Life is a great big canvas*

Final week of class

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:45:41 GMT

Well, this is the final week of class before final exams. I don't know if I should be excited or not. I really enjoyed learning new things and having some place to go. I am a bit of a home body, but I love having a purpose. I think that is why I chose Psychology as my major. I want to be able to help people. Then again I don't know that I can handle the added stress of listen to peoples' problems. That is why I chose Human Resource Management as a minor. I still have the opportunity to help people, just in a different fashion.

Legally, I don't know how much I can help. My HR Director didn't understand that I wasn't asking for her opinion on how to distribute funds in my 401K. All I wanted to know is where to get detailed information about the available accounts. I would read the prospectus and then determine which account would work best for me. To this day, I have my funds slowly growing rather than aggressively growing. Shoot, I want a nice retirement and I can't count on Social Security for that.

I only hope that I will be able to shape the future in some way. I don't have the guts to become president and lead our nation. However, I would like to make someone's life a little better. You never know, I may run for president. No, there are too many skeletons in my closet. I would rather leave them there.

Build a Goth

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:59:43 GMT

We completed a group project during the last class. It was a little strange, but interesting. I can't say that I have ever created a Goth. I could probably point one out in public. However, I would never begin to assume what they enjoy. As you can see below, we found a pretty creepy, yet beautiful video about the Gothic subculture. Most of the pictures are twisted and creepy. I did see a few pictures that I thought we just amazing. Those pictures show the depth of the creator's character that most of us will never know just by looking at them. The music also provides some detail to the creator's subculture.

The soft ballad at the beginning creates a mellow, almost depressing feeling. Then, it progresses into something that I don' t understand. It is amazing how a few notes arranged in such a manner can add such a dramatic impact to a few still photographs. That is almost what I do when I scrapbook. I don't add dimensional elements by adding music; I add them by applying stickers, ribbons, and different shapes to the photos.

Okay, so Goths and scrapbookers, based on appearance only, don't have anything in common, but it almost sounds like it could work. There is so much that we don't know about one another, until we sit down a "spill the beans." This is what the semester has been all about, finding our true selves so that we can develop into well rounded human beings. Some of us are not going to change very much. Others will develop into the most amazing people in the world by opening their minds and hearts helping people along the way.

Four more entries!

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:49:36 GMT

Four more entries and only a little time left to complete them. I began to panic over the weekend. I realized that I am a little behind on the reading assignments in Art History and a little behind on my journal entries and comments for Composition. I feel confident that I will be able to catch up on the materials. Now, it's just a matter of time. I don't have plans for the weekend so it will not be an issue to complete the late assignments.

Now I just need a topic... Favorite book.
I don't really have a favorite. I really enjoy light, fun subjects. I'm addicted to romance books. They never go too far with the details. Maybe some do, but for the most part the are light hearted. I can usually read a 200 page romance book in one weekend.

I was never a fast reader. I like to blame that on my parents. They never really encouraged reading when I was younger. I would have the occasional book report due. I would not always choose a book that pushed my learning potential. In middle school, I chose a book that was below my reading comprehension. Now that I look back on that situation, I am surprised that the teacher didn't say anything.

I also enjoy the Harry Potter series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the last book. I told myself that I would concentrate on my homework and read the book over winter break. I have so much planned during winter break, I don't know if I will finish it. Here's hoping!

The Difference Between My Subculture and Yours

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:31:48 GMT

Each culture is witness to a wide variety of values. Dividing the culture into smaller groups reveals new values. I don’t feel as thought the values from one subculture should differ from another. I feel as if we should all function on the same level or standard of life. Being polite to one another is one example of the values that should be held by everyone. Why should our values change just because we share in different subcultures?

When I began to think about the values that one must have to belong to my subculture, I realized there are only a few values one would need to function in this subculture. One value required by scrapbookers is a passion towards ones’ family. Without love for ones’ family, there wouldn’t be much to scrapbook. You could scrapbook your life or your career, but whom would you share it with? Your friends would only understand as much as you would want them to. Your family members have insight into your life and the things that matter most to you making the album valuable.

Journaling allows a scrapbooker to tell a story about the event or the person that is the focus of their project. When reading the journaling, you can get a clear picture of the author’s characteristics and values, almost like a window into their soul. Authors often tell you how they feel about the subject. Certain words or phrases hold meaning, which allow you to gain knowledge about the author. For example if the author creates a page that focuses on their likes and dislikes, favorite foods, or clues to their character, it would tell you a lot about them.

Not all subcultures allow you to write about someone or something. However, musicians are given the opportunity to write and express vocally about life. In addition, musicians develop the ability to perform with numerous instruments adding a new level of expression. Just because musicians are able to express their story through music doesn’t mean that they understand the importance of family. A musician, in my opinion, can write a pretty good story without actually experiencing what it is they are writing about. I love music, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t feel as though they share the same values of a scrapbooker. Some values may be similar. I’m sure there are some scrapbookers that are musicians. In that case, scrapbookers and musicians would share similar values.

We stereotype the authors when we draw conclusions from the lyrics of a song or the journaling accompanying a photograph. Without actually meeting the author we can only assume we know what values they hold. There are many subcultures that share similar values. However, this doesn’t make us part of the same subculture. We all have our own characteristics and values that make us unique. No one person is the same; even twins have different values.

Values are one of the things that make our culture special. No matter how different our subcultures are there is still the possibility that we will share similar values because of the larger culture that we belong to. We are taught similar values in order to function in society. If we didn’t have a beginning to base our values our world would be in disarray. Fortunately, we live in a nation striving for freedom; freedom to be unique.

Progress... What progress?

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:41:16 GMT

This half of the semester has been difficult for me. So, to say that I have made progress towards understanding the topic of my final paper would be inaccurate. It took me a long time to decide on a final subject for my paper. I didn't feel as thought I could fill eight pages with information regarding the subculture I have decided to write about in my journal.

Now, it's just a matter of time. Fitting in the time required to complete the assignments hasn't been difficult. The discipline required to focus on the work has been my biggest issue. Trying to balance the responsibilities of life seems to take precedent over my schoolwork. Right now for example I'm getting crap about the lack of participation required to take care of our home. I am my own individual! I am not like Joe Schmo down the block. Just because he can work 40 plus hours a week, travel, and do household chores on the weekends doesn't mean that I can take on those same responsibilities and remain sane.

This reminds me of the recent interview I gave regarding a lower number of part-time students graduating than full-time students. Life happens! We can't just turn away from our lives and I don't mean to say that's what high school students do when they come to college. I do feel as though coming to college is what they make their lives out to be. Some people aren't ready for college right after high school and choose to find a job. They may get married and have a family before deciding to go back to college. I haven't traveled down that exact road but the pressure still adds up to be the same.

My Halloween Weekend

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:28:38 GMT

I had a fabulous time with my family this past weekend! I didn't get to see my brother's kids play soccer but I did see my sister's boy. He did an excellent job. He scored the first goal for his team! They still lost the game. Then we had lunch where I shared my first alcoholic beverage with my mother! That was a little strange, but I can't wait to do it again! I bet she's really funny when she's tipsy.

We spent Sunday morning with Shayne's parents. It was a nice breakfast. However, the visit was just too short. I hate that we never seem to have enough time with our families. Thank goodness we are taking the entire week between Christmas and New Year's to spend with them. Not to mention we are spending Thanksgiving with his grandparents!

I miss my family very much! I deal with the separation better now than I did three years ago when we moved here. I try to talk to each family member at least once a week. It doesn't always work out that way. We all have our own homes and families to take care of. My family just happens to consist of three cats and a dog. Oh! I almost brought home a puppy today. My husband would kill me if I brought home another animal. I already brought home... five! Now, it's not that bad. He told me I could bring home four of the five. I just sneaked in the fifth when he didn't return my call. Now boys, that's a lesson to you. Call your significant other back right away; you may end up with a new pet!

Rags to Riches

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:51:06 GMT

Oh my god! I have absolutely no idea where to begin with this topic. It's not just "Rags to Riches". It's "Rags to Riches in the Adult Industry". I'm assuming the individual that created this unusual topic is referring to the adult film industry. As much as some of you might like for me to take that road I'm just not going to do it!

Actually, this has brought me to a place where all rags to riches business men have issues. The ethics, not necessarily related to the adult film industry, have affected many decisions that business men make everyday. Who's to say that business men take the moral high road? When you look at people in United States' industries, you think of people like Donald Trump and Bill Gates who are men that have struggled to make a legacy for themselves.

There is a lot of speculation as to how men and women get to be the president or CEO of a multimillion dollar company, especially when the individual comes from a life of poverty. This also holds true for individuals that have found themselves on the other side of the law. The smallest misdemeanor can haunt one for the rest of their life. Is that a risk you are willing to take? It could mean the career you are working towards will never be yours. All the time, money, and effort that you put into this dream could be wasted. I don't know about you, but I don't have the time or money to just throw away.

Life and Its Crazy Little Games

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:06:56 GMT

Throughout life we meet many people. Some we get to know better and others we walk right passed never getting to know them further. Why do we do that? Think of all the wonderful relationships we could be missing. Are we willing to pass these people up because of our perceptions? Can we change our perceptions to benefit our relationships? I believe that we can.

As I walked from store to store, I paid attention to the people that walked by and to the people that stood in the storefronts. At first, I found the assignment difficult. It’s not often that I stereotype people; today I had to. Putting people into categories wasn’t difficult after closing in on the characteristics of each group. There were many categories to choose from but I have selected only a few to discuss.

There were mothers tending to their little ones. I would consider them to be “caregivers”. Some people throughout our lives are never meant to be caregivers; others excel at it. One mother picked up her son’s shoe. Now we all know that he kicked it off but she picked it up with no questions asked. All caregivers are not mothers and all mothers are not caregivers. I saw a middle-aged woman pushing the wheelchair of, what I assumed to be, her grandmother. I categorize this woman as a caregiver.

Next, we have the teenage “brats”. They are my least favorite. They show no respect to the elderly patrons that walk past them. They stood in the doorway blocking a clear path for the gentleman with a cane. It’s not just the elderly patrons they disrespect; it’s elders in general. I assume these kids have a pretty decent home life and only act this way in front of their friends. I would also consider these brats to be “posers”. They choose to be one way in front of their friends and another in front of their families. We see this a lot in the workplace. People put on a “professional face” while at work and at the end of the day, they relax becoming a free spirit.

Finally, there were others like me. The “go getters” were juggling their packages with their lists and possibly even a beverage. It was clear they were on a mission to complete their list of tasks. I describe myself when I refer to these people. We have calendars that, for the most part, are packed full of things to do. We always leave an evening empty meant for a little rest and relaxation, but that doesn’t always happen.

Life is a peculiar thing. I suppose you could say that our lives are predestined. We are born and raised by, in some cases, two loving parents. We pretend that the choices we make growing up shape our futures. In actuality, it’s the lessons we are taught early on that guide us to become the men and woman we are today. We still have growing up to do as adults. Life is always throwing us twists and turns and we face these challenges with the knowledge we retained over the years.

I guess the real question is whether or not our culture dictates our responses to these challenges. Even, with an open attitude, our subcultures are determined on their own. The choices we make guide us into a subculture, but the stereotypes, or views that people have about one another, have nothing to do with the decisions we make. Although, we sometimes allow these opinions to affect our choices, thus putting us into a completely different subcultures. We need to stop playing these games and realize that every choice we make affects our lives.

The Excitement of Halloween

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:17:55 GMT

I'm very excited! Halloween is coming up and this will be the first time in years that I will get to spend it with my family. I have four nephews and one niece, so you can see why I am excited. I have never gone trick-or-treating with them; I won't get to do that this year either. However, I will get to carve pumpkins and tell scary stories around a bonfire.

The main reason for the visit is to shut my brother-in-law up. Please don't tell him I said that! The last time I was back home he asked if we were going to stop on our way out. He knows they are not on the way out. Finally, I decided to make a special trip home and stay with them. I love my sister and nephew dearly, but I would trade in my brother-in-law if I had the chance.

It's also getting to the point that we don't have the money to drive back home several times a year. It's a six hour drive, $30.00 in tolls, and approximately $50.00 for gasoline. I don't think my family realizes what it takes. They all have made one trip out to visit but they don't add up how many times we come back. Let's see...
There's Christmas, Thanksgiving, one visit early spring, and at least two birthdays throughout the summer; that adds up to a minimum of $400 a year. Then if we have to board our dog, add an additional $17.00 per day. It's no wonder we don't take our own family vacations. Sorry! I have gone off on a little tangent.

I really do love Halloween! To me it marks the beginning of cool weather, beautiful foliage, and pumpkin pie! It is my favorite time of year! Some days are a little cold but a warm fleece hoodie will cure that. If it gets too cold and the fleece won't work then it's time to hibernate. I really don't like winter! My husband tells me I have reptilian blood and that I need a rock to lay on in the sun; I don't think he's funny.

My Anthem

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:49:53 GMT

There really isn't an anthem for my subculture. If you crop at a locate scrapbook supply shop, you may end up listening to whatever the employees have broadcasting over the public announcement system. It's not necessarily the latest music that is playing on the radio; it's usually late 80's or early 90's music.

If you are fortunate to have a work space available in your home, you can play any music that you want! I like to plug in my Ipod and listen to my favorite play list. It contains songs from artists such as Avirl Lavigne, The Pussycat Dolls, Sara Evans, and Billy Joel. I know it's a rather strange combination of artists, but I enjoy different types of music. I will even listen to my Ipod while at a crop session; my friends laugh at me when I start to sing along to the songs.

I suppose that if I had to pick one I would choose "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cindy Lauper. I don't the lyrics actually portray what scrapbooking is about. However, the title and the chorus express my main goal when I go to a crop; I go to relax and enjoy the company of my friends. I complete several pages for my album during the crop; that is the most important part to me. As much as I enjoy spending time with my friends, I get more enjoyment out of completing a project. Okay, it could be a different kind of enjoyment; I still find enjoyment in scrapbooking my family memories.

What you need to know to be literate in my subculture

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:11:26 GMT

I have searched for several different definitions of the term literate. I wanted a better understanding of the definition before I started to write about what is required by the people of my subculture.

I don't know that there is anything specific that separates individuals in my subculture. You get to be exactly who you are. You can wear whatever is comfortable. You can listen to your preferred type of music. You can even create pages that identify exactly who you are as an individual. That is the nice thing about scrapbooking. It's all about you and your preferences. You are not making the album to please others. Okay, maybe you are but the general idea is to make each page describe the event or person you are scrapbooking. If it's a holiday page, you would probably pick colors and embellishments that will help you identify the holiday. For example, you are not necessarily going to use pastel pinks or blues to create Christmas page(s). Typically, you would use shades of red, green or gold.

Scrapbooking requires a general knowledge of photography. You don't have to be a professional. You just need to know how to focus on your subject. In fact, one of the best ways to capture the perfect shot is to click away. I tried that technique once with my 8 year old nephew. It was Christmas 2006. He was laying on the floor with a pillow under his head. I picked up my camera and started to "click away". Next thing I know, he is covering his face with the pillow as if he was playing peek-a-boo. I have some really funny pictures and they perfect describe who he is.

After I have my pictures, I take a trip to Archiver's. I try to find paper that will match colors in the photographs. I then head home and start sketching possible layouts. I have learned my mistakes. I don't glue down a photo until I know exactly where I want it to be. Then, I add a few embellishments and a little journaling to tell the story. That's pretty much it. You don't have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful page.

Subculture Quiz

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:19:27 GMT

Wow! I can't exactly argue with the result of my quiz. Given that I am an older college student, my views may differ from the younger generation. After all I have a job, a husband, and a home to take care of. I need to be responsible, most days. I do enjoy the occasional "get drunk and make fun of people" stage.

If I take a moment to define the characteristics of a prep, it begins to become more clear. Quizilla defines a prep as being conservative, popular, and normal. I may be popular. I get along with almost everyone that I talk to. However, I don't consider them all friends. I may be conservative, but I like to have fun more often than not. I am definitely not normal. There is no question about that!

I have taken a real personality quiz. I answered approximately 75 questions and the results were unbelievable. It was as though someone one broke into my home and read my journal. I wish I still had the results. I would love to share them with you.

The Subculture Label Quiz

You are a.. PREP! This isn't really a subculture, just the defenition of normal. You act normal. You talk normal. Hell, you look normal. You have a tendency to agree with what everyone else says, and just go with the flow. You especially look down upon people who try to be different.. psh.
Take this quiz!

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Ansel Adams: the begining of it all

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:58:01 GMT

It took a me a very long time to find anything that resembled an autobiography. I finally discovered a biography that initially began as an autobiography. The author, Nancy Newhall, knew Ansel Adams when she worked at Museum of Modern Art. They became close friends and Ansel shared stories and letters from his journeys. Nancy suggested they write a book together. Ansel found the idea appealing and he began to bring Nancy boxes of letters, post cards, and photographs. When the book was complete, the publisher who originally commissioned the book was not able to publish due to merger. No other publishing company wanted the monography. The idea was then shelved never to be published. Ansel Adams died many years later in 1984.

Ansel Adams is a well known American photographer. He is known for his work with the Sierra Club, photographing and protecting the natural beauty of the Yosemite National Park and other beautiful sites throughout the Western United States.

You may not recall the name of the of the artist that created these beautiful images. However, when viewing the magnificent photographs, you may feel a sense of peace and tranquility come over you. I think this is exactly what Ansel Adams was trying to achieve when photographing the images.

I think that is what every scrapbooker is trying to do. They are trying to preserve the beautiful memories for those who are not around to see them. You don't have to scrapbook just family parties. You can scrapbook the beautiful surroundings and the other things that tell a story about you. Granted, Ansel Adams fought to preserve national parks and scrapbookers do not (well, they might). I just try to focus on the things that I enjoy and the things I find beautiful. Those things help me remember who I am and where I've been in life. Life is never an easy journey but you should always find the beauty in it.

Newhall, Nancy. Ansel Adams: Volume 1, The Eloquent Light. San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1963.

My life through your eyes

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:58:13 GMT

Sometimes I wonder if I share too much about myself. My classmate hit the nail on the head when he wrote about my life growing up. As depressing as it may seem, I don't think that I would be the person I am today had I lived a different life. I suppose that is one question that we all ask at some point in ourMy lives.

Would we be who we are today if we had taken a different path?

tiedtotheanchor Offers insight into the twisted life I call mine.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Things don’t always go quite as well as hoped in this life. Things are lost; family, friends, jobs, all kinds of things. Those affect outcomes of other things (and those affect others, and so on) and makes life like one big chain-reactioned mess. All of the factors considered, those events shape a life. A life like the one led by Lori Spence, who said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

She grew up in Hanover with her parents, two sisters, and a brother. She led her life like any child would, going to school, playing with friends in the neighborhood and such. Growing up her eldest sister, Chris was like a surrogate mother to her. She was the one Lori went to with her problems. Her mother would often overshadow her with the accomplishments of her sister, Kim. Kim had won the Miss Hanover pageant, despite being a redhead with freckles, over the usual contestant winners (gorgeous, thin blondes).

Lori entered high school with Kim already enrolled. She started her high school color guard career early, during her freshman year. Kim participated in the color guard with Lori; it was something Lori loved to do in high school. Things may have started fine enough for Lori in high school, but they didn’t end that way. She almost didn’t pass a class that she needed to in order to graduate. As a result, she didn’t feel that she should start wasting money by going to college at that point.

Some jobs are good and some are not so good, but unfortunately there are more jobs that people loathe than like. Lori at one point worked at one of the latter. She worked at Giant Food Store as an office attendant. Despite only working as a part-time employee, she was working more than forty hours a week. She switched to full-time, but as a bakery employee. Working third shift, Lori would prepare the breads to be baked and bake them to be put out when the store opened, as well as frying and preparing donuts. She withered away at this job, dropping down to 115 pounds.

For everything bad there is something good. Lori’s current job is one that she enjoys quite a bit. She keeps medical records for a local counseling agency. It isn’t very challenging and she doesn’t get much pay because it is a non-profit agency, but she enjoys it nonetheless. She has a good boss there and the staff have inspired her to go to college. Lori is currently attending college, majoring in psychology and minoring in human resource management.

Lori is married and currently lives in Ohio after moving here with her husband, Shayne. Shayne worked for a company that abused his work ethic, taking advantage of him. He quit and asked her to move away with him. She hadn’t been away from her family before so she agreed on the condition that it wasn’t more than one state away, leading them to Ohio.

She loves animals. She has a dog and three cats. She also loves horses and would really like to buy one by her fortieth birthday.

To be persuaded

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:50:44 GMT

It takes a lot for me to be persuaded. One will have to find a subject that I feel passionately about. Also, they will need to use real life examples to get my attention. Once they have my attention, it will not be hard to convince me to "vote" for you.

And the winner is ani2011! Her entry titled "What it takes to be an artist" is very interesting.

I really enjoyed Ina's argument. There are many different aspects of art. Art is never just paint on canvas. It can be a ballet recital, sculpture, or a horror flick. Yes, a horror flick! It takes talent to apply latex rubber masks on human faces; not to mention painting the mask to make it appear disgusting. Art is part of life. Take a minute to experience it. I found out the hard way that I do not enjoy the ballet, but at least I can say that I saw a ballet.

Ina is also correct about art being a stress reliever. I sometimes color in children's coloring books to relieve stress. Something about staying in the lines really eases me. Molding a pieces of clay can also be helpful. Smash it or rip it! It is a proven form of therapy.

There were a few other entries that I enjoyed reading. I can't say that any of them were as persuasive as Ina's. Although the entry was a little short, she got to the point and sold it very well. I could not argue with any comment she made regarding artists.

Creating family memories that last a life time

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:06:37 GMT

Congratulations! Happy Birthday! Oh boy... or girl?
There are many events in life that are special to us. Most of us take a few pictures to remember them. Once we download our pictures, what do we do next? We often print out our favorite pictures and throw them in an album or in a shoebox. After these events have passed, how do we remember them? Usually, we struggle to remember the days events. Why? When you have the supplies and tools to create beautiful scrapbooks, there is really no reason your pictures should end up in a shoebox!

Remember your family and friends in the most pleasant and beautiful way possible. Start your own scrapbook or album. Most of us do not understand how important family is until they are gone. Do not let that happen to you. I certainly do not want to forget my family. So, I have started my own scrapbook.

I really enjoy scrapbooking. Not only do I have the opportunity to visit with friends, I have an opportunity to relive family memories. You are probably saying to yourself, "I don't have an ounce of creativity in me." You don't need it. Most of the manufacturing companies offer paper, stickers, and embellishments that are color coordinated. All you have to do is cut some paper and glue a few pictures on the paper. We all learned how to do that in kindergarten.

Most people start out using the basic supplies and there is nothing wrong with that. You can do a lot with a paper cutter and glue. The more imagination that you have, the more possibilities you have available to you. The masters of the industry have created tools to cut a multitude of designs, to crimp paper, and to heat inks and powders to create a different look. There are numerous ways to alter or distress your images. You don't even need an imagination. There are several thousand publications to teach you the techniques of the trade. I have to confess. When I am in a rut, I pull out old magazines and books to revive my creativity.

Throughout the United States, there are conventions. Creating Keepsakes, for example, hosts conventions in several different states. I have been fortunate to attend the convention in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, two years in a row. I loved every class that I took. I learned new techniques and won a ton of prizes. Who doesn't want free stuff?

If you feel that this is something that you would like to learn more about, let me know. It's what I do. Part of my Close To My Heart business is to teach people about scrapbooking. It's an addicting hobby. Get ready for it!

Holding onto family memories

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:45 GMT

I wanted to choose an area that really describes who I am. I suppose that scrapbooking best describes one subculture. I am creative and some what artistic. I thought for a very long time about how my video describes my subculture.

I really enjoy using acrylic stamps. I have recently become a consultant for Close To My Heart. I absolutely love their selection of acrylic stamps. They have a wide variety to choose from when I scrapbook my family events.

There are many different elements that you can use to decorate your pages. Every now and again I take a trip to Archiver's. I remember exactly how I felt the first time I went to Archiver's. I was amazed by the selection of supplies and tools they carried in the store. I spent a solid hour walking around. There were so many things to see and do. The employees were available to answer questions and to help with the make and take projects.

I find it easy to get lost in my scrapbook. I could and have spent hours scrapbooking with my girlfriends. Like writing, it helps me release the stress in my life. Cutting, pasting, and coloring the elements requires concentration. I suppose concentrating on the family events transports me to a time when I was happy.

My family is very important to me. I enjoy scrapbooking family memories. I find it best to remember them by adding pages to my album. Scrapbooking helps remember the good times that I shared with my family and some of the not so good times. I don't feel that you should scrapbook just the good times. It's not what life is about. Surely, you have experienced some bad times. I want to look back on my life when I am 70 years old and remember what events in my life created the woman that I am that day.

I certainly want my children and grandchildren to look back on the life I had. I am sure they will laugh at the clothes and hairstyles that I have chosen. I know I laugh at my parents' pictures. However, I want my family to remember everything I have done. This will help them realize they too can do anything they want in life.

Pouring my heart out

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 01:41:11 GMT

****** WARNING *******
Do not continue if you can't handle the heat!

Do you ever get in a particular mood and you just can't shake it? I am incredibly grouchy! I hate everything right now. I have no desire to write anything. I have tried to write about several different subjects and I just can't make up my mind. I don't want to make any decisions. I just want to complete my classwork. If I have the opportunity to do something else then fine. My husband doesn't seem to get that. I had to go grocery shopping this past weekend. He couldn't even tell me what he wanted for dinner. I guess I will give him a can of Alpo! At least then he will realize one less thing for me to think about would be helpful.

He's been gone a lot lately. You are probably thinking that he's in the military. No, he makes stickers! That's his joke not mine. For the time being, it will work. He's MacTac's golden boy. I make it sound like he's a brown noser but he's not. He's just trying to develop a reputation in the industry. He just doesn't realize that he already has. Maybe he does and doesn't want get off the fast track. I wish he would fill me in on that plan. That's what marriage is about isn't it? Making decisions together; being a team; being best friends. I miss my best friend!

Well, I chose the right play list. The flood gates are open. Honestly, I'm not looking for sympathy. Men don't understand that sometimes all it takes is a good cry and you'll feel better. Don't even think for one minute it's PMS! Women are allowed to be upset every now and again. Especially for no reason. We just manage our stress a little differently than men.

Ahhh! I feel better. Finally! It only took 300 plus words to relieve the stress. Writing, it's a powerful thing. Don't ever under estimate it!

Defining one's self

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:46:49 GMT

Webster's defines culture as the concepts, habits, skills, art, instruments, and institutions of a given group of people in a given period of time. Subcultures divide us into the smaller groups of which we are apart. It is often confusing to identify a subculture or lifestyle one may belong to. In today's society, things change all the time. Who is to say, for example, an ipod easily identifies a subculture? The play lists on the ipod would better define the subculture. One may listen to country, heavy metal, or punk. Thus, putting them into a completely different subculture.

Wikipedia.com further describes the types of subcultures. Think generally. Who are you? Are you a man or a woman; Caucasian or African American; Catholic or Jewish? All these areas define the subculture that you are apart of. When asked to think about the subcultures I belong to, I go blank. I have no idea where to begin. The easiest thing for me to do is start from the beginning. I am a Caucasian woman, older than most traditional freshman college students. Right there, I was able to list four subcultures that I am apart of. They may not be very specific. However, the further I look, more individualized characteristics will be unveiled.

Many people confuse subcultures with stereotypes. Stereotypes are fixed conventional expressions, notions, characters, or mental patterns that prevent us from being individuals; as if we were cast from a mold. I am sure that we all have heard at least one "dumb blonde" joke in our lifetime. The stereotype is that all blondes are dumb. We know from our experiences that not all blondes are dumb. There are a few blondes that put all other blondes to shame.

Our personal experiences and opinions often affect how we envision someone. For example, the biggest kid at the park is constantly bullying a young boy on the playground. The young boy grows up in fear of men that are larger in stature. Just because that one bully made his life difficult is no reason to believe that life will be like that forever. We can change our beliefs. It takes practice and discipline to overcome our fears. A good psychologist wouldn't hurt either.

Peer review day

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:38 GMT

Today the class reviewed the biographies that were written over the weekend. I don't feel as though it was difficult to write the paper. My partner, Nathan, is a pretty easygoing guy. He answered all my questions without reservation. He seemed happy to answer questions related to his education. It was from there that I spotted a theme. Nathan got excited when he discussed his major, visual communication design. He's obviously following his heart. I think that it is very important for one to follow their heart. There is no sense in working for a company or organization that you hate. It would only be a matter of time before one would begin to hate other aspects of their life.
I had to follow-up with Nathan in order to complete my paper. I found that I was about a third shy of filling the required two pages. He responded quickly to the additional questions. Now I just need to modify the draft to reflect the changes that were suggested. I also would like to take time to review the areas that I feel are weak subjects for me. Nathan and I both agreed that we have a few areas of the writing process that we need to review in order to complete our assignments. Punctuation is going to be the death of me.
Overall, the review process was simple. It almost seemed too simple. I guess I would just feel better if I had a few more hands and eyes reviewing my paper. I realize that each person has his or her own views about what a paper should look like. So, I would not take all the recommendations to heart. It's like I mentioned earlier, my partner and I had the same weaknesses. When majority of my grade depends upon my final paper, I want to make sure that I am learning all that I can.

Comments to journal entries

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 02:22:53 GMT

Each time that I log on I look forward to any comments that the community has in regards to my journal entries. To this date I have had very few comments. I feel as though this has a great deal to do with the fact that I'm an older student. This subculture has singled me out in class. I swear I don't bite, usually. I look forward to any constructive criticism that you may have about my writing abilities. It has been a long time since I have been asked to write a paper. I could definitely use your help.

I think that I have finally decided on a paper topic. Traveling home to visit family I kept thinking that I wanted to read. Unfortunately I can not read in a car. I suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness is something that affects many people. What is motion sickness? What causes it? Does the sickness primarily affect men or women? Why does it only affect that gender? Can one learn techniques to prevent motion sickness? I am going to look into this a little more. I am just not sure that I can write eight pages about the topic. At least I will learn some techniques to prevent motion sickness. Then I can read the next time I have to travel six hours to visit my family or even the 11 hours it takes to visit the in-laws.

Feelings

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:09:38 GMT

While writing there can be a multitude of feelings that overcome me. For instance I don't feel comfortable writing right now. I am confused, panicked, and concerned. I don't know where to begin with this paper. I have tried to limit myself to a specific subculture. I don't know that I can do that. There are many things that define who I am. And I just can't think of them! After the first class I felt more comfortable writing while sitting on the couch at home. No offense people, but I find it distracting sitting in class. I work better when there is minimal noise. The thoughts just seem to flow much better when I'm "in the zone". I am concerned that this will affect my final grade. I want to do my best. I want the "A". Great I'm now feeling the physical burn. When I am stressed the burning starts across my shoulders. It is so intense. A massage therapist told me once that it was lactic acid build up. I can't imagine that I'm working the muscles that much! May be someone can clarify this for me. Why would the build up develop when I don't workout? I thought that lactic acid only develops when the muscles were overworked. I should really take a break so that I can relax. Unfortunately I still haven't decided on a topic. I could take my own advice and choose something that I could easily find in reference books. Not a bad idea. It certainly would make my life a little easier.

Subculture

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:05:49 GMT

After completing the first half of the week I am really trying to figure out where I belong. I have been out of school for a while. I never wanted to spend the money developing a career that I would be unsatisfied with. I finally decided that I wanted to go back. Silly me! I am taking three classes and working 30 hours. Granted the job that I have isn't very difficult. However, it takes up time that I can not afford to spend.
Am I really considered a college student? I suppose that I am. The moment that I received an acceptance letter made me a college freshman. I could categorize myself with the adult students as well. I am certainly not part of the normal freshman class. Also, I am a working woman in the business world. I commented about the lame job that I have earlier. No matter how lame, I'm still a business woman trying to make a life for myself and my family. What other subcultures could I be part of? I would not consider my self to be a bookworm, an athlete, or a musician. However, I am a pet owner and a scrapbooker. Scrapbooking clubs are taking the arts and crafts industry by storm. I love making cards a little more personable. I love scrapbooking my family memories. I live far away from family. Scrapbooking the moments we spend together helps ease the time apart. To make this assignment easier I will make a list of all the subcultures I am apart of. I will have to weed out the questionable ones so I may concentrate on the predominate ones.

First day of school

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:07:40 GMT

Wow! What an exciting day! I never thought that I would enjoy college this much. I've been out of high school for a while. I was scared to start classes. I don't know why I was so worried. I know that I can handle the lectures, the papers, and the reading. It's just a matter of getting back into the swing of things. I just have to remember one thing. Ask questions. When something is unclear I need to speak up and ask for clarification. Only an idiot would sit back and watch their grade go down the drain. I better get back to my homework. It won't finish its self.