Journal entry 121--World Events

What world event changed some part of your outlook on life?


I'd have to say the attacks of the World Trade Towers on 9/11 changed the way I view the world. It seems as though I was blissfully ignorant of the world's problems until those attacks. Now I hesitate just a little before traveling and feeling a bit harden to the world. I remember the morning of the attacks. I was in California and it was quite early. My friend called me to tell me to turn on the news. I wasn't able to turn it off for the next 3 weeks. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I went throughout the days in shock. I can imagine that event had an impact on many people.

Journal entry 120--School

What was your favorite subject in school and why?


I always enjoyed my science classes, in particular zoology. I was a lab assistant three times and loved getting the dissections ready for the students. Animals have always been fascinating to me and I really enjoyed learning about invertebrates and vertebrates. Another subject that thrilled me was art. I think I took an art class every semester since middle school. It's too bad I'm not a better artist!

Journal entry 119--Blessings

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, take a moment to write down all your blessings in life.


My biggest blessing in life is my family--my husband and three children. They bring such joy and excitement to my humdrum life. I know I'll miss the noise and running around when the kids leave for college one day. I can see why people look forward to grandchildren. I have an amazing husband who supports and encourages me in all I do. He is and always will be my blessing. I also have a great extended family. My husband's family treats me like a blood relative and I love the fact that I grew up close to my aunts, uncles and cousins. I know how blessed I am for my family and am thankful for them everyday.

Journal entry 118--Thanksgiving

Describe a memory you have from Thanksgiving past.


Every year for Thanksgiving, my family would go to my grandparent's house for dinner. All my cousins were there and aunts and uncles. The house was filled with children running around in and out of the adult's legs. I loved going to my grandparent's house each year. My grandma was a wonderful cook and made the best lemon meringue pie using her fresh lemons off the tree. Each year, (before there was cable TV) a Christmas movie called, "Santa and the three bears" was shown. To me, it signified the start of the Christmas season. I remember looking forward to that movie each year. Now you can watch it in July!

Journal entry 117--Finds

Describe a time when you found something really exciting, something that made your day or possibly changed your life.


When I was 5 years-old and walking across the street, I saw a desert tortoise in the middle of the road. He was about the size of a softball and had no choice in the fact that I grabbed him and headed home. My mother was use to my sister and I bringing home strange stray animals and didn't really object. My brother fixed up a cage for the tortoise and I named it Pokey because it continually stuck its head through the chicken wire fencing that held him in. I kept Pokey for another 15 years and he tripled in size! He "ran" all over the backyard and actually came when he heard me call for him! I guess my voice was associated with dinner. Pokey was finally donated to a desert tortoise protection group because they are endangered animals. I'm sure he's still alive and even bigger.

Journal entry 116--Autumn

Describe what is it you like or dislike about the season, Autumn.


I love the fall! We use to live back East and Autumn was my favorite season. It was a time of crisp, cool air and colorful falling leaves. Everything about it was and still is--cozy weather. The kind that wraps you up in a blanket in front of the fire with a warm mug of cocoa. Fall signifies the coming of the holidays, whichever you celebrate. I especially like it when it rains and you can stay inside and watch the drops splash as they hit the ground. Each fall, back East was a time for fresh pressed apple cider and homemade doughnuts. Delicious! Now I live in an area that is sunny all year long. For that I can't complain, but I do at times miss the colors and crisp air of Eastern Autumns.

Journal entry 115--Dreams/Nightmares

Write about a reoccurring dream or nightmare you've had for a long time.


Mine could be classified as either a dream or a nightmare depending on your point of view. I like to think of it as a nightmare. Every now and then I dream that I'm back in high school. This dream is so vivid that it takes me awhile before I realize I'm actually dreaming. Usually, I'm either at my locker and have forgotten the combination or I'm sitting in class and there's a test I haven't studied for. I'm overcome with panic and dread knowing that I can't remember a thing about Geometry or Calculus, which is usually what the dream is about. The nightmares are so frustrating because I think I'm going to fail the class and not go onto college. After most of the initial fear is over, I wake up realizing it's been a long time since I was in high school.