Being Alive

"So without pain no writing: a new and terrible rule. Except that, when I have taken the pills, nothing is terrible anymore, everything is indifferent, everything is the same" (p. 175) Age of Iron.

The quotation tells the authors view on devices that may dull the feelings of life. In her case pills that most likely ease the pain. However, pain and other feelings in life are ultimately what makes us feel alive. If Humans were never sick or never endured any kind of discomfort, it would truly make feeling great be the usual, making us feel neutral. It is a good thing that we have these vulnerabilities. It is these low points in life that make the good times and successes that much more satisfying. Without ups and downs in life we would have a feeling of neutrality, which would take away our humanistic qualities.

Differing of Opinions

When reading the ending of the book, the discussion of the way that the author handled the situation was brought up. Many, including myself, thought that the way she chose to tell her story and illustrate her feelings were odd. Why didn't she just tell her family how she felt and feeling not like a mother anymore because of this isolation. But, the answer is we do not know. None of us know how we would act if we knew that our lives were coming to an end in a short time. It is something we most likely do not think about or worry about in our daily lives. However, their are instances were individuals take their hardships and attempt to make a difference in other peoples lives. And i believe that the author would have been pleased that her book is now published for others to relate to her feelings and maybe appreciate the things they have.
In my opinion one of the greatest individuals and aspiring figures is named Jim Valvano. Many may not know his name but he was a college basketball coach who was diagnosed with cancer. Like many individuals that were of his stature would most likely spend their remaining time with their family, friends, or players that they have had throughout the many years of coaching. However, he decided to establish the Jimmie V foundation that still stands today, which raises money for cancer research. HE gave a speech that changed many peoples lives, at the Espy Awards, when receieving an award. His speech included the instructions of living a happy life, but he does so in a way an manner that expresses hope and the happiness that is still in his life, even though his time is short.

Here is the Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePXlkqkFH6s

baseball and life

this blog is one of the best i have ever written, mainly because its about some thing that i am passionate for and love...baseball. Its not that you need to be talented physically (it does help), but rather mentally strong. In this sport you are an all-star if you fail 7 out of 10 times. The failure in this sport is very hard accept, resulting in very high strung, stressed out people and if you are mentally tough than you can let the failing aspect of the game go and play relaxed...while having fun at the same time. However, if the same attitude is taken in other aspects in life. If the same approach was taken for example in core class the atmosphere would be quite different along with the grades that would be received.

Education

I agree strongly with Alex's blog. the area that you may live or the situation that an individual is currently in has much pull in whether ot not they are able to attend higher education. Many were talking about the options of community colleges, however, the community colleges near my home are Phila. Community College, Montco, and Camden Community College, all being very ineffective of swaying the minds of individuals of attempting to go on to better schools after. Individuals usually see no point of going to a bad school, when in reality money is an issue and having two years of no income for them or their family seems to be idiotic. An example of this can be seen in many of friends from back home, who decide that they'd rather work than participate in a school-like atmosphere. Currently I have friends working at stores such as staples and Acme full time, who at times make fun of the few that chose to take the college route. Now, many would think that they are downright stupid for saying this, but some have come to realize that some individuals have no source of income from their parents or immediate family and that it is their obligation to provide for themselves, just as it is our obligation to try and further our education at Richmond. I just think more people need to be able to explore the world in both the rich and working class to see the similarities and differences that are present. Finally, they should do so to see how lucky they may be in not having to see their friends or family go through hard times in pursuit to try and better a situation that may occur. I just feel that individuals like my friends are looked down upon by some individuals in society and that line between them and me is very marginal, however, I think over time institutions like that of Brown will begin to open their doors to those that may not have had a chance otherwise, to be surprised and see the results of what hard working individuals can accomplish.

dreams

"I dream. Sometimes I think that's the only right thing to do. To dream, to live in the world of dreams- just as Sumire said. But it doesn't last forever. Wakefulness always comes to take me back" (p. 207).

This quotation can speak to those who think that ones dreams are based on your past or act as somewhat premonitions of some things to come. However, I have come to learn through psychology that dreams are the brain processing information from that day. It essentially is the process of turning short term information into long term information.

Environments

We opened class discussion talking about how our learning environments have an effect on how well we can pay attention along with respond in a teaching enviroment. I wonder how this may affect authors and where they choose to write their works. Would Sputnik Sweetheart have been different if written in a more pleasing environment?

Perspective on Life

On page 59 in Adrienne Rich's Prose and Poetry, the quote reads, "many sleep the whole way others sit staring holes of fire into the air other plan rebellion:night after night awake in prison..."
For some reason this quote caught my eye and reminded me of a picture that is displayed in my high school that reads, "old men dream dreams, and young men see visions." It to me, displays the perspective that individauls can take in looking at the future of their lives and the direction that they choose to take. But, both quotes seem to inspire action or a desire to move further in life. I am taking Rich's quote out of its context and comparing it to the painting at my old school. But, both represent different stages of a persons life, one conflates old and young men in the world and the other represents the attitude that we take in our everyday lives and we choose to do or not do throughout our lives.