I couldn't not share this.
The sky was a slightly hazy blue as the fruit flies thundered into my partially open eyes. Walking past an orchard full of rotten fruit has a tendency to attract those oppressive demons, those pestilences that ring true to the horrors of Exodus. On top of the pungent smell of moldering fruit and dying fruit flies coating my nostrils, the smell of three very bored horses also drifted my way, putting the olive right into my Satanic Smells Combination cocktail.
I love Orem.
[This really did happen to me today on the way to my chanter lesson.]
I probably don't mention it very often, but many of my more brilliant ideas are born when I've spent time in deep [or horrendously shallow] conversation with Grandma. A couple of days ago, one such conversation occurred which brought forth a particularly idea that I'm now going to share with you.
Grandma made the observation that her rather difficult German class has the ability to either make or break her day. If she was able to converse and understand the material, the rest of her day was great. However, if she couldn't summon the words to speak fluently or got corrected by the rest of the class while answering a question, the rest of her day seemed doomed to ruin.
While I initially found this to be somewhat melodramatic, I thought for a moment about my own experiences in Spanish classes I've taken over the years. I then remembered that the same thing happened to me all the time. When I was on the ball, shooting around all my ideas fluently en español, my day was BRILLIANT. However, when I couldn't find just the right word and the class would have to wait five minutes for me to answer one question, the day was lousy.
Both of us agreed that this was not the case with any of our other classes. Our other classes could be rotten, but our days weren't destroyed because of it. That's when I realized that the ability to communicate in our own language is of no special merit. However, being forced to communicate in a language in which we have a limited grasp can be a very daunting experience. Are you ready for the thesis:
When we lose the ability to communicate effectively, we essentially lose our humanity.
That's right, folks. Language classes dehumanize us. The inability to say what we're thinking or feeling at any moment we choose terrifies us to absolutely no end. Have you ever gone a day without speaking?
At my high school, we have a pre-Prom tradition of "killing" particularly loud or popular seniors for a day so that people can see what it would be like to lose their friends to drunk driving [complete with mangled car on the front lawn of the school and everything]. In case none of you had noticed, I have no concept of an "inside voice", hence my inclusion in this clever little activity. The result? Maybe one of the most miserable days of my life. I was absolutely BURSTING with thousands of things I wanted to say, but I didn't have the ability. My spirits sunk faster than a man jumping off a bridge with bricks stuffed in his pockets.
I not only felt dead, I felt subhuman. What's the difference between humans and lower order animals? Sure, reasoning, but what's reasoning if you can't communicate your brilliance? What if you've found the cure for cancer, but the only people you can tell only speak Swahili? What good are you to anyone if you can't express yourself at all?
I thought this was a pretty interesting thought process, personally. Whether or not anyone agrees
with me is entirely beside the point.
Any thoughts? Share, please!
Happy Thursday!
Grandma made the observation that her rather difficult German class has the ability to either make or break her day. If she was able to converse and understand the material, the rest of her day was great. However, if she couldn't summon the words to speak fluently or got corrected by the rest of the class while answering a question, the rest of her day seemed doomed to ruin.
While I initially found this to be somewhat melodramatic, I thought for a moment about my own experiences in Spanish classes I've taken over the years. I then remembered that the same thing happened to me all the time. When I was on the ball, shooting around all my ideas fluently en español, my day was BRILLIANT. However, when I couldn't find just the right word and the class would have to wait five minutes for me to answer one question, the day was lousy.
Both of us agreed that this was not the case with any of our other classes. Our other classes could be rotten, but our days weren't destroyed because of it. That's when I realized that the ability to communicate in our own language is of no special merit. However, being forced to communicate in a language in which we have a limited grasp can be a very daunting experience. Are you ready for the thesis:
When we lose the ability to communicate effectively, we essentially lose our humanity.
That's right, folks. Language classes dehumanize us. The inability to say what we're thinking or feeling at any moment we choose terrifies us to absolutely no end. Have you ever gone a day without speaking?
At my high school, we have a pre-Prom tradition of "killing" particularly loud or popular seniors for a day so that people can see what it would be like to lose their friends to drunk driving [complete with mangled car on the front lawn of the school and everything]. In case none of you had noticed, I have no concept of an "inside voice", hence my inclusion in this clever little activity. The result? Maybe one of the most miserable days of my life. I was absolutely BURSTING with thousands of things I wanted to say, but I didn't have the ability. My spirits sunk faster than a man jumping off a bridge with bricks stuffed in his pockets.
I not only felt dead, I felt subhuman. What's the difference between humans and lower order animals? Sure, reasoning, but what's reasoning if you can't communicate your brilliance? What if you've found the cure for cancer, but the only people you can tell only speak Swahili? What good are you to anyone if you can't express yourself at all?
I thought this was a pretty interesting thought process, personally. Whether or not anyone agrees
with me is entirely beside the point.
Any thoughts? Share, please!
Happy Thursday!
posted by Gwennifer at 10:10 PM
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4 comments
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4 comments
So, no joke, my last two classes of the day were canceled. Supposedly, both my professors fell ill. While I should feel a kernel of sadness over their potential contraction of H1N1, I can't help but feel a little exultation over the free time. Now I can update my blog!
I don't have a whole lot to report at present. Right now, however, I am up to my eyeballs in stuff regarding The Leading Edge, the sci-fi/fantasy journal my school publishes. I'm just a volunteer editor right now, but yesterday I took on the responsibility of writing a book review for the issue after this one is released! Yikes! I've never actually written a book review before, but how hard can it be, right? You read the book, then write about whether or not it was worth the time and energy it took to read it.
Simple? One can only hope.
In other news, I date now. Funny stuff! I've gone on dates/outings with members of the opposite sex every weekend since I've been here. Admittedly, that's only been a couple of weeks, but hey! I'm on a roll considering my track record!
Let's see, other news, other news, other news...
I had a very unsatisfactory salad today for lunch. I waited a solid half hour in line for this sucker and it failed to deliver. But, putting that into perspective, if that's at the top of my list of complaints, life is looking pretty solid at present.
Well, I suppose that leaves this then...
1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
That supremely disappointing salad. Or maybe my water to rinse out the taste of said lame salad.
2.Where was your profile picture taken?
Oh, it's referring to Facebook. Well, that picture was taken in Rexburg, Idaho. I was playing tennis with my brother and my dad thought it would be swell to take action shots. I look like a goober.
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
I suppose that would depend on your definition of play. Can I vaguely hit four buttons in time with the cascading corresponding spheres? Sort of.
4. Name someone who made you laugh today.
My new friend/doppleganger Alexis. We were discussing her "alternative high school".
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
Around one. I was finishing up reading an essay for my Poe class on the man's obscure brand of humor. Needless to say, the hour dictated that I wouldn't understand a word of what I was reading.
6. If you could move somewhere else, would you?
An apartment that isn't a DUNGEON. Seriously, living in the basement tanks.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Nooo. Knowing me, I'd probably accidentally break the poor guy's nose. I startle really easily :[
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Grandma. She lives like four feet from me.
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
If both parties are super cool. If the break-up happened because one of the parties is a psycho, then maybe it's just better for friendship to not happen.
10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
Caffeine-Free Dr Pepper is one of the few reasons why I tolerate Utah.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Hm...um...it wasn't really hard, but probably last year when a certain professor told me that I wasn't much of a director. The fact that I'd gotten like no sleep the night before is probably why the water works switched on.
12. Who took your profile picture?
Mi padre :D
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Grandma. She often does something cute, then asks me to capture it on her camera.
14. Was yesterday better than today?
Actually, they're turning out to be pretty similar. Canceled classes are excellent!
15. Can you live a day without TV?
Pretty sure the tiny television in our apartment sees to that...
16. Are you upset about anything?
Not really upset as much as anxious about this paper I need to start drafting. Poe's theory of aesthetics still sort of eludes me.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
If getting married, having babies, and living [celestially] ever after is worth it.
18. Are you a bad influence?
As if! I'm like, the 4th best influence in existence! In fact, if you ever get pulled over and asked if you're under the influence, just be all, "Heck yeah--the GENEVIEVE influence!" I guarantee you'll get left off with a high five.
19. Night out or night in?
Weeknights tend to find me in. But when the weekend rolls around, LOOK OUT WORLD! I'M AN OWL! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!
[That was so much cooler in my head...]
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My phone, apples, water, and...the Internetz...sigh...
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Callie Seward. She was practically in traction. It was sick.
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
What inbox?
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
It's busy, but at least I'm productive...except for right now.
24. Do you hate anyone?
Not that I can think of. I tend to shy away from strong emotions like hate--they give you heartburn.
25. If we were to look in your face book inbox, what would we find?
A FIST IN YOUR FACE. NO ONE READS MY EMAILS, WENCH!
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Absolutely. I own'D Dare in 5th AND 8th grade!
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Ummm...wait...maybe? Probably not? I hope not? I haven't the foggiest.
28. What song is stuck in your head?
Some weird A.R. Rahman song from that CD Anna let me borrow.
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
Anyone who has a superb reasoning for ruining the rest of my day. Also known as Santa, the Easter Bunny, or a smart blond.
30.Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
I mean, it's not what I'm asking for for Christmas, but if it happens, that'd be cool.
31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Get airbrushed by Kylie in her make-up class!
32. Do you think too much or too little?
I'd be reticent to write in a blog if I thought too little.
33. Do you smile a lot?
Only when I feel like it...meaning more often than not :]
Happy Wednesday!
I don't have a whole lot to report at present. Right now, however, I am up to my eyeballs in stuff regarding The Leading Edge, the sci-fi/fantasy journal my school publishes. I'm just a volunteer editor right now, but yesterday I took on the responsibility of writing a book review for the issue after this one is released! Yikes! I've never actually written a book review before, but how hard can it be, right? You read the book, then write about whether or not it was worth the time and energy it took to read it.
Simple? One can only hope.
In other news, I date now. Funny stuff! I've gone on dates/outings with members of the opposite sex every weekend since I've been here. Admittedly, that's only been a couple of weeks, but hey! I'm on a roll considering my track record!
Let's see, other news, other news, other news...
I had a very unsatisfactory salad today for lunch. I waited a solid half hour in line for this sucker and it failed to deliver. But, putting that into perspective, if that's at the top of my list of complaints, life is looking pretty solid at present.
Well, I suppose that leaves this then...
1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
That supremely disappointing salad. Or maybe my water to rinse out the taste of said lame salad.
2.Where was your profile picture taken?
Oh, it's referring to Facebook. Well, that picture was taken in Rexburg, Idaho. I was playing tennis with my brother and my dad thought it would be swell to take action shots. I look like a goober.
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
I suppose that would depend on your definition of play. Can I vaguely hit four buttons in time with the cascading corresponding spheres? Sort of.
4. Name someone who made you laugh today.
My new friend/doppleganger Alexis. We were discussing her "alternative high school".
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
Around one. I was finishing up reading an essay for my Poe class on the man's obscure brand of humor. Needless to say, the hour dictated that I wouldn't understand a word of what I was reading.
6. If you could move somewhere else, would you?
An apartment that isn't a DUNGEON. Seriously, living in the basement tanks.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Nooo. Knowing me, I'd probably accidentally break the poor guy's nose. I startle really easily :[
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Grandma. She lives like four feet from me.
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
If both parties are super cool. If the break-up happened because one of the parties is a psycho, then maybe it's just better for friendship to not happen.
10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
Caffeine-Free Dr Pepper is one of the few reasons why I tolerate Utah.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Hm...um...it wasn't really hard, but probably last year when a certain professor told me that I wasn't much of a director. The fact that I'd gotten like no sleep the night before is probably why the water works switched on.
12. Who took your profile picture?
Mi padre :D
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Grandma. She often does something cute, then asks me to capture it on her camera.
14. Was yesterday better than today?
Actually, they're turning out to be pretty similar. Canceled classes are excellent!
15. Can you live a day without TV?
Pretty sure the tiny television in our apartment sees to that...
16. Are you upset about anything?
Not really upset as much as anxious about this paper I need to start drafting. Poe's theory of aesthetics still sort of eludes me.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
If getting married, having babies, and living [celestially] ever after is worth it.
18. Are you a bad influence?
As if! I'm like, the 4th best influence in existence! In fact, if you ever get pulled over and asked if you're under the influence, just be all, "Heck yeah--the GENEVIEVE influence!" I guarantee you'll get left off with a high five.
19. Night out or night in?
Weeknights tend to find me in. But when the weekend rolls around, LOOK OUT WORLD! I'M AN OWL! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!
[That was so much cooler in my head...]
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My phone, apples, water, and...the Internetz...sigh...
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Callie Seward. She was practically in traction. It was sick.
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
What inbox?
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
It's busy, but at least I'm productive...except for right now.
24. Do you hate anyone?
Not that I can think of. I tend to shy away from strong emotions like hate--they give you heartburn.
25. If we were to look in your face book inbox, what would we find?
A FIST IN YOUR FACE. NO ONE READS MY EMAILS, WENCH!
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Absolutely. I own'D Dare in 5th AND 8th grade!
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Ummm...wait...maybe? Probably not? I hope not? I haven't the foggiest.
28. What song is stuck in your head?
Some weird A.R. Rahman song from that CD Anna let me borrow.
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
Anyone who has a superb reasoning for ruining the rest of my day. Also known as Santa, the Easter Bunny, or a smart blond.
30.Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
I mean, it's not what I'm asking for for Christmas, but if it happens, that'd be cool.
31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Get airbrushed by Kylie in her make-up class!
32. Do you think too much or too little?
I'd be reticent to write in a blog if I thought too little.
33. Do you smile a lot?
Only when I feel like it...meaning more often than not :]
Happy Wednesday!
posted by Gwennifer at 2:33 PM |
3 comments
|
3 comments
They let Stevie back!? That's horrendous! Seaweed extension bridge, genius!
Ok--
I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I'd post about how my first week went! It's been a long, busy affair, but satisfying in that it's Saturday, I'm still alive, and I'm going to play Gatorball in about an hour and a half [on top of Commando last night--I was MVP AND Last Winner, by the way]. So, off we go!
9 am [American Authors: Edgar Allen Poe]: E.A.P. A man known mostly for his short stories of the darkness in the human mind--perhaps you also knew he was a poet. So far, we've had nothing to do with his other [more interesting] work. We've delved expressly into his poetry, which I'm finding strange and a shade below unfathomable. The professor is nice and doesn't really call you out on making elementary observations, but the other students seem to sense that I'm not grasping everything they are within the stanzas of "Israfel" or "City by the Sea". Whatever, just wait until we get to "Murders in the Rue Morgue"! It's on!
10 am [Dramatic Performance: Antique to Renaissance]: A class of about 100, this is the only theatre class I'm taking this semester. The historical aspects take us back to the ancient Greeks and catapult us all the way to...well, I haven't the foggiest. So far, the best part of the class is Professor Beene's side commentary on things like a person's ability to be interesting or the Greek's weird sense of humor.
OH, so can I tell you about something? I've been going NUTS trying to get my Theatre Arts minor off the ground. I grabbed the form, filled out my four year plan, made an appointment with the faculty adviser, got the signature from said adviser, and took it up to the advisement center. Now, here's where things hit a hitch.
As I went to turn it in, the receptionist went to the back to figure out whether or not I needed to meet with an advisement center adviser AS WELL AS a faculty adviser. When she returned, she brought with her some lady who told me that I didn't need another signature. Shoot, she said I didn't have to even fill out the form to begin with if all I was doing was declaring a minor! So, the receptionist started work on my final paperwork [finally!] and sent me up to the department office with my original form [I suppose they needed to file it]. So, I trundle up there, fully prepared to be done with this ridiculous process. However, upon my proudly handing over the form...
Receptionist: "Um, you need to get a signature from an advisement center adviser."
Me: "No, I don't. I was told downstairs that it wasn't necessary--it even says on the front page of the form that I don't!"
Receptionist: "Hm, it doesn't, doesn't it?...well, I'll send an email to someone in the departmant who can clear this up..."
The same day, I receive an email telling me that despite what everyone's been telling me so far, I still need to meet with an adviser. When I politely asked if I could have an email address for the advisement center, I was asked what my major was [through email].
...
WILL THIS MADNESS EVER CEASE!? WILL I EVER JUST GET MY STINKIN' MINOR!?
Probably not.
11 am [Introduction to the English Language]: Now, this is a class I really like. Admittedly, the professor is a chronic storyteller, so we're already massively behind his other class, but his information/stories is/are interesting all the same. We've been discussing phonetics and the pronunciation of words, which I get to read a fat chapter on this weekend. For whatever reason, the pronunciation of language is absurdly interesting to me. I imagine that once we actually have to meet deadlines for tests and such that Professor Oaks might stop dragging his feet and teach us at an acceptable rate.
12 pm [British Literature 1]: OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOSH! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? WHAT IS THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!? This class is so unconscionably difficult! We're learning about the history of the English--back from like 9847549875984 B.C.! Seriously, this class is very history heavy, so I had my posterior handed to me the first couple of lessons. Only after the second one did I realize that my success would increase if I actually took notes on the reading BEFORE class. That only took like...3 hours. Even with the notes, the subject of early languages and religions and societies and whatever else is incredibly difficult. I will be stunned and amazed if I can scrape a B in this monster.
Jump ahead four hours...
5 pm [Persuasive Writing]: I really like this class! The professor is super nice [probably because she has six children outside of class] and seems to geniunely care whether or not we learn how to write while under her watchful eye. The subject matter is straightforward and practical, meaning I'm not going to put up a fight when we actually have homework. Anyway, one of my college goals is to learn how to write a paper before I leave, so this is good!
NEXT DAY--
3 pm [Survey of World Religions]: Ahhhhhh, World Religions. Taught by the kindly old Professor Choi, most of the class is spent enjoying listening to his heavy South Korean accent. Aside from that, he's super knowledgable about--well, most of the prominent world religions. Accidentally, I read all of chapter 2 [the first reading assignment] without realizing that it was supposed to stretch out over like two weeks, so now I'm super ahead. That, and I know just about everything about Hinduism. Go me!
So, that's my week in a nutshell...I hate that idiom. Let's try again: that's my week in a blog post?
Still lame, but whatever. I've done other non-academic stuff this week including a game night, a temple trip, multiple jogging excursions, Commando, International Cinema/Jamba night, Lagaan, and I'm headed off to Gatorball in just a little bit, with the promise of a Bollywood party later. Woohoo for the weekend!
Ok--
I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I'd post about how my first week went! It's been a long, busy affair, but satisfying in that it's Saturday, I'm still alive, and I'm going to play Gatorball in about an hour and a half [on top of Commando last night--I was MVP AND Last Winner, by the way]. So, off we go!
9 am [American Authors: Edgar Allen Poe]: E.A.P. A man known mostly for his short stories of the darkness in the human mind--perhaps you also knew he was a poet. So far, we've had nothing to do with his other [more interesting] work. We've delved expressly into his poetry, which I'm finding strange and a shade below unfathomable. The professor is nice and doesn't really call you out on making elementary observations, but the other students seem to sense that I'm not grasping everything they are within the stanzas of "Israfel" or "City by the Sea". Whatever, just wait until we get to "Murders in the Rue Morgue"! It's on!
10 am [Dramatic Performance: Antique to Renaissance]: A class of about 100, this is the only theatre class I'm taking this semester. The historical aspects take us back to the ancient Greeks and catapult us all the way to...well, I haven't the foggiest. So far, the best part of the class is Professor Beene's side commentary on things like a person's ability to be interesting or the Greek's weird sense of humor.
OH, so can I tell you about something? I've been going NUTS trying to get my Theatre Arts minor off the ground. I grabbed the form, filled out my four year plan, made an appointment with the faculty adviser, got the signature from said adviser, and took it up to the advisement center. Now, here's where things hit a hitch.
As I went to turn it in, the receptionist went to the back to figure out whether or not I needed to meet with an advisement center adviser AS WELL AS a faculty adviser. When she returned, she brought with her some lady who told me that I didn't need another signature. Shoot, she said I didn't have to even fill out the form to begin with if all I was doing was declaring a minor! So, the receptionist started work on my final paperwork [finally!] and sent me up to the department office with my original form [I suppose they needed to file it]. So, I trundle up there, fully prepared to be done with this ridiculous process. However, upon my proudly handing over the form...
Receptionist: "Um, you need to get a signature from an advisement center adviser."
Me: "No, I don't. I was told downstairs that it wasn't necessary--it even says on the front page of the form that I don't!"
Receptionist: "Hm, it doesn't, doesn't it?...well, I'll send an email to someone in the departmant who can clear this up..."
The same day, I receive an email telling me that despite what everyone's been telling me so far, I still need to meet with an adviser. When I politely asked if I could have an email address for the advisement center, I was asked what my major was [through email].
...
WILL THIS MADNESS EVER CEASE!? WILL I EVER JUST GET MY STINKIN' MINOR!?
Probably not.
11 am [Introduction to the English Language]: Now, this is a class I really like. Admittedly, the professor is a chronic storyteller, so we're already massively behind his other class, but his information/stories is/are interesting all the same. We've been discussing phonetics and the pronunciation of words, which I get to read a fat chapter on this weekend. For whatever reason, the pronunciation of language is absurdly interesting to me. I imagine that once we actually have to meet deadlines for tests and such that Professor Oaks might stop dragging his feet and teach us at an acceptable rate.
12 pm [British Literature 1]: OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOSH! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? WHAT IS THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!? This class is so unconscionably difficult! We're learning about the history of the English--back from like 9847549875984 B.C.! Seriously, this class is very history heavy, so I had my posterior handed to me the first couple of lessons. Only after the second one did I realize that my success would increase if I actually took notes on the reading BEFORE class. That only took like...3 hours. Even with the notes, the subject of early languages and religions and societies and whatever else is incredibly difficult. I will be stunned and amazed if I can scrape a B in this monster.
Jump ahead four hours...
5 pm [Persuasive Writing]: I really like this class! The professor is super nice [probably because she has six children outside of class] and seems to geniunely care whether or not we learn how to write while under her watchful eye. The subject matter is straightforward and practical, meaning I'm not going to put up a fight when we actually have homework. Anyway, one of my college goals is to learn how to write a paper before I leave, so this is good!
NEXT DAY--
3 pm [Survey of World Religions]: Ahhhhhh, World Religions. Taught by the kindly old Professor Choi, most of the class is spent enjoying listening to his heavy South Korean accent. Aside from that, he's super knowledgable about--well, most of the prominent world religions. Accidentally, I read all of chapter 2 [the first reading assignment] without realizing that it was supposed to stretch out over like two weeks, so now I'm super ahead. That, and I know just about everything about Hinduism. Go me!
So, that's my week in a nutshell...I hate that idiom. Let's try again: that's my week in a blog post?
Still lame, but whatever. I've done other non-academic stuff this week including a game night, a temple trip, multiple jogging excursions, Commando, International Cinema/Jamba night, Lagaan, and I'm headed off to Gatorball in just a little bit, with the promise of a Bollywood party later. Woohoo for the weekend!
posted by Gwennifer at 9:11 AM |
1 comments
|
1 comments