My blogging experience

     When I first began this class, I did not know what a blog was? For that matter, I didn’t know what face book was. Then I entered this class for the first time, thinking how English class was back in my high school days. Remembering how easy the class was and their definitely was minimal computer work. Reality kicked in around the time that Ms. Croker mentioned that we must create a blog to keep in contact with classmates and to show her our work online. I instantly froze, thinking I do not know where to begin to create a blog even though she had instructions. A couple of classmates that sat next to me thought the same way I did. Unfortunately, it became too much for them and they dropped the class. Immediately after that I started feeling lost. Dropping the class did cross my mind a couple of times but I said to myself, “You are going to pass this class no matter what.”

            Now, I see blogging as a great way to communicate with others and to voice your opinion. Unfortunately, I will not continue my blog due to a limited amount of time that I have as I pursue my career. I definitely enjoyed my classmate’s blogs. How they expressed themselves and what their goals are for their future. I really enjoyed my wonderful friend, Rowena Lejano’s blog. Vincent’s blog was always entertaining and stylish. Adam Michaelson’s blog was always well written. Everyone in my class had a unique quality in there writing. I am going to miss reading there blogs and commenting to them. I wish all of my classmate’s good luck in the future and God bless.

Ted lectures

     My first impression of the TED videos that I chose to watch was that I am glad someone is trying to make a difference. Bittman and Cooper were very strong persuasive speakers that gave me knowledge that I will try to enforce in my own lifestyle. The most evident facts were that we are bringing global warming upon ourselves and that our eating habits are very much to blame. What impressed me the most was the choice of words each speaker used to convey a message across to anyone who cared to make a change in their lifestyle. What depressed me the most is what our children actually consume in our schools. We give our children lunch money and believe that they are consuming a healthy meal. But in reality, they are consuming a whole bunch of processed food. Both speakers inspired me to think differently in the way I cook for my family and what we all consume. I would definitely attend a seminar to listen to these great speakers. I just wish our local school district would adopt the same way of thinking regarding healthier eating. I can definitely use Cooper’s persuasive speech towards my upcoming research paper.

Important people

There have been many people that have played key roles in my life but none compare to the four I am going to write about. The first important person in my life is not with us any longer. This person was my father. He was a tall, slender and handsome man with a great personality. My father’s demeanor was the best that a man could have. He was always polite, courteous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Every time I seen my father it was like seeing a ray of sunshine. The reason why he was so important to me was he always gave me words of encouragement. He made me feel like I could accomplish anything I set my mind to do. This is why he is important to me and why I must make him proud by becoming a nurse.

            Another important person in my life is my daughter, Ashleigh. She is the most ambitious, talented, and intelligent person I know. She is medium in height, brown hair and eyes with a beautiful slender figure. She has a graceful demeanor and is very polite. The reason why she is important in my life is not only because she is my daughter, but she has given me inspiration to work around all of my obstacles. She never allows me to give up and is always there for me in every way.

            My son Thomas is an awesome person. He brings me so much joy in my life that words cannot describe. Thomas is medium in height, dark, slender and super handsome. He has such a beautiful smile and a big heart. He will help anyone in need and always puts others first before himself. The reason why he is important to me is not only because he is my son, but he reminds me every day to live each day like it was my last. 

           The last important person in my life is my son, Jacob. Tall, light-skinned and handsome he has a way with everyone. He is with no doubt the funniest, easy going, and spectacular son that anyone can have. He makes me smile even when things are not going my way. Always joking around and jumping around like a monkey, he is sure to get your attention. The reason why he is so important to me is because he reminds me of how fun life can be and why I am so proud to be a mom.

Where have all the jobs gone?

According to a recent article the outlook on the economy is starting to look up. All the jobs that disappeared in late 2007 have not returned but we are slowly coming out of the recession. The unemployment rate is still at an all time high which is 10%. Some new jobs have been created but not enough for all of those that have been lost. Individuals that do have jobs are performing more duties to compensate for the positions that were eliminated.

            Fortunately, for individuals that have a degree, they have a better chance of getting the job than someone who does not. A degree gives you a better paying job and better odds of finding a job in these tough times. The jobs to look out for are the “green” jobs and the healthcare profession.  Job placement counselors at universities and local junior colleges are encouraging students to get high grades and to begin job search early. Even though the job market is not a very good one, college graduates are the most fortunate in the labor force.

            Women are said to have seen where the job market is heading to so they are becoming highly skilled and well educated individuals. Men on the other hand are not keeping up with women in the job market. Many jobs have now become automated and others have been exported to other countries with cheaper labor costs.

            Government officials say that Congress should freeze tax rates and keep minimum wage at its lowest possible to help the low-wage earner climb the ladder. Allowing employers to create jobs for the unemployed. Economists fear that individuals in their late 40’s and early 50’s bracket will find themselves jobless due to not having the skills needed for the future.

            Personally, I hope this article opens the eyes of many individuals that fall into an age bracket which requires them to return to school. It will help keep them employed and up to date with new technology.

Katel, Peter. "Jobs Outlook." CQ Researcher 20.21 (2010): 481-504. CQ Researcher. Web. 17 Nov. 2010. <http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2010060400>

Fast Food Nation will it affect my life or not?

            Reading Fast Food Nation has brought many thoughts to mind. The most important thought is, Will I continue eating fast food at the rate that I do at the present moment? The answer to that question is “NO”. Now that I am aware of the sanitary conditions and the mistreatment of animals, I will definitely try my best not to consume fast food as much. For example, I went to a local hamburger restaurant the day before last and felt ill right after I ate the burger remembering what I had learned from Fast Food Nation.  It will take a lot of will power to keep me away from French fries. I love them with a passion but I do not like the ingredients in them. So I will be making wiser choices for myself as well as my family. My kids say, “Mom, just take us to McDonald’s” and in return I say, “Let’s try something a little bit healthier.” Of course it is always a battle but 8 times out of 10, they end up eating healthier food. Having read Fast Food Nation has opened up my eyes about “meat” in general. I will no longer see fast food the same.    

Fall 2010 English class

            So far the fall semester at Oxnard College is going quite well. The students in my class are eager to learn and ready to finish the class. You must have motivation to finish anything you start. Motivation for this class is a must. There is definitely a large amount of writing to be done in this class. You must have endurance and perseverance to complete all of the assignments that the professor gives. The one thing that keeps me motivated is that I am one class closer to beginning the career of my choice. I have always wanted a good paying job and a job that I love. I have settled for less for so many years. Now is the time to have my dream job. This would be the ultimate payoff.

            I have been in college for three years now, which is quite unbelievable to me. Time flies when you’re having fun. I have enjoyed learning various different science and math courses. And of course, my English class which has taught me how to write and express myself through my essays and summaries. It is like the saying goes: if you don’t use it, you lose it. I have learned so much in these three years from intermediate algebra to chemistry. From formulas to equations, they were most challenging, but I conquered these obstacles. This classes were so intense for me that I would literally go home crying. But, I would tell myself, want doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. These courses have surely shown me this. Anatomy and Physiology were also amazingly interesting. I learned so much about the human body that it has made me aware of my own health. The way the human body functions is incredible. Now I know why diet and exercise are a must if you want to take care of yourself.

            The only challenge I believe that I face is the immense amount of time that you must give to the RN program. Dedication and perseverance must be shown if you want to go into this profession. I hope with the help of my family, I will be able to achieve my goal.

Truth or lies......

Can you spot the truth from the lies?

1) I went to Egypt and climbed a pyramid. It was fascinating!!!!

2) I ventured to the Amazon forest when I was 25 years old. It was the best time of my life….

3) I have had fifteen jobs in 25 years.

4) I had my first child and got married at sixteen.

5) I have a cat that weighs over 25 lbs.