Nyasha's Eating Disorder

I want to talk about Nyasha's unfortunate development of bulimia and how it relates to real life. Like Nyasha, many young women are affected by eating disorders in our world today. It is a tragic problem that many deal with everyday. What many don't know is that it is not just girls wanting to be thin because of our society's distorted vision on beauty, but it evolves around changes in body chemicals and biological differences.
No matter how much reassurance some are given, when many anorexic or bulimic individuals look in the mirror, they see fat even if they only weigh one hundred pounds. Once this takes over, it is extremely difficult to get out of this trapped state of mind. This will continue to be a problem in today's world, but I think the last thing people going through this need is judgement. What they need is understanding, help, and support.

Expectations and Locations

I've never really thought of this, but your location really does affect the expectations put on you. I decided to pick two of the most contrary parts of my life to compare. I'm going to look at myself as a basketball player and a musician/writer. Let's discuss basketball first. As most of you know, the girls basketball coaches at Episcopal are Coach Boo and Coach K. Their coaching style is intense (probably having to do with them both also being football coaches). During practices and games, there is no pouting, no getting upset, and no emotion, unless of course, it's out of enthusiasm for the game. As a basketball player, you are expected to be tough and have a mental block from all other things. Focus is key.
On the other, hand I'm also a musician and write poetry. I know, it' s pretty different from what I just described. In both of these art forms, you are encouraged to let go of your emotions and express how you feel. Anything, I've been holding inside of me gets to come out when I'm writing or performing. It creates a good balance between basketball and my arts.  I'm glad I get to be a part of both sides and to be able to be mentally tough, but also let go of my emotions.  Most importantly, I know the difference and when it's appropriate to show each side of myself.

Free Post

For my free post today, I'm going to write about my favorite tv show: American Idol. I know a lot of people think the show is kind of stupid or not as good anymore since they got new judges, but I've been a fan for years. What some of you might not know is that I play guitar and sing, so to see other artists develop because of the show, it's pretty awesome. This season appears to be one of the best yet as far as talent goes.
Every year, Dru and I make predictions early in the season on who will win, and this year, all my money goes on Angie Miller. She is truly amazing. Not only does she have god given natural vocals, but her artistry so early in her life is insane. She is incredible on the piano and her original songs sound like they should already be recorded and bought by thousands. I haven't seen talent like hers in a long time.  I'm going to put a link to her original song, "You Set Me Free", and if you haven't heard it, I highly suggest it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_NhisWuq9o

Nyasha's Rage

Oh he did not just put his hands on me. No way did I just get beat to the ground by one father. I mean, this is absolutely ridiculous. All for staying out at a party? For real? What's he think I was doing? I think I'm old enough to go have a little fun at a party without getting a lecture when I got home as if I had just gone get completely drunk or something. I really just don't get it. I can't even deal with him anymore. I need a cigarette.
It all started with that stupid book anyway. It's none of their business what I'm reading. I'm not five anymore. Can't I just read what I want and make some of my own decisions? Apparently not because it seems like everything I do is wrong. Of course, Tambu's got to be the perfect child too. "Oh, I'll just read, thanks anyway." Girl, shut up. As if you've never smoked or anything. I'm so done dealing with all this.

Project Evaluation

My first project layer can be described with one word: hectic. Of course, I assumed that I was capable of reading through the week and just doing the projects a couple of nights before they were due. WRONG. For three nights in a row, I was up until midnight trying to read twenty five pages and do a project in one night. After hearing all of this, you can probably guess that there is one thing I have learned to work on, and that's planning.
I will definitely space things out more from now on and not get behind on my reading. I find that the most effective project was the reading response questions. Not only were they a nice, simple way to get points, but they really did help me return to what I had read and think about what the author was truly trying to portray. I'm ready to get this next layer done, and will for sure not leave it until the night before.

Unequal Education

In chapter two, it is expressed to us, the readers, that in Tambu's home, education is not distributed equally among the children. The oldest male of the family is gifted the ability to go to school and study under a teacher. The younger and female siblings get cheated out of this and must stay home and work. I find that it is unfair that these privileges are divided by age and gender and am thankful that we all get to go to school and get such a wonderful education.
Think about what our world would be like today if only the oldest of male of the family got to attend school. In my family, I would be able to go to school, but my younger twin sister would have to stay home. This would not only leave her uneducated, but it would put her at a disadvantage for the rest of her life in getting a job, fulfilling a productive life, and being able to take care of a family. I wish that children everywhere could be as fortunate as us in being able to get a good education.

Research Times

Wednesday 2 hours and 15 minutes: Deciding the key points I want to write about, making notecards (including paraphrasing), and figuring out where each topic would fit best into my paper

Sunday 15 minutes: Using my peer reviews to alter my outline and trying to come up with a better and more specific thesis statement