The Glass Castle

Reading The Glass Castle this semester was an eye opener for me. I also knew that there was these type of problems in our world, but to get a firsthand look from the perspective of someone who lived it makes it that much more real. Do I think that it was a good book, yes. I think this should be a must read in all English class rooms. Not only because I find it a good book but it brings forth some important problems in our world today. This book would help young people see first-hand through their reading what someone in certain situations goes through. I think it would also help someone who is in the same kind of situation deal with what is happening to them and help them learn there are options out there. I think that there are so many kids in the world who are dealing with hard times and have no clue of the help or resources out there; they think they are the only ones dealing with it. This book opens up a new world of understanding, not only for the ones living with the abuse, but also to give others an idea of what to look for to help and understand.

Tattoos

Tattoos use to be a sign of a trouble maker or that someone has been to prison, which is still the case in today’s society. However, with the changing times more and more people are into the art of tattoos. In some societies a tattoo marks your journey into manhood, while in others it’s a sign of respect and worth you bring to the village or community. Tattoos can mean so many different things to different people, cultures or society in general.

              

  I have always been fascinated by the elements of tattoos. I got my first one on my eighteenth birthday and since have gotten two others. In my way of thinking tattoos are a way to express a time or special memories throughout your life. While I think they are an expression of one’s self, I also think people should be careful to make sure they can live with this art for life not just the time and place they are in life when they get it. My tattoos so far are all simple and be chosen to represent a time in my life, but are all something I could live with even in old age. As my life has progressed I have others I would like to get that represent one a great tragedy and one of great joy. I would like to express my memories in a memorial tattoo to my grandfather, who helped raise me, and to the birth of my son who changed my world.  However, I’m at a standstill, as the cost is higher than I can part with at this time, but I will in time express my memories in the art of tattoo soon.

Functional or Dysfunctional

What makes a family functional or dysfunctional? Well if you have even a fraction of what my family is like, we are a mix of both.  In my opinion most families that are functional have a little dysfunctional in the mix. Who are we really to say what is functional or dysfunctional, as these mean different things to everyone. What one may call a functional family, may be quite dysfunctional to another or vice versa. When it comes to my family it seems the dysfunction actually makes us function as a family. Take out these few differences and we become a 100% totally dysfunctional family, instead of a functional family with a few dysfunctions. So why labels are easy for us to throw around when we see something that fits into our definition of functional and dysfunctional, this isn’t how others truly see the same things. I think it’s safe to say that every family have elements of both and work in their own unique way to make up the family dynamic.

A Child's First Circus

Over the first weekend of April, I got to see my son experience a lot of first. My favorite being his first time at the Circus, which he just wasn't to sure about at the start. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa had to spoil him with everything there was to have. When we first arrived, it was down for the first pony ride and too get a close look at the elephants. No one braved the ride on the elephant with him so this year that was not part of the experience. As we were sitting in our seats waiting for the fun to start, he just looked around in amazement at all the people around us.
The real fun I think for him started when the lights went down and all the bright lights of the Circus came to life. He was just amazed with all the flashing lights throughout the arena. This was another spoil alert as Grandpa had to by him three different light up toys after the intermission. I'm not sure how much he really followed the acts of the circus as time when, but he fell in love with the lights of the Circus. Oh, let me not forget the music you could catch him dancing to in his seat. All in all I would have to say the first Circus was a success.

"Fakebook Generation" Do We Friend Our Parents?

Do we accept our parents as friend on Facebook? Many people come across this issue everyday. Personally I don't see why so many people find that this is a problem. I have many of my family members that are my friends on Facebook. The only reason that I could see why someone would be against this would be if they had something to hide. 

With the way technology is expanding these days you should know never to post something on the internet that you would be ashamed for your family or others to see. I read an article the other day in which it stated that employers may start to have the right to ask for your information to you personal pages. Even if they are not granted this right there is always that chance that someone you work for or a family member will at some point see what you are posting. Just ask yourself, "Is what I'm writing worth losing my job or hurting my family?" 

Here is an example of what might happen if you bash someone on Facebook, especially your family.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.litefm.com%2Fcc-common%2Fmainheadlines3.html%3Ffeed%3D421220%26article%3D9738000&h=fAQE8EN6dAQFYCVl4KtVZ2Qu-Xv5M2uK8qzjLN2URo3ZiFQ&enc=AZPuY8xVGlsuAkNxuesWKYSVKIjPWBFAs2goQoFZNgvmA4ioVAvuY49b3KEQEW0GA6YBD7ZTyB7IvuL91crqts2f

So I think it is important to remember, whether you add your parents or not there is always a way for them to find out. Have respect for them and yourself and don't post negative things that could hurt someone. It not only your parents you should worry about, just take in account the bullying that is now happening through Facebook and other social sites. Soon we may see the freedom of these sights have more of a negative impact then good.

Struggles of A Single Parent

I have found out the many challenges of being a single parent in the last few months. It has become a challenge to juggle all the balls that make up my life that is for sure. My son has defiantly hit the terrible two's at the age of 14 months, which has made things a struggle. So as I struggle to keep the house clean, homework done, and him out of trouble i'm sure worn out at the end of the day.  I have also struggled with the financial aspects of this as well and now I will be adding a part time job soon into the mix as well.

For all of you out there that are also in my situation or have taken on even more, good luck. I have sure struggled but I know in the end that it's all for the better. I'm also thankful for my family who has been there when needed.

Grandpa, My hero

As a little girl I always looked up to my grandpa, he was a very influential part of my life. I can remember spending everyday after school at my grandparent, but the best part was when grandpa came home from work. See we had a ritual where he would come home and I would sit on his lap telling him about my day as we ate chocolate stars. Grandma use to get so mad at us and yell at grandpa that he was going to spoil my supper by giving me candy. Of course grandpa would just laugh and say that's my right, she's my little angel. I was the first born granddaughter and my grandpa was good at spoiling me, which I loved.

Even after all these years I can still hear his laugh, smell the smell that was my grandpa, and feel his arms hold me tight. He had one of those unique smells of a mix of coffee, cigarette smoke, grease and car fumes. I know weird huh, but my grandpa had been a mechanic all his life and to me it was the best smell ever.

As I grew up he would take me with him to work and taught me as much as I could absorb about cars, which I wish I could remember today. See I can't even go back and ask for a refresher as my grandpa had died when I was fourteen.

That day was one of the worst days ever in my young life. I had come home from school and my mom told me he was gone and all I could do was tell her she was lying, he would never leave me. My only regret was I never got to say goodbye, and he's not here so my kids can know how great he was.

See my grandpa was my hero, he was the man I looked up too. He was the most loving and caring person I know and he will forever be missed. This year I will be getting the greatest reminder of him that will be with me forever. I will be getting a memorial tattoo that I can carry as a constant reminder of the man who stole my heart at a young age and is forever missed.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDPA, YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED!!!!