Essay #4 -Roads...What a person follows.
Sometimes I think that life is like a relentless path of different roads. If you think about it, we start life fresh and new, like a dirt road always needing the ongoing support to keep it maintained. The rigid road that becomes paved and smooth, like the way that life portrays. And then the dead end road at the end of life. My grandmother followed all these roads throughout her life and shared them with me.
Her life began rough as it was. Her mother passed away at a very young age and was raised with her brother by her father only. She told me that she did whatever needed to be done, working hard and a short lived school experience, as she needed to help fend for her family. She would wake up early at 4am and go fishing in the ocean to catch fish and then spend the day walking throughout the village to sell her catch or for trade. and making her father proud of her efforts. She was there during the war and the memories that she endured made her become a more family oriented person, as she watched many families broken. She had to make her road last long enough to eventually make it become better. There would be a much better road for her to follow.
The second part of her life started just as rough as her younger years and she would never think that her roads ahead would smoothen out. She became a single mother of two young children as her better half went back to the Navy and never returned. She began to live her own life and made due with what she had. When her father passed away, she decided to open her own restaurant to be able to stay home with her children. The restaurant did wonderful. This would boost her life. The bumps in the road were starting to lessen. Then my Grandfather came along and swept her off her feet. Though he was a serviceman as well, he held true to her and was there with her and then after three more children. The toughest challenge would be to turn off the smoother road and start another path in the United States.
My grandmother left behind the fresh,rough, road that she started on and also the pitted road that she smoothed out to another road ahead, in another world. This time, life would be on a more settled home. Everyone would then be all together, after years of separation. The road of her life was able to stay smooth and straight. Life became a normal life for my grandparents. Family time, outings, and every day daily life. They were able to enjoy each other for years and years. It all became the ‘norm’ for all of us. Until, obviously the days that came when my grandmother had to face that dreaded dead end road. It seems to be an adequate title. Because it seems that the dead end road is when it all stops. She passed away fulfilled with the paths that she made.
I often think back to the stories that she used to tell me about her life. It was so sad and unfortunate that anyone, especially a person that I adored, had to face it. I admired her toughness and spirit to keep continuing, even though at times she thought that the road would be at a closer end. I have the most respect for her. If some people would just think of the choices that they have and the roads that they can follow, they would have a much more happier life. My grandmother didn’t have the choices back then. She did what she needed to do and created the paths that made her the woman that she was when she died. Even though she started out on that fresh, not quite maintained road, she made sure that it would become smoother for her and especially her family, regardless of what the efforts would have entailed. But I can say that it lightens my heart to know that when she had passed she was at the smooth, straightened road and even though her last stop was at the dead end road, she was proud, as I am, for getting there.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Example Essay-Rewrite
Example Essay
I didn’t grow up with just my mother and father, my Grandmother played a huge role in my life. I call her Lola, which means grandmother in Tagalog. My mother left Philippines to establish herself in the United States when I was a little over two years of age and left me in the care of my Lola. My Dad was also there, but she took over the role of my mother. She taught me a lot about life at a very young age. And even when I reunited with my real mother a few years later, I still kept the closeness to my grandmother as nothing had changed. Growing up, I realized that I carry many of her characteristics.
Lola showed me that hard work always pays off. It may not always show in cash or praises, but the feeling of doing your best for your family made us a tight knit bunch. Family was everything to her. And there wouldn’t be anything that she wouldn’t do to help me or anyone else. Motherly instincts don’t always show in every woman, but she showed me what a wonderful mother would be all about. She was constantly cooking, cleaning, doing laundry sweeping and so on. She was constantly busy! But would stop in her tracks when I would visit. She would make coffee and snacks and we would sit talking for hours. She made me acknowledge that family comes first.
There is nothing that you can’t do! She would say to me. And I know those words from as far as I can remember. She was always a support. Even when I was very young, she would always tell people that I would always say, “I can do that”. Even at the hardest levels. She made me feel that nothing was impossible and to do the best at whatever you do.It was never a push or forced upon me, it just filled me up with pride just knowing that I could do it. And to also know that I made her proud.
The biggest and most important thing that she had taught me, was to be myself . She taught me the presents of human kindness, love and dedication to family, but to also have dedication to myself. “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. You are who you want to be”. The lesson to accept myself over whatever anyone else thought of me would be especially difficult as a teenager. But I have to say that without her diligence in proving that I was making myself more miserable by not loving myself first. I learned and to this day, find it important to do the same to my children.
I could not ever, in a million years, see my life without my Lola. I thought that I would always have her by my side. That was a comfort that I had to let go in August 2007. At first, I felt that all of the things that she taught me disappeared. I became selfish and mad at the whole world and everyone in it. I lost my mother, grandmother,and best friend. For a short time I hid those characteristics and became miserable once again. About a year went by and I woke up one morning with the feeling of regained spirits. The memories came back and all of the conversations we had came to mind. All I could think of is what she had said to me. So, I learned also that her words were not just words, but my lessons in life. And I hold my head high because of the person that she taught me that I could be.
I didn’t grow up with just my mother and father, my Grandmother played a huge role in my life. I call her Lola, which means grandmother in Tagalog. My mother left Philippines to establish herself in the United States when I was a little over two years of age and left me in the care of my Lola. My Dad was also there, but she took over the role of my mother. She taught me a lot about life at a very young age. And even when I reunited with my real mother a few years later, I still kept the closeness to my grandmother as nothing had changed. Growing up, I realized that I carry many of her characteristics.
Lola showed me that hard work always pays off. It may not always show in cash or praises, but the feeling of doing your best for your family made us a tight knit bunch. Family was everything to her. And there wouldn’t be anything that she wouldn’t do to help me or anyone else. Motherly instincts don’t always show in every woman, but she showed me what a wonderful mother would be all about. She was constantly cooking, cleaning, doing laundry sweeping and so on. She was constantly busy! But would stop in her tracks when I would visit. She would make coffee and snacks and we would sit talking for hours. She made me acknowledge that family comes first.
There is nothing that you can’t do! She would say to me. And I know those words from as far as I can remember. She was always a support. Even when I was very young, she would always tell people that I would always say, “I can do that”. Even at the hardest levels. She made me feel that nothing was impossible and to do the best at whatever you do.It was never a push or forced upon me, it just filled me up with pride just knowing that I could do it. And to also know that I made her proud.
The biggest and most important thing that she had taught me, was to be myself . She taught me the presents of human kindness, love and dedication to family, but to also have dedication to myself. “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. You are who you want to be”. The lesson to accept myself over whatever anyone else thought of me would be especially difficult as a teenager. But I have to say that without her diligence in proving that I was making myself more miserable by not loving myself first. I learned and to this day, find it important to do the same to my children.
I could not ever, in a million years, see my life without my Lola. I thought that I would always have her by my side. That was a comfort that I had to let go in August 2007. At first, I felt that all of the things that she taught me disappeared. I became selfish and mad at the whole world and everyone in it. I lost my mother, grandmother,and best friend. For a short time I hid those characteristics and became miserable once again. About a year went by and I woke up one morning with the feeling of regained spirits. The memories came back and all of the conversations we had came to mind. All I could think of is what she had said to me. So, I learned also that her words were not just words, but my lessons in life. And I hold my head high because of the person that she taught me that I could be.
Rewrite on Cause Essay-Blogged
Cause Essay
Some days are better than others, but some days just really suck. I just bought a brand new car. A shiny red car that would vibrantly stick out from the rest. Well, so I thought. One of the worse days that I had encountered was on September 7th, 2011. My husband and I were already running late for work. On this morning, we never would have realized how much a few minutes running late would impact our day. Coming up on a corner, we realized that the school buses red lights were flashing. As we slowed down and came to a stop, my husband saw that the tractor trailer behind us was not going to stop. before he could say anything, we were flying across the road in into an embankment. What happened? It was all I could wonder and why I didn’t hear his brakes? Was he sleeping or maybe texting? Maybe we shouldn’t have tried to avoid him and he could have gone around us? Or maybe I should have not slept in that extra ten minutes that day? Any of these could have been the culprit of our disaster.
I understand why the State had enforced a much stricter law on texting and cell phone use. It’s been amazing that our accident rates have dropped from drunk driving, yet increased on texting and driving. With the same outcomes, accidents and deaths. And I understand why truck drivers lack sleep. It’s a money driven business with time based appointments and deliveries. So, there would be lack of sleep, normal sleep anyways. this young driver could have been guilty of either or both. It was early in the morning, so he could have either been up all night or had just woken up from a nap. Drifting back to sleep would be possible. Or maybe he was texting his girlfriend to say ‘Good morning’. Both would had kept his eyes off the road.
I often wondered if we had made the right decision of trying to ‘get out of the way’, when in fact, I felt that we made it easier for him to smash into us. I have asked my husband over and over, but I didn’t want him to feel guilty. I understood his point. Okay, so to be sandwiched between a log truck and another pickup, didn’t sound so pleasant either. And there was no time to really think, it all happened in seconds. We couldn’t have gone the opposite way, as there were children waiting in a van. It was a chance. But I still often think of what we could have done different.
The biggest issue that I had with the whole thing was I had believed it was all my fault. I am not the greatest morning person and that morning I gave myself an extra ten minutes to sleep in. Doesn’t sound like much, but I believed that if I was on schedule that morning, we would not have had to stop for that bus. Therefore, we wouldn’t have been creamed by that log truck. My husband told me that if it was meant to happen, then it still would have happened, somehow or another. I kind of believe that, but I still feel that running the ten minutes later than normal, changed everything that day.
I understand that bad days happen and I have to say that I have had a difficult time trying to make sense of it all. In my mind’s eye, these are what I have come to conclusions on. We never did find out the whole investigation. All that we were told was that the truck had some faulty brakes and they received a summons. I like to call it ‘no brakes’, as there were no tire marks at all. I remembered the huge crashing sound of the truck’s grill and the car. That sound will forever stay with me. And even though it was a horrendous day, we were still able to walk away alive and well.
Some days are better than others, but some days just really suck. I just bought a brand new car. A shiny red car that would vibrantly stick out from the rest. Well, so I thought. One of the worse days that I had encountered was on September 7th, 2011. My husband and I were already running late for work. On this morning, we never would have realized how much a few minutes running late would impact our day. Coming up on a corner, we realized that the school buses red lights were flashing. As we slowed down and came to a stop, my husband saw that the tractor trailer behind us was not going to stop. before he could say anything, we were flying across the road in into an embankment. What happened? It was all I could wonder and why I didn’t hear his brakes? Was he sleeping or maybe texting? Maybe we shouldn’t have tried to avoid him and he could have gone around us? Or maybe I should have not slept in that extra ten minutes that day? Any of these could have been the culprit of our disaster.
I understand why the State had enforced a much stricter law on texting and cell phone use. It’s been amazing that our accident rates have dropped from drunk driving, yet increased on texting and driving. With the same outcomes, accidents and deaths. And I understand why truck drivers lack sleep. It’s a money driven business with time based appointments and deliveries. So, there would be lack of sleep, normal sleep anyways. this young driver could have been guilty of either or both. It was early in the morning, so he could have either been up all night or had just woken up from a nap. Drifting back to sleep would be possible. Or maybe he was texting his girlfriend to say ‘Good morning’. Both would had kept his eyes off the road.
I often wondered if we had made the right decision of trying to ‘get out of the way’, when in fact, I felt that we made it easier for him to smash into us. I have asked my husband over and over, but I didn’t want him to feel guilty. I understood his point. Okay, so to be sandwiched between a log truck and another pickup, didn’t sound so pleasant either. And there was no time to really think, it all happened in seconds. We couldn’t have gone the opposite way, as there were children waiting in a van. It was a chance. But I still often think of what we could have done different.
The biggest issue that I had with the whole thing was I had believed it was all my fault. I am not the greatest morning person and that morning I gave myself an extra ten minutes to sleep in. Doesn’t sound like much, but I believed that if I was on schedule that morning, we would not have had to stop for that bus. Therefore, we wouldn’t have been creamed by that log truck. My husband told me that if it was meant to happen, then it still would have happened, somehow or another. I kind of believe that, but I still feel that running the ten minutes later than normal, changed everything that day.
I understand that bad days happen and I have to say that I have had a difficult time trying to make sense of it all. In my mind’s eye, these are what I have come to conclusions on. We never did find out the whole investigation. All that we were told was that the truck had some faulty brakes and they received a summons. I like to call it ‘no brakes’, as there were no tire marks at all. I remembered the huge crashing sound of the truck’s grill and the car. That sound will forever stay with me. And even though it was a horrendous day, we were still able to walk away alive and well.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Effect Essay #8
Growing up in a tight knit family, all I wanted to be was a wife and a mom. I saw what my parent s had and I wanted to have a life and a relationship as good as theirs had been. They were married very young, 16 and 18 years of age. So, I was bound and determined that at 18, I was more matured then they were to get married and start a family. Little did I know that being married at a young age had been a real eye-opener for me. The effects of young love was not what I had forseen it to be.
Within the year we were married, we had our first child, Tylor. At 19, I really had no idea about babies, just that I was the mom and I needed to take care of him. Needless to say, Ty helped me mature even quicker. The late nights were no longer for partying and having a good time. It was for midnight feedings and diaper changes. At that time I did not see the fun in it. My daily schedule revolved around the baby. There was no more me time anymore. Two years go by and another child came along, daughter Alexandria. Both of my hands were full now. And I had no other idea of what to do with myself, except be a stay at home mom. And that would often drive me crazy!
Work was not an option for me, I couldn't stay away from my babies. I tried to work opposite shifts from their father, but we just couldn't make it work. He wanted his time for him to do things with his friends and I had to work and find childcare. Childcare was just taking my whole paycheck, so why bother. In a one income household, we needed to be smart with our money, but young and foolish showed us that we had to be at the same level as other people. Cars, a house mortgage, nice clothes, kids toys, whatever we wanted and needed. Apparently, we did not take accountability for bills. Everything was behind on payment and the finger was being pointed at me. Needless to say, the relationship fell behind as well. We were not mature enough to handle all the stressors at once.
The biggest lesson that I had learned about the mistakes we had made, was the immense lack of communication. That and the capacity to understand. I had grown to resent my other half. How did he find time to do what he wanted to do and had no sympathy of leaving the kids and I at home? It got to the point that I would have to beg him to spend time with me and the kids. He was not the father that I had planned for my children, they deserved better than this. But instead of trying to sit and discuss the issues, I would just be spiteful and try to hurt him as he had done to me. Almost like what little kids do to each other. I devoted all of my time to my children and was never even able to catch up with any friends. I was the only one with children, so I wasn't able to enjoy the same freedom.
I often wonder how my parents lasted this long. Maybe you just have to have it in you to want to do it. Which I initially thought I had in me. I am thankful for being able to have my children. Of course that I would never take back. They were the best result of a failed marriage. So, I strongly encourage my children to do what they feel they should do for themselves first. To take things slow and to be more open. Obviously, the children were there to see what was happening around them, but was very young at the time. But I often think that the divorce has also effected their thoughts on marriage, too. Though I have tried very hard to instill in them the areas that I had lacked in at their age. And hope that they do not have to go through a relationship as I did.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Process Essay-Tools
Throughout life I have learned that one of the most valuable tools that a person has is their hands. Just imagine what your hands do for you in every stage of life. It's almost something that is not thought of in depth, but taken for grantide. The every move and touch that a person delivers or feels has a meaning, even though it isn't thought of at the time, but how it shows it's importance growing up.
As a infant, a child clings to his/her mother. The touch of a baby's hands or fingers always melts a parent's heart away. Small and fragile, but to a parent it creates a huge memorable impact. Though to the baby holding their parents hand or simply just a finger, the comfort of being secure helps coddle them to sleep. Or to ease them at feeding time.What an amazing feeling that a simple touch creates and the feeling that gets carried along as we age.
Growing up and raising a family, there is alot of work that needs to be done. As a mother, there seems to be endless amounts of duties that gets done on a daily basis. To the point that the brain gets tired, but the hands keep going. Changing diapers, giving baths, washing dishes, folding clothes, sweeping the floor and so on and so forth. Daily relentless chores never eases up. On the occasional down time, tending to the flowers and garden calms the nerves, yet beautifies the yard. Mom's hands always teach their children what hard work accomplishes.
Watching an elderly couple cup each other's faces with their hands and smile at each other show that they touch with their feelings. Love seems to deepen with age. To be at an older age and later in life, the use of their hands become much more important. Independence is vital to them. To hold a cane, a walker, to be able to drive, mobility is a must. But to look at the wrinkles on their hands show the long, hardworking life they had. And to hold a brand new grandchild, creates another huge impact. The fact that the family line will be kept handed down.
Even though we often think of our hands as just objects that do the continuous daily functions, they do serve as other tools. I believe the most important tools. The hold that says "You are safe". The hand in hand contact that says "I love you". The fingers that hold that ring that says, "Will you marry me?" It's amazing that in the beginning of life, the first touch sends immense feelings of love and happiness, but yet in the end of life, the last touch creates such sadness. The power of that one special touch or the results of what the hands can accomplish can be considered the best and most wonderful tool.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Complete Process Essay
How is a full time working mother of three teenagers, two dogs and a husband, find time in a single day to do everything? I know that I am not the only person to survive in this type of lifestyle, but this is my paper, not theirs. It seems that I was in the same routine day in and day out. And it gets to a point of just doing things you have to do, sometimes without thinking of doing it. At times, I have to sit back and just think of the things I do that take up my morning, day and night. Everyday events that create my life.
It all starts at 4:30a.m. every morning, Monday through Friday that is. My husband and I take turns getting up first and showering, letting the other person sleep for a few more minutes. The morning news gets turned on and refreshes us on the happenings of the day before, but most impotantly what the weather will be like that day. Then it's downstairs to turn on the coffee maker and let the girls out in the backyard for their morning break. Toys, ruffled blankets, kibble on the floor, damn that Bailey dog. She's worse that picking up after the kids. Kids, oh yeah, their shoes are scattered amongst the kitchen door, having to kick them out of the way to open it. As well, as picking up their dirty socks! KIDS! While the coffee cooks, another load of laundry gets thrown in the wash. The girls are back in bringing in paw marks and dirt. The broom is out again. Good girls, treats and medicine (with peanut butter of course). Grabbing the lunch bag, the coffee cups and backpacks, we are out the door at 6:20a.m.
Driving the hour and fifteen minute drive to work gives us time to discuss our schedules for the day. This has to work out in order for us to have lunch together. Then it's what's going on at school with the kids, teacher meetings, softball and baseball games, who needs a ride here and there and what time do we need to leave work. This all needs to be clear before the day starts or else, forget it, it's forgotten. Pulling up the driveway at work, I have my whole day planned out, so I think. Patient medications, insurance coverage, audits, inspections, meetings with Providers and Social Workers, phone calls, phone calls and more phone calls! I'm tired of just thinking of it and I haven't even punched in yet! The phone calls starts and it isn't even 8:00a.m yet. I swear they watch us walking to the office. Unit Nurses always have an emergency. It doesn't matter what it is. Hell they call Pharmacy to help them fix their fax machines! So, the day starts off wonderfully! Then it all becomes a blur, just focusing on 4:30p.m to roll around.
Yay! The end of the day has come. The ride home contains the event sof our day. This is a great way to seperate yourself from work to homelife. Depending if there are any errands to do after work, it's home at about 6:00p.m. Then it's right to cooking supper, trying to get it on the table before 7:00p.m. In between, there are more clothes to wash and fold, the floors need vacuuming. I try to watch the evening news on my passing by the livingroom, but I just catch up in the morning. Supper done, kids are fed and happy, but where's the dessert? Homemade brownies will have to wait for the weekend, so it's Duncan Haines tonight. Dishes are soaking while the brownie mix is being made. Throw them into the oven and it's back to the sink. Dishes done and so is the dessert. So much for the cleaned dishes! What do I do? It's Idol night! Dishes will wait for morning.
It's 8:00p.m., family time on Wednesday. I guess I am lucky that the kids still want to have family time.
Some days are better than others. And some days offer more time than others. But I do not realize where I am in the time of the day, until I can sit down and enjoy a glass of wine. Whether it is at 7:00p.m. or a quick sip before 9:00p.m. Though, I also have a wonderful husband that helps me with the every day duties in our household. He is my sole support in my life. The days that he sees that I am having a tough time, he kicks in. Sometimes, we find ourselves fighting over who is going to do dishes. "I want to do them!" "No, it's my turn!" He understands when I need an extra minute to breathe or just to relax and sit down. "Will you just relax! Go in the other room and watch some t.v. and put your feet up." Or my favorite, "I'll do the chores tonight, so you can do your homework." Sometimes on the weekends I also get to sleep in. I am sure that everyone has busy days throughout their life, but I can truly say that it is all worth it at the end of every day.
It all starts at 4:30a.m. every morning, Monday through Friday that is. My husband and I take turns getting up first and showering, letting the other person sleep for a few more minutes. The morning news gets turned on and refreshes us on the happenings of the day before, but most impotantly what the weather will be like that day. Then it's downstairs to turn on the coffee maker and let the girls out in the backyard for their morning break. Toys, ruffled blankets, kibble on the floor, damn that Bailey dog. She's worse that picking up after the kids. Kids, oh yeah, their shoes are scattered amongst the kitchen door, having to kick them out of the way to open it. As well, as picking up their dirty socks! KIDS! While the coffee cooks, another load of laundry gets thrown in the wash. The girls are back in bringing in paw marks and dirt. The broom is out again. Good girls, treats and medicine (with peanut butter of course). Grabbing the lunch bag, the coffee cups and backpacks, we are out the door at 6:20a.m.
Driving the hour and fifteen minute drive to work gives us time to discuss our schedules for the day. This has to work out in order for us to have lunch together. Then it's what's going on at school with the kids, teacher meetings, softball and baseball games, who needs a ride here and there and what time do we need to leave work. This all needs to be clear before the day starts or else, forget it, it's forgotten. Pulling up the driveway at work, I have my whole day planned out, so I think. Patient medications, insurance coverage, audits, inspections, meetings with Providers and Social Workers, phone calls, phone calls and more phone calls! I'm tired of just thinking of it and I haven't even punched in yet! The phone calls starts and it isn't even 8:00a.m yet. I swear they watch us walking to the office. Unit Nurses always have an emergency. It doesn't matter what it is. Hell they call Pharmacy to help them fix their fax machines! So, the day starts off wonderfully! Then it all becomes a blur, just focusing on 4:30p.m to roll around.
Yay! The end of the day has come. The ride home contains the event sof our day. This is a great way to seperate yourself from work to homelife. Depending if there are any errands to do after work, it's home at about 6:00p.m. Then it's right to cooking supper, trying to get it on the table before 7:00p.m. In between, there are more clothes to wash and fold, the floors need vacuuming. I try to watch the evening news on my passing by the livingroom, but I just catch up in the morning. Supper done, kids are fed and happy, but where's the dessert? Homemade brownies will have to wait for the weekend, so it's Duncan Haines tonight. Dishes are soaking while the brownie mix is being made. Throw them into the oven and it's back to the sink. Dishes done and so is the dessert. So much for the cleaned dishes! What do I do? It's Idol night! Dishes will wait for morning.
It's 8:00p.m., family time on Wednesday. I guess I am lucky that the kids still want to have family time.
Some days are better than others. And some days offer more time than others. But I do not realize where I am in the time of the day, until I can sit down and enjoy a glass of wine. Whether it is at 7:00p.m. or a quick sip before 9:00p.m. Though, I also have a wonderful husband that helps me with the every day duties in our household. He is my sole support in my life. The days that he sees that I am having a tough time, he kicks in. Sometimes, we find ourselves fighting over who is going to do dishes. "I want to do them!" "No, it's my turn!" He understands when I need an extra minute to breathe or just to relax and sit down. "Will you just relax! Go in the other room and watch some t.v. and put your feet up." Or my favorite, "I'll do the chores tonight, so you can do your homework." Sometimes on the weekends I also get to sleep in. I am sure that everyone has busy days throughout their life, but I can truly say that it is all worth it at the end of every day.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Example Essay Intro Graf
How does a full time working mother of three teeneagers, two dogs and a husband, find time in a single day to do everything? I know that I am not the only person to survive in this type of lifestyle, but this is my paper, not theirs. It seems that I am in the same routine day in and day out. And then get to a point of just doing things you have to do, without even thinking of doing it. So, closing my eyes, I sit back and think of my day. Sometimes, we have to sit back and just think of the things we do that take up our day morning day, and night. These are the every day events that happens in my life.
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