Blog entry 9

I was pleasantly surprised with the freedom we have in this blog. Especially because I have recently found out something that will interest all of you. Since business before pleasure is a good mantra, I'll start with the school related issue, and wind down to personal tidbits.

I'm not sure how many of you know Tom Stough, but he's our main librarian. As of right now, he's on sabbatical. He is also visiting colleges and universities to see what they have in their libraries. He's found quite a few things, and even has a blog up detailing his finds. As all of us know, we are getting a new library, and making it better than the last would be a tremendous addition to our campus. Well, recently he's found a piece of online research gold. It's a library search engine that is similar to Google in that it pulls up all relevant resources. And, let me tell you it is magical. Unicorn magical, but better.

You can read his detailing of it here: http://tomslibraryadventure.blogspot.com/2011/03/beyond-federated-searching-discovery.html

You can test a small portion of it here:  http://asu.summon.serialssolutions.com/search?s.q=

How awesome would that be to have that in our library? Can you imagine how much easier it will be to do a well researched paper?

As for personal tidbits, I recently got over a bad sinus infection. I've started counseling too. I'm not sure if I've mentioned my depression. It can get awful. And, it wasn't safe for me to handle it on my own anymore, so I did what I had to do. Recently, a  lot of bloggers have been coming forward and writing about their mental struggles as a way to help others. We have to embrace the fact that there is a problem and that we do need help, so I encourage anyone who's struggling emotionally and/or mentally to seek the proper help.

I also volunteered at a church conference, and started a small writing "business." It's not really a business. It's just a chance to raise money for some people in need at our church. I call it Least of These. I've started off doing prayers, blessings, and poems for free. People seem to like them, so I'll start asking for love donations. Hopefully we'll be able to help someone with writing soon.

I've recently created my best character. I think she'll be the one to make a novel. I can feel it in my bones. Writing her story is becoming an obsession. I have to do a lot of research before I can even attempt a full length novel with her, and for once I am more than eager to go above and beyond in my research for her story.

Also, I love the song "Down on Me" by Jeremih. I'm sure most of you have heard it. It's absolutely catchy!Also, Steely Dan is amazing. I love "Book keepers Son." At least I believe that is the songs title.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Spring Break. Please stay safe.

-Abigail

Blog Entry Six : Essay One "The Car Accident"

Essay 1: The Car Accident

     My life could have ended on July 22nd, 2008. The day started out well enough, and the weather was pleasant that day. It was sunny, but not hot. I had spent a great night at my friend Aletheia's house in Moorpark, and had a pleasant morning together with her family and fiancée Paul. The plan was to go to Oxnard for job applications with her and her fiancée. Paul was new to California, and planning to move to Oxnard, where I live.

     Paul had to get some work done on his car before we could go scavenging for possible jobs. So, we set off in search of a mechanic near where he intended to live. We were lucky enough to find a mechanic off of Wooley Road near a fast food place. We ended up ordering food while we waited.

     After we picked up Paul's car, we headed toward five-points. We intended to go to the new shopping center on A and B Street. I remember there being heavy traffic on Oxnard Boulevard. In order to get to the plaza, we needed to turn left on Seventh Street. Paul was driving, and had to make the decision on when to go. He began his turn, and we saw a large pick up truck speed up to beat us. I remember thinking, "We're going to be hit." I felt my body go slack and my mind peaceful, and then everything was black. When I finally came to, I saw smoke and smelled something funny. There was a fleeting moment of intense pain.

     The car had been knocked to the front of the Golden Chicken Inn on the Boulevard. I remember Aletheia noticing her door was smashed in. She and Paul had to crawl out of the driver's side. I remember saying, "let me out. Let me out," because I couldn't get the seat up to get out of the small two door car. When we had all emerged, police and a bystander helped us get to the wall so we could sit down. I remember thinking I had gone into shock, because I couldn't feel much pain, and I remembered the sharp pain from inside the car.

     While we were on the wall I began to think of how I came to from the blackout. I was in a different location in the car. My seat belt wasn't secure, because it had opened. It turned out that I had wounds on both sides of my body. I think I had hit both sides of the car when we had been hit. Shortly after, I spat out pieces of one of my teeth and some blood.

     Aletheia asked me to take pictures of the car for the insurance, and I did. The car itself was totally smashed. The passenger side of the car was completely indented in. I remember feeling really bad for Paul. He just lost his car. What a way to get welcomed to California. The ambulance finally arrived and took all three of us to St. John's Hospital in Oxnard.

     When we got there they put Aletheia in a wheelchair and wheeled her into the hospital. They asked me if I wanted one, but I said no. I was worried about Aletheia. Luckily, Paul was able to walk away with only bruising and a few minor cuts. We quizzed each other on names and personal information, so we could make sure we were still in possession of our memories. Aletheia was unable to recall a few things, but Paul and I were okay. She said she thought she had a concussion and was in shock. I told her I thought I was in the same condition.

     I was then put in charge of calling everyone that needed to be called. I informed Aletheia's parents and they were going to come out right away. I was able to reach my mom at work, but told her to stay, and that I'd call my friend Margaret and my grandmother. Margaret and her mom were going to come immediately and my grandmother would get there when she could.

     Aletheia was the first to give her information and go into triage. Paul went with her. Margaret arrived shortly after with her mom, and I went to give my information. While I was waiting, I limped down to the gift store and bought Aletheia, Margaret and I some stuffed animals. I bought Margaret a pig, Aletheia a giraffe, and myself a lamb. I was finally called back into triage. Margaret accompanied me. The doctor I received seemed angry. I had asked Margaret to help me communicate because my head was hurting badly. When she tried the doctor snapped at her. I told her about my headache and that Margaret was helping on my request. She wasn't very sympathetic.

     After giving me the once over the doctor told me I had bruising and an indentation on my right leg. I told her I thought I was in shock and might have a concussion. She blew me off because I was too "lucid." I later found out that I had cracked ribs and a concussion. As you can imagine, I wasn't very happy. Untreated concussions can end up doing some real damage. I was lucky that mine didn't.

     When the doctor was done and we were on the way out, we saw Aletheia. She told us she had bad bruising and a fractured left foot and a concussion. I was so worried about her. The doctor had even told her she was lucky the seat belt hadn't snapped her spine. She left with Paul and her parents. And, I left with my grandmother.

     My grandmother took me home with her until I could get picked up by my mom. By the time I got to my home the shock had worn off, and I was in real pain. Unfortunately, I keep my mattress on the floor, so getting up and down on it hurt a great deal. Mornings were the worst.

     But the day took a toll on more than my physical body – the depression I had battled with became worse. Some days I was grateful, others were spent saying, "Why didn't I just die?" But, I did live, and I have since started school, as well as a blog. I have found things to help me through, including a few really wonderful friends.

     The weeks after the accident were spent with me trying to prove that I was okay. I didn't want anyone to know how hard it was on me. I resisted pity and even did dishes. A few times I hurt my ribs doing stuff around the house. I should have just rested. To this day the ribs on the left side of my body are very sensitive. I can't sleep on the left side for extended periods of time, or I will wake up sore.

     Cars terrified me for a long time after the accident. I would start shaking, and clench on to things while on the road. After a few months, I became much more comfortable on the road. I even have my license now, and I really enjoy driving. The accident had an effect on my life, but I was lucky enough to escape with very little damage. I am lucky to be here. All three of us are lucky to be here.

Assignment 4 : Texting

In the spirit of texting I wont write like an illiterate monkey. Though really if I wanted to be in the true spirit of texting I would. I'm an impostor. Texting can be useful, but mostly it's annoying. I would rather talk to someone then have to sit there texting them. Also, it kills people in cars, but it's easier to get unlimited texting. So, there are pros and cons. If I had to give anyone advice on texting, which I shouldn't have to, it would be to use their common sense. Texting and driving is a don't. Texting and ignoring your friends is a don't. Texting on the toilet is just creepy. I have used texting, because it was unlimited on our plan it was a huge communication tool for me. Most off my friends prefer texting. It bothers me. You're on a phone use it like a phone. Call someone and make it personal. Then again I tend to run old fashioned. And, I don't completely dislike texting. It is a love-hate relationship. Also, it's good if you are unable to talk in any given situation. If you need to communicate danger without risking yourself further texting is a good option. It would be great for a bank robbery or kidnapping. Don't get caught text your family to call the cops! So, it's possible for texting to be a really useful tool.

My main problem with texting is that it condones and even encourages the whole text talk travesty. K thx bai is not proper English. You will not pass a decent English class writing like that. Spell the words out and use punctuation. I always did. My texts were just like my regular writing. I didn't want or need any more bad habits. This ridiculous trend is making our young folk seem ignorant. Or maybe that's Twilight, but I digress.

Assignment 3 : Reality TV

It's going to be hard for me to type 500 words about this. I don't watch reality TV. I never have. The advertising and clips I see around me for it don't appeal to me. I find it a ridiculous waste of time and money. To follow this person and that person and watch them do things that aren't truly realistic. I'm not saying that they don't do stupid stuff, but I am of the opinion that there are people that will do whatever is required to keep the money rolling in. Mind you I could be wrong. Heck, I could be wrong about them acting ridiculously. Maybe that's just the hook to get people to watch. Maybe the shows are actually profound. But, from what another classmate has typed in their blog I highly doubt profound is the word.

I know my mom has delved into the reality television world. Something about the Kardashions. I hope I spelled that right. I guess one of them is a model? All I really know is that their dad represented The Juice in court. I thank my mom for that tidbit. Also, I see puns and spoofs of Snooki on the Internet. So, I have that exposure. But, I don't think spoofs count. The only thing I do watch on TV is sitcoms and law shows like 48 hours. And I partake in movies every once in awhile.

Utilizing My Would Be Class Time

Since I am on campus for class I thought I'd put up a blog post. What I am to blog about I haven't the slightest, but I thought it might give you all a chance to get to know me a little better. If I can get the words out. Whether that appeals to you or not is entirely up to you, and the unicorns. But they are too subtle with their mind control sometimes, so it may fall on you alone to make the decision.

I am currently 21. I do drink on the occasion, and I like long walks on the beach. I'm kidding. I dislike the beach. The sand gets everywhere. It's all like, dude, how is there sand in my hair? I didn't even touch the sand with my hair, or hands. Not that I would try and touch the sand with my hair. That would look and be weird. Don't get me wrong, I am weird. I'm just not that kind of weird. If you read my other blog you know what I'm talking about. Though if you do engage in such an activity I have every right to call you a poor miserable soul. My blog entries can be interesting to put it nicely.

Since I brought up my other blog, I have been meaning to make a few posts. I am kind of in a writer's block rut. If you read my other blog, which you probably shouldn't for the sake of your sanity, you know how I feel about writer's block. It's been horrible. I type reviews, serious issues, and non-serious issues. Mostly semi-serious issues typed in a non-serious way. And, by serious issues I mean the kind your shrink gets paid to help you with. So, do you have any suggestions for topics to help me with my rut? I will totally give you props at the end of the blog, if you give me the name you want to be propped with. I have three in an incomplete stage, so I was hoping a new topic would get my mojo flowing. That kind of sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, or a serious bout of genius. By genius I mean crazy.

I feel bad now. It's like I'm using this blog to make a bawd out my other blog. It makes me feel like I'm making this blog the procurer. But, at least this one is in charge. That'll make the prof. happy...I hope. Oh man, I hope she was kidding about having other people read our blogs. This would be scarring. Pray, find it in yer 'earts to 'ave mercy on a poor bored ne'er-do-well.

Moral of the blog:
I am so glad I continued the use of the word rambles in the blog title. It looks like I will ramble on it. Only when I have no other assignments. I wont waste my time.

P.s. Yes, I know I still have assignments due online. I have them written up. I plan to type and send 'em to you via D2L tomorrow. The STOs are very important for me. I desperately need practice with analytical writing, so I plan to keep hard copies as well; for after the semester is over.

 

Assignment two : Fast Food.

     My childhood has long since passed, but I do remember that fast food was an occasional deal. My father was and is a talented man in the kitchen. The largest portion of what we ate was good ole home cooked Mexican cuisine. When we did go to fast food places it was because the family had to grab food quick for whatever reason, or we wanted to go out. We weren't and still aren't well off. I suppose you could/should place us in the lower region of the socioeconomic tier. Fast food was an occasional treat for the family. From what I remember we would go to four places in different times. McDonald's, Taco Bell, Carls Jr, or El Pollo Loco. I'm sure there was more, but I don't remember a lot from my childhood. I don't recall much of what I used to get, but I was fond of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. I'm not sure that I can place any sentiment on the restaurants themselves, but I was happy to be out with my family. Except this one time at El Pollo Loco this lady mispronounced pollo. It was a hoot, and it's been a most treasured memory.

     As for my current exploits in the realm of fast food, I do eat it occasionally. How anti-climatic was that?  If I got to fast food places now, I tend to make better meal choices. A favorite of mine is Sub Way. You can get whole wheat and veggies. When I go there I usually get the 6 inch with chicken breast, lettuce, honey mustard and bell pepper. I avoid McDonald's. And, if by chance I get dragged there on an outing I salad it up. Their food has always kind of scared me, but after Super Size Me I am down right petrified. My guilty pleasure is Del Taco, but I rarely go there. My real guilty pleasure is Chinese food, but once again it's a rare occurrence. I suppose I eat out about the same now as in the past, but I am more aware of what the food is like, and I tend to make better choices. Plus, I like to cook, so if I have good ingredients at home I'll make noise with the pots and pans.

The Blogpocalypse College Edition Part 2

Many of you asked to see some of my poetry. By many I mean one, but I'll take it! That and I promised I would. ;D

Those of you that are in my class know that last night was the first in class session. I wrote this particular poem just before it started.

Lady Fair and True

I once had a lady fair and true.
'Til one day she left me out of the blue.

So I stormed down yonder to the stews;
To find my peace in ale, that heavenly dew.

The very next day I remembered that lady fair and true.
The very one that left me blue.

I went and sought her brother, Drew.
"Drew," says I, "where is my lady fair and true?"
"The one," says he, "that left you blue?"
"The very same, my dearest, Drew!"

"Wish you then to know where thy lady whom you call true?"
"Aye," says I, "leave me not in the blue!"
"She's gone away to marry the man called Carew."
Thus ends the story of my lady fair,
Not true.

By Abigail Trujillo
1-12-11

The Blogpocalypse College Edition : Assignment 1

My past was full of magic. Rather it lacked magic; therefore became magical. It's similar to the thought that mortality is more beautiful than immortality, because things that die quickly are more precious. I was a bi-racial child growing up in the hard streets of Oxnard. *cheeky grin*  My best friend at any given time was my trusted parakeet. I had several. My favorite was a yellow and green budgie. Her name was Sunshine. She was a cantankerous old thing, but  I absolutely adored her. One of my favorite past times at my elementary school was playing Jurassic Park with my buddy, Micheal. He was a velociraptor and I was a German shepherd. I know. I was a dog...I shoulda been a dinosaur, but I grew up on my dad's epic dog fight tales, so I mimicked his favorite dog, Chico. Who was a friggin' German shepherd. So, you know, I rocked. I still rock.

Speaking of rocking, I started my first blog in October of 2010. It's become a passion of mine. I am currently studying at Oxnard College in hopes of gaining my AA in Sociology. Speaking of college, I'm looking forward to the new semester. I did enjoy my winter break. I took a trip with my best friend, Aletheia, to Santa Barbara. In fact, that's where my blog picture was taken. I am standing near the statue of Saint Barbara at the Santa Barbara Mission. Recently, I read five pieces of classic literature including The Oedipus Cycle and Siddhartha. I am an avid reader. I do enjoy going out on the occasion. My favorite dance spot is a local place in Ventura. It's called Charline's. I am working on two novels at present. Both of which are in the pre-write stage. And, I write poetry in my spare time.

My future is a mystery, but I have a lot of plans for it. I do hope to transfer and switch my major to Literature or English. I would love to become an author in the future, or now. I plan on fixing up a few more of my poems in hope of getting them published. I also hope to have children one day. I love kids. And that, my fair ladies and gents, is me in a nutshell. Well, part of me.


P.s. My first blog is here on blogger. If you'd like a glance at another part of my life please feel free to take a look. http://irvingsrambles.blogspot.com/