Well, just realize how time flies? This is the last week of our English 103. I do not know If I should say Yippeee... because finally our class is over with or sad to say that there are no more busy working habits that would occupy my in between busy schedules.
Tonight is our church night and I am having a second thought if I should go or not because I have to submit our final blog. But I decided to go for one simple reason, to give thanks that I survive till the end. I am glad I did attended tonight's church. The Pastor's word is "Take whatever is left and keep on pushing". I still remember all those times of brain storming, crumming and  sleepless nights trying to submit all the homework in due time. I am alone in front of the computer, can not think anymore, frustrated and confused how I will do it.  All I did is just bow down and pray.  All those times that I struggled doing my homework I almost think of quitting and just let go with it because it is overwhelming. But my spirit does not want me to stop.  All I have is a little knowledge in me, a little time to squeeze  my homework, a support from my husband, a word of encouragement from Professor Gross, faith in GOd and a strong determination. These are the only things that is left in me and I push really hard to overcome my fear and accomplished my homework week by week.
Now this is the final week and I am jumping with joy not just because it is over but there are some good things that I achieved with this class. Although this is an on line class I was able to know some people through their ideas. Their writing is the reflections of their personality. Just amazed how people can connect through their blogs. I definitely dislike the group work but peer draft review is really great.  It helps a lot when you are doing your final draft. I just love Mrs. Lilly Green , she is awesome.  She is really on top of everything, maybe I should call her the leader of North Kargar. She really took her time reviewing all our essay and she always initiates our group work. She deserves an applause.
When I was thinking of what could be a good name of my blog, I just thought that "lifesjourney" would be fine. But now I think it is just a perfect name! I can relate English 103  just like life's journey. I came across with stress, struggles, joy, fear, frustrations and confusion. It is a journey of ups and downs, then by the time you know it is the end.
It is over...and it is sad to say goodbye. No more sleepless nights of twisting and turning trying to put all my thoughts together. No more owl nights of staying in the computer trying to make all the homework submitted in due time.  I will be missing those Wednesday, Friday blogs and Sunday night deadline. It is really true that time flies when you are busy doing what you like and have a strong determination to achieve your goal. To my classmates your thoughts are in my thoughts. Good luck to all of us. Cheers and Happy Holidays!!!

Almost there....

Last week is the busiest time of my life. Just thinking how will I manage to survive that week ...will be a relief. What a pleasant feeling... I did it. I felt so happy that I finished doing that research paper. I know....I procrastinated and whined.  But I did not let that feeling to over power me. I started it and I might as well finish it till the end.
After reading RLIT I am not sure if I am ready to read another book, although I found it very interesting. After looking at the second option, I gave a second thought about it. I look into some information that I could gather and feel myself how it will interest me. Actually after reading RLIT, it gives more idea what will be the best topic I will choose. I decided that "Women's Rights" is the best because it will answer my doubts regarding the culture of Iran.
I am aware that all nationality practice different culture and traditions. But not to the extent that if you did not follow it you are liable and bound for punishment. While I was reading RLIT I just wondered why this women has to hold a private gathering in somebody's house and why the veiling is a big deal.
I thought it is just part of their culture. So, I guess this is something to look into, to have a better understanding of women's right in Iran. What law did Iran goverment put into women? Unbelievable... I should say. If I am an Iranian citizen, I will not be satisfied of being just a hosewife. Of course I would love to to take care of my family, to see my kids growing. But what if they are growned...what would be my life without education and no opportunity for me in the society. I will be a useless citizen, that is boring without  participation in the society. I can not just be staying at home and follows what my husband dictate me to do. This researh project is really an awakening for me to thank what a blessing that I have, having a freedom that is priceless. That I have the freedom to live my life, to work and educate myself. I can be productive and be a useful citizen.
While I was doing the research project it opens up a different style in writing. Normally when I write my essay it is all about my opinion and ideas. With this research I found it difficult to start with because I have not incorporate a lot of information in one. My struggle is how I will connect the article from one to another and insert my analysis too. It is really hard to juggle all these information.  But I noticed this is exactly what other writers do. To quote, unquote and analyze an argument.
This research project is a challenge and I really put my work into it. Like I mentioned it opens a new style in writing which I think at first I think I can not do it. But I am just happy that I overcome my fear and stress and I learned a new style of writing. I am just holding my breath till the end...we are almost there.

Procrastinating at RLIT

When the RLiT project was posted at the Blackboard on Week 11, I know that I have a major project to do. After reading the instructions and requirement for the project, I said to myself, "Ahahh..another essay and another challenge". But since it is a few weeks away before submission, I will have plenty of time to prepare. And my perfect word for that... "Procrastinating".
So I put off my concentration on that project. It is not that I do not want to do it, but week by week there are other homework . I try to submit all my homework that is due and work on my reading. But it seems that my thought is not working all together with my goal. I had a terrible time choosing a novel. Maybe because I am not doing it right that is why I can not concentrate.
I planned some ways to fit my schedule at work, doing my homework, kids activities and family. I guess I need some time of organization and set my priorities so I can manage to fit everything together. Few weeks ago there is not too many homework, so I can have a breathe to do a little extra stuff. Then my work call and asked me to do extra shifts. That's not too bad, I think I can pitch in another shift anyway holiday is coming it will be an extra dollar to buy for a gift. Last week, I read the announcement again and alarmed that time is approaching for the project submission.
Seriously, I have to stay focus. So I read the instruction again for the project. I am stunned and lost. All those times that I am reading the instructions I scanned through it.  When I finally choose my option, I do not even know what are those initials stands for. I am wondering what is Itab, TGG, DM and Pap, all I know is RLiT. After spending so much time to figure it out, I was so embarrased to myself about my ignorance.
I took a trip to the library to look for any resources that would help me build my project. Then I google some articles that can relate to my issue. It is an endless reading. Till now I am still working on getting my  thoughts together. I am having difficulty to point out my thesis because of so many related articles. This is my weakest part finding the thesis and essay structure. It will be a challenge doing paragraph transitions and insetring related topics from other sources.
I thouht I have plenty of time to prepare for this project but I did not consider any challenge that might occur while waiting for that time. I should have been more assertive to think of what I will be facing doing this project instead ...I procrastinate. I tried to pitch in another shift before...now I have to call off because I have to cook for Thanksgiving and finish my project. At the same time I am not having enough sleep because after working night shift, I have to take care of  my children because they are out of school. I know... I am whining.  In fact, I am glad that I was able to vent my feelings thru this blog and take the load off from chest, take a deep breathe and wish me goodluck.

Difference in Email and Ordinary Conversation

The fast and growing use of email have a great influence on our society. Globally people tend to turn on their computer to check if they have messages. Most of those times are during their  free time when they have access to the computer. It is amazing how people are attracted to the metaphor of email rather than picking up a phone and have an ordinary conversation.
Few years I am not familiar with this world of electronic messaging.  It started out when I was back to school and do some on line registration. That's it after that, did not even bother to check my e-mail and has no interest with it. One time my aunt call me asking if I have any Friendster account. So she encouraged me to open one. Right after I opened an account, I am receiving messages from our friend and relatives back home. I got so excited hearing from those people whom I did not get in touch with for so many years. And what sounds more interesting, it is free... That is a great deal I should say. I will not have a pile of telephone bill with long minutes of expensive talking just to get in touch with these people.
It is also very convinient  for me to communicate via email because some of the friends and family that I missess the most lives internationally. We do not have the same time of availability because of time difference. So I can just leave my message any time and the recepient can reply whenever they want to. No pressureat all. Another thing that got me hooked about email is you can add attachments like important documents and pictures. I love seeing this digital pictures of my old acquiantances. This is just the perfect answer for all my curiosity. How are they doing and how do they look after all those years? It also saves a trip to the post office and postage. Could you imagine how long is that line in the post office just to send a document? Plus on top of that they will charge you that much of amount to deliver the mail overnight. With all these hassles it will be much easier for me just to scan  and email it. It will not even take hours for them to receive it. Contrary to all those good things about email communications you still feel isolated and there is a space in between.
Although email just fits my lifestyle it is still different how we converse offline. When I talked with my family, I like to hear the giggles, excitement and emotions. E-mail communications are limited to what and how people feel. We missed that facial expression of happines and sadness. And I think that is a great factor on people social interaction.  When we converse we can interact right away at that moment and can solve the puzzles that lingers in our mind. It does not leave any doubts and questions. We do not have to turn on the computer and wait for the answer.
Email and ordinary conversation have a lot of differences.  It is  helpful to some others that fits their lifetsyle and need. Both of them is  a medium of communication that bridge social interaction.

Editorial Cartoons Perks Me Up...

Editorial cartoons is another mode of communication. It's visual image presentation can go a long way in reader's imagination. It's visual presentation can directly or indirectly reach humans mind and emotion. It is interesting to those who can understand it and can draw an analogy of  what it is being portrayed. This is a pleasant way of exploring ideas thru drawing with just a stroke of a brush and funny animated characters. Cartoonist uses their drawing as a communication medium, as entertainment or for political purpose.
Visual language is totally different from writing. The message is not written in black and white. A hint of the message is sometimes blantly spelled out but normally it is a big puzzle. What message is it really trying to convey? We have to use more of our critical thinking abilty to draw the meaning of the message. Cartoonists want us to use our vivid imagination to understand their message. It might be difficult sometimes because we do not know if we are on the right path of understanding it. It can lead to misinterpretation of the reader because it is more visual than literal presentation. We are just looking thru caricatures, animations and objects to represent an issue. But it's complexity invites our human mind to explore and stimulate our interest towards the article.
Editorial cartoons can be entertaining for so many. There is a lot of crimes and violence we are reading in the newspaper and sometimes we look for something to read that breaks our morning stress. We want to read something that perks our day, bring a little smile and laugh on a dirty joke. That is why people tend to turn the pages to these editorial cartoons. I do not think it violates any mandated laws of writing or ethics in literature. It seems more easier to understand an issue if you add a little spice and flavor in it. Cartoonist shows a lighter side of an issue through jokes and funny animations. There is nothing wrong to throw a little humor here and there with the use of drawings, symbols and caricatures. To me it is a fun way and interesting to express your ideas without much much of never ending information.Editorial cartoons can be benefecial for political purposes. This is is a safe way to express a political opinion. Because of it's limited information it does not attack literally and does not give an obvious interpretation.  It is sometimes depends to the reader to judge and think what it implies. Political cartoons is designed to stimulate thought and discussion with some humor added to it. Funny pictures of caricatures and objects draws more of the reader's attention and interest in reading.Through the years of editorial cartoons it is less recognized in the business industries. It is endangered because of it's less exposures. But I think through this brush and ink with it's hidden ideas can give humor and interest to our stressfull lives. It does not need so much of blah..blah..blah... to reach reader's mind. What matters is... it perks up my day and I can a have a thought of it.     

"One Essay At A Time"

Going to school seems to be impossible to fit my busy lifestyle. Combining school with work, family and activities would be a multiple task. But my ambition is to reach higher education and the counselling office recommends to take English  103. Because of the limited availability of the class and for curiosity sake I decided to enroll on this on line class. I do not have any clue what I am getting into as far as reading and writing. There are a lot of struggle that I encounter during the course of this class in terms of blogging, responding, group work, essay writing and peer draft review.
Blogging is a new world for me and I am really panicking just how I will start it. I do not have any idea at all to create an account. Luckily through a lot of mess up I was able to post my first blog and the second. After those blogs, just for curiosity I check my grades and I am missing the grade. I did not even know the importance of copying and pasting it to the assigned area. I find it so hard to have all my ideas together and compose it. I have to really prepare myself reading the prompt and think how I will compose my blogs. It took hours of sitting, thinking and exploring my ideas. But then it gets better, those 6 hours of blogging get lesser each time I do it. Blogging gives me a new world of exploring my opinion ang letting out what I feel in various issues.
Responding to blogs and other related forum is not my favorite at all. Personally, I am not a very interactive person. Maybe because of my hectic shedule it is hard for me to catch up and respond of what is going around the class. I respond to blogs and other forum when it is really necessary. Honestly I do not actively participate in these manner but it open up a different perspective in views of other issues. It help me  in a way getting ideas from others and was able to respond  and relate my own opinion.
Students choose this on line system of education because they all deal with different lifestyle. Students do their homework depending their schedule and convinience. I sometimes do my part a little early so other member can join in but somehow other members post their collection in other area and mine was left out. I am totally confused where and when is the perfect timing to collaborate with the group.
Being away from school for a long period of time and having English as a second language is a great factor why essay writing is a challenge for me. The grammar that I learned from my college is already a history. When I am composing an essay I struggle in my grammar and my English. It is hours of  reading, gathering sources, putting my ideas, constructing sentences and  type it in MLA format. Just overwhelming! Compare from the first time it gets better but still not easier.
Because of my struggles in essay writing "Peer Draft Review" helps me a lot in revising my essay. I noticed some student are really gifted in this area. I am really amazed the way they critically analyzed the work of others. And with these reviews, I was able to correct my mistakes and craft it appropriately. It give me also the idea to see the differences in style of writing and evaluating variations of work.
So many times I  am thinking to give up this class. But as I looked back with all the stress and sleepless nights that put into the first part of the semester, I managed to pass all those challenges.
I consider this class as a journey of life. There is always a challenge, a trial, a pursuit but it takes one step at a time. English 103 just like life it get's better but not easier. I should say in life it is one day at a time but in English 103 it is one essay at a time to finish the journey.

"Taboo Language"- A Fredom of Speech or Just an Expression

People speak in different languages, attitude and behavior. We are not all equal in that aspect and humans are not made to be perfect. As our world changes generation to generation, people are becoming liberated and outspoken with the way they expressed themselves. Taboo language incorporates words and phrases that are relevant at that particular time and in that particular situation. Some of our verbal behavior express our emotions and ideas. Uncensored Taboo language in media has its advantages and disadvantages in our society.
There are advantages of uncensored Taboo language in media. Films always have the ability to be creative and realistic. Writer explores his/her imagination with creativity to make us angry, sad and disappoint us. In some point a movie can be controversial in several aspects like immorality, foul language and violence. This is the writer's purpose to make across the point. Using of this techniques in the movies makes the story  real and convincing. We should remember that the movie put us in a state of perception. The actors and actress portray their role magnificently thru the deliverance of this taboo language. One example of a latest movie "Kick-Ass", just with the title is very intriguing. But this is an original comic-book superhero movie about a high school geek  without super power become a phantom crime-fighter. It might show some violence but turn out to be a funny movie.
Through the years taboo language exists in television and radio  industry. Back in the 70's sitcom's have a lot of restrictions in the use of language. But in the 80's words just like "bitch", "shit" and so many to mention get tossed here and there.  This is use for commentaries making it sounds funny, notorious and just simply expressions.  In Jerry Springer Show, they are using many tabloid language but their purpose is to show the real life of those people in real world. People express their feeling without edits and re-enactment of their attitudes and behavior for the general public to judge which is right or wrong.
Taboo language in advertising is used to create an attention-getting shock in the consumer. This is their strategy of distracting the consumers' attention from taboo. Some advertising can be beneficial depending the purpose. In high school Health and Sex Education class, the use of condoms is essential to their knowledge to avoid sexual transmitted disease. Unintentionally condoms is being advertised for educational purpose but it may include uncensored pictures and words that is not appropriate.
Contrary to the benefits of uncensored taboo language in media its great disadvantage concerns the young and innocent. It affects their manners and personality. Children are very smart, they pick and learn things easily. Could you imagine children learning taboo language from the media. They will think that it is appropriate and accepted in our culture, suddenly it becomes their mannerism. I will surely not appreciate a child cursing and bullying another kid. It is not an acceptable behavior while growing up. In some way it destroy the children's personality. We  always said that whatever comes out in your mouth reflect your personality. Children can be judge unjustly because they copied the words not knowing the real meaning of it. People sometimes blame the parents when they heard the kids using taboo language, where in fact they just heard it in the media.
Uncensored "Taboo Language" in media has advantage and disadvantage. Whether it is a freedom of speech or just an expressions. Its advantage depends on purpose it may serve but a great disadvantage to our children.