Reflection

When Professor Mott first said that we were going to have to write a blog as an assignment throughout the semester, I was needless to say skeptical. I had never written a blog before and didn't know how I was going to go about it. In the end, I have really enjoyed this assignment. It has allowed me to get to know my classmates better and interact with each other outside of the classroom. I have learned a lot over the semester from the lesson and my peers. This assignment was a different change of pace than I was used to in my other English classes, but it was a nice change. Over all it was an enjoyable and enlightening experience.

Family is Everything

I have always found comfort knowing that the group of misfits I call "family" have always been there for me when I needed them. Although they can drive me nuts sometimes, I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. Chris McCandless was able to leave his willingly. This is something that I believe that I will never be able to understand. Also, I believe that because these people have impacted my life so greatly and believed in me wholeheartedly, is one of the many reasons I am successful today.

My parents have always encouraged me to peruse my dreams and have supported me in everything I do. I am indebted to them for life, for giving me life, and shaping the person I am today. (In order from left to right: Lauren my mom, Larry my dad, Tony my step dad, and Denise my step mom) I aspire to be like they all. My mother inspires me to never give up, no matter how much you want to and how it may be easier if you do give up. My dad inspires me to always be hard working and never take the easy way out. My stepdad inspires me to balance family and business and to know that you can be successful and still be happy. And My stepmom inspires me to know that if you get knocked down ten times, get up eleven. 

My sister Hayley makes me want to pull my hair out half the time but I could not imagine going a day with out talking to her. She is my best friend, confidant, teacher, and inspires me everyday. She pushes me to do better, constantly pushes me to try new things, and drives me nuts in the process hahaa. But, whenever things get really bad she is always the first one to try to brighten the situation. 

My grandpa Jon is one of the smartest people I know and always has an opinion on everything. I want to know that I have helped people as he has, and know as much about psychology and working with patients as he does when I am his age. My grandma Judy is one of the strongest people I know. Her determination knows no bounds and her positivity is astounding. I want to be able to see the bright side no matter how consuming the dark is as my grandmother does. 

My best friend Kirsten challenges me to consider other options and that laughter is the best medicine. I have known her since we meet the first day of third grade, and she is like family to me. It is comforting to know that I don't have to experience tough times without her by my side. 

And last but not least, my to big brothers Michael (left) and AJ (right). My brother Michael reminds me everyday that we may get sidetracked in life, but if we can over come it great things can come to us. My brother AJ reminds me that you must be happy in what you do, and if your not, it is never too late to go after what will make you happy. 

I couldn't think of any better role models than those of my closest family members. Each one has brought knowledge and inspiration into my life and has shaped me today. I could never leave them as Chris did, and own my success to their constant support.

Alex Supertramp

Chris McCandless my have wanted to cut all ties with his parents, but what I do not understand is how they did not try harder to find their son. I know that if I was in their position, I wouldn't be able to not get involved with the search. If one of my siblings was to take off and not tell anyone I would be devastated. Chris did write to his sister, but a few letters would not suffice my need to know if they were alright, why they left, and when they were coming back. Last year, when my brother was on a long haul, I was always nervous him and the long hours his company had him driving. Family is precious, and I don't understand how hiring a private investigator was enough for them. I feel for this families loss and the criticism they hear/see/read about their son's/brother's choices.

What is Your Alaska?

What is your Alaska? In class we discussed what our Alaska would be and what it means. The Last Frontier has been idolized and a symbol for the dreams you have for yourself and a place many people want to be. The thing is, Alaska is just a frozen tundra and not the shining dream it is depicted as. It is a beautiful place to be surrounded by some of the most incredible views and wild life around. Many of the Alaska natives see many types of individuals like Chris McCandless, thinking that Alaska will be able to solve all their unanswered questions and my the world seem right again. We idolize the mythical Alaska, but must remember that it cannot be everything we want, or need, it to be. 

Into The Wild

Chis McCandless was a brave sole to choose to become one with the wild in the bush of Alaska. I don't quite understand why he felt so compelled to make this drastic life change and cut all ties with his family, except for the letters he wrote to his sister. Throughout this novel I found it hard to connect to Chris, making it hard to enjoy the novel fully. His dream and the distinct impression he left on the ones be came in contact with on his journey have not forgotten him. His determination to get to his final destination is inspiring, although I would not choose to go as far as he did.

What Is Success?

Over the coarse of this semester, success has been a topic throughout. I have always thought what success meant to me, but by talking about it throughout the semester with my classmates, success has become many different definitions for me. Success can be completing the everyday tasks that you wanted to get done at a certain time; it could also be what you want to see achieved in your life time. Success means something different to everything and that's the important part. My visions of success for myself are not the ones that my sister, brother or friends have. And in the same sense, the hopes my parents had for me as a child may have changed, and may differ slightly from mine.

Love Actually movie review

Love Actually is a heart warming romantic comedy that features an all star cast. Every character in this movies life intertwines with one an other. This movie is written and directed by Richard Curtis, and stars Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, and Rowan Atkinson. The open line is very touching and inspiring, and is one of my favorite parts in the movie. A great thing about this movie is that there is many things that tie into the story, but it is pieced together in a way that the viewer doesn't get lost. Even though this is technically a Christmas movie, you can watch it at any time in the year. There are many humorous aspects to this movie; the couple that doesn't speak the same language and end up saying the same thing to each other without knowing it. This is one of my all time favorite movies, and I highly recommend it. Although I must warn, this may not be the best thing to watch for the first time with your kids together, there are some 'strange' scenes and being that it is also rated R.

Trailer:  http://youtu.be/KdzH6a-XEGM

Opening Scene:  http://youtu.be/cUoxXpqof8A