All I Asking For Is My Body, Part III, Dialogue

a.     What is the meaning of the title?

The title All I Asking For Is My Body is an example of how hard the characters worked in their daily lives and within their cultural responsibilities. Within the Japanese culture there is a tradition called filial piety. A portion of the tradition includes the children working to pay for the parent’s debt. Most of the time all the responsibility falls on the eldest son. Basically the eldest boy is expected to sacrifice certain aspects of his life for the family unit. Within the text Kiyoshi and Tosh were expected to pay off their parent’s debt before they got married, went to college, or moved out of the family home. In one of the many family arguments involving Tosh and the parents, Tosh said, “ All I’m asking for is my body. I’m not even asking for a high school education.” His mother replied, “Every child must repay his parents.” (57)

The eldest son Tosh viewed the filial responsibility as a tradition that would rob him of his youth, strength, and ambition. He continually fought with his mother and father about money, children, and his freedom from their debt. Whenever his parents argued with Tosh, his mother told him they would not depend on him therefore they will depend on Kiyoshi instead. Tosh told Kiyoshi, “Shit, all I asking for is my body. I doan wanna die on the plantation like these other dumb dodos.” (48)

Tosh believed his parents should not have had multiple children, especially the female children because they will not contribute financially to the family. He believed the female children would only cost the family more money because they will get pregnant and continue the poverty cycle. After they helped the family Kiyoshi and Tosh just wanted to have their physical health. They did not want to be run down physically and mentally like many of the other men they worked with. Their father pointed out several first sons who had completed their filial duties, but they are all unhappy, washed up, unhealthy men according to Tosh and Kiyoshi. The boys were horrified by what could happen to them physically, mentally, and spiritually if they continued working on the plantation for the rest of their lives.

All I Ask For Is My Body, Part II, Dialogue

Why does Kiyoshi believe Obaban is a substitute for his mom? 

Kiyoshi believed Obaban became a substitute for his mother by taking her place in fulfilling the demand of the “bachi.” Kiyoshi’s mother taught him about some of the superstitions she believed in. One particular superstition is called “bachi” or “retribution”. “Bachi” punishes a person who has done something wrong, but it may punish a member of the offender’s family instead.

When his mother was ill, she believed she was being punished for another family member’s offense. She became convinced her punishment would be death. Kiyoshi told Obaban what his mother thought. Obaban promised to make his mother a charm at her temple that would help keep the “bachi” away.

Soon thereafter Kiyoshi’s father showed up to his school. Kiyoshi assumed he had bad news about his mother, but quickly found out Obaban suffered a stroke and died. His mother was devastated Obaban passed away, but she felt Obaban’s death fulfilled the “retribution” so she could continue living.

All I Asking For My Body, Part 1, Dialogue

Makot is young boy who is quite different than the other boys his age. He does not socialize with the boys in his age group because they treat him poorly. He prefers to associate with children who are several years younger than him therefore some of the boys Makot’s age call him the “shrimp gang leader.” (pg 8) Makot uses his money to buy friendships. He purchases his friends ice cream, movies tickets, and candy. Makot is known for throwing temper tantrums when he cannot get his friends to cooperate with his ideas. During a temper tantrum he threatens his friends by telling them he will not buy their treats anymore. The older boys believe Makot acts like a girl as a result they want nothing to do with him.

His family is seemingly different than his friend’s families. His parents are never home during the day. His mother dresses in uncommon clothing. His father supposedly does not have a job, but he always has an adequate amount of money. Instead of nurturing Makot they try to satisfy him with money. He followed his parent’s example of buying love and tried to buy his friendships. I feel sorry for Makot because his parents have not taught him important life principles therefore he does not understand the concept of true friendship. 

Rules for Writers: Chapter 51

The main concepts of “Research” by Diana Hacker are, building a record of sources while conducting research, keeping track of the research by copying the materials, and while taking notes recording the information in the writer’s own words to avoid plagiarism.

Diana stated the writer should keep a running bibliography of the research conducted to avoid any accidental copying. She suggested utilizing an electronic database which will assist in not omitting any sources. She provided examples of some of the information  necessary to create a proper source, such as, “authors, editors, translators, title, edition, and publication information” (407).

She specified three different types of note taking, summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting. Each type requires a source to be included, but when using another author’s exact words the writer must include quotation marks.

I appreciated Diana’s suggestions. As a college student I write many papers after conducting my research. If I do not keep an ongoing source list it is too easy to accidentally not cite a source. I have been introduced to the electronic database provided by the SRJC’s library and that has helped me keep track of all the different sources. It is such a great tool I believe all students should be required to utilize the database for their research papers.

Essay #3 Rough Draft

The definition of forgiveness is, “the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.” (Wikipedia, 2011) I believe the entire film developed around the concept of forgiving people who have wronged you. There were multiple circumstances within Smoke Signals that required forgiveness, for instance, abandonment, accidental death, physical abuse, and bullying. Many people choose to not forgive others and live a lifetime engulfed in self-pity, hatred, and resentment.

Thomas bared no malice towards Arnold for starting the fire that killed his parents. Arnold became a father figure for Thomas. He enjoyed Arnold’s company and obviously did not resent him for the role he had in his parent’s death. Thomas tried to set an example for Victor by not allowing the past to dictate his feelings towards Arnold. He possessed the ability to see the fire was an accident and liberate Arnold. In fact forgiving Arnold became a blessing for Thomas because in return he acquired a father figure.

The film reflects what will happen when you do not forgive others. Victor’s rage and resentment towards his father caused him to grow into a bitter, angry young man. He did not trust anyone and viewed the world with hatred and spite. Through his anger and animosity he did not allow anyone to know the real person inside. I do not believe Victor truly recognized how he developed into such an angry man. Thomas wanted to teach Victor that he needed to pardon his father for what he had done. He knew it would be impossible unless he could show Victor why his father truly left the reservation. Thomas knew for Victor’s sake he must forgive his father. Through his and Thomas’s experiences on the road, Victor learned multiple lessons that helped him understand why his father left, which was the first step to forgiveness. With Thomas’s help, Victor achieved the ability to forgive his father.

The film characterized why people should exonerate one another. It represented how people experience great pain when they are unable to forgive. I think Victor eventually understood the grief and guilt his father experienced from the accident and deserting his family. Through gaining the ability to forgive not only did he release the fury inside of himself, but also he released his pain.

Works Cited

“Forgiveness.” Wikipedia. Wikimeida Foundation, 20 Apr. 2011.
Web. 20 Apr. 2011.

"This is what it means to say Phoenix, Arizona” Dialogue

I found the movie and the reading significantly different. The movie’s portrayal of drunk Arnold Joseph accidentally setting fire to Thomas’s home and saving Thomas from the fire was not mentioned in the reading. In the movie Arnold essentially left the reservation and his family because the considerable amount of guilt he suffered for his role in the accidental initiation of the fire. I sympathized with Arnold Joseph for leaving the reservation. He not only caused pain for himself, but also for his family through a terrible accident. I believed he left his son Victor because he thought his mistake was unforgivable.

My perspective changed without the fire element of the story included in the reading. I became confused and wondered why Arnold moved to Phoenix. Consequently Arnold appeared selfish in the reading because we did not receive any understandable excuse for him leaving his family. In the reading Arnold’s character differences affected the depiction of Victor’s character too. He was more open and friendly to strangers. He did not appear as bitter towards his father and the world.  He got along better with Thomas during their travels. I felt the movie offered the viewers a more in-depth and dramatic insight into guilt, forgiveness, and redemption.

Smoke Signals Dialogue

Victor and Thomas were the “children born of flame and ash.” Their relationship was surprisingly similar to brothers. They were not related by blood, but by saving Thomas’s life, Arnold Joseph, provided life to both Victor and Thomas.

Victor allowed Thomas to travel with him to Arizona to retrieve his dead father‘s ashes. During their travels he tried to teach Thomas to be more like him. He was annoyed with the way Thomas communicated, dressed, and smiled.  He wanted Thomas’s attire and personality to reflect his perception of Indian culture. Thomas listened to Victor and tried to appease him by following some of his advice. They went through several challenging circumstances that Victor could have viewed pessimistically, but Thomas helped Victor view the experiences with a more hopeful perspective.

Although they were seemingly different types of people, they complimented each other. When Victor was hot-tempered, pessimistic, and non-trusting, Thomas was nurturing, optimistic, and kind-hearted. They were opposite in their strengths and weaknesses. Their experiences taught them they were brothers through loss and culture.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 13

The main ideas in “Shifts” by Diana Hacker are, constructing sentences with the appropriate written perspective for the kind of text, utilizing the same type of “verb tense” throughout the text, applying the same “mood” verbs throughout the document, and telling the difference between direct and indirect questions.

Diana Hacker explained the author can write three different types of viewpoints, first, second, or third person. The first person standpoint is used to highlight the writer, for example, when the author is addressing personal experiences. The second person should be applied when the author wants to give guidance on how to handle a situation or when writing an instruction guide. The third person viewpoint is used to help reflect the subject. The third person perspective can be utilized to write formal or academic texts. Before beginning a text the writer must decide what type of viewpoint the text will be written in. The audience will become confused if the writer uses different standpoints within the same text.

The author needs to try remaining consistent with the use of “verb tenses“. If the writer is using a form of “verb tense” the text should stay the same throughout. She explained there are three “moods” of verbs within the English language, “indicative, “imperative, and “subjunctive”. Each type of “mood” verb should be utilized dependent upon the style of text being written. She also pointed out when the author is inserting quotes they either need to be direct or indirect. If both direct and indirect are used within the same sentence the audience can become confused on the context.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 48

The main concepts in “Evaluating Arguments” by Diana Hacker are, how to tell the difference between misleading views compared to sensible arguments, how to know the difference between the right and the wrong type of emotional appeals, and how to see different perspectives within an argument while reading and writing.

Diana Hacker stressed the importance of not stereotyping or generalizing within arguments. In order to state a reasonable perspective on a matter, we must provide ample evidence supporting our claims. She stated when using analogies within texts to argue positions, the writer must ensure the analogy is used properly. If the idea is not actually similar to the analogy stated, it is called a “false analogy”. While writing about problems and possible solutions, the writer must provide multiple resolutions with evidence of why one solution is better then the others. Diana pointed out how imperative it is to use emotional appeals responsibly within writing.  She provided examples of “biased language” and how using this type of language can elicit strong emotional reactions from the audience. When providing other views on a subject the text needs to be accurate and impartial. Diana suggested quoting the writers within the argument but to explain the “context” of the quote in order not to misrepresent what the writer was stating.

All of the different principles Diana supplied in “Evaluating Arguments” will help me with my future reading and writing of arguments. She provided examples to explain the different ways I can utilize her concepts. In the past when I have written a text involving my stated position it has been extremely easy to confuse the audience without a proper format for my argument. In the future I will use one of the concepts she suggested to form my argument and provide the necessary evidence to support my claims.

"Happy Endings," Obituary," and "Oompah Loompah” Dialogue

Shirley Temple is significant to Lovely because she represents a world where every problem is blissfully resolved and the resolution always involves a happy ending. Shirley embodies the type of lifestyle Lovely would like to possess. She views Shirley as a beautiful, angelic girl who receives love, attention, and devotion from every person who has the pleasure of meeting her. During the happy endings Shirley’s character cries out of joy. Lovely wishes her life contained reasons to cry because of pure happiness instead of sorrow.

Lovely feels unworthy of the type of heart-warming love Shirley Temple receives from the characters in her movies. Lovely stated, “We weren’t good enough for the kind of love that Shirley had every Sunday, the kind of love that makes the bottom lip quiver and mothers rush through crowds to hug you at the end of the movie.” (pg 26) Lovely feels if she obtains the qualities Shirley Temple possesses then she will deserve to be loved like Shirley Temple.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 47

The main concept in “Academic Writing” by Diana Hacker is how to write a text that states a rational argument while maintaining the ability to convince the readers to agree with the writer's stance on the subject. The thesis statement should clearly provide the writer’s position within the introduction. The writer must conduct research on the subject prior to writing the text in order to be knowledgeable and thorough on the subject. She pointed out writing down the main ideas of the argument will provide the outline to the text.

She stated not to automatically assume the readers already agree with the writer’s position on the subject. The text should contain facts, examples, quotes, statistics, or any other form of evidence supporting any claims made within the text.

I utilized this chapter to assist me in completing the final draft on my essay this week. I scanned my rough draft and highlighted each claim I made that did not include critical details or evidence that supported my statement. This chapter made me realize I need to provide more details in my future writing. It made me reflect more about what questions the reader would possibly have after reading my essay.

Essay #2 Draft

My relationship with my father and Sarah’s relationship with her father in “Shooting Dad” are particularly similar. We both grew up not appreciating our fathers for the wonderful role models they were yet thankfully we both recognized our critical error before it was too late.

Sarah’s relationship with her father became strained after her first experience with his enthusiasm for guns.  Her lack of appreciation for his love of guns eventually developed into a dislike for his political beliefs. Similarly, my relationship became strained with my father when I started developing my own views on life and religious ideals that were opposite of what my father believed. Sarah’s father embraced the concept of his daughter developing her own ideas, theories, and political beliefs. My father was horrified at the idea of his first-born daughter not following each principle he taught her.

When I realized it was time for me to explore the world and investigate different types of  beliefs, it caused my father to fear for my future. I wanted to investigate if what my father had taught me was in fact the truth or if I would be able to find something else that was a better fit for me. On my sixteenth birthday our relationship reached the boiling point, my father outlined his distaste for my interests, style, and beliefs. He had an image of an ideal daughter trapped in his head and was unwilling to expand his concept to include the reality of what I had become. He started trying to enforce rules to squash my individualism that he viewed as rebellion. I reacted in a way a teenager would, by creating a persona reeking of hatred for authority.

Sarah and I reacted to our fathers in a similar way, we both chose to participate in a lifestyle that was completely opposite of what our parental figures lived. Sarah chased music, art, and liberal politics. I chased loud music, cigarettes, and general rebelliousness.

Both Sarah and I realized later in life how important it is to have a good relationship with your father. I finally saw my father as a human being, a person with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I realized he is allowed to make mistakes. Just like Sarah was able to finally see how similar her and her father were, I was able to see the similarities between my father and I. My father and I both felt strong about our ideals and were willing to stand up for what we believe in. We are both quick to voice our opinion and stand firm regardless of outside influences. In fact I now believe I gained my character by watching my father. We may not see eye to eye on every issue but we have respect and love for each other.

Sarah and I tried desperately to be entirely different from our fathers and in retrospect we instead both possessed multiple similarities and convictions.

"The Insufficiency of Honesty" Dialogue

Integrity is difficult to achieve because in order to truly achieve integrity we must understand the whole definition. Carter points out many of us believe integrity to be honesty, but that is only a portion of the definition. He explained just because we possess honesty does not mean we possess integrity.

It is very easy to voice what you as an individual believe in, but it is quite another task to act in accordance to your convictions when tested under pressure. Everyday we are bombarded with different pressures whether they are social, political, or moral. We as individuals need to know and stand by our beliefs no matter what form of pressure tries to persuade us. We need this discipline even when there is no one watching.

We may believe we know the difference between right and wrong, but in order to possess integrity we must reflect on what is right and act upon our principles at risk to ourselves. As Carter stated, we must reflect on our beliefs, act upon our beliefs when necessary, and voice when we are acting upon our beliefs to truly achieve integrity.

Rules for Writers Chapter 4

The concepts of “Paragraphs” by Diana Hacker are, how to write topic sentences within paragraphs that support the main idea of the paragraph, how to identify the different “methods of development” within the text, how to not create a repetition of words in the writing, and how to know when to start a new paragraph. She stated when creating a paragraph it is imperative to have a topic sentence within the text that provides the main point of the paragraph. If the paragraph is only a few sentences she suggested reviewing the material and deciding whether it needs more supporting information or if it is necessary to delete the short paragraph.

Diana provided examples of “methods of development” which reflects patterns in writing. She said the “example” pattern is used most often but if you need to elaborate more on the example to use the “illustration” pattern because it allows more detail to become involved in the writing. The “narration” design is used when the author wants to tell a story. The “descriptive” outline is used to describe a noun. It is essential to provide the particulars when using this pattern. When the writer wants to provide a paragraph involving the “process” pattern it must be in chronological order. When using the “compare” design the paragraph can explain both subjects together or separately. The writer can use “analogies”, “cause and effect”, or “classification” outlines if necessary.

Diana explained it is important to use different forms of the key terms within a text. She said readers enjoy reading texts that have one to two hundred words per paragraph and where the first paragraph is the introduction and the last is the conclusion. She specified some of the reasons to begin a new paragraph are when the writer is changing ideas, needs to make an important statement, or to separate long paragraphs.

I enjoyed learning about the different patterns in writing. She provided great examples on what the different patterns create within a text. I relate to the distaste of reading the same words several times in a document. I try to use different terms and versions of words in my writing already. At times I tend to generate long paragraphs to emphasize the point of my writing and she provided a list of reasons to end a paragraph that will assist me in my future writing.

"Shooting Dad" Dialogue

The title “Shooting Dad” at first glance reflects Sarah's distaste for her father’s choice of hobby, occupation, and political beliefs. When Sarah was six her father introduced her to the power of a gun. She extremely detested the encounter and it created dissidence for her father’s political beliefs.  Instead of spending time with her family she spent her time appreciating music, art, and reading.

As Sarah grew older she desired a better relationship with her father. She contacted him and asked to participate in his most recent project . He had recently finished a cannon she called the “tool of death”.  (pg 21)  They hiked to a secluded area lugging the cannon with them.  She was thrilled by the loud noise when her father fired the cannon for the first time. During the excitement she realized her father was truly artistic and they were not so different after all.

Sarah promised her father when he passed away, her and the family would head to the mountains and shoot his ashes out of the  boisterous cannon. Sarah said “But I will not cover my ears. Because when I blow what used to be my dad into the earth, I want it to hurt.” (pg 23) The  true significance is that Sarah wants to hear the blast of the cannon as the reminder of the day she realized her and her father were not so different after all.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 3

The principal concepts in “The Writing Process” by Diana Hacker are, how to revise an essay to make it appealing to a wide array of readers and how to proofread the essay for sentence structure, wordiness, language rules and punctuation. She pointed out the importance of completing the final draft revisions prior to fixing the sentence structures and grammar. Revisions on the text may cause the writer to remove whole paragraphs or add paragraphs focusing in on newly generated ideas. It is important to make sure the thesis, introduction, main ideas, and supporting evidence are clearly stated. She said the writer needs to know what the main point of the text is and if the reader is able to understand the text.

The writer should print out the text in order to read it aloud or have another person review the essay to provide a different view of the material. If the writer chooses to read the text aloud it will assist in locating the harder to find errors. No one should rely solely on a word processing program to provide accurate spelling and grammar checks to their text. Diana stated a carefully proofread essay creates a positive message to the audience; it shows the audience the writer is conscientious about their writing.

In the essays we recently completed I was told to elaborate more on my ideas. This chapter helped me understand how important it is to the reader that my ideas are more developed and explored. Diana Hacker said, “when you revise sentences, you focus on effectiveness; when you edit, you check for correctness”. (pg 29) When writing my future essays I want to make sure that my text will be useful to the readers and it will cause the audience to ask questions or be interested in learning more about my topic. When I am in the revision process I will always print out my document and read it as the audience would. I am positive I will find misspelled words, wordiness, word ending errors, etc. In the future I will never rely on the spell check program to find all the errors within my essays.

"Coming Home Again" Dialogue

His mother mourned the time they lost while he was at boarding school. It truly dawned on her when she was dying; she wished she could take those years back and have her son at home with the family. Many years later she said, “You should be with us for that time. I should never let you go there.” (pg 128)

Prior to his parents sending him to the boarding school the family spent a lot of time together.  His mother originally felt the prestigious school would help him gain an excellent education he could use to have a successful future.  I believe his mother regretted sending her only son to boarding school because he was no longer apart of their daily family rituals. He was unable to participate in watching his mother prepare elaborate dinners and the custom of sitting as a family eating dinner together. Even after she became sick and was unable to eat food at the dinner table, she was always present at dinner to unite them as a family.

I believe she also regretted the desire to change his character by sending him away from the family and his culture. She originally felt by sending him to a boarding school he would be pushed to excel. She believed that if her son were participating in the daily housework, it would weaken his strength. She viewed her life as unimportant and wanted Chang-rae to use education as a source of expanding his horizons.  Although years later ironically her son assumes her place in the kitchen and realizes how important his mother’s role is in the family. Through her daily cooking she united their family. She previously said to her young son while he watched her prepare and cook ribs “the meat needs the bone nearby; to borrow its richness”. (pg 124) I believe she used her statement as a metaphor to teach him families need to be near each other in order to learn and grow together.

Writing Topic : Rules for Writers chapter 2

The concepts in “Drafting” by Diana Hacker are, how to complete a stimulating introduction including the thesis, provide body paragraphs that support your thesis, and a conclusion that is memorable and relevant. To start the writing process gather the research, observations, and ideas you have outlined prior to beginning the rough draft. Beginning with these materials will assist you in organizing your thoughts before you start writing. She stated many professional writers view the rough draft as a “process of discovery”. It is important to draw in the audience with your thesis therefore the introduction must be intriguing. She suggested leading with a statistic, example, or relevant quote. One of her other ideas was to complete an outline that includes the major sections of the document in order to help create a thesis that is direct and specific. She specified the importance of supporting your thesis statement with facts and details.

If you have a hard time developing the introduction of your text, complete the supporting paragraphs first. The writer must provide the evidence to back up the thesis. The conclusion of the text should not repeat your introduction but should briefly emphasize the main points. The conclusion could include an additional question, quote, or fact to support the text.

Diana Hacker provided a step-by- step process on how to complete a well-written essay. I really enjoyed the concept she provided about including a quote, fact, or other interesting information in the introduction and in the conclusion of the paper. Including a quote if my favorite idea because you are providing insight on the subject from another source other than the writer.  I agree about the importance of creating an introduction and thesis that will make the audience want to continue reading.  I will use these concepts to help with my essay writing abilities.

"The Ways We Lie" Dialogue

Everyone lies as Stephanie Ericsson said in “The Ways We Lie”. How are we to judge what lies are justified compared to what lies are not? I believe we need to search within ourselves to determine what we conceive to be an unacceptable lie.

For myself I believe certain lies are justified.  For example, imagine you are preparing to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. She has told you several times how exciting she thought surprise parties are and this year you are going to host a surprise birthday party for her. Unfortunately she believes everyone has forgotten her birthday. She asks you if you are planning a party for her. She is your best friend and you do not want to deceive her but you also do not want to ruin the surprise.

As George Bernard Shaw so eloquently said, “we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children, honesty is the best policy.” In our current society lies are told in business, family life, and even by the government. There is a very thin line between deceit and honesty. Often the truth depends on the individual’s perception of what they find the truth to be. Therefore if a person tells a “white lie” every now and then I do not believe we can label that person as permanently dishonest.

Essay One

When I view this picture I am looking at a time in my life where I learned an invaluable lesson of love, patience, and friendship. The picture includes my husband Michael, my dear friend Rob, and me. This picture was taken at a party in celebration of Rob’s return from Iraq.

It is important to provide the history between Rob and I. We met ten years earlier at a coffee shop; we had similar interests, and became instant friends. Three years after our friendship began we started dating. We were extremely young yet our dating blossomed into a committed relationship. During the four years we dated we shared a home. The relationship did not last but the friendship remained intact.  Our friends were amazed that we had the ability to continue forward with our friendship. I believe we set a good example when we showed how the dissolution of a committed relationship could be.  I was really happy that I did not lose my best friend just because our dating relationship ended. Rob did not have the traditional family growing up; he felt like needed some stability, direction, and support in his life. He decided to join the marines. I was very proud of Rob yet concerned for his safety.

I was playing pool a few weeks before Rob shipped off to boot camp and I met a man named Michael. He was charming and bold but at that time I was not interested in meeting anyone so I was not responsive to his advances. He was extremely persistent and possessed a great amount of charisma. We clicked instantly after I gave him a chance. During our conversations I told him about Rob. Michael completely understood and respected my friendship with Rob.

When I told Rob about Michael he encouraged me to embrace the idea of dating Michael. Unfortunately Michael lived in California. He was in Utah assisting his mother with some home projects for a few months. During those few months I realized that Michael was important to me but I knew he would be leaving soon.  After he went back to California we spoke nearly everyday and we both looked forward to his next visit.  A few months later we made the decision to date long distance. After a year and many flights back and forth between Salt Lake City and San Francisco we determined it was time for one of us to relocate. Michael had a son living in California therefore it was up to me to move. I was excited for new surroundings but was sad to leave my family and friends. Seven months before the big move Michael came to visit and proposed to me. We were married in 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by family and friends. Rob was on leave from the marines and we both chose him to be one of our groomsmen. We will never forget our magical day of celebration.

Two years later we met Rob at the Salt Lake City, Utah airport. We gathered together a network of friends and family to surprise him and welcome him back from fighting in Iraq. I believe he was overwhelmed to see so many people who supported him through his deployment. After the airport we gathered to celebrate at our house. I was somewhat concerned someone would ask Rob a question he might not be ready to answer, but everyone was just ready to celebrate his return. As the evening winded down Rob shared some pictures and videos he had taken in Iraq. He explained the stories behind the images and we were moved by his courageousness. He lost many friends on the battleground of Iraq and reviewing the pictures made him feel those emotions that were stuffed deep inside.

The history of my relationship with Rob and Michael provides evidence that we all give each other social roles in life, such as ex-boyfriend, friend, or husband. With social roles comes an expectation of who that person is to us and what they mean in our life. I defied the social role of ex-partner. I do not believe in cutting a  person out of your life because they are no longer your significant other. There is a reason you originally fell in love. How is it possible to dismiss your best friend because a romantic relationship did not work out?

My picture reflects the significant connections we make with certain people in this life and how important it is to hold tight to these relationships throughout social role changes. I know I made the right choice for me when I chose to ignore societies expectations of social roles.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers chapter 1

The concepts expressed in the “The Writing Process”, by Diana Hacker are, how to write a well written paper, which includes how to develop a subject, how to determine what type of paper is required, what is the purpose of the paper, and how to ensure the audience understands the message the writer is trying to convey.

When beginning a paper developing a subject does not happen instantly. The writer must allow time to develop ideas, ask themselves questions about the subject. Diana Hacker suggested thinking about the subject throughout the day and jotting down ideas as they come. Additional methods of developing the subject are; writing a list of ideas, free-writing, writing in a journal, and talking to other people about the subject to assist in generating new concepts.

It is necessary to know what type of paper is required. Diana Hacker stated there are generally two forms of college writing assignments, an analytical essay and a research paper. Each type of paper has certain characteristics that identify it as such but both types of paper require critically reading texts, annotating the text, creating an outline, writing a rough draft, and revising the text until the final draft is finished. The analytical essay involves reading a text closely and writing to support the text. If a quote from the document is used the writer must include the page number of the text. A research paper includes gathering information on the subject from multiple sources. It is required to document each source at the end of the document.

It is critical to figure out what the purpose is of the text. Diana Hacker said to find out what you want to communicate to the readers and who is the audience of the text. It is important to make sure who ever reads the text is able to understand what you are stating. It is important to ask who, what, where, why, and how in regards to the subject to ensure all the questions the audience may have are adequately covered.

This week I had a better understanding of how to use this assignment as a tool for my future writing assignments. The concepts I felt that will be especially beneficial to me are, dwelling on possible subjects throughout my day, brainstorming with friends, and asking myself who, what, why, when, how in regards to the writing subject. The majority of the documents I have written in the last year for school have been research papers therefore I appreciated learning the difference between a research paper and a summary.

"The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" Dialogue

Education provides a source of inspiration. Unfortunately the poor societies in our country are usually the people who are not offered a good education. If we could figure out a system to assist the poor communities, in increasing the ability to provide an excellent education to their children, we would be changing the future of many people. Having an education provides a path to a successful career future including a career where the compensation is larger, a wide array of career choices, and better benefits for the employees.

Education keeps children off the streets. When children are uneducated and basically are living on the streets the world becomes a very dark place. If the child is not taught the dangers of the world they are destined to become apart of the problem. Education can literally save a person’s life by dropping the likeliness the person becomes involved in illegal activity.

Alexie is providing the children potential for a successful future and showing them another world where they have the ability to do whatever they put their mind to. He wanted them to know it does not matter what ethnicity the person is, through education, anyone can decide if they would like a successful future. Alexie knew from his childhood Indian children were expected to be “stupid”. He knew from personal experience they were not stupid but social pressure caused them to shut down and let society dictate their educational abilities. He wanted them to break down the social stigmas that restricted their success. By providing himself as an example he proved Indian children are capable of successful futures. He knew Indian children were neglected when it came to motivational educators therefore he become a guest teacher to educate the children on poetry, essays, and other texts. He wanted them to become interested in books because that is what inspired his future. By Alexie going into a classroom and addressing the children he provided the children the gift of recognition, respect, and an example of what to strive for.

Alexie saved his own life by becoming interested in books at a young age. He was fascinated with the structure of paragraphs and how they came together to create larger texts. Before he had the ability to read he loved staring at comic books and making up what was expressed in the scene by analyzing the pictures. He was interested in his education and wanted people around him to know he was intelligent and that he cared about his future. Although he was bullied for showing his intelligence he focused on books and allowed them to be his ticket to his successful future.

Writing Topic : Rules for Writers Chapter 46

The main ideas of “Writing About Texts” by Diana Hacker are, how to read and understand the text and provide a summary of what you read in your own words. She expressed the importance of taking notes on the main ideas, any terms the reader may not understand, or any other questions the reader may have. She suggested completing an outline of the text prior to completing a summary therefore allowing the reader to pick out the main concepts. Hacker assisted readers with visual examples, which provided an illustration of each main point for visual learners. The information Diana Hacker provided in her article can be applied to any form of “text” or “visual texts.”


It is extremely easy to read a document without truly understanding what the author is trying to express or teach. I needed the refresher course in critical reading. I enjoyed learning the same principles can be applied to a visual image. When I wrote the summary for this assignment I first took notes and circled the important points, then created an out line of the notes. It allowed me to pull out the main ideas from the writing and put them in my own words. I followed each step Hacker said to follow when writing a summary. I guarantee I will refer back to this chapter during future assignments.

Free-Writing Exercises Dialogue

A free-write allows the author to write without stopping to correct spelling, grammar, or to think about what to write next. It allows the writer’s thoughts to spill upon the paper without worrying about how it may sound to another person or even if it makes sense. I was surprised to read if during the free-writing exercise, you cannot remember what word you want to say then just write I don’t know. I enjoyed the free writing, but I caught myself automatically hitting the back button several times. It will take practice to not try and correct errors during the free-writing exercises.  

According to “Freewriting Exercises”, if the writer practices writing several times a week, for ten minutes, without stopping to correct errors, the person will become a stronger writer. When I was a child my mother made my siblings and I write in our journals each week. We would take an hour on the weekend to relax and write down our thoughts. I still have those journals and they bring back many memories for me. I thank my mom for teaching me how to write freely, but unfortunately I no longer take time to write in my journal each week. I am hoping this course will facilitate me gaining the ability back.

Introduction

I have lived in Sonoma County for six years. Prior to moving to California I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. I moved to Sebastopol after I married my husband Michael. We both love Sebastopol and find it to be the right home for us. Sonoma County has a rich culture with many outdoor activities, music festivals, and other opportunities to get to know your community.

I was in the mortgage industry for ten years. After the industry dissolved I knew I wanted to go back to college and further my education. The last three years I have been employed as the Operations Manager at a company that manufacturers alcoholic cider. I have been blessed with continuous employment during these hard economic times.

I am still considering what degree I want to pursue, but I am interested in the behavioral sciences. I am on my fifth semester at the JC and have enjoyed taking all my class online. The flexibility allows me to work around my full time job. I am the type of person who insists on getting my assignments done early, although at times I am unable to because of my employment. I believe this course will help me improve my writing skills.

I look forward to interacting with each of you this semester.

Cheers!

Sarah