Reflective Fluency Post

Today I have to turn in a post that is reflective of the entire blogging experience up to this point. I must say, it has been an interesting experience, to say the least. I have struggled to come up with some posts. I've had a herd time finding topics to blog on. I also know that some of my posts were lacking in the length department. I have such a hard time with this, I think, because it feels so much like a diary. I had one of those when I was younger and it didn't go so well with three siblings. I think this blog experience has done well with my writing because the audience seems, I don't know, more personal with a blog. I don't know if the writing itself has improved, but the flow has most assuredly.

I can see that as this continues my writing and flow will improve. I may have more of an adaptive period than most, but I think it's because this style of writing has to come back to me. I wrote in this style back in high school, but since becoming an adult most of my writing leans towards the technical aspect of things. I write mill requests and personal correction notices and other business type documents. My creative juices will have to start flowing again, if you will.

Fluency Blog

Aristotle said " The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." I hope this to mean that as we strive to constantly improve upon ourselves through learning, we can only enjoy being better. We have to push ourselves to work through the trials of being taught and retaining that knowledge. The learning must sometimes feel as if it is being beat into us. But at the end of it all, a person can know that because of their work, we are better as people.

Editing Others

In ENG 101, we are currently critiquing other student's work. I have a hard time doing this because I find myself struggling to be objective. It is easier since I don't personally know anyone in the class, but I find myself trying hold them to the same standard I hold myself to. I try to keep my personal bars high and not every person is the same. I can only work on me and hope that being objective is something I will garner from this class. Things seem to be progressing smoothly so far, and the learning continues as planned.

Fluency Blog Tick Tock

Tick... Tock... Tick... Tock... The sound of the pendulum swinging is nearly hypnotic. Tick... Almost zen like. Tock... I can almost feel myself drifting away. The cares of the day seem to melt from me. Tick... No more worries today. Tock... Tomorrow is another day full of wonder. Tick... I feel as if each of my limbs are being weighted down. Tock... Chimes! Discordant, awful ringing. Alarming and jolting me from my reverie. The striking of the clock signals time for bed.

I rise to complete my nightly routine. I have to finish everything before I retire. I change into night clothes and brush my teeth. I turn down the bed and crawl in. The covers are so warm and toasty. I start to let my mind wander and feel the fuzziness of sleep start to creep over me. I listen to the clock and relax. Tick... Tock...

Fluency Blog Candle

The smoked curled away from the wick slowly, almost lazily. It wound through the crisp morning air like a tongue from a serpent, tasting the area. The after scent of the candle was that of cedar wood. Crisp and clean, a mind clearing scent. The aroma evoked images of great expanses of evergreen forests. Pine needles and pine cones covering the ground. The odor smells like home.

This candle is but one of many that was ordered by his wife. She likes to change the scent almost daily sometimes. He never quite knows what odor will greet him as he walks in the door after a long day at work. It would seem that this would make for an argument, but it is actually one of the many charming qualities of his wonderful wife. Always staying ahead of her husband in all her endeavours.

Fluency Blog Concentration

I'm sitting on my couch. I'm staring at the blank white page, trying to decide where to start with my fluency blog. Seems like I struggle with this every day. As I'm looking at the white page, I remember a chapter from one of my favorite books that actually helps to concentrate. Although it is a work of fiction, it has helped me since I read the novel.

In the books by Terry Goodkind, he speaks of concentration. One of the main characters tells another to picture in your mind a field of black. On this field picture a border of white. In the center of the field, picture something that is close to your heart. Concentrate. Keep the borders in place. Now, focus on the details of the item. every detail, top to bottom. Keep the borders in place! Continue focusing on details. Imagine the textures of the item. The smell. The taste, if it applies.

This works for me almost like meditation. So far, not many people follow or read this blog, but maybe this trick will work for others.

Mandatory Military Service

I found a writing prompt today on military service. It posed the question as to whether on not the U.S. should ever institute a mandatory policy for spending at least one year in a branch of the military after high school. This poses a very interesting conflict within me.

I, myself, served in the military and honestly believe I am a better person for it. I learned things about myself that I would never have discovered otherwise. Certain attributes were brought out in me that I will carry forever. Attributes like integrity, loyalty, faith in a team. Just based on personal experience I think a mandatory service could be a positive thing.

However, many younger soldiers enter conflict without little to no life experiences. They come right from high school and enter a life of armed combat. Many don't survive the battles that are fought on foreign soil. Although I believe battles will always be fought by those who must, teenagers should not be forced to blindly enter this world.

After having weighed this argument, I think that if the U.S. ever institutes a mandatory service it should be more along the lines of a JROTC or ROTC program. They would still get the indoctrination into a team life with all of the values instilled without the risk of loss of life. After the program ends, the individual would have a free choice to enter the service or not, as they see fit. I think this would give all Americans a glimpse at exactly what an American soldier goes through to defend and uphold the rights and freedoms of our great country. Appreciation would increase exponentially.