THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, this is it. You have been great company. Thanks for taking the time out on reading my blogs and responding. Lord knows that you all could have spent your time in a better ways. This is only one of the many ways. This was definately a great semester. Tough times. We've all had them. I enjoyed this class dearly. I can't wait to show others how much I know!!! Haha, I'm not bragging. I'm pretty confident about constructing brochures, Wikipedia Editing, and conducting researches! I hope everyone got as much as I did out of this. Put it to use. I wish everyone the best on the finishing touches on their portfolio. Bye, for now. ; )

One Chapter Down

I have almost completed my first year of college. These past semesters have been filled with trials, many ups and downs, and hard work. I thought people were exaggerating when they that some nights they fall asleep with their heads in their books until I did so myself. As relating to this class, I am taking so much away with me. Out all my classes this was the most interesting. Maybe I feel this way because I have a drive and passion for writing. I absolutely love writing. Being in this class was one of the best things that happened to me. I really enjoy how Ms. Bowles seem to be concerned with more than just the basics. She went as far as teaching us how to critque and evaluate information whereas in my past writing class, we only focused on a few literary devices. I think overall that Ms. Bowles (you) has helped me think both logically and outside of the box. I appreciate people like that who take the time out to work with you and at the same time be an understanding individual. I know that I will succeed in the area of writing because of the different techniques you have taught to us such as critique, summaries, free writes, and the list goes on. I believe that I should make a super grade in this class. I have proved that I am a hard and willing worker by completing all of the course requirements and goals to receive an "A". However, I know that you get the last say so. I am hoping that you, too see the all effort that I have put forth in your class. That would be my ideal closure to the first of many chapters in my life.

Your Student,

CaRhonda Reynolds

Endless Days and Endless Nights

For the last 7 months or so, I have been experiencing problems with going to sleep. Although at times I feel very tired, I still can't sleep. I go through many days on just two hours of sleep. I know that's a bad thing. That's probably why I'm so short! lol...I wouldn't consider it sleep, there simply prolonged naps. After those two hours worth of naps, I feel pretty good. Weird? Yes, very much so.

A Sense of Relief

A sense of relief is beginning to come over me. I just finished a 7 page proposal for my sociology class and now I'm tired as crap. Actually, for a long time, I had trouble sleeping. I guess I had too much on my mind. However, things are starting to get better. I feel like I've accomplished something.

YIKES, Is RIGHT

So manybe I amazingly bored right now. So what? haha...Anyway, I'm pretty much stressing right now. I've been doing some thinking. Yesterday was the last day I could register for classes. I know this sounds really bad and irresponsible but it's totally not my fault. I've been really busy the past week and some things just tend to slip from my memory. I don't know what to do and I really don't feel like talking to my advisor AGAIN. Sadly, I think that's what it's going to take. I need a break.

Printing Blog Entries

I was just thinking on a safe method to use when I print out my blogs. I have an idea. It's rather simple but complex at the same time. It's possible. All I did was go to posting. Then I clicked on edit post. This gave me a list of all of my blogs, including drafts. Next, I clicked on a single post and then click view. After doing that, I copied the blog entry and pasted it in Miscrosoft 2007. I just thought I would share that with the curious. Those who are wondering how to print all of this information off and still save paper, the steps above will best suit you.

What Happened?

Well that didn't work. What shall I do. I don't like those small letters. I can barely even see them. People please do not strain you eyes trying to read these post. I apologize. I'm just trying to fix this. I didn't think it could be so hard. How come it's easy as crap to mess something up but really hard to fix it? I strongly dislike thing like this. I'm about to try this again.

Opps!

I just accidentally changed the font on my blog. Now everything looks ridiculously small. I'm now attempting to reset the font size because this looks stupid. Wish me luck!

Roommates with Issues....YIKES!!

So I have this roommate and oh yeah...she's got issues.lol/jk...My roomate and I are slowly packing our belonging and preparing to move back home. Well, on move-in day her entire family came to help out. It's a LOT of them (excuse my word choice) lol. That was quite uncomfortable, wierd, crazy, disturbing, and completely creepy but I understood that they were going to miss her a great deal. Actually, neither one of us gave our family enough time to miss us! We went home like on the second weekend of college. After that, it became a routine. We started going home every weekend. Out of all the time I've been here, I have only stayed here on a weekend about 3 or 4 times. Don't tell anyone though; I promise I'm not homesick! haha...As for her, she like the typical on-the-go person. That's enough...

Never Ever or Never Never?

How come it feels as if you will never ever see a person again after classes/finals are over? That sucks. I think about that alot. It happens all the time here. I dislike that to a degree. I wonder will we run into each other maybe years down the road. Or maybe, the next time I see some of you we will be graduating. Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating just a little but you get my drift, right? lol...

Now that this course is coming to an end, I am experiencing feelings of sadness and happiness. This usually happens to me at about this time. I'm sad because, I actually enjoy coming to this class. Every minute of our time is vital. Therefore, I know that's the reason why we you our class time so effectively. We had to get things done. I'm happy because I now get to go home to be with my family. There's really no place like home. *sigh*

A Little Reflection...

Throughout the past month or so, my writing and comprehension skills have been better developed. I have learned so much this semester. I learned how to do a research paper/proposal, do citations, edit a Wikipedia article, and successfully put together a brochure. That's just to name a few things. I had atempted to do about two of those once before (which were a research paper and a brochure) but had little luck. However, this time I excelled in these areas making an "A" on both assignments. YAY ME!!!!lol...However, on a serious note, I have really enjoyed time in this class. It was way different from my other English/Writing classes. That's a good thing by the way. This class has truly helped me in a lot of areas. I know that I will be able to take these skills that I have acquired and apply them to daily life in some sort of way.

MISSING: Hey, Where'd They Go?????

I have noticed that I only have 32 blogs (including this one) and only 30 of them are showing up on my actual page. However, on my dashboard it says I have a total of 32. Where did the other two go? Is this only happening to me or has anyone else had this promblem? I seriously hope I'm not the only one because then I'm subjected to believe that I'm crazy or hallucinating (which is still crazy...) Tell me this isn't so...

Feedback!

Feedback is always good...or is it? lol, j/k. I would like to thank everyone for commenting on my blogs. It's good that you guys are expressing your opinions in positive ways. Once again thanks for taking the time out to actually read or even skim through what I have to say and adding your two cents, haha ; ) I am greatly appreciative. Lata!

The Clock Is Ticking

My God how time flies. I'm ready for the summer but there are a few things I'm going to miss about this class. I actually enjoyed the annotated readings and critiquing articles. I honestly think this is the first time I had to do something like that. I liked it, too! It helped me better understand the articles that I was reading. Also, I knew what to do when I had to do my own annotated readings and summaries. I think that's a skill that I have mastered. However, that's only one thing. I know there's much more to and I could actually go on for days. That would, more than likely, result in losing the attention of my audience though, lol.

Today

Today I recieved my copy of my revised research paper. I was very elated to see that my grade had improved. When there' s and opportunity, it's always good to revise your papers. It really does make a difference. The teachers give you comments on what it is that you need to work on and you go for it. How hard is that? It's not hard at all but it may take you a little time. That effort will pay off in the long run though.

What's Next?

I just finished studying and now I'm back. I'm really contemplating my next move right about now. I'm still bored. I have been working on my reflection paper. It's coming along pretty well. Also, my cover letter is under construction as we speak, haha. Wait, does that make any sense?(lol) Well, it does to me. Anyway, I was just thinking about how fast this semester has gone by. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy but at the same time a little sad b/c I have to leave a few people behind. Hopefully, we can reunite next school year though! I wish everyone the best of luck for this semester and hopefully everyone has a great summer. : )

Time On My Hand...

Well, I have nothing to do at this present moment so what better thing to do than right a blog?!?!? I'm pretty much suffering from boredism. Crap, is that even a word? Ok, so, I'm so bored that I'm making up words. Anyway, I guess I'll just continue to sit here at the water fountain and clear my mind and get focused. I gotta go now. Time to study! Peace : )

MUSIC: A NECESSITY?

Lately music has become my only source of relieving stress. The school term is coming to a close and this is when things start to get heated up. It's practically normal, or so I think it is...I'm not a person who likes to waste time but over the past couple of weeks, I have become a victim of procrastination. Yes, this is really bad. I know. However, I'm fighting to get back on track. With the help of my music, I have been able to do so. I don't know if any of you reading this have heard of Steve Means but he is AWESOME. The first time I heard his music was earlier this week when he came to do a performance here at UCA. I was immediately drawn in to his smooth voice and excellent guitar playing skills. There's nothing like a hott guy playing the guitar, especially when he's also a great singer!!! haha ; ) Anyway, he's pretty awesome so you guys should check him out on www.myspace.com/stevemeans or on www.youtube.com. I'm sure you'll enjoy it because I can't stop listening to him myself. Also, John Mayer is also helping me, haha. (another super artist). Good music is a big aid and motivation. That's all for now. Good luck putting together your portfolios!! : )

Reflection Papers...

I think reflection papers are the most important in porfolios. They tell a great deal of information ranging from your improvements to just commenting on you want to make about the course. I have started on my reflection paper. I set down and wrote a list of things that I could talk about. I like the fact that Mrs. Bowles is going to give us time in class to work on our reflection papers. Also, I'm happy that she didn't assign that last short writing assignment because I need all the time possible to make sure I turn in something of value.

Porfolio!

I'm pretty excited about doing a profolio. I have done one of these before for another writing class. Therefore, I feel pretty good about this one. However, I am a little confused on exactly what Ms. Bowles wants. I agreed that she should make a schedule that we could follow along with to assure we compliance with the criteria.

BROCHURES???...AHHH!!!!!!!

OMG, NOT AGAIN!!!! were the first words to cross my mind when Mrs. Bowles said we were going to be making brochures for our research topics. I have attempted to make a brochure once before and didn't have much success which makes me a little nervous about having to do this all over again. I thought I was doing everything right but when I printed it out, it told me otherwise...haha. It wasn't really funny at that moment though. I was highly upset but I guess it was my fault. Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to do this right with the help of the links posted by Mrs. Bowles. Well, this will be fun : p

Conference!

Wednesday's conference went really well. I definitely love one on one time with the teacher. You can get a lot done. I went there slightly confused and with many questions. By the time I left, I had answers to all of my questions, a better understanding of the assignment, and a little extra! Mrs. Bowles certainly helped a lot. After getting advice from her, I was able to expand my paper which is usually a BIG problem for me. Conferences are AWESOME!!!! I wouldn't mind another one of these. Also, the conference helps the teacher see the student in a different light. They are actually able to sit down and go through your paper with you page by page and explain what you need to do. They can also, see what type of writer you are and find the areas in which you may need improvement. I really liked that one on one time and it was truly helpful.

Peer Review Letters!!

This is a great way to gain insight on how well your expressing your topic. What's even better about this is that you are getting feedback from classmates. These are the people who are probably freaking out just as much as you are!!! I don't know about you but that makes me feel a whole lot better!...My paper was reviewed by Raechael. She told me a great deal. Her imformation and advice was very useful. That's a reason why I like peer review so much. Also, it's a way to communicate with your classmates which something we all should do a lot more.

Hmmmm...

I am becoming more aware of things everyday. I think this whole proposal thing is really cool considering the fact that I'm also working on one for my sociology class right now. Being that I have both of these to work on at once, it can become tiresome but I managed to pull through. Honestly, I've been focusing my attention moreso on this proposal rather than my sociology proposal. This is only because this proposal is due at a earlier time. However, I like the fact that we are learning and researching!...Hmmmm, I kinda feel like a sociologists or someone important, lol...

Charles Horton Cooley in 1902 (McIntyre 2006): This information came from wikipedia. According to this article, there are three components that contribute to creating an identity. We formulate an identity by using the preceptions or views of others. We learn to see ourselves as if we are looking through the eyes of others. When focusing on the three components, they are:
1. We imagine. This is where we tend to imagine how others view us. Most people are curious about how they are viewed in the eyes of others.
2. We interpret others’ reactions. Here, we gain some sense as it relates to how individuals evaluate us. Also, you can gain insight on the reason someone likes or dislikes you based on your actions.
3. We develop a self-concept. One will discover that developing a self-concept is an ongoing process. It continuously goes through steps for a life-time. This leaves room for improvement.

Research!

Pro Quest is an excellent way to find articles concerning your research topic/area. I have found a lot more detailed articles and journals since using this database. At first, I was clueless and worried about finding enough sources to support may argument but I'm coming along just fine now. I now have a better feeling about this whole research thing!

Summary 7

Self-Concept Change and Self-Presentation: The Looking Glass Self Is also a Magnifying Glass Tice, Dianne M. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Washington: Sep 1992. Vol. 63, Iss. 3; pg. 435
“Experiments showed that identical behaviors had greater impact on the self-concept when performed publicly rather than privately.” This shows that people present themselves differently to gain a sense of acceptance. These actions extend to changes in behavior and usually occur when participants are unaware of being observed.

Summary 6

(e.g., Ausubel, Schiff & Gasser 1952; Miyamoto & Dornbusch 1956; for a review of early studies, see Shrauger & Schoeneman 1979).
“Empirical tests of the looking glass approach to self construction have largely focused on the congruence between how any person (ego) views herself and how others (alter) view ego. Researchers have generally assumed that any congruence found, which we shall term the looking glass effect, is the result of a process of internalization (Gecas 1982). Since such congruence could also arise as a result of the externalization process, or even simply because ego is "objectively" of such and such a character, is known by others to be such, and knows herself to be such, this may be seen as a relatively weak test of the looking glass self. Yet there have been only a few studies providing empirical support.”

Summary 5

The looking glass self: An empirical test and elaboration
King-To Yeung, John Levi Martin. Social Forces. Chapel Hill: Mar 2003. Vol. 81, Iss. 3; pg. 843, 37 pgs
This article stresses the causes behind the looking-glass self. It tries to hypothesize and make generalizations based on tests. Researchers tested the hypothesis made by Charles Cooley and Mead which was “that one's self-perceptions are an internalization of the perceptions of the views of others.” They used a great amount of network data consisting of information from about 56 naturally occurring communities. During the study, researchers discovered that there is common argument associated with symbolic interactionism which is that the self is a result of the social process whereby we learn to see ourselves as others do. Cooley argued that we are influenced by those whom we see as "ascendant" over us: "In the presence of one whom we feel to be of importance there is a tendency to enter into and adopt, by sympathy, his judgment of ourself.”

Summary 4

Looking-Glass Self: Goffman as Symbolic Interactionist
Thomas J. Scheff. Symbolic Interaction. Berkeley: Spring 2005. Vol. 28, Iss. 2; pg. 147
In this article, the information presented is by Ervin Goffman, who too is a sociologist with the same beliefs as Cooley. However, he felt the need to add a fourth step to the three original steps formulated by Cooley in the development of a self concept. This step was the management of embarrassment or shame.

Summary: 3

The Looking-Glass Self in Family Context: A Social Relations Analysis
Journal article by William L. Cook, Emily M. Douglas; Journal of Family Psychology, Vol. 12, 1998. This journal informs the readers about the sociological concept, looking-glass self from a family context perception. This study tests theaccuracy of young individual's metaperceptions within the context of their family relationships. In most cases, your family usually give you a sense of self. Our parents or significant others train us and demonstrate behaviors that we in turn use them to develop a self-concept.

Annotated Bibligraphy: Summary 2

Charles Horton Cooley in 1902 (McIntyre 2006): This information came from wikipedia. According to this article, there are three components that contribute to creating an identity. We formulate an identity by using the preceptions or views of others. We learn to see ourselves as if we are looking through the eyes of others.

Annotated Bibliography: Summary 1

Charles Horton Cooley, Human Nature and the Social Order. New York: Scribner's, 1902, pp. 179-185. I found this through a website. This article discusses the “social self”. It says that we create ideas based on our social interaction with others. Our behavior is modified and we take on the behavior and ideas of others as if they were our very own.

PRESENTATIONS!!!<3

Thus far, I have been amazed by the information that has been presented by the students this week. All of the topics have been very interesting. I would like to say job well done to those who have already bravely stood in front of the class and stressed their subjects and informed us all. Also, to those who haven't presented, good luck! I am definitely looking foward to learning more.

5 Websites

http://www.anglefire.com/sociologyshop/lgs.html http://sociologyindex.com/looking_glass_self.htm http://www.freeeducationguide.com/?Campaign_ID=5220&PID=CD1612 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looking_glass_self http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=H5Gd5yy6TGjsdLDGgHfnmHVynSPzc3LbyHJd55BZLY4GR97pTrT1!508788948?docId=96405073

Looking-glass Self

I decided to do my research for the remainder of the year on Charles Horton Cooley's "Looking-glass self." He coined the term look-glass self in order to show how we as humans: 1. Image how we appear to those around us, 2. Interpret other's reactions, and 3. Develop a self-concept. In other words, how we interpret other's reactions to us frames our feelings and ideas about ourselves. Therefore, self-concept is a life long process.

Synthesis

Grant McCracken's "The Evocative Power of Things" focus on material culture. It states how everyone wants bigger and better things. In turn it is able to relate to Andrew Laperriere's House of Cards which presents the same argument. People will go out of their way to have bigger and better things even if it means having to lie about their income.

Critque of Forensics: Crime Reconstruction

The article I found to help with my subject was pretty useful. It was very informative (although more in some areas than others). The information was easily understood and straight to the point. Also, it was very detailed. However, the author should have focused more on crime reconstruction rather than elaborating on the other types of forensics. Overall, it was an interesting and informative article.

Forensics: Crime Reconstruction

Forensics branch out into a variety of fields. However, this particular article was based on crime scene reconstruction. Crime scene reconstruction uses scientific method, physical evidence, and deductive reasoning and their interrelationships to acquire detailed knowledge to the events that might have led up to the crime and what happened at the crime scene.

When focusing on other types of forensics, there are three areas of importance in finding the answers and determining the components of a crime scene. They are: specific incident reconstruction, event reconstruction, and the most important type, physical evidence reconstruction. Specific incident reconstruction deals with traffic accidents, bombings, homicides, and things of that nature. Specific event reconstruction looks at connections, sequence, and identity. Specific physical evidence focuses on firarms, blood, glass, and other objects that can be stripped for finger prints and other DNA. It is important to reconstruct a crime scene because if one has no knowledge as to what took place and how it took place, they lack the ability to figure out who did it and the reason for their actions.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism can be defined in so many ways. In a summary, plagiarism is simply taking credit for others ideas, words, or work as if they are yours. Many may wonder, how can I use information or ideas of another individual and it not be considered as plagiarism? If a student decides to use words or ideas that someone else came up with they can use quotation marks and cite where they retrieved this information. Give credit where credit is due. Plagiarism can be placed into several categories. They are: cyber-plagiarism, self-plagiarism, unconscious plagiarism, and intentional and unintentional plagiarism. The bad thing about all the different types of plagiarism is that you can be unaware of the fact that you are plagiarizing information; especially when dealing with self -plagiarism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dishonesty

First Blog: "Get To Know Me" Questions

I consider myself an open-minded person, but my deal breakers are selfishness, conceit, and dishonety. I like to have my own intrepretations of people and things. I view a lot of situations differently. However, the three characteristics above are aggravating to me. Most people who are selfish can not grow or mature mentally or emotionally as an individual. These people usually find themselves needing others before others need them. Also, I do not like the idea of people thinking that they are better than the next person. We do not know the situation that individual is facing or their background. Lastly, I have a low tolerance for dishonesty. Not only is lieing a sin, it is tasteless. No one likes or deserves to be lied to in any situation. Selfishness, conceit, and dishonesty are three things that will cause others to distance themselves from you.

Something I learned from the last person I dated is to never get attached. I am not a big risk taker. Therefore, I chose not to get attached to him because I couldn't risk my heart being shattered and my feelings being crushed. Although this was a terrible situation, I was able to use it as a tool to build me up and see it as a lesson learned. Everything definitely happens for a reason whether it is for the better or worse.

It's Sunday morning at 10 a.m., if I'm not still sleeping, I'm at church. Actually, every Sunday I go to church around 8:30 a.m. and I do not leave until 12:30. During that time, I am attending Sunday school and Sunday morning worship service. Sunday is not a "sleep-in" day for me. Everytime there's an opportunity to assemble, I want to be apart.

When I die, I believe I will go to a place where there are no more worries. All pain and suffering will be ceased. Everyday will be like Sunday. I will be filled with joy and excitment. Sorrowless. I will rejoice forever. This place that will be home to many is heaven.

Something people keep buying me for gifts and I never use is...
I am very appreciative of the gifts I receive. However, one repetitve gift that I do not use is scented lotions. It's not because I don't like the fragance but because I have sensitive skin and I can't use some of those products. People think they can't fail with a gift like that.

One sport I will never get is probably football. I try to focus while attending games, but it just doesn't seem to keep my attention long enough for me to grasp the concepts. I hardly ever know what is going on.

When I was a kid, I owned a Barbie car. I loved it. At the time, it was a big deal to many young girls my age. I drove in the driveway all the time because that is one of the few places that my mom permitted. Whenever people came over to visit, I offered them a ride!