MIMO
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Last day of classes!
Today is the last day for regular classes....it is bitter sweet. I have enjoyed my classes this semester and I am looking forward to next semester. I am also ready for the break and Christmas Holiday. Finals are next week with one on the 8th and 2 on the 10th. I feel fairly confident I am ready and I will feel very confident I WILL be ready by then. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
"The Kite Runner"
1. Topics in The Kite Runner
Role of Women - Women are submissive to all males whether it be husband, father, or friend of theirs. Women wear veils and serve their husbands. Their is also a double standard for men and women. Men have indescretions and nothing is said but a women has an indescretion and she lives the gossip and looks forever.
Betrayal - The first betrayal is not evident until the end of the book when it is told Baba is Hassans father....Baba has betrayed Ali by sleeping with his wife and producing a son, Hassan. Amir betrayes Hassan first by not stopping the rape or telling anyone about the rape but he also betrayes himself with the same incident and lives with the guilt for many years. Hassan is also betrayed by Amir when Amir hides his watch and money under Hassan's mattress and acusses Hassan of stealing.
Brothers - Brothers are mentioned throughout this novel as Baba considering Ali a brother, Amir and Hassan being considered brothers since they fed from the same breast and Wahid and Farid who are brothers that help Amir on his trip back to Afghanastan to retreive Sohrab. Along with the mention of brothers there is an underlying respect for brotherhood as much as the importance of being actual brothers by blood.
Guilt - hidden guilt - hidden guilt is with several characters, Baba for never telling Amir and Hassan they were half brothers and Amir for not helpng Hassan during the rape and not telling anyone he new about it. Open guilt - This came from Ali and Hassan after Amir set up things to look like Hassan had stolen the watch and money he got for his birthday and Ali and Hassan decided to leave. Open guilt was also evident for Amir at the end as he told Sohrab and Sorya, his wife, about the rape. Open guilt was evident with Amir when he had to tell Sohrab he would have to go back to an orphanage and Sohrab tried to commit suicide.
Redemption - Redemption came 1st when Khan told Amir that Hassan was his half brother, this was redemption for Baba and Ali and Khan that the secret was out. Secondly it came when Amir decided to go save Hassan's son, Sohrab from Kabul after the soviet war and during the taliban rule. He was redeming himself from the guilt he carried with him for betraying Hassan with the keeping of the secret about the rape and for the lies he told when Ali and Hassan left.
Exodus/Journey - There was two exits/journeys that stand out the first being when Baba and Amir leave Kabul for Peshawar for safty when the Soviets come into Kabul and when Amir has gone back to Kabul at the request of Khan and he goes to save Sohrab, Hassan's son, from were he thought was an orphanage but actually the taliban had him and he and Sohrab left Kabul again for safty.
Father and sons - patriarchal society - Fathers and sons society is of pride and honor. Sons want to follow in their fathers footsteps and be like their fathers looking for acceptance and pride of the son from the father.
Class distinction - The Pashtun is the higher classed race of Afghanastan and are respected and looked up to, the Hazara are the lower class, servant, race and are ridiculed and shuned.
2. Style
Parallelism - I find one parallelism to be Hassans harlip, having surgery and having the small scar on his lip to Amir being beaten by Assef, taliban, and ending up having the same scar on his lip. Another parallelism is found with Hassan and Sohrab - Hassan and Sohrab are both honest, good with a sling shot, protective of and Save Amir and they are both abused by the same person, Assef.
Character foils - Amir and Hassan are the main character foil in this novel. Amir is honest, brave, loyal and protective of Amir. Amir is not brave and does not protect Hassan, he lies and sets Hassan up, for his own guilty feelings, as a theif but Hassan still protects Amir by lying and saying he did steal. Baba and Khan are also character foils, Baba is not affectionate toward Amir and is often ashamed of him and thinks he will turn out as nothing when Khan is affectionate and carring and encourages Amir with his writting. Amir and his wife Soraya are also character foils in that Soraya helped people to learn to read and write when Amir made fun of Hassan for not knowing what some hard words meant and by changing the story in books while he was reading to Hassan.
Foreshadowing - Foreshadowing is used several times throughout this novel beginning with the first chapter and knowing Amir will have guilt of some kind when he talks about how his life changed forever because of his actions in 1975. Also when Khan called Amir to return to Kabul 20 years later and says "Come, there is a way to be good again."
Flashback - During the first part of the novel it is a complete flashback as Amir is a man now living in America telling the story from his childhood. During the second part of the novel there are many times he is a man back in Kabul and he has flashbacks of his childhood with Hassan and Baba.
Positives and Negative aspects of the writing - Although there are many negative and sad events during this novel the author had to use these negatives to give the readers a true feeling and picture of how things were for this I believe the positive undertones he used showed that in life negative and positive is unavoidable.
3. Settings - time and place and culture -
Hazara vs Pashtun
Peshawar vs Kabul
Kabul before war and Kabul after or during war
America vs Afghanastan
Kite running before the war and kite running after the war
4. Five minor characters and their roles -
General Taheri and his wife - Amir's wife's parents.
Sanaubar - Hassans mother.
Farid - Cab driver when Amir returns to Kabul for Sohrab.
Wahid - Farid's brother were Amir stays the night when he returned to Kabul.
Farzana - Hassan's wife.
5. Five symbols and significance of each -
Kites - sign of inocence and freedom in the beginning and the end of the novel but also the kite fighting was significant to show fighting and war. The kite running was also significant in that the last kite cut would send many young boys chasing the kite...all of the kites were chased/run but the last one cut was most important it was a sign of pride and boasting rights.
Pomagranate tree - was significant to Amir and Hassan. This is were the two young boys would go and be together, Amir would read to Hassan and Amir carved the tree "Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul." They would eat from the pomagranates that the tree beared. Many years later the tree did not bear fruit any longer.
Slingshot - significant for bravery and freedom. The slingshot saved Amir and Hassan several times and then in the end it saved Amir and Sohrab from Assef and the taliban.
Crumpled money under a mattress - Significant in that when first used it was a show of betrayal to Hassan and the second time it was to show care and help to someone while Amir was trying to save Hassan's son.
Brass knuckles - significant in showing fear. Whenever the brass knuckles were exposed fear always came. A show of bullying significant to show Assef as what he was. When he was confronted with someone standing up to him the brass knuckles was proven to be a tool to scare his oponent first which he thought would help him defeat the oponent.
1. Topics in The Kite Runner
Role of Women - Women are submissive to all males whether it be husband, father, or friend of theirs. Women wear veils and serve their husbands. Their is also a double standard for men and women. Men have indescretions and nothing is said but a women has an indescretion and she lives the gossip and looks forever.
Betrayal - The first betrayal is not evident until the end of the book when it is told Baba is Hassans father....Baba has betrayed Ali by sleeping with his wife and producing a son, Hassan. Amir betrayes Hassan first by not stopping the rape or telling anyone about the rape but he also betrayes himself with the same incident and lives with the guilt for many years. Hassan is also betrayed by Amir when Amir hides his watch and money under Hassan's mattress and acusses Hassan of stealing.
Brothers - Brothers are mentioned throughout this novel as Baba considering Ali a brother, Amir and Hassan being considered brothers since they fed from the same breast and Wahid and Farid who are brothers that help Amir on his trip back to Afghanastan to retreive Sohrab. Along with the mention of brothers there is an underlying respect for brotherhood as much as the importance of being actual brothers by blood.
Guilt - hidden guilt - hidden guilt is with several characters, Baba for never telling Amir and Hassan they were half brothers and Amir for not helpng Hassan during the rape and not telling anyone he new about it. Open guilt - This came from Ali and Hassan after Amir set up things to look like Hassan had stolen the watch and money he got for his birthday and Ali and Hassan decided to leave. Open guilt was also evident for Amir at the end as he told Sohrab and Sorya, his wife, about the rape. Open guilt was evident with Amir when he had to tell Sohrab he would have to go back to an orphanage and Sohrab tried to commit suicide.
Redemption - Redemption came 1st when Khan told Amir that Hassan was his half brother, this was redemption for Baba and Ali and Khan that the secret was out. Secondly it came when Amir decided to go save Hassan's son, Sohrab from Kabul after the soviet war and during the taliban rule. He was redeming himself from the guilt he carried with him for betraying Hassan with the keeping of the secret about the rape and for the lies he told when Ali and Hassan left.
Exodus/Journey - There was two exits/journeys that stand out the first being when Baba and Amir leave Kabul for Peshawar for safty when the Soviets come into Kabul and when Amir has gone back to Kabul at the request of Khan and he goes to save Sohrab, Hassan's son, from were he thought was an orphanage but actually the taliban had him and he and Sohrab left Kabul again for safty.
Father and sons - patriarchal society - Fathers and sons society is of pride and honor. Sons want to follow in their fathers footsteps and be like their fathers looking for acceptance and pride of the son from the father.
Class distinction - The Pashtun is the higher classed race of Afghanastan and are respected and looked up to, the Hazara are the lower class, servant, race and are ridiculed and shuned.
2. Style
Parallelism - I find one parallelism to be Hassans harlip, having surgery and having the small scar on his lip to Amir being beaten by Assef, taliban, and ending up having the same scar on his lip. Another parallelism is found with Hassan and Sohrab - Hassan and Sohrab are both honest, good with a sling shot, protective of and Save Amir and they are both abused by the same person, Assef.
Character foils - Amir and Hassan are the main character foil in this novel. Amir is honest, brave, loyal and protective of Amir. Amir is not brave and does not protect Hassan, he lies and sets Hassan up, for his own guilty feelings, as a theif but Hassan still protects Amir by lying and saying he did steal. Baba and Khan are also character foils, Baba is not affectionate toward Amir and is often ashamed of him and thinks he will turn out as nothing when Khan is affectionate and carring and encourages Amir with his writting. Amir and his wife Soraya are also character foils in that Soraya helped people to learn to read and write when Amir made fun of Hassan for not knowing what some hard words meant and by changing the story in books while he was reading to Hassan.
Foreshadowing - Foreshadowing is used several times throughout this novel beginning with the first chapter and knowing Amir will have guilt of some kind when he talks about how his life changed forever because of his actions in 1975. Also when Khan called Amir to return to Kabul 20 years later and says "Come, there is a way to be good again."
Flashback - During the first part of the novel it is a complete flashback as Amir is a man now living in America telling the story from his childhood. During the second part of the novel there are many times he is a man back in Kabul and he has flashbacks of his childhood with Hassan and Baba.
Positives and Negative aspects of the writing - Although there are many negative and sad events during this novel the author had to use these negatives to give the readers a true feeling and picture of how things were for this I believe the positive undertones he used showed that in life negative and positive is unavoidable.
3. Settings - time and place and culture -
Hazara vs Pashtun
Peshawar vs Kabul
Kabul before war and Kabul after or during war
America vs Afghanastan
Kite running before the war and kite running after the war
4. Five minor characters and their roles -
General Taheri and his wife - Amir's wife's parents.
Sanaubar - Hassans mother.
Farid - Cab driver when Amir returns to Kabul for Sohrab.
Wahid - Farid's brother were Amir stays the night when he returned to Kabul.
Farzana - Hassan's wife.
5. Five symbols and significance of each -
Kites - sign of inocence and freedom in the beginning and the end of the novel but also the kite fighting was significant to show fighting and war. The kite running was also significant in that the last kite cut would send many young boys chasing the kite...all of the kites were chased/run but the last one cut was most important it was a sign of pride and boasting rights.
Pomagranate tree - was significant to Amir and Hassan. This is were the two young boys would go and be together, Amir would read to Hassan and Amir carved the tree "Amir and Hassan, the sultans of Kabul." They would eat from the pomagranates that the tree beared. Many years later the tree did not bear fruit any longer.
Slingshot - significant for bravery and freedom. The slingshot saved Amir and Hassan several times and then in the end it saved Amir and Sohrab from Assef and the taliban.
Crumpled money under a mattress - Significant in that when first used it was a show of betrayal to Hassan and the second time it was to show care and help to someone while Amir was trying to save Hassan's son.
Brass knuckles - significant in showing fear. Whenever the brass knuckles were exposed fear always came. A show of bullying significant to show Assef as what he was. When he was confronted with someone standing up to him the brass knuckles was proven to be a tool to scare his oponent first which he thought would help him defeat the oponent.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Semester coming to an end......
Yes, I cannot believe it finals are right around the corner and the semester is coming to an end. It has been a great 3 or 4 months. Going to be studying hard for finals and I am very excited about getting on with next semester.
Monday, October 19, 2009
comparison essay
Blind vs Vision
Surroundings, environment, physical ability and mental ability are some of the reasons people have to adapt. This is the same for people who are blind.
Caleb and Crandall are the same in several ways. They are both male, living in the same home with the same mom and dad (which makes them brothers). They both have brown hair and blue eyes and they were both born in April. They both enjoy some of the same hobbies and activities. However, when it comes to how their hobbies and activities are performed they are very different. Crandall is an average, 13 year old with vision and he does things as most people with vision do them. Caleb is blind and has been since birth. He has overcome his disability but performs tasks differently.
Crandall and Caleb enjoy sports, the way sports are done and the kind of sports is different. Crandall plays baseball on several leagues and takes pitching lessons. Caleb does not enjoy this kind of sport and does not even like going to the games. He does, however, enjoy running the 100-yard and 200-yard dash in track with a sighted guide.
Riding four-wheelers is an activity both Crandall and Caleb enjoy. Crandall gets on and goes through the woods with no problems, he takes his time and watches for trees and bumps. Caleb has to wait on someone to ride him; he cannot just jump on and go. He likes for the person riding him to go fast, the faster the better. A car will be the same way when Crandall is old enough to drive, Caleb will not ever be able to drive a car.
Hunting is an activity they both enjoy. Crandall has shot several deer over the past few years. He also goes to see other animals in their natural habitat. When darkness comes Crandall is very ready for his dad or someone to come get him from the deer stand and walk him out of the woods. Caleb enjoys going hunting but his experience is much different. He can hear the animals before Crandall sees them. He hears the leaves rustle with the wind and the rabbits or squirrels scurry around. He has never shot a deer and when darkness falls he could care less, he could probably stay all night and not be bothered.
We all have fear of some kind and to some degree. For Crandall fear is the same as it is for most people with vision. Like most people Crandall able to see what is coming toward him or what is right in front of him about to happen, has more fear about trying new things. Fear for Crandall sets in before he ever reached the top of the bungee platform because of the height. Caleb not able to see the height, just as not knowing when darkness has fallen while in the woods, has no fear and enjoys these types of activities.
Fear of a bonfire or fireplace is just the opposite from the darkness and heights. Crandall being like most boys is curious about the fire. He likes to build the bonfires, poke sticks in the fire and roast marshmallows. Caleb cannot see the fire but he can feel the heat and hear the wood crackle. This makes him aware of what he cannot see and he stays back not approaching the fire fearing he will get too close and be burned.
Crandall uses his sight as his main sense with all other senses being secondary. Caleb’s lack of sight enhances all of his other senses. While showing the differences in a blind person vs a person with vision, senses have played the primary roll in why a lot of the differences are present. Other then just the normal differences found in most brothers, the obvious difference of one with vision and one who is blind are many. The use of their senses and the way they are used is the main difference between Caleb (blind) and Crandall (vision), who at first and on the surface seem so much alike.
Surroundings, environment, physical ability and mental ability are some of the reasons people have to adapt. This is the same for people who are blind.
Caleb and Crandall are the same in several ways. They are both male, living in the same home with the same mom and dad (which makes them brothers). They both have brown hair and blue eyes and they were both born in April. They both enjoy some of the same hobbies and activities. However, when it comes to how their hobbies and activities are performed they are very different. Crandall is an average, 13 year old with vision and he does things as most people with vision do them. Caleb is blind and has been since birth. He has overcome his disability but performs tasks differently.
Crandall and Caleb enjoy sports, the way sports are done and the kind of sports is different. Crandall plays baseball on several leagues and takes pitching lessons. Caleb does not enjoy this kind of sport and does not even like going to the games. He does, however, enjoy running the 100-yard and 200-yard dash in track with a sighted guide.
Riding four-wheelers is an activity both Crandall and Caleb enjoy. Crandall gets on and goes through the woods with no problems, he takes his time and watches for trees and bumps. Caleb has to wait on someone to ride him; he cannot just jump on and go. He likes for the person riding him to go fast, the faster the better. A car will be the same way when Crandall is old enough to drive, Caleb will not ever be able to drive a car.
Hunting is an activity they both enjoy. Crandall has shot several deer over the past few years. He also goes to see other animals in their natural habitat. When darkness comes Crandall is very ready for his dad or someone to come get him from the deer stand and walk him out of the woods. Caleb enjoys going hunting but his experience is much different. He can hear the animals before Crandall sees them. He hears the leaves rustle with the wind and the rabbits or squirrels scurry around. He has never shot a deer and when darkness falls he could care less, he could probably stay all night and not be bothered.
We all have fear of some kind and to some degree. For Crandall fear is the same as it is for most people with vision. Like most people Crandall able to see what is coming toward him or what is right in front of him about to happen, has more fear about trying new things. Fear for Crandall sets in before he ever reached the top of the bungee platform because of the height. Caleb not able to see the height, just as not knowing when darkness has fallen while in the woods, has no fear and enjoys these types of activities.
Fear of a bonfire or fireplace is just the opposite from the darkness and heights. Crandall being like most boys is curious about the fire. He likes to build the bonfires, poke sticks in the fire and roast marshmallows. Caleb cannot see the fire but he can feel the heat and hear the wood crackle. This makes him aware of what he cannot see and he stays back not approaching the fire fearing he will get too close and be burned.
Crandall uses his sight as his main sense with all other senses being secondary. Caleb’s lack of sight enhances all of his other senses. While showing the differences in a blind person vs a person with vision, senses have played the primary roll in why a lot of the differences are present. Other then just the normal differences found in most brothers, the obvious difference of one with vision and one who is blind are many. The use of their senses and the way they are used is the main difference between Caleb (blind) and Crandall (vision), who at first and on the surface seem so much alike.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
thoughts on the process of example essay
During the writing of my example essay, I found it very difficult to organize my thoughts. Even though I had my thoughts and examples wrote out putting them into essay form was difficult. So organization was the toughest aspect for me during this paper.
During the peer review, I received a couple of comments. The comments at first felt like an attack on my personal information or feelings. It took me a day or so to realize the peer review comments were to help me and I would not have wanted them to make it roses and sunshine to save my feelings. I appreciate the honest critics I received. I also realized it was not a personal attack on their part even though I took it personal...The comments are greatly appreciated and I completely revised my essay and feel it is much better now. Thank you again to those who commented and for your honesty.
I have had some frustration with the reading of other blogs that was assigned to me. I enjoy reading others essay, this too helps ME. I have not been able to get on a couple of the bogs that were assigned.
Thanks, Mimo
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Revised example essay
I would just like to say thank you to those who read my blog and gave me critical but very helpful advise and comments on my example essay...I am reposting the revised essay and I hope the two people who read it and helped me will reread it. Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Sibling Rivalry-------example essay REVISED!!!!
Sibling rivalry is found in any home with more than one child and can start as
soon as the second child is born due to jealousy of the amount of time and attention
parents give the new arrival. The sibling rivalry can also be delayed which is what
happened with our family. The delay in sibling rivalry was most likely due to the gender
order of birth with a daughter first, Gabriele followed by two boys, Travis and Mitchell.
Gabriele being three years older settled into the “big sister” role fairly easily after
Travis was born. She frequently wanted to give him a bottle, change his clothes and rock
him. The household was peaceful and free from the sibling rivalry until Travis was 1 ½
years old which is when Mitchell was born and the sibling rivalry began, at least between
brothers, with Travis bidding for attention. Travis was off the bottle, however when his
younger brother was born he felt it necessary to take his bottle for himself, telling us he
was just trying to help feed the baby or he was just bringing it to me. The infant cradle
was entirely to small for Travis but this is where he wanted to sleep since his baby
brother got to sleep there.
At this time Gabriele was still playing the “big sister” role with Mitchell but it
seemed Travis was caught in the middle with the sibling rivalry on both sides of him,
coming from his older sister and him passing it down to his new baby brother. Gabriele,
Travis and Mitchell could have been and still could be the poster children for sibling
rivalry and they are no different from any other siblings. The sibling rivalry was part of
daily life.
In the early preschool and elementary years the rivalry was as simple as who was
going to be “the banker” in a game of Monopoly or which chair each of them sat in
to watch TV. Gabriele being the oldest thought she should be“the banker” and of
course, Travis being the oldest boy thought it should be his job to be “the banker”. Not
taking sides, not jumping to conclusion, to be fair and because I enjoyed it, I usually
ended up sitting on the floor with them doing the banker’s job myself. Taking turns was
an option but that lead to more rivalry because they were rarely happy with how the other
one was counting the money. When the rivalry started about which chair each of them sat
in while watching TV they of course all wanted the same chair. To be fair they ended up
sitting on the floor.
With an age difference of only 14 months it seemed the rivalry never ended
between Travis and Mitchell. Starting with the bottle and cradle incidents and moving on
to toy trucks, cars or building blocks. They took a truck from the other ones pile or
knocked over the other ones fort they had built out of the blocks. Gabriele and Mitchell
had very few rivalry moments because she still thought of him as “the baby” or “her
baby” and he usually got his way, until it was time to take a trip in the car. The rivalry
began as we walked out the door when all of them shouted, “I have shotgun” which
meant they wanted to sit in the front seat.
As they all got older the sibling rivalry was still present but on a new level. When
Gabriele started to drive and had a curfew, her favorite statement was “I bet Travis and
Mitchell won’t have to be home this early” or “Travis and Mitchell are going to get to go
where ever they want”. Now that Travis is driving, his favorite thing to bring up is that
Gabriele did not have to call and check in when she started driving or she had a better car
then he does. Travis and Mitchell now rival about who is going to take out the trash,
who is going to cut the grass or who has the coolest friends. Gabriele still considers
Mitchell as “the baby” and he still gets his way with her most of the time.
Sibling rivalry is not a “new” concept it has been around since the beginning of
time, Cain and Abel to be exact. Sibling rivalry can even be found in fairy tales,
Cinderella and the step-sisters for example. Sibling rivalry has not changed much and still
exists all you need is a two or more children home. With more than two siblings all of
them may not have a rivalry. It may be that they rival with one sibling but not all of them.
As the mother of three children I have often made the statement, “I wish I could
find a cure for sibling rivalry and bottle it, I could make a fortune”. But sibling rivalry is
a competition. Competition has been labeled as a “good thing”, but in reality competition
is necessary and a part of life, just as sibling rivalry is necessary and a part of life. There
are various reasons why sibling rivalry exists, to get attention, to find their role in the
home, fear and jealousy are a few reasons. As long as families have more than one
child sibling rivalry will continue. The age and/or gender of the siblings does not really
make the rivalry better or worse, two or more brothers, two or more sisters or a brother
and a sister, it is all the same. However, the gender order could postpone the sibling
rivalry for a year or two.
Sibling Rivalry-------example essay REVISED!!!!
Sibling rivalry is found in any home with more than one child and can start as
soon as the second child is born due to jealousy of the amount of time and attention
parents give the new arrival. The sibling rivalry can also be delayed which is what
happened with our family. The delay in sibling rivalry was most likely due to the gender
order of birth with a daughter first, Gabriele followed by two boys, Travis and Mitchell.
Gabriele being three years older settled into the “big sister” role fairly easily after
Travis was born. She frequently wanted to give him a bottle, change his clothes and rock
him. The household was peaceful and free from the sibling rivalry until Travis was 1 ½
years old which is when Mitchell was born and the sibling rivalry began, at least between
brothers, with Travis bidding for attention. Travis was off the bottle, however when his
younger brother was born he felt it necessary to take his bottle for himself, telling us he
was just trying to help feed the baby or he was just bringing it to me. The infant cradle
was entirely to small for Travis but this is where he wanted to sleep since his baby
brother got to sleep there.
At this time Gabriele was still playing the “big sister” role with Mitchell but it
seemed Travis was caught in the middle with the sibling rivalry on both sides of him,
coming from his older sister and him passing it down to his new baby brother. Gabriele,
Travis and Mitchell could have been and still could be the poster children for sibling
rivalry and they are no different from any other siblings. The sibling rivalry was part of
daily life.
In the early preschool and elementary years the rivalry was as simple as who was
going to be “the banker” in a game of Monopoly or which chair each of them sat in
to watch TV. Gabriele being the oldest thought she should be“the banker” and of
course, Travis being the oldest boy thought it should be his job to be “the banker”. Not
taking sides, not jumping to conclusion, to be fair and because I enjoyed it, I usually
ended up sitting on the floor with them doing the banker’s job myself. Taking turns was
an option but that lead to more rivalry because they were rarely happy with how the other
one was counting the money. When the rivalry started about which chair each of them sat
in while watching TV they of course all wanted the same chair. To be fair they ended up
sitting on the floor.
With an age difference of only 14 months it seemed the rivalry never ended
between Travis and Mitchell. Starting with the bottle and cradle incidents and moving on
to toy trucks, cars or building blocks. They took a truck from the other ones pile or
knocked over the other ones fort they had built out of the blocks. Gabriele and Mitchell
had very few rivalry moments because she still thought of him as “the baby” or “her
baby” and he usually got his way, until it was time to take a trip in the car. The rivalry
began as we walked out the door when all of them shouted, “I have shotgun” which
meant they wanted to sit in the front seat.
As they all got older the sibling rivalry was still present but on a new level. When
Gabriele started to drive and had a curfew, her favorite statement was “I bet Travis and
Mitchell won’t have to be home this early” or “Travis and Mitchell are going to get to go
where ever they want”. Now that Travis is driving, his favorite thing to bring up is that
Gabriele did not have to call and check in when she started driving or she had a better car
then he does. Travis and Mitchell now rival about who is going to take out the trash,
who is going to cut the grass or who has the coolest friends. Gabriele still considers
Mitchell as “the baby” and he still gets his way with her most of the time.
Sibling rivalry is not a “new” concept it has been around since the beginning of
time, Cain and Abel to be exact. Sibling rivalry can even be found in fairy tales,
Cinderella and the step-sisters for example. Sibling rivalry has not changed much and still
exists all you need is a two or more children home. With more than two siblings all of
them may not have a rivalry. It may be that they rival with one sibling but not all of them.
As the mother of three children I have often made the statement, “I wish I could
find a cure for sibling rivalry and bottle it, I could make a fortune”. But sibling rivalry is
a competition. Competition has been labeled as a “good thing”, but in reality competition
is necessary and a part of life, just as sibling rivalry is necessary and a part of life. There
are various reasons why sibling rivalry exists, to get attention, to find their role in the
home, fear and jealousy are a few reasons. As long as families have more than one
child sibling rivalry will continue. The age and/or gender of the siblings does not really
make the rivalry better or worse, two or more brothers, two or more sisters or a brother
and a sister, it is all the same. However, the gender order could postpone the sibling
rivalry for a year or two.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
example essay
Sibling Rivalry
Gabriele, Travis and Mitchell could be the poster children for sibling rivalry.
During the time right after Gabriele’s brothers were born, she adored them and being
three years older she settled into the “big sister” role fairly easily. She always wanted to
give them a bottle, change their clothes and rock them. Everything was great until Travis
was about three years old and Mitchell was about two years old. This is when the sibling
rivalry “tug of war” began.
Gabriele, Travis and Mitchell are not different from any other siblings, the rivalry
is part of daily life. In the early preschool and elementary years the rivalry was as simple
as who was going to be “the banker” in a game of Monopoly or which chair each of them
would sit in to watch TV. Gabriele being the oldest always thought she should get to be
“the banker” and of course, Travis being the oldest boy thought it should be his job to be
“the banker”. Taking turns was an option but that lead to more rivalry because they were
never happy with how the other one was doing it. I usually ended up sitting on the floor
with them doing the banker’s job. When the rivalry would start about which chair each of
them sat in while watching TV, it was the same as the Monopoly game except they were
the ones who ended up sitting on the floor.
Travis and Mitchell being only 14 months apart always had the rivalry going on,
Mock 2
usually over toy trucks, cars and/or blocks. Each of them taking a truck from the other
ones pile or knocking over the other ones fort they had built out of the blocks. Gabriele
and Mitchell had very few rivalry moments because she still thought of him as “the baby”
or “her baby” and he usually got his way, until it was time to take a trip in the car. The
rivalry would begin as we walked out the door with all of them shouting, “I have
shotgun” which meant they wanted to sit in the front seat.
As they all got older the sibling rivalry was still present but on a new level. When
Gabriele started driving and had a curfew, her favorite statement was “I bet Travis and
Mitchell won’t have to be home this early” or “Travis and Mitchell are going to get to go
where ever they want”. Now that Travis is driving, his favorite thing to bring up is that
Gabriele did not have to call and check in when she started driving or she had a better car
than he does. Travis and Mitchell now rival about who is going to take out the trash,
who is going to cut the grass or who has the coolest friends. Gabriele still considers
Mitchell as “the baby” and he still gets his way with her most of the time.
Rivalry between siblings is not a “new” concept it has been around since the
beginning of time, Cain and Abel to be exact. Unlike everything else, it has not changed
much, sibling rivalry still exists all you need are the siblings. The age and/or gender of
the siblings does not really make the rivalry better or worse, two or more brothers, two or
more sisters or a brother and a sister, it is all the same. With more then two siblings all of
them may not have a rivalry. It may be that they rival with one sibling but not all of them.
As a parent of siblings I have often made the statement, “I wish I could find a cure
for sibling rivalry and bottle it, I could make a fortune”. But I also like to think of sibling
Mock 3
rivalry as competition. Competition has been labeled as a “good thing”, but in reality
competition is a necessity, just as sibling rivalry is a necessity. To get attention, to find
their place in the home, to build individual personalities and because it is plain human
nature are various reasons why we have sibling rivalry.
Gabriele, Travis and Mitchell could be the poster children for sibling rivalry.
During the time right after Gabriele’s brothers were born, she adored them and being
three years older she settled into the “big sister” role fairly easily. She always wanted to
give them a bottle, change their clothes and rock them. Everything was great until Travis
was about three years old and Mitchell was about two years old. This is when the sibling
rivalry “tug of war” began.
Gabriele, Travis and Mitchell are not different from any other siblings, the rivalry
is part of daily life. In the early preschool and elementary years the rivalry was as simple
as who was going to be “the banker” in a game of Monopoly or which chair each of them
would sit in to watch TV. Gabriele being the oldest always thought she should get to be
“the banker” and of course, Travis being the oldest boy thought it should be his job to be
“the banker”. Taking turns was an option but that lead to more rivalry because they were
never happy with how the other one was doing it. I usually ended up sitting on the floor
with them doing the banker’s job. When the rivalry would start about which chair each of
them sat in while watching TV, it was the same as the Monopoly game except they were
the ones who ended up sitting on the floor.
Travis and Mitchell being only 14 months apart always had the rivalry going on,
Mock 2
usually over toy trucks, cars and/or blocks. Each of them taking a truck from the other
ones pile or knocking over the other ones fort they had built out of the blocks. Gabriele
and Mitchell had very few rivalry moments because she still thought of him as “the baby”
or “her baby” and he usually got his way, until it was time to take a trip in the car. The
rivalry would begin as we walked out the door with all of them shouting, “I have
shotgun” which meant they wanted to sit in the front seat.
As they all got older the sibling rivalry was still present but on a new level. When
Gabriele started driving and had a curfew, her favorite statement was “I bet Travis and
Mitchell won’t have to be home this early” or “Travis and Mitchell are going to get to go
where ever they want”. Now that Travis is driving, his favorite thing to bring up is that
Gabriele did not have to call and check in when she started driving or she had a better car
than he does. Travis and Mitchell now rival about who is going to take out the trash,
who is going to cut the grass or who has the coolest friends. Gabriele still considers
Mitchell as “the baby” and he still gets his way with her most of the time.
Rivalry between siblings is not a “new” concept it has been around since the
beginning of time, Cain and Abel to be exact. Unlike everything else, it has not changed
much, sibling rivalry still exists all you need are the siblings. The age and/or gender of
the siblings does not really make the rivalry better or worse, two or more brothers, two or
more sisters or a brother and a sister, it is all the same. With more then two siblings all of
them may not have a rivalry. It may be that they rival with one sibling but not all of them.
As a parent of siblings I have often made the statement, “I wish I could find a cure
for sibling rivalry and bottle it, I could make a fortune”. But I also like to think of sibling
Mock 3
rivalry as competition. Competition has been labeled as a “good thing”, but in reality
competition is a necessity, just as sibling rivalry is a necessity. To get attention, to find
their place in the home, to build individual personalities and because it is plain human
nature are various reasons why we have sibling rivalry.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Goodmorning, I have had a busy weekend. We had a family reunion on Saturday. There was a lot of food, fried chicken, vegetables, casseroles, salads and an entire table full of desserts. After everyone ate and the food was put away, the guitars were brought out and we all sang different songs from gospel to country and even a little old rock. It was also great to see everyone especially those that I have not seen since last family reunion. On Sunday afternoon I went to a Tastefully Simple party were you sample different types of food, dips, sauces, seasonings, breads and sweets. I am ready for another weekend since this last one was so full. I hope everyone has a great week!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
CHALLENGES I FACED WITH MY COMPOSITION
Since my composition was based on a real life experience and real feelings it was very hard to put those feelings to paper without sounding like a "mother" just rambling about her child. I wanted people to be able to feel the way the atmosphere, room and attitudes were without leaving out how the emotional stress was intesified. I hope and I believe I accomplished this, though it was difficult. My second challenge was just simply the subject itself. I enjoy talking and writing about my son and his journey through cancer but my feelings are still very raw were this is concerned, I cried everytime I worked on the composition. My friends and family tell me those are cleansing tears and I believe them because I always feel better AFTER talking/writing about it.
Reading other's blogs was very enjoyable to me. I was able to invision and feel there experience. It showed me just how different we all really are. I do not think I read any two papers that consisted of the same information or experience. I also think it makes me realize my errors as I read other compositions and could see how things were worded or discribed. There were a couple of compositions I read that really just did not understand, however those were words, sentences and paragraphs from someone elses heart and mind. Even though I did not understand them I am glad I read them.
I was shocked at the responses I received on my blog about my composition. It is truly emotional to write but it is something much deeper when you know others read your writings and enjoyed them or even did not enjoy them, but they took the time to read them.
Hope everyone has a great week,
Mimo
Reading other's blogs was very enjoyable to me. I was able to invision and feel there experience. It showed me just how different we all really are. I do not think I read any two papers that consisted of the same information or experience. I also think it makes me realize my errors as I read other compositions and could see how things were worded or discribed. There were a couple of compositions I read that really just did not understand, however those were words, sentences and paragraphs from someone elses heart and mind. Even though I did not understand them I am glad I read them.
I was shocked at the responses I received on my blog about my composition. It is truly emotional to write but it is something much deeper when you know others read your writings and enjoyed them or even did not enjoy them, but they took the time to read them.
Hope everyone has a great week,
Mimo
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
We, my family and I, Had a great Labor Day weekend...we did not do alot but spend time together but that was great and what we needed. We cleaned up the yard, watched TV, boiled peanuts, grilled chicken and hamburgers, watched the Bulldogs lose and watched the first Nascar night race in Atlanta. Now the week begins with school and getting back into a routine. I have my first college exam on Thursday and I am a little nervous... I know the material(or I think I do) but well I am still nervous. I hope everyone had a great weekend and have had a great start to a new week.
MIMO
MIMO
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Michele Mock
Mrs. S. Aiken
English 1101 – Descriptive Essay
September 2, 2009
RECEIVING BAD NEWS
Taking a trip around the world would have been quicker than the drive from the doctor’s office to the hospital, though they were only three blocks apart. The boy had a vampire’s complexion as well as the feeling and symptoms of having the stomach flu. We were sent to have more extensive testing done, CT scans, blood work as well as to get medications for the unstoppable and uncontrollable nausea.
Mrs. S. Aiken
English 1101 – Descriptive Essay
September 2, 2009
RECEIVING BAD NEWS
Taking a trip around the world would have been quicker than the drive from the doctor’s office to the hospital, though they were only three blocks apart. The boy had a vampire’s complexion as well as the feeling and symptoms of having the stomach flu. We were sent to have more extensive testing done, CT scans, blood work as well as to get medications for the unstoppable and uncontrollable nausea.
As we walked into the already claustrophobic room it seemed to burst at the seams. Machines were brought in by the nurses and techs, along with all the family members who squeezed into every inch of space still available. The mix of aftershaves, perfumes and antiseptic cleaner made me nauseated, although it could have also been the fear of the unknown. The tick of the clock on the wall keeping time with the hum of the IV and the buzz that came from all the chatter of the visitors would have made a football arena seem quieter. When the boy stretched out into the bed it was still enormous in the cramped space. A dump truck parked in a Volvo parking space had nothing on the bed in this room. The boy was of larger build than most kids his age of thirteen years but his size still had an opposite effect; he looked much smaller in comparison, a flea on a queen size mattress.
It was an orchestra out of tune with the tick tick tick of the clock, the steady hum of the IV, chatter and TV. The carefully choreographed shift change of the nurses came and went along with most of the family members and other visitors. The air began to thin and breathing became unlabored. I was the only one to stay since the immediate danger had been resolved, still serious but not life threatening, when the ideas and diagnoses started to filter in from the nurses.
Sitting in the small room with him was serene almost too peaceful, mother and child bonding as if he were a new born. I washed his face with a cool rag and held his hand that was soft and warm. We talked endlessly about what was playing on TV and the fun he had on his hunting trip with his brother and dad. Since my mind was full of many what ifs, the conversation was a monolog by him as I tried to input the correct oh, okay and that’s neat were it should go. With him drifting off to sleep the tick tick ticking of the clock and hum of the IV became deafening.
It was an orchestra out of tune with the tick tick tick of the clock, the steady hum of the IV, chatter and TV. The carefully choreographed shift change of the nurses came and went along with most of the family members and other visitors. The air began to thin and breathing became unlabored. I was the only one to stay since the immediate danger had been resolved, still serious but not life threatening, when the ideas and diagnoses started to filter in from the nurses.
Sitting in the small room with him was serene almost too peaceful, mother and child bonding as if he were a new born. I washed his face with a cool rag and held his hand that was soft and warm. We talked endlessly about what was playing on TV and the fun he had on his hunting trip with his brother and dad. Since my mind was full of many what ifs, the conversation was a monolog by him as I tried to input the correct oh, okay and that’s neat were it should go. With him drifting off to sleep the tick tick ticking of the clock and hum of the IV became deafening.
The turn of the door knob finally broke into the stillness as his doctor walked in with sleepless eyes and shoulders that belonged to an elderly woman suffering from many years of scoliosis. Even the tick of the clock seemed to cease with fear of what was coming with the entrance of this frail and unknowing doctor who just yesterday could have played quarterback on any football team. The silence was finally broken by words that never should have to be spoken, “mom, can I speak to you outside for a moment”. The ever silence returned except for the screaming, it took me a second to realize it was me screaming in my head. My book fell to the floor, mouth and eyes wide with fright from what had not yet been spoken but was so evident it was more frightening then any horror movie ever made. The bile rose into my throat.
With a face of someone who just won the lottery and a Mona Lisa smile gone awry , I walked back into the room to tell my son I had to go down stairs and call his dad. He had the same deer caught in headlights stare, but even more disturbing was the underlying fear and terror, almost bed of nails torture, on his face. I reassured him as best I could but he was very observant, one who knows when a knick knack has been moved or removed from a shelf, his only words were “I know it cannot be good because doctors on TV never call you out of the room for good news”. Goose bumps raised the hair on the nape of my neck as I left the room to make the call. I could have committed murder, adultery even the sin of death and not felt as selfish or as guilty for not telling him the truth immediately.
When his dad arrived back at the hospital we decided to tell our son what was going on, knowing the end of the world was coming would have been easier. As we told our son he had a malignant brain tumor the terror and fear begin to melt like butter from his face. The now one-year-old face looking at me was almost more then I could bear. His words were inspiring, “its okay, now we know and we can get through it whatever it takes”. Even though we all knew we had a very long road ahead of us the room suddenly became larger, lighter and energetic as I realized the sounds I heard was laughter coming from my son, his dad and even myself. We hugged and just held each other the warmth of our skin and the beating of our hearts was comforting. The last of his words became our motto for the entire family “whatever it takes”.
With a face of someone who just won the lottery and a Mona Lisa smile gone awry , I walked back into the room to tell my son I had to go down stairs and call his dad. He had the same deer caught in headlights stare, but even more disturbing was the underlying fear and terror, almost bed of nails torture, on his face. I reassured him as best I could but he was very observant, one who knows when a knick knack has been moved or removed from a shelf, his only words were “I know it cannot be good because doctors on TV never call you out of the room for good news”. Goose bumps raised the hair on the nape of my neck as I left the room to make the call. I could have committed murder, adultery even the sin of death and not felt as selfish or as guilty for not telling him the truth immediately.
When his dad arrived back at the hospital we decided to tell our son what was going on, knowing the end of the world was coming would have been easier. As we told our son he had a malignant brain tumor the terror and fear begin to melt like butter from his face. The now one-year-old face looking at me was almost more then I could bear. His words were inspiring, “its okay, now we know and we can get through it whatever it takes”. Even though we all knew we had a very long road ahead of us the room suddenly became larger, lighter and energetic as I realized the sounds I heard was laughter coming from my son, his dad and even myself. We hugged and just held each other the warmth of our skin and the beating of our hearts was comforting. The last of his words became our motto for the entire family “whatever it takes”.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My goals and expectations for English 1101, which is my first class of the day, are to be a more creative writer so that my blog posts and other areas that I post on such as my facebook account are informative but also interesting. Along with that and I guess the bottom line is I do have to have this class to move on to my major which is nursing. I know my English 1101 class is just a stepping stone to my final goal, however without those and all the other stepping stones in my life such as my family and my friends who support me the final goal cannot be met.
Have a great day,
Mimo
I have started college....WOW something I would never have thought I would do. It is very exciting and the butterflies are beginning to settle down. I have 3 classes, English 1101, US History and Algebra. I have Professors that seem to be nice and down to earth. I think, no I KNOW I am going to do great. This is one of my best decisions yet.
MIMO
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hi well I have been tossing a decision back and forth for a few weeks now and have made a decision and have started acting on it......I am going back to school.......I am very excited but I am also scared to death.....I am 40 years old and that is real scary. I hope to be working as a nurse in 3-4 years.....that sounds like a long time but when you think about things in the grand scheme of things it is just a blink of an eye. Just wondering what every one thinks about going back to school at age 40.
Have a good night,
Mimo
Have a good night,
Mimo
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today was my middle child, Travis' birthday he is 17 today. Alot of time has gone by but sometimes it feels like he should still be a baby. I guess that is always the way. He says he had a great birthday, I hope he did. One of them having a birthday today made me start thinking.....what makes a good parent??? Well I think it is like everything else we do...The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. When they are courtious, respectful, work hard, have fun and dont get in too much trouble. Well THANK GOODNESS all of mine so far are like this.......I know that does not mean things cannot change tomorrow but for today, I can say I think we (their dad and I) did a good job. I think the best advise I have is never give up and never stop teaching them...there is always something for them to learn but also be open minded in the fact that they can teach us things too.
Goodnight all,
Mimo
Goodnight all,
Mimo
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Summer Days
Good Evening,
Today was your average lazy southern summer day. We sat around talking, watching TV, playing in the yard, cooking and eating. The children all showed up including someone I have not introduced, my daughter's fiance Travis, yes same as her brother's name.....yes it gets very confusing around here when they are all here. It was a busy but great afternoon with all of them.
I still think the peace and quiet is deafening but I also realize why its called peace and quiet....LOL.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Mimo
Today was your average lazy southern summer day. We sat around talking, watching TV, playing in the yard, cooking and eating. The children all showed up including someone I have not introduced, my daughter's fiance Travis, yes same as her brother's name.....yes it gets very confusing around here when they are all here. It was a busy but great afternoon with all of them.
I still think the peace and quiet is deafening but I also realize why its called peace and quiet....LOL.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Mimo
Friday, July 24, 2009
Fridays are great!?!?!?
Fridays are a great day of the week but I sort of have mixed feelings now.....
Several year ago Fridays evenings were spent with the 3 children, playing outside until dark, coming in to watch a cool movie with them, popping pop corn and just really enjoying the evening with all the noise and most of the time caos.
Now things are alot different and the silence is almost deafening. Gabriele, my daughter, has moved out on her own as I mentioned before.....Travis is one of the boys who will be 17 on Monday...DRIVERS LICENSE...need I say more.....and Mitchell who is the baby boy who is 15 and is hanging out with his friends, going skating, playing video games, etc. They are all busy!!!!
For those of you with small children, enjoy the noise, caos, toys in the floor, fussing children, crying children, etc. One day the silence will be more deafening then the actual noise you are experiencing now.....Man I MISS my babies.
Mimo
Several year ago Fridays evenings were spent with the 3 children, playing outside until dark, coming in to watch a cool movie with them, popping pop corn and just really enjoying the evening with all the noise and most of the time caos.
Now things are alot different and the silence is almost deafening. Gabriele, my daughter, has moved out on her own as I mentioned before.....Travis is one of the boys who will be 17 on Monday...DRIVERS LICENSE...need I say more.....and Mitchell who is the baby boy who is 15 and is hanging out with his friends, going skating, playing video games, etc. They are all busy!!!!
For those of you with small children, enjoy the noise, caos, toys in the floor, fussing children, crying children, etc. One day the silence will be more deafening then the actual noise you are experiencing now.....Man I MISS my babies.
Mimo
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Introducing The Mock's
Hi my name is Michele but for the blog you can call me Mimo. We are a family of 5, A dad, a mom, a daughter and 2 sons. I am the mom who knows what it is like to be a Mock around the block as moms know we have been aound the block a few times but sometimes our children take us on the same trip around the same block and for some reason we are so totally lost....The dad is the Charter Mock here and he has definitely been around the block...(more then a few times). Well that leaves the children who are the main reason for most of the trips around the block. Another reason for the blog name is because our children friends always wanted to come here to The Mock House playing in the backyard and having a great time, therefore we were known by everyone on our block.
Our daughter is 20 years old now and she has moved out on her own, that created even more trips around the block. Our boys are 17 and 15 and they too create their own version of going around the block. My husband and I have been married 20 years, which you can imagine what kind of trips around the block that can take you on. My husband is retired military which is why he has been around the block a few times and he is also a construction manager for a road construction company....both of these are why I too have made those trips around the block.
In my blog I hope you have a great time reading about us, hearing about some of our past, living in the present and our hopes for the future as well as maybe something we have been through or are going through might be the same for you and we can learn from each other along the way....so come on and take a trip with Mock around the block.
Goodnight for now,
Mimo
Our daughter is 20 years old now and she has moved out on her own, that created even more trips around the block. Our boys are 17 and 15 and they too create their own version of going around the block. My husband and I have been married 20 years, which you can imagine what kind of trips around the block that can take you on. My husband is retired military which is why he has been around the block a few times and he is also a construction manager for a road construction company....both of these are why I too have made those trips around the block.
In my blog I hope you have a great time reading about us, hearing about some of our past, living in the present and our hopes for the future as well as maybe something we have been through or are going through might be the same for you and we can learn from each other along the way....so come on and take a trip with Mock around the block.
Goodnight for now,
Mimo
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