- Moon is able to learn about Fritz's Hopi heritage and what it means to be an Indian.  Although Fritz is a college student working to become a doctor he tells Heat- Moon that , "being an Indian means being responsible to my people.  Helping with the best tools.  Who invented penicillin doesn't matter" (182).  Heat- Moon also learns about the Hopi's beliefs.  He learns that the Hopis believe there are four worlds.  Also, they have an emergence symbol.  Heat- Moon gains insights about the Hopis.  He learns that the lines of the symbol "represent the course a person follows on his "road of life" as he passes through birth, death, rebirth" (185).  I think Heat- Moon's encounters with Fritz and Miz Alice are important in helping him find the right path.  He has been through a lot of stress and I think these people are helping him gain insights about the true meaning of life.   

Pro Blogger- Brotha Buck

When we were told to read one of the two blogs written by an African American, I was immediately drawn to Brotha Buck's blog.  Not only is he a talented writer, he is a cartoonist.  I think that is a main reason why the majority of the class read his blog.  

Brotha Buck talks about issues from buying $70 popcorn from a Cub Scout to the presidential election.  I sat reading his blog for literally an hour.  His posts are easy to read, because they are short and sweet.  I noticed from the comments being left, that he has a strong connection with his audience.  Brotha Buck does not ask questions to lure in comments, instead his readers are interested in his everyday occurrences.  I think a lot of people can relate to Brotha Buck, that's why he gets several comments on his blog. He has a funny and sarcastic personality which makes his blog more enjoyable to read.  The pictures, videos, and cartoons included in his blog are hilarious.  

My attention was immediately grabbed.  After reading one post, I wanted to keep reading further and further.  His opinions may be controversial but they bring up good discussion amongst the readers.  Does anyone have any ideas how I can improve my blog?  What did u guys think of Brotha Buck's blog?  I know he has been blogging for awhile but I still think it is incredible how many comments he receives!                                

Revised Post...

I revised my Sleeps in Her Crown post.  I added another paragraph at the end, which asks the readers questions.  By doing so, I hope to receive more comments and feedback on my post!

Friends for the Rest of College?

Looking around at the girls I am hanging out with now, I wonder: who is still going to be my friend four years from now?  The fake smiles and the friendly greets have faded away and I have started to realize who my true friends are.  The girls that don't criticize my wardrobe but instead help me pick out my cute outfits.  The girls that don't always tell me what I want to hear, but provide me with great advice.  But most of all, the girls that respect my decisions.  Meaning the girls that aren't pressuring me.  I have become more comfortable on campus.  I am beginning to appreciate my surroundings more, realizing how lucky I am to be here at SMU.

I am curious to see how the rest of my year pans out.  Will the girls I am hanging out with now, be my friends next semester when rush comes?  It is weird to think that my group of friends may change in a couple months.  Has anyone thought about this?  I don't know about you, but it is kind of scaring me.  I hope that I find the girls that I am going to be friends with for the rest of my life.  Right now, I don't know if I have that.  

Comments...

I posted a comment on hunter01's blog under the topic titled Closed?

I posted a comment on greekgirl's blog about Going Home.

Triggering a Big Memory- The Titanic

Millvina Dean, a 96-year-old woman, is the last living survivor from the Titanic tragedy in 1912. Only 2 months old, she was put in a lifeboat with her mother as the Titanic sank. Her father was “among more than 1,500 who died”(CNN.com). They were riding the Titanic as steerage passengers hoping to make it safely to Kansas City, Missouri. Now Millivina lives in the “southern English city of Southhampton- Titanic’s home port-since she broke her hip two years ago”(CNN.com). Dean is auctioning off her Titanic memorabilia, in order to pay her nursing home fees. One key item she has is “a small wicker suitcase that was filled with clothes”(CNN.com). The auctioneer Andrew Aldridge commented that they “carried their little world in this suitcase”(CNN.com). According to the article, there were 2,200 passengers on board the Titanic; each one having a different story.
Although Dean doesn’t remember the sinking of the ship, she holds a few memorabilia items that remind her of her family during the 1912 tragedy.  She is selling"a part of her history" (video). It is probably hard for her to give up these items but it is benefiting her by paying for necessary hospital bills.
Dean was told about this tragedy when she was 8 years old, when her mother was getting remarried. This makes me wonder if anything tragic happened in my life, and I was just never told about it. There could be several memories that we don’t remember or that we were too young to comprehend. Often times memorabilia is the only thing helping us trigger our memory. For instance, my mom gave me pictures of my grandma and I, and I am just a toddler. Although I never knew my grandmother, I am able to look at the pictures and make up my own memories. I reflect and try and determine what my grandmother was like based on this memorabilia. Memorabilia can tell you a lot about a person. Does anyone have special memorabilia that they hold close to their heart? Check out the video of the last titanic survivor!

Sleeps in Her Crown

Kristen Pass, an 18 year old with Down syndrome, recently earned the title of homecoming queen. The crown is typically awarded to the popular cheerleader or the student council president, but this was not the case at Aledo High School. Kristen Pass is a loving teenage girl who always treats everyone fairly and is said to “always have a smile on her face”(ABC News). Carolyn Pass, the mother of Kristen, said, “there wasn't a dry eye to be seen”(ABC News) as Kristen was crowned the homecoming queen during halftime of the football game. When being interviewed, Kristen said she hasn’t taken off her crown yet and said she sleeps with it on.
This article is a heart- warming story and brings a big smile to my face. I knew a girl that had Down syndrome in high school, and she is the sweetest and one of the most genuine people I have ever met. People with Down syndrome shouldn’t be treated any differently than anyone else. According to the article, “down syndrome affects one in every 773 babies born each year, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, and occurs when a person has three, not two, copies of the 21st chromosome. According to Kristen’s family and peers she “treats peers like royalty" (ABC News). Kristen Pass deserves to wear the crown, because she is a special person both inside and out. Check out this video!! It is really worth watching. 

Has anyone worked with kids with disabilities?  I want everyone's feedback about how these persons are really something special.  If you have worked with kids with disabilities, what have you gained from the experience?  Also, did these special persons go to your high school?  I know we hosted a basketball game for the mentally challenged and the whole school came out to watch.  It made me so happy watching the big smiles on their faces as they realized the crowd was roaring for them.  

Comments...

I posted a comment on Littlecoe4's blog about self defense.

I posted a comment on Paris Hilton's blog titled can you come back after the death penalty?

Careless Drivers

               I have been recently scanning through news articles while I am surfing the internet on my laptop.  I have come across a few eye opening articles that really disturbed me.  

               I have always known that there are careless drivers on the roads but did not realize how this careless activity has led to tradegies and deaths.  I am not talking about driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol but driving while talking on the phone, putting on makeup, eating or drinking coffee.  This distractions have caused more than severe accidents but deaths as well.

                   I came across an article titled FHP Says Driver Was On Phone During Crash That Killed Teen Girl.  The article specifically talks about the carelessness of a truck driver who smashed into the rear of the bus.  It states that "there were 21 students on the school bus when it crashed" (wftv.com)  An eyewitness told reporters that the bus went up into flames and the kids had to be rescued.  The part of the article which was most disturbing is the fact that "the bus driver and eight students were injured.  Frances Schee, 13, died.  She was an eighth grade student at North Marion Middle School.  Of the eight injuries, four were released and four remain in critical condition" (wftv.com)  It is saddening and devastating. 

             Reinaldo Andujar Gonzalez, the bus driver, will have to live with this burden for the rest of his life.  There are pending charges against Gonzalez and the investigation is said to take "up to 45 days" (wftv.com).   Is it really worth it participate in these distractions if it could turn into a destructive accident?  I recommend looking at the video I attached which gives more detail about the incident.  I know next time I get into a car, I will be concentrating on one thing only: DRIVING!

             I am definitely guilty of not paying attention on the road.  I usually have the music blaring and girls talking over each other as I struggle to get solid directions from one person.  A funny personal driving story happened when I was coming back from basketball practice.  I was sitting at a light with my friend in shotgun and another teammate in the back.  I put my head down and slightly let up on the brakes as I reached for a CD case.  BUMP.  I hit the black BMW in front of me.  So, I frantically throw the car in reverse hitting the car behind me.  It was a ridiculous experience.  My teammates, in the cars behind and in front of me, weren't too pleased with me but there was no damage...Thank God!  It goes to show you how while behind the wheel you have to be really careful and paying attention all the time.  Does anyone have some careless driving stories? Funny or not so funny?

Ike Hits Hard

When I heard the news that a hurricane was hitting Texas, I was shocked and a little nervous.  Living in Chicago, Illinois I have never experienced a hurricane incident.  I have heard the devastating stories of when hurricanes hit, and although it is only a category 1 it is still nerve racking. 

I became very curious with the subject and decided to look through the news articles online and share my findings with everyone.  After reading CNN.com  I became educated about how the hurricane has not only left  4 million people powerless but there have been several fires creating more damage along the Texas Gulf Coast.  "Houston 911 received 1,250 fire and emergency calls over the past 24 hours--about 60 percent higher than normal" (CNN.com).  Firefighters have been unable to put out the blazing fires because of the flooding.  Galveston, TX is experiencing the wrath of the hurricane.  Despite this, a whopping "40 percent of the city's 57,523 residents chose to stay despite evacuation orders" (CNN.com).  

The Houston vs. Air Force football game has been moved to the Gerald J. Ford Stadium this Saturday due to the weather.  Also, the Dedman Fitness Center has been closed due to the change with the football game.  I am curious to see how hard the storm hits the SMU campus, but I am nervous at the same time.  I attached a video link so people can see the destruction Hurricane Ike has already had on the Texas Gulf Coast.  HURRICANE IKE BARRELS TOWARD TEXAS

Was anyone affected by Hurricane Ike or by any other hurricanes in general?  I would definitely like to get feedback and understand the process of evacuation or the precautions that have to be taken during the storm.  It must be a very scary experience, therefore I praise the families that have been through any hurricanes and have to struggle to keep their houses in one piece.  Also, are there any interesting/ crazy stories that have happened during the hurricanes?  

Comments...

I posted a comment on Chelsea's blog titled, My Blog about To Drive or Not to Drive.

Ivy League Janitor

I was debating whether to go to Luis Alberto Urrea's presentation on "The Devil's Highway" because I thought it was going to be an emotional presentation about illegal immigration.  Instead, Urrea brought so much life to his presentation.  He was very animated and humorous, while giving his speech behind the podium.  I shouldn't call it a speech but instead a story.  Urrea illustrates his life story.  

  Urrea explains the sacrifices his family made to make his life better.  Urrea was the first to go off to college in his direct family and earn a university degree.  He explained how his father drove back to Mexico in order to get a thousand dollars for his graduation gift.  His father got into a severe car crash on the way home and died.  Urrea's father was left without medical attention for eight hours.  Chills ran down my back while in the auditorium, when I visualized this occurrence.

I think it is outrageous that Urrea had to pay a fine in order to get his father released.  He was no longer living, just a dead body, in the back of a car within the confines of a cardboard box.  Urrea used the thousand dollars to retrieve his father.  Urrea explains how his father was left to pay for his own funeral.  This is such a disturbing thought and I couldn't imagine the feelings Luis Alberto Urrea felt burying his father.  

 Urrea tried to look past all the destruction and realized that his father had sacrificed his life for his son.  I think it is amazing how Urrea was able to pull through this experience and crank out books concerning the issues of illegal immigration.  

It was quite hilarious when Urrea talked about his experiences from being a movie extra in a Chuck Norris film to submitting his pieces of writing to become an ivy league janitor.  I think it is special that Urrea was able to go back to his hometown of Tijuana, and help the children in the orphanages.  He became Pastor Von's translator and contributed to the lives of many unfortunate people.  Luis Alberto Urrea wrote three books on the border patrol, before asked to write the book, "The Devil's Highway", about the Yuma 14.  Urrea's willingness to explore and search for more information about the border patrol and illegal immigration is fascinating.  Before reading his book and attending his presentation, I did not find illegal immigration a very interesting or appealing subject, I just always knew it was an issue.  Urrea's adventure to get closer to the Border Patrol is a humorous yet scary story.  From the visiting Yuma Station to being sent over to Wellton Station, each occurrence is intense.  

I think it is amazing how much information Urrea absorbs visiting each location.  He realizes the background of Kenny Smith, the supervisory agent over at the Wellton Station.  I was able to understand the position of the Border Patrol from Urrea's presentation.  Kenny Smith, Border Patrol agent,  explains how disturbed he was after the Yuma 14 rescue.  Smith carried a dead 19 year old girl in his arms for 6 miles.  I could not imagine dealing with death everyday like Kenny Smith, out on the Devil's Highway.  

Kenny explained to Urrea that he can write whatever he wants in his book of his, but to get the information right.  Kenny said, "then you can attack us all you want".  I believe Urrea is a phenomenal story teller.  In person and through his book I have learned so much about the issue of illegal immigration.  I have learned the sides and I believe Urrea did a successful job "getting it right" and "telling it how it is".

Comments...

I posted a comment on GET SOME YEAH'S blog about Death Spiral.

I posted a comment on Paris Hilton's blog about attendance.

Wedding Bells

I just received a phone call from my brother and he told me some very exciting news.  Him and his girlfriend of about two years were engaged and going to get married around Christmas time.  At first, I was so ecstatic and told everyone in sight, even if they didn't even know who the heck I was.  Then I realized, the big wedding day was coming up and would be this Christmas!  Is my brother nuts?!  A lot of thought goes into a wedding and it should be perfect, a couple months to design the perfect day  is not nearly enough time.  

I called my mom up right away to talk to her about the big news, and how exciting the idea of marriage is.  As a young girl I have always imagined the ideal white wedding.  The white gown and the white roses nicely decorated on each table.  The church bells, the limo, the reception, the guest list, are just a few major details that go into the planning of a wedding.  I asked my mom how all of this would get done before Christmas.  She said, "marriage is not about all the decorations and the reception is about love. "  I realized what she was saying was extremely true, and in fact a wedding is based on love and not the materials or the guest list.  A successful wedding is solely dependent on the two people getting married.  I know that my brother is going to share a wonderful life with a wonderful girl.  It is going to be a small wedding with just our families because it doesn't need to be a blow out wedding for it to be a successful wedding.  Marriage is based on connecting two people for eternal life with a big something called love.   

Stretching our Boundaries

                    The high school to college transition has definitely been a fun yet overwhelming experience.  Peers constantly asking if you want to go out on school nights and the pressures of drugs and alcohol are a couple of things I have already faced here at Southern Methodist University.  Even if you choose to "stay in" this does not mean you are getting to bed early.  I am in college now and make decisions everyday.  I dictate my grades in school and my social life out of class.  I am in charge of one individual or one body.

                    Parents are back home unable to motivate us to do well in school, and teachers are certainly not going to spoon-feed us the class material.  Your parents are no longer your alarm clock; instead you learn how to get off to class before the teacher begins the lecture or lesson for the day.  It is hard to be in a completely different atmosphere, where you can do what you want, at your own risk.

                    Everyone is new to college and I have been realizing that going up to random people and getting to know as many people as possible is the way to go.  When I go out to parties or even when I am in class I try to meet a large range of people.  Meaning not only freshmen but older guys and girls.  I have learned that there is a lot of emphasis on sorority and fraternity life here.  There are rules and some girls I have met stress out about it and constantly ask which one I want to be in.  I just go out and be myself.  I am not trying to impress anyone and  I am flocking to people that are most like me even if they are upperclassmen.     

                    In conclusion, although college is an overwhelming experience with so many unfamiliar faces it is important to keep an open mind.  I am not quick to judge and want to get involved in everything I can.  I recently decided to play on the club volleyball team.  I think this way I can not only meet freshmen girls in Boaz and people at parties, but meet a group of girls that likes to play the same sport as me.  I hope everyone takes advantage of SMU and gets involved in someway to keep them busy.  Getting involved, keeping an open mind, and time management are definitely goals I want to concentrate on.  What are your goals as a freshman student, and how will you make your college experience a successful one?