Blog Reflection

The fluency journal blogs were more helpful than I imagined they would be. I can honestly say that it is a lot easier for me to write now, and it takes a lot less time to complete a task. I really began noticing this when completing last week's This I Believe essay and writing my first draft of this week's What Is A Place essay. I was surprised to find that I was able to complete this week's essay in just a couple of days as opposed to taking me the entire week to finish one half the size. 

Also, through this process, I've found myself using the thesaurus a lot less. I'm able to more easily come up with the right word without any outside assistance. That right there probably takes about 25 percent off of the normal time it takes me to complete an assignment. 

The freewriting assignments have also helped me to think more clearly and be able to better organize my thoughts and ideas. My mind seems to be more clear and... I don't know...aware, maybe? Alert? Keeping track of my thoughts and venting through journaling has helped me get a lot of things off of my chest and actually reduced my stress levels and fatigue. I even seem to be able to read a little faster and comprehend what I'm reading better. I don't know how many times I've had to reread a page in my book because I couldn't remember what I just read. 

I've been truly amazed at the effects one little activity can have when you do it enough. It's like exercising or, well, reading. If you do it enough, it becomes second nature. What a fun and exciting few weeks!

Fluency Journal (07/17/2014)

I'm about to rip my hair out! This last week is going to be very stressful. I'm trying my best to stay calm and focus, but it's difficult. It all started on Tuesday when I went to take my math test. I was confident. I thought I had it down, but apparently not because I choked. I bombed the damn thing. It's very discouraging. And now, today, I'm having all sorts of trouble. I can't locate this link that I'm supposed to use to do answer some questions for an assignment for my English class. I've followed the instructions perfectly a hundred times. I've literally looked everywhere, but this imaginary link is nowhere to be found and the damn thing is due tomorrow. Also, there hasn't been a forum created yet for me to turn in my "What is a Place?" essay. I suppose that's one good thing that's come out of this. I was able to finish my essay. I actually had a lot of fun on this one. I learned a lot about the area that I'm from. A lot of very interesting events have happened here. None that I will disclose on my blog, though. I guess you'll just have to read it and find out. I think I did alright, though. I tried something a little different this time. I guess you could say I jazzed it up a bit. Anyway, it's the beginning of testing day. I should probably get back to work. Busy busy! Goodbye for now. Wish me luck...

Fluency Journal #12 (07/07/2014)

I decided to borrow Cole's journal idea. I'm going to go about it a little differently, though. Instead of a family member, I've chosen a couple of friends that I've lost. I'm going write them a letter...

Stephen and Branden,

          I don't mean to sound cliche, but not a day goes by that I don't think about you guys. I reminisce on every aspect of our friendships: the good times and the bad, the laughs we shared and the trouble we caused (Lord knows there was plenty of that), the trials we faced and the lessons we learned. We were young and thought we were invincible. Apparently not. The ways you two had to go wasn't... well, fair. But, you know what they say, "only the good die young". Oh look, another cliche...
          Anyway, Stephen, I haven't cried since your funeral. How long has it been now? Five years? I couldn't even cry for you, Branden. I'm unable to anymore. If I cry, it's not for you, it's for me. That makes me feel selfish. I'm not the one who had to suffer. I should be happy that you guys are in a better place. I am happy. Why mourn a loss when you can celebrate a life? A life so precious and so fragile...so innocent.
          You touched more lives than you would have ever believed had you still been around. You guys taught me lessons while you were still here in the flesh that you never even realized you taught me. I apologize if I ever let either of you down.
          But, I just wanted to say thank you for watching over me; for giving me the strength, the wisdom, and the courage to overcome life's obstacles. I miss you guys so much, and I love you even more every day. I just hope that I can be half the man that guys were. Look at that, another cliche...

Until then,

Josh

Word Count: 353 words

Fluency Journal #11 (07/06/2014)

          As much fun as I had this weekend, I sure am glad it's over. Boy am I pooped! Now, I get to go back to my normal, healthy diet and workout regimen. My body seems to be AB-solutely pissed at me right now. It's taken quite a beating these past few days. Hamburgers, bratwursts, fried chicken, fried zucchini, fried squash, apple pie, cherry pie, rhubarb pie, cheesecake. And that was just breakfast! HA HA! But seriously, it's time to get back into a routine. That's the one thing I can't stand about vacations: it sucks getting back in the swing of things. Oh well, I had fun, and that's all that counts. Telling stories, sharing laughs, and creating memories. That's what life is all about, and I'm very thankful that I'm able to spend it with the people that I do.
           Um, let me see, we started a new "series" at church this week: happiness. Each week during July, we will be learning how to be happy and how to spread our happiness to others. I sure hope it works. There are way too many unhappy people out there that I just feel so sorry for. I honestly wish I could take away everyone's pain. Their stress, their anxiety, their depression. It sort of rubs off on me. I am not content unless everyone around me is content. And I am able to easily read other people's emotions even if they're not showing it. I can sense it. I feel it. It's weird. I used to think it was a curse, but now I realize that it's a blessing. By being able to understand people, I am better able to help relieve their pain, if only temporarily. I believe that laughter, is most definitely the best medicine. It's proven to be greatly effective for treating not only emotional health, but mental, and even physical health, as well; there are absolutely no side-effects; and it's eco-friendly. And, there I go again, off on a tangent. I sure am good at that.
          Anyway, I think it's time to look at the world differently. It's time to be grateful for what we have instead of yearning for what we want. It's time to give instead of take.
          
Word Count: 412 words

Fluency Journal #10 (07/05/2014)

        I had a fantastic Fourth of July! Friends, family, great food, and fireworks. They had turtle races, a raffle, cake walks, and sack races. What else could a man ask for? I'm even going to be in the newspaper eating a hamburger. It's nice having grandparents that know everyone in the town and all the surrounding ones...including the editor of the local newspaper and all of his entourage. 

       I got to see a kid get an old school whoopin' from his grandma, right in public. It's nice to know some people still believe in discipline. Too many children are spoiled, disrespectful, and greedy. Humility is virtually nonexistent anymore. But that's for another day. It sure does take me back, though. He should consider himself lucky: at least he got to keep his pants on. HA! Good times. Good times.

        Anyway, I get to do it all again tonight. Me and my grandparents are going to a good old-fashioned redneck barbecue out in a couple friends of theirs' field/camping grounds. More great food and fireworks. It's turning out to be a great weekend. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

        Well, I'm about 100 words short here, so let me try and think of something...one second...I think I'm on to something here...Ah yes, here we go. So, I haven't had a cigarette in over three months now. I've been smoking electronic cigarettes, but I think after this weekend, I'm going to attempt to quit smoking them as well. It's my next step towards bettering myself. My goal is to be able to run 20 miles a week by the end of summer. Wish me luck. Lord knows I'll need it.

Word Count: 308 words

Fluency Journal #9 (07/04/2014)

Happy Fourth of July! 238 years ago, five great men wrote a statement that not only declared our independence from England, but helped shape who we are as nation today. So, we salute you, John Adams, Robert R. Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. If it wasn't for you, we'd still be speaking with funny accents. 

What a busy day it's been. I had the privilege to do some more mowing today and even got to dig up a bunch of rocks that have been "sharpening" our lawn mower blades. But, like I said yesterday: I can't complain. It's been a very lovely day. I'm afraid I won't have time to go to the gym today, though. 

I can't wait for this evening! I get to go see my great grandmother at the care center, and eat some  good food, and hear some great music, and watch the fireworks. Who could ask for a more fulfilling holiday. It is truly a blessing to have family and friends that care so much about me. They mean the world to me. I don't know where I'd be without their love and support. 

Well, I better get off here. It's time to start getting ready to go. I know I'm a little short on my word count, but that's me: Boring, old Mr. Walker. I really need to get out and do more interesting things so my journal entries can have a little bit of flare. I'm yawning just writing it, so I know you're probably asleep by now. I should start a talk radio show. 

Word Count: 284 words

Fluency Journal #8 (07/03/2014)

Well, I finally got to work today. And I couldn't have asked for a nicer day to be working outdoors. Clear skies and 80 degrees. Not too shabby. I got a lot done: three yards mowed, the heifers pregnant checked and separated, and even got some fence repaired. Needless to say, my shoulders are pretty red now. And I get to do it all again tomorrow. I can't complain, though; it's money in the bank. 

     I even managed to find time to go to the gym for an hour or so. I ran a couple miles while I was there. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not much of a runner. I just quit smoking cigarettes a few months ago and I suppose I thought my lungs were back in working order, but apparently I was wrong. I literally thought I was going to pass out. I'm going to have to start incorporating more cardio into my workout to get my lungs functioning again. 

     Anyway, I guess all my studying and hard work paid off because I did a little better than what I thought I was going to do on my algebra test. I was honestly expecting a B, but I was lucky enough to receive an A, so go me! It just goes to show you that hard work and dedication can get you just about anywhere. It's definitely good for the old ego. 

     I haven't done much else today. I suppose it's time to buckle down and work on this reflection. I have all of my homework done for my other classes so now I'm able to devote all of my attention to the Writer's Workbench essay. Adios. Hasta mañana. 

Word Count: 303 words

Fluency Journal #7 (07/02/2014)

     Well, there's not much to write about today. Just a lot of studying and working on my Writer's Workbench lessons. It's actually kind of fun. I'm learning a lot of useful "tools" that I can use throughout the rest of this course to strengthen my writing.
     I went grocery shopping with my grandma earlier too. Milk, bread, and butter. You know, the essentials. But overall, it's been a pretty boring day. I've been mainly cooped up inside for these last four and a half weeks, focusing more on my studies and less on the dramas of the outside world. I think this will probably benefit me more.
     I am pretty excited about the Fourth, though. My grandparents and I are going to the care center where my great grandmother (my grandma's mother) has been the last month. The center is having a free barbecue, a live band, and plenty of games and prizes. Pretty sweet for a retirement home! I can't wait to get down on some of that BINGO action!
     Anyway, let's see, I think the weather is supposed to be nice the next couple of days, hopefully I'll get to work. It's been pretty slow lately. If it's not the rain keeping me from working, it's the sweltering heat and humidity. My poor bank account is dwindling fast. Thank goodness for my grandparents and their over-payments for small odd jobs around the house. If it wasn't for them, I'd be dead broke.
     Well, there you have it: just another day in the life of Just Another Guy. The least interesting man in the world...

Word Count: 266 words

The Walker Creed

     I am complex and mysterious. My heart and mind work in ways virtually incomprehensible to others.

     My purpose is to keep pushing forward, living one day at a time, and never backing down from a challenge My purpose is to grow, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. Each day better than the last, yet not a good as the next.

     I am encompassed in unconditional and everlasting love from my family and friends, and in return, I repay that love with interest.

     We as a people are all different, yet we are equals. I accept that I can not change the world, but I vow to give everything in my power to encourage the world to flourish. I vow to remain disciplined, youthful and mature, courageous and gentle, generous and humble, respectful and grateful. I vow to be myself.

Fluency Journal #6 (07/01/2014)

     Here we are again. Halfway through the year, halfway through the semester. I absolutely love this time of year. Although the weather is sort of gloomy today, I refuse to let it alter my mood. I am feeling quite accomplished today. I just checked on my midterm grades. Straight A's. That's a giant leap forward from high school. Ha! I'm getting so much better at balancing my school, work, health, and social life. It's been a lot of hard work and late nights, but I'm pushing through it as hard as I can, and at the end of the day, it's all worth it. I'll be thanking myself in a couple years.

     On another note, I went to the library and took my algebra test earlier. I probably should have studied just a little more, but all in all, I'm pretty satisfied with myself. It was pretty funny, though. As soon as I walked in the door, I heard a quiet tune playing over the PA system that sounded kind of familiar. After awhile of trying to figure out what I was hearing, I recognized what it was. They were listening to Paula Abdul's greatest hits. I literally laughed out loud. When I think of a library, I don't really think of music at all, but Paula Abdul's Straight Up would not be the first song I would associate with a quiet reading environment. 

    Then someone brought their dog in with them. I thought the guy might possibly be blind or something...until he let the dog go and sat down at the computer. And of course the dog came straight to me, so you know I had to give him some loving, which took away from my test time. How I got any work done is beyond me.

      Anyway, after the library, I felt the need to "get physical" like Ms. Abdul, so I figured since I was already in town, I might as well get a little gym action. I ended up going a little longer than I expected. So, needless to say, I'm a little worn out and sore, but now that I'm done training my body, I'm ready to train my brain. Let's do this!

Word Count: 398 words

Fluency Journal #5 (06/30/2014)

     Wow! What a long day! Math, math, and more math. I have an algebra text tomorrow and I've literally been studying and doing homework all day. I didn't even have time to start any of my homework for my other classes. But, I'm finally done. Whew! Now, I think I'm going to write this here journal entry and then read some of my book. That is, if I'm able to keep my eyes open. I just need something to keep my mind off of this test tomorrow. I don't know why, but I'm a little stressed about it. I don't normally stress about tests. I know that I know the material, but I still feel like I'm missing something. Oh well, I'm going to try not to worry too much about it. I did get all of my readings done today, though. I especially like How to Say Nothing in 500 Words by Paul Roberts. I found it very helpful and insightful. I think that it's going to come in handy these next few weeks of the semester. Hopefully longer. I hope I am able to absorb at least a little of what I've learned to keep for future reference. Call it a hunch, but I have a feeling that it might prove beneficial in the future.
     Well, I don't know exactly what to talk about anymore. Like I said, I haven't really done much today aside from cramming for this algebra test tomorrow. I started reading a new book a couple days ago. It's called The Last Exile by E.V. Seymour. It's an espionage about an ex-spy hired to find five fugitives that were accidentally released from prison and hand them over to authorities. It's not a bad book. Especially for fifty cents from a thrift store. But it's written in "proper British English", so the -our's and the -re's make it somewhat difficult to read sometimes. Maybe not difficult, per se, but different. But it's something I'm not used to, and that's why I like it. I like change every now and then.
     But, anyway, I really have absolutely nothing else to say. I'm drawing a blank. This looks like more than enough words, so I'm signing off for now. Wish me luck tomorrow. Until next time...

Word Count: 379 words

Fluency Journal #4 (06/29/2014)

     Oh my gosh! Could this Algebra homework be anymore time-consuming? I swear, every problem takes almost half of a page. I really needed a break so I figured I'd drop a few lines on the old blog. I mean, it's easy, it's just strenuous. It's a good thing I have Pandora Radio here to help me get through it without stressing myself out. 90's Alternative Radio. I've had it on since 8:00 this morning, and here it is 4:30 and I have changed it once. It sure does bring back a lot of memories. Memories of an easier time. A time when I didn't have a worry in the world. When kids still played outside and didn't come home until the streetlights came on or mom whistled from the back door. When mom whistled, the whole neighborhood could hear it and every kid would stop what they were doing and ask each other, "Josh, was that your mom or mine?" "I think it might have been Daniel's." "I don't know, it sure sounded like your mom." Everybody knew what the whistle meant. It meant you better get your butt home. Pronto! Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty nostalgic today. Every time I think about changing the station, another good song comes on. I give up.
     Anyway, it's about 200 degrees outside today. It sure would be nice to hop in the pool for a little bit, but I have too much homework to get done. So that's out of the picture. Maybe tomorrow... Wait, it's supposed to rain tomorrow. Shoot! Oh well, eventually I'll get some water action. It might not be until July 24th, but I promise you, I will cannon ball at least once this summer.  Let's see, what else? I think I'm going to register for my Fall classes sometime this week. I never thought I could be this excited about school. It's a lot of hard work, but I've always enjoyed a challenge. I'm actually having a lot of fun.

Word Count: 343 words

Fluency Journal #3 (6/28/2014)

Wow! Great game... NOT! So, I drove an hour and a half all the way down to Springfield earlier to watch the Cardinals play, and for what? Nothing! As soon as we were getting settled in and getting some selfies taken with Louie, they decide to postpone the game. Well, that stinks! Oh well, at least we got out of the house for a while. We even stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home, so that made it a little better. I kind of felt bad for the kids working there though. The wind apparently had blew over all of their tables and chair outside and destroyed the fence, and they were out in the weather picking everything up. I helped them out once I saw what they were doing. Overall, it's been a pretty decent day considering the storms. I got a lot done this morning. I'm all caught up on my homework and ready to relax tomorrow and get ready for a new week. I can't believe it's already been four weeks! I never would have imagined being in college a year ago, but look at me now. I'm having such a good time. It's a new challenge for me, which is good because I tend to get bored pretty easily. I miss my friends and family, but it's all for a good cause and I know they're proud of me. And if they're happy, I'm happy. Now, it's time to read, relax, and reflect. I love Saturdays.

Word Count: 273 words

Fluency Journal #2 (6/27/2014)

It's halfway through the term of my first semester in college. Today, I'm thinking about how busy I've been lately. And I've noticed something that's changing in me. I'm not near as stressed as I was during the first few weeks of school. I'm beginning to develop a bit of a routine to balance my work, school, health, and social life. With work and school and volunteering, I hardly have time for any leisure time, but I still find a way to get it all done and have time at the end of the day to relax and read a little out of my book every night before I go to bed. I make time at least three or four days a week to exercise. But I couldn't do it without the love and support of my family. And, they may not believe it, but my peers from my classes make it a lot easier too. It's exciting getting to read some of their posts on the discussion boards or read their blogs. I am surrounded by highly intelligent, compassionate, and aspiring people, and without them, I would probably be bald by now. I couldn't be more thankful for my hectic life than I am today. So, if you're reading this, thank you...for everything. I'm about a minute short, so...how 'bout them Cardinals? Royals? The US soccer team? I believe that we will win! Okey dokey, time's up.

Word Count: 238 Words

Who Are We, Really?

     This was a really fun discussion and a creative way to get to know one another, although we've never met face-to-face. It was a relief to have an assignment that didn't necessarily feel like homework, but more like a play date for adults. I've really learned a lot about my classmates this past week; their morals and values, their views and their beliefs, and even their senses of humor.

     I really enjoyed all of the questions and answers, but a few really stick out in my mind:

Blake asked, "If you could be any superhero, who would it be and why?"  

I enjoyed this question because of its breadth. It has such a wide spectrum of possible answers. You can learn a lot about a person by how they answer a question with a wide variety of possible answers. 

I especially liked Cheyne's answer of Rorschach. I never would have thought that anyone would have chosen Rorschach. As a matter of fact, I was so intrigued by her answer, that I actually did a little homework and discovered that Rorschach was actually an antihero, which is basically just a "flawed" hero, like The Hulk, or Hellboy, or Wolverine, just to name a few.

Maria asked the question, "Where do you see yourself ten years from now?" 

This is another broad question that I couldn't pass up. I like it because we get to learn what other people's goals and aspirations are. If that doesn't tell you something about a person, I don't know what does.  

I found Kortney's answer fascinating. She said she wants to have a doctorate in history and work in a museum. I've never met anyone that worked in a museum before. Or anyone who wanted to, for that matter. How neat would that gig be? I would brag about that every chance I got! 

          Also, Scott made a great point when he said he wants to implement solutions to many of the crises that cause the world to fight with one another. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: there's an outbreak of ignorance and close-mindedness in this world and it's affecting nearly everyone. If we don't first end these things, we will never achieve world peace.                                                                                                          

And finally, where would this report be without some answers to my question? I asked the class, "If you could spend the day with anyone, real or fictional, dead or alive, who would it be and why? What would you do?"

Unlike the other questions, I didn't get an array of different responses from people. Most of them mentioned relatives that have since passed away. It seems that a lot of them have had great relationships with their loved ones. I was able to empathize on so many different levels with each of them. I, too, have had many friends and family members pass that I wish I could have spent more time with.

Overall, I found that my peers are a caring, intelligent, creative, and dedicated bunch with high aspirations. And I am truly lucky to be in the midst of such an outstanding group of people.                                                                                                                      

Fluency Journal #1 (06/26/2014)

What's on my mind today? Well, let's see. Mistakes and second chances. Nobody's perfect. We all screw up, but we must never let these mishaps get the better of us. We must always continue moving forward towards bettering ourselves. When we do this, even if we have a slip up, people will be more willing to give us another shot. The problem is, when we're given this opportunity to redeem ourselves, what do we do with it. Do we learn from our mistakes and take advantage of the opportunity, proving that we are mature enough to admit fault and recover from it? Or do we take it for granted, living our lives in denial. It's our own decision. I, for one, choose to learn from my mistakes, correct them, and find a new route to get to where I want to be and ultimately who I want to become without making the same mistake... I don't know what else to say right now. I am trying to come up with something, but I'm finding it quite difficult while solely concentrating on writing without stopping. I have to admit, this is a little tougher than I originally thought. I will learn from this and not make the same mistake again. HA! Well, there you have it. I incorporated my original topic into the assignment at hand. I guess there's a silver lining to everything... Let's see, what else? I have been doing a little research on credos. I have actually found a page that defines the word credo and explains how to create and write your own personal credo. It's pretty neat. I hope it comes in handy for this week's assignment. But it seems as though I only have about thirty seconds left, so I'm signing off for now. Until next time...

Word Count: 326 words

This I Believe (Part 2)

I believe ignorance and close-mindedness are the world's biggest problems. Without ignorance, there would be no hate, no greed, no envy, no crime. The list is endless. People's close-mindedness is the product of their ignorance. I can't stand when people have opinions without any supportive information to back them up. I feel sorry for uninformed people, walking around oblivious to everything around them. But I do have to admit, life must be a lot easier being unaware of one's surroundings. Deaf to hunger, poverty, abuse. There are so many things I wish I didn't know. The sad part is, most people are taught to be this way. Their beliefs molded by somebody else. Why can't people just lead their own lives, follow their own hearts, come up with their own views based on their own experience rather than believing everything they're told? There's absolutely no basis to their conceptions of the world. Please, just be yourself!

Word Count: 172

This I Believe

1. I believe in myself.
2. I believe I can.
3. I believe I will.
4. I believe Hillary Clinton should be elected president in 2016.
5. I believe in being yourself.
6. I believe that ignorance and close-mindedness are the world's biggest problems.
7. I believe in world peace.
8. I believe cats and dogs can actually get along.
9. I believe laughter can treat all ailments.
10. I believe I'm hungry.
11. I believe I hear something.
12. I believe I'm running out of ideas.
13. I believe everybody deserves a second chance.
14. I believe hardly anything on the internet.
15. I believe music was a lot better 20 years ago.
16. I believe the coffee is kicking in.
17. I believe I better get all my homework done if I want to go to the lake tomorrow.
18. I believe my time is up.

Typology & Writing

          The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has proven to be quite interesting to me. My 'type' (ENTJ), for the most part, is spot on. For example, in the overview, it states that ENTJs tend to be "organized, decisive, direct, innovative, and driven to succeed." We "enjoy interacting with others", are "energetic and confident", are "inclined to see the big picture", and value honesty. ENTJs are typically "hardworking, embrace a challenge, and have high standards." It goes on to say that we generally "feel emotionally connected to people or ideas, but will usually suppress or hide these feelings" and "may create the perception that [we] are distant and hardhearted..."

      Although there are many similarities between my Type Indicator results and my actually characteristics, there are a few differences as well. The overview states, "ENTJs may be distant and unfriendly...want to feel in control....and neglect to consider the needs of the people [we] are organizing." We "base our decisions on logic and rarely consider... the potential impact on others... [and] may struggle with judging others or being critical." I'm actually very considerate of people's feelings and respect their input and opinions. I also don't prefer to be in control. I would much rather work as a team to come up with a plan to benefit everyone equally. Distant and unfriendly? Not quite. I'm very outspoken and love interacting with others. I enjoy debating different topics and listening to others' beliefs and perspectives.

          I found this project very entertaining and informative. It was exciting to read what a computer-generated test had to say about my personality and was astonished to find how close it was to the truth. I would love to do more activities such as this. I learned a lot about myself. It was definitely an eye-opening experience.