REFLECTIONS
_ Anne Meyer
CRE101
Section #29485
Reflection #1
As I have read through Chapter 1 of my textbook, I gained a better understanding of what a paraphrase is versus a summary. Both elements are key in enabling me to fully be able to read a document and relay to another prospective reader the basis of the document I have read. A paraphrase and summary can be either stated in written or verbal form. Though very similar, paraphrasing and summarizing are slightly different possibilities to relay a message.
A paraphrase is how you would “restate a writer’s ideas in your own words” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 28). By restating what you have read in the document you are reading, you will adequately be able to tell others about what you have read. Paraphrasing is also “an excellent way to check the accuracy of your comprehension” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 28). In essence, paraphrasing demonstrates your ability to “combine ideas and sentences” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 29) while still getting the author’s point across.
A summary is very similar to that of a paraphrase. When summarizing, one is essentially giving “a condensed version of an essay, article, or book” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 41). Being able to take an article, etc. and summarize it up in perhaps one-fourth of what the writer states is “a good measure of your reading and writing skills” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 41). A good paraphrase will enable your reader to get the meaning of an article, etc. that you have read with little room for wondering what the original author wrote.
This past week my service project relates to the vast ways I help my husband, who has been blind since age 18. Not many wives are married to someone who is blind, but when I married my husband five years ago, I was ready to take on the added responsibilities of being the eyes of my beloved. Thus, I have taken on my service project also known as Larry. Throughout this semester, I will bring you into my world of daily service, 24/7.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #2
The third week of my project has been rather hectic. Being the spouse of a blind person is never an easy job, but it is definitely rewarding. Although I have to be the eyes for my husband, I do not regret one moment of my “job”. I have to admit there are times when being someone else’s eyes is a difficult task, but I just push on through and the end result or reward is a great feeling.
This past week as I prepared to look into different services that my husband can access or has access to already, I was presented with a challenge. You see, I am not only the eyes of my husband, but I have a 14-year-old to care for, too, who happens to have multiple medical problems. But, I just did the best I could with the trials presented to me this week. Even though I have to be my husband’s eyes, he is so capable of doing things such as you and I. In fact, through what my daughter has been enduring medically the past few days, he has been the support system for me.
As I prepare for another week of caring for my husband, I will be looking into the various organizations that provide him assistance currently and will also research any other services that would be beneficial to both he and the family as a whole.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #3
This week in the life of a blind man’s wife has been crazy. One might perceive it as “normal” to have a week where it seems like conflicts arise and cause plans to change or be canceled, and in actuality, today’s society would essentially prove it to be the norm whereas no change, no conflicts, and an –everything-is-perfect kind of week would be the abnormal. But go ahead and throw in the notion that one member of your family is blind and relies on you to be their eyes, their transportation, and their companion. Take a moment to consider what it might be like to be blind. Not necessarily a cheery thought now is it?
To begin, on top of taking care of my husband who is blind, I also am the mother of a 14-year-old daughter who has various medical diagnoses that are continuous. Ok, not so bad, right? Well, let’s throw in a wrench here. My daughter became ill with an “unknown” – bleeding, pain, etc., and in this I must juggle my schedule with regards to my husband. My husband rides on a vanpool and despite my not having to take him to work every morning, I do have to pick him up, but when a disruption occurs, plans change often at the last minute. Arrangement for a ride home isn’t always the easiest of tasks. On top of this, I was out of town for the weekend and the waves of anxiety really wash over me. Sure, my in-laws live near, and sure my husband is a “big boy” and capable of staying home alone, but that doesn’t alleviate the nerves of this wife. Thankfully, he is able to operate the TV remote and could use that as a companion, along with our puppy, but ultimately, it’s the companionship for a blind husband that makes things a little more “doable” and not as lonely.
Being a blind man’s wife brings a lot of challenges, but the rewards in the end after being gone all weekend mean so much more!
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #5
This week in the life of a blind man’s wife was crazy, insanely crazy. The week began as what seemed like a typical week; routine, nothing out of the ordinary. The pattern of weeks prior would be the same, or so we thought. Being a blind man’s wife is not an easy job, especially when life throws a curveball, unexpected for that matter. Larry, my husband was taken to his vanpool, my 14-year-old daughter, having had some medical issues the week before, went off to school as normal, and I proceeded to head off to college classes. Seemingly normal, going smoothly until wham, my daughter fell ill again, went to the ER and ultimately was admitted to the hospital for two days. In the midst of this medical chaos, I had to make sure my husband had transportation, had someone help with meals; my career as a blind man’s wife could not just be put on hold. Thankfully, my in-laws live near us and were willing to help with my husband’s transportation matters and helped with meals. Truly a blessing, but as comforting as it was to know he had help, nerves increased as worry crept in over his well being.
After two days in the hospital, and severe sleep deprivation for me, my role as wife to a blind man had to go on. Yes, my husband is self sufficient in many ways, but there are simple tasks that without the use of my eyes, he would ultimately struggle desperately in many ways. Life as a blind man’s wife is chaotic and can have added stress, but in the long run the rewards are much greater than the struggles. For you see, nothing melt’s a blind man’s wife’s heart more than to hear her husband say, ‘welcome home, I missed you, and until you had to be gone these few days, I didn’t truly grasp how much I need you by my side’. Truly music to my ears and quite reassuring that this is absolutely where I belong!
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #5- Reflection over Chapter 5 as an assignment
Chapter five was an interesting and intriguing assignment for me. When I first read the chapter title, Patterns of Paragraph Organization, I sort of laughed and thought to myself I know how to write and organize paragraphs to create a decent paper. Well, my strong point is writing, yes, but this chapter was unlike what I have learned previously in other English or writing or reading classes I have taken. I can honestly say I knew of the concepts in this chapter, but if someone was to ask me to explain the concepts (before reading the chapter), I would have stumbled over my words and most likely would get it all wrong! Perhaps one could call me slightly arrogant when it comes to writing, because I have always done well with writing. But, whoa as me, I sure learned something in this chapter!
This assignment was a great one with regards to Chapter 5. I found it quite beneficial to read through the chapter and have great detail and explanation presented to me with each concept. This indeed enabled me to learn more and get a better handle on these various concepts on paragraph organization.
Lesson five was also beneficial with regard to the research on countries and seeing how different two countries can be as well as how similar they are, too (as written in the comparison and contrast essay). Research is an excellent tool to allow one to broaden their scope on different topics they perhaps know a little something about already; this enables them to become more informed.
All in all, Chapter 5 as an assignment for me personally was a great learning tool. After completing this assignment and going forth in the ensuing chapters, my desire is to apply these Chapter 5 tools to better my writing abilities and my knowledge in subjects around me.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #6 (regarding chapter 6)
This past week was consumed with a lesson on language and essentially the proper use of words, what similes, metaphors, etc. are. Essentially, I learned about language and how to use it effectively on a routine daily basis. By learning this, I will better myself in the knowledge of the world around me.
To begin with, I learned about denotation and connotation and the differences between the two words (concepts). According to Deanne Spears, denotation is “the literal or explicit meaning of a word; often called the dictionary definition” (189). Connotation, on the other hand, refers to “the cluster of suggestions, ideas or emotional association a word carries” (Spears, 189). Throughout the activities I used for practice in this chapter, I gained a better working knowledge of how to effectively decide which words to use to make a sentence more appropriate in meaning. Understanding connotation and denotation is essential to proper use of words because a word can drastically change a sentence if used out of context just to try to impress with a “big” word.
Another important concept I learned from chapter six was the different figures of speech – metaphors, similes, personification. Metaphors and similes are “closely enough related that we should treat them together” (Spears, 197). These two figures of speech can essentially be used interchangeably with perhaps the only difference being “imaginative comparison being either direct or using “like or as” (Spears, 197). Personification, however, is different from both metaphors and similes. Personification is “a comparison in which something nonliving is described as it were human” (Spears, 197). For example, a location can be described as though it is “human” to give the reader a more in-depth view of what is being described.
All in all, this week was a learning experience for me as I have tended in the past to use language out of context just to impress my reader. After reading chapter six, I have gained a better understanding of appropriateness of the language we use and how “big words” don’t always impress.
CRE101
Section #29485
Reflection #1
As I have read through Chapter 1 of my textbook, I gained a better understanding of what a paraphrase is versus a summary. Both elements are key in enabling me to fully be able to read a document and relay to another prospective reader the basis of the document I have read. A paraphrase and summary can be either stated in written or verbal form. Though very similar, paraphrasing and summarizing are slightly different possibilities to relay a message.
A paraphrase is how you would “restate a writer’s ideas in your own words” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 28). By restating what you have read in the document you are reading, you will adequately be able to tell others about what you have read. Paraphrasing is also “an excellent way to check the accuracy of your comprehension” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 28). In essence, paraphrasing demonstrates your ability to “combine ideas and sentences” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 29) while still getting the author’s point across.
A summary is very similar to that of a paraphrase. When summarizing, one is essentially giving “a condensed version of an essay, article, or book” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 41). Being able to take an article, etc. and summarize it up in perhaps one-fourth of what the writer states is “a good measure of your reading and writing skills” (D. Spears, 2009, p. 41). A good paraphrase will enable your reader to get the meaning of an article, etc. that you have read with little room for wondering what the original author wrote.
This past week my service project relates to the vast ways I help my husband, who has been blind since age 18. Not many wives are married to someone who is blind, but when I married my husband five years ago, I was ready to take on the added responsibilities of being the eyes of my beloved. Thus, I have taken on my service project also known as Larry. Throughout this semester, I will bring you into my world of daily service, 24/7.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #2
The third week of my project has been rather hectic. Being the spouse of a blind person is never an easy job, but it is definitely rewarding. Although I have to be the eyes for my husband, I do not regret one moment of my “job”. I have to admit there are times when being someone else’s eyes is a difficult task, but I just push on through and the end result or reward is a great feeling.
This past week as I prepared to look into different services that my husband can access or has access to already, I was presented with a challenge. You see, I am not only the eyes of my husband, but I have a 14-year-old to care for, too, who happens to have multiple medical problems. But, I just did the best I could with the trials presented to me this week. Even though I have to be my husband’s eyes, he is so capable of doing things such as you and I. In fact, through what my daughter has been enduring medically the past few days, he has been the support system for me.
As I prepare for another week of caring for my husband, I will be looking into the various organizations that provide him assistance currently and will also research any other services that would be beneficial to both he and the family as a whole.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #3
This week in the life of a blind man’s wife has been crazy. One might perceive it as “normal” to have a week where it seems like conflicts arise and cause plans to change or be canceled, and in actuality, today’s society would essentially prove it to be the norm whereas no change, no conflicts, and an –everything-is-perfect kind of week would be the abnormal. But go ahead and throw in the notion that one member of your family is blind and relies on you to be their eyes, their transportation, and their companion. Take a moment to consider what it might be like to be blind. Not necessarily a cheery thought now is it?
To begin, on top of taking care of my husband who is blind, I also am the mother of a 14-year-old daughter who has various medical diagnoses that are continuous. Ok, not so bad, right? Well, let’s throw in a wrench here. My daughter became ill with an “unknown” – bleeding, pain, etc., and in this I must juggle my schedule with regards to my husband. My husband rides on a vanpool and despite my not having to take him to work every morning, I do have to pick him up, but when a disruption occurs, plans change often at the last minute. Arrangement for a ride home isn’t always the easiest of tasks. On top of this, I was out of town for the weekend and the waves of anxiety really wash over me. Sure, my in-laws live near, and sure my husband is a “big boy” and capable of staying home alone, but that doesn’t alleviate the nerves of this wife. Thankfully, he is able to operate the TV remote and could use that as a companion, along with our puppy, but ultimately, it’s the companionship for a blind husband that makes things a little more “doable” and not as lonely.
Being a blind man’s wife brings a lot of challenges, but the rewards in the end after being gone all weekend mean so much more!
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #5
This week in the life of a blind man’s wife was crazy, insanely crazy. The week began as what seemed like a typical week; routine, nothing out of the ordinary. The pattern of weeks prior would be the same, or so we thought. Being a blind man’s wife is not an easy job, especially when life throws a curveball, unexpected for that matter. Larry, my husband was taken to his vanpool, my 14-year-old daughter, having had some medical issues the week before, went off to school as normal, and I proceeded to head off to college classes. Seemingly normal, going smoothly until wham, my daughter fell ill again, went to the ER and ultimately was admitted to the hospital for two days. In the midst of this medical chaos, I had to make sure my husband had transportation, had someone help with meals; my career as a blind man’s wife could not just be put on hold. Thankfully, my in-laws live near us and were willing to help with my husband’s transportation matters and helped with meals. Truly a blessing, but as comforting as it was to know he had help, nerves increased as worry crept in over his well being.
After two days in the hospital, and severe sleep deprivation for me, my role as wife to a blind man had to go on. Yes, my husband is self sufficient in many ways, but there are simple tasks that without the use of my eyes, he would ultimately struggle desperately in many ways. Life as a blind man’s wife is chaotic and can have added stress, but in the long run the rewards are much greater than the struggles. For you see, nothing melt’s a blind man’s wife’s heart more than to hear her husband say, ‘welcome home, I missed you, and until you had to be gone these few days, I didn’t truly grasp how much I need you by my side’. Truly music to my ears and quite reassuring that this is absolutely where I belong!
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #5- Reflection over Chapter 5 as an assignment
Chapter five was an interesting and intriguing assignment for me. When I first read the chapter title, Patterns of Paragraph Organization, I sort of laughed and thought to myself I know how to write and organize paragraphs to create a decent paper. Well, my strong point is writing, yes, but this chapter was unlike what I have learned previously in other English or writing or reading classes I have taken. I can honestly say I knew of the concepts in this chapter, but if someone was to ask me to explain the concepts (before reading the chapter), I would have stumbled over my words and most likely would get it all wrong! Perhaps one could call me slightly arrogant when it comes to writing, because I have always done well with writing. But, whoa as me, I sure learned something in this chapter!
This assignment was a great one with regards to Chapter 5. I found it quite beneficial to read through the chapter and have great detail and explanation presented to me with each concept. This indeed enabled me to learn more and get a better handle on these various concepts on paragraph organization.
Lesson five was also beneficial with regard to the research on countries and seeing how different two countries can be as well as how similar they are, too (as written in the comparison and contrast essay). Research is an excellent tool to allow one to broaden their scope on different topics they perhaps know a little something about already; this enables them to become more informed.
All in all, Chapter 5 as an assignment for me personally was a great learning tool. After completing this assignment and going forth in the ensuing chapters, my desire is to apply these Chapter 5 tools to better my writing abilities and my knowledge in subjects around me.
Anne Meyer
CRE101-29485
Reflection #6 (regarding chapter 6)
This past week was consumed with a lesson on language and essentially the proper use of words, what similes, metaphors, etc. are. Essentially, I learned about language and how to use it effectively on a routine daily basis. By learning this, I will better myself in the knowledge of the world around me.
To begin with, I learned about denotation and connotation and the differences between the two words (concepts). According to Deanne Spears, denotation is “the literal or explicit meaning of a word; often called the dictionary definition” (189). Connotation, on the other hand, refers to “the cluster of suggestions, ideas or emotional association a word carries” (Spears, 189). Throughout the activities I used for practice in this chapter, I gained a better working knowledge of how to effectively decide which words to use to make a sentence more appropriate in meaning. Understanding connotation and denotation is essential to proper use of words because a word can drastically change a sentence if used out of context just to try to impress with a “big” word.
Another important concept I learned from chapter six was the different figures of speech – metaphors, similes, personification. Metaphors and similes are “closely enough related that we should treat them together” (Spears, 197). These two figures of speech can essentially be used interchangeably with perhaps the only difference being “imaginative comparison being either direct or using “like or as” (Spears, 197). Personification, however, is different from both metaphors and similes. Personification is “a comparison in which something nonliving is described as it were human” (Spears, 197). For example, a location can be described as though it is “human” to give the reader a more in-depth view of what is being described.
All in all, this week was a learning experience for me as I have tended in the past to use language out of context just to impress my reader. After reading chapter six, I have gained a better understanding of appropriateness of the language we use and how “big words” don’t always impress.