Reflections of a Blog

Honestly, when my instructor announced early on that we would have to keep an “online journal” (blog) I believe my palms got sweaty and anxiety set in.  “OH NO...not a technological requirement!!!” That was my initial thought response.

When we met over in the computer room to get our blogs set up, I had already done some of the primary investigation at home because I was still freaking out.  And setting up and designing my page was a bit clunky because I had to keep stopping to ask for help.   

However, once everything was in place and I got comfortable with making my way around the webpage, it shifted.  I found the blogging exercises very valuable and this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the class.  So much so, I started another blog! 

Simply put, I am happy and grateful to have had the experience!

Multi Media and Me

I would like to get more specific with regard to what I mused about in my essay entitled “Tweeter or Twitter?”.  That is to say, be explicit as to my partial incompetence, or love/hate relationship, if you will, with technology.

Let’s start with the good old computer.  I have a laptop now.  But honestly, it took years to get me off of my desk top.  Type on that little keyboard, are you kidding me?  In any case, here I am, typing away...progress right?  Maybe...check out this picture of my outgoing email screen...

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to take the paragraph and space indicators off of my outgoing email screen...FRUSTRATING!  (p.s. this is just one of many issues that I have with my computer!)

Let’s talk iPod now.  Here’s a nice little photo of the Nano version that I have had for at least four years now.  If you look closely you will notice that the ratio between the total capacity and availability is very small considering the length of time that I’ve owned it.  One reason (problem) is that since I’ve moved my iTunes from my work computer to my laptop, I can no longer download music onto my iPod.  Why?  I have no idea AND apparently I don’t have enough interest to actually contact Apple about it, because that was well over a year ago! LAME! 

Check it out...my iPad!  How cool is that?  Not so much...the total capacity is 29.0 GB yet I still have 25.4 GB available and believe it or not (and by now I know you do), I’ve owned this little number for almost 2 years! (don't judge me)

  Moving on...here's me and my new iPhone.  Now ask me about all of the fancy shmancy stuff that it does...

Yep! You guessed it...I don't really have a clue!

(At least I know how to work the camera!)

This next picture is of my backyard. I included it because, well...it’s amazing and because I’d rather be pulling out weeds here than pulling out my hair trying to figure out what is what in the wonderful world of technology!

My Movie Review

Last Friday night my husband and I cozied up on the couch to watch Rachel Getting Married.  It was written by Jenny Lumet, directed by Jonathan Demme and starred Anne Hathaway and Rosemarie DeWitt.   This movie came out in 2008.   

A friend of mine recommended that I see it a few years ago.  I had forgotten about it until last week when I was surfing through the movie channels, so I recorded it.  

This is a drama about Kym (Anne Hathaway), a young woman coming home on a weekend pass from rehab for her sister’s (Rosemarie DeWitt) wedding.  It is a heart wrenching and complex movie that focuses on addiction and its effects on Kym and her family. 

The relationship between Kym and her sister (Rachel) is strained, to say the least, due to all of the energy that Kym sucks out of their family’s life, specifically from their father.  Rachel’s resentment and identification of the “elephant in the room” pours out during a time that should be reserved for joy and celebration.

Ultimately, Kym is tortured over tragic destruction done while she was under the influence.  At one point in the film Kym says, in a 12 step meeting; “I struggle with God so much, because I can’t forgive myself.  And I don’t really want to right now.  I can live with it, but I can’t forgive myself.  And sometimes I don’t want to believe in a God that could forgive me.”, This was an emotionally charged scene and created in me much empathy.  Her pain and struggle to connect with a way of life that could allow her to have the peace that she so desperately sought through her addiction was out of her reach.   

It was often uncomfortable and sometimes tormenting to watch Kym's lack of emotional stability in action. And although this movie was not based on a true story, it is a true story, for many people. The realities of the havoc addictions inflict on the addict and people in their lives, are irrefutable and shows up in this achingly real-life synopsis. 

While I do give this movie a “thumbs up”, it is definitely NOT a good “date” or snuggle on the couch flick! 

My Mama Always Said...

Metaphors and Similes are great way to get people to think, relate and expand. I like that we are discussing them this week in class. 

I have never been much of a writer.  In fact, I do not journal much and haven’t been engaged in many situations that require thought provoking writing.  I do, however, believe in the healing properties associated with all types of writing.   

My personal desire is to write a book someday.  In order to do so, it is clear that getting really comfortable with metaphors and similes, amongst other literary devices, will be essential.  I enjoyed having to come up with similes and metaphors as our homework on Friday because it caused creative juices to flow as a result!

Metaphors and similes make reading interesting and add color and imagination.  There are many that have become so famous that you would automatically know where they came from when you hear them. Let’s look at a few... 

Literature....

            All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances

~Shakespeare

Music....

TNT...I'm Dynamite!
~AC/DC

Film....

            Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re

            gonna get.

 ~ Forest Gump 

These "samples" are an infinitesimal example of how metaphors and similes are used in our life.  In poetry and lyrics they are a necessary part of the landscape.  The use of these devices requires you to investigate meaning and in doing so, may allow you to connect on a deeper level with yourself and the world around you. 

I need to get going now...time is money!