Dear Journal,
Today you have probably noticed that I am formatting and writing this entry post a bit different than my previous, "regular looking" posts and I have no for certain reason for that, except to say that every once in a while, change is good. We all need change. The other unforcertain reason is because I want this post to have the appearance of a journal entry--perhaps a "personal journal", but I do not want you all to get alarmed by the term, "personal", or by this title of tis post, "some personal thoughts to reveal," because don't worry, I am not going to reveal any private family secret (if there is/were any) or private fact about myself (if there is/were any); but, on the other-hand, what I do plan to do is to journal to you today about some of thoughts that I have that I don't really like to talk about, and these thoughts are also ones that I do not care that deeply about, but do come on my mind every one in a while, so I thought that I would take the time today to let you all know. Now, for me by blogging this to you means, obviously, that I am posting this to the internet, of which anyone who knows the address can read (or if you type the name of my blog, this blog, into Google, will the address be one of the Top 3, 5, or 10 hits that appear on page 1 of Google's searched site list, since this blog is created using blogger.com, it is, also obviously, a part of Google. Now, to continue on with this introduction and before I get to the body, meaning of this journal entry (blog post), I would like to get something clarified with you all and it is this: I need to define the definition of the word, "journal", for you all [defined from the dictionary: "Apple's Dictionary, Version 2.0.2 (51.4)] so you all are clarified on what kind of journal this is... First, let's get one thing straight--this is not under any circumstance the first definition which is: (1) a newspaper or magazine that deals with a particular subject or professional activity (ex. medical journals, the Wall Street Journal), and is also not the second definition, of which is one of the definitions--that and the 2nd part of this second definition--that I usually use as the definition for my "regular looking", previous blog posts (journal entries), and this is: (2) a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.(ex. Nautical a logbook.), and the third definition is absolutely not related to this type of journal noun as in writing definition, but I thought that I would throw it in for the sake of defining a word and that is this: (3) Mechanics | the part of a shaft or axle that rests on bearings. And, I thought that the Origin of this word "journal" really interesting, especially since I studied French (not Old French, as it says, but French) for two years in high schools (French I and II my junior and senior years of high school), and so the ORIGIN of this word journal is this: late Middle English (originally denoting a book containing the appointed times of daily prayers): form Old French jurnal, from late Latin diurnalis (see diurnal). This word journal is pronounced like |ˈjərnl|, and the part of speech is a noun. And, YES, I did physically myself type out that entire, 3-part (and origin) definition. Now, let's get back on track... The definition that I would like to use for the sake of this entry (post) is the second part of the second definition ("a diary") and its because this is more of a diary entry-- and that brings me upon a almost ending introduction, "transition sentence"--which is this: I am hear to tell you that a diary is not only for girls... even though that term, usage of the word seems to get used and referred to girls, whereas the broader word, "journal" gets used with boys and yes I do often call my "daily record ... of a personal nature ... log book" is journal, but I could call it a diary, and I have my usages for both, similar in definition, words. And, I think, actually scratch that (not literally!--get it, you can tell that went to two evenings in a row of comedy shows with "adult-aged, college-aged" humor), I am going to call this entry: a diary entry, so I could begin by having my greeting by "Dear Diary," , and maybe I will (or maybe I won't, since I already began, and I like beginning personal--or sharing personal--journal/diary entries with "Dear Journal,"), or maybe I will beginning now after this introduction to this post. So, enough already with introducing and let's begin with the publicly, "internetting" sharing of some "semi-personal" thoughts...
Where has our society gone to if its so easy to find out about people in the split of a second? This first topic that I am going to discuss with you is why so many people (mainly students) spend so much wasteful time on such networking sites as FaceBook. Last night, I went to hear this comedian, Wendi Fox, talk in the Congress Lounge (2nd Floor, AUD) @ RU, as part of one of the homecoming SPEED-,and your SAF (student activity fee)-hosted activity. So, one of the things that I heard was that a classic good example of how "frightening" the internet, specifically such networking sites as FaceBook, are and that is this that she told us of a good proclaimed on his Facebook that his parents were out of town, and so the result of this "not-to-be-publicly proclaimed over cyber space" was that there house was robbed. So, as you can see its unfortunate that things like this happen, but it helps all the rest of us learn from other peoples mistakes in the hopes of better protecting ourselves. So, if you, who are reading this, have a FaceBook or do not have one, then answer me this multi-part question: Do you think that it is safe to have one?, Should you have one?, If you have one, should you delete it? (which I did for most of my senior year of high school b/c it go to be too much drama for me, and then I went back on it this summer and really got into it), How much time should be spent using FaceBook--daily? weekly? monthly? bimonthly? yearly? biyearly?--How long is too long? Is every hour of the day too much? What minute, or even every second of the day?(these people, the every minute, every second, FaceBook checkers are either a) have too much time on their hands, or b)are stalkers and need to be publicly warned and banned from internet usage, or c)both.) I will be honest in that towards the beginning of summer all the way through the first 2-3 days of my beginning college days (first week of September 2008), I did check my Facebook just about once (or twice or "thwice"-3 times) a day, but now that I've gotten busy (which is a good thing, at times), I rarely check it once, twice, or "thwice" a day, maybe once a week(but even that is rare), and maybe every couple of weeks or at least once a month(maybe)... I use it more as the "popular use" of it which is for "social networking" and keeping updated with friends and my former classmates of which I've graduated with this past May 27, 2008 @ 7 p.m. till appox. 8-8:30 p.m. So, FaceBook. Is it a good site? bad site? why or why not? Do people take advantage of it? Overall, the big, central idea-question here of which I've just attempted at discussing with you and now am asking you to do the same in return (if and only if you have time time) to respond to this deeply, emotional at times, question: What's your thoughts on this FaceBook ,networking site-driven society?
What is with dating in today's society or just dating in general? This second topic that I am going to talk about is dating. This is a topic that I am not interested in verbally discussing, or for that matter discussing in written form. I will begin by first providing you all with a simple definition (like I did for word "journal" in paragraph 1) of this word "date" (we're going to be using this word in an "-ing" version and the "singular" version as well, but it all means the same thing), and here it is: According to the Apple Program Dictionary Version 2.0.2 (51.4), the word "date" is defined as (informal) a social or romantic appointment or engagement. In example in context is this: a college student on a date with someone her met in class. So, what's with this word "date" or "dating"? Why am I discussing it what this journal-entry format and titling this entry (post) as "some personal thoughts to reveal." Well, that's because there is something that you might (or might not, but for you "not wanting to know" folks this is for you...) want to know and it is this, that I ... have ... not ... and I mean not ... been ... on a ... "date", as in the sense of being defined here by Apple's Dictionary. So, what's the big reason to why I do not "verbally" talk about this or "virtually" talk about this(as I'm doing now-cyber space, virtual discussion on this topic)? Well, its simple, I have always, I guess you could consider it, "weird" talking about such topics as "dating". Sure, I've been out with friends and that sort of thing, but never, never have I been on a "date" as dictionary-defined "date" (see definition above to know what I'm talking about). For whenever I am around my West Chicago residee conservative friend or his similarly (and rightfully-so) conservative family, I get the feel from him/them that they are not "big" into the whole "dating scene", as in contrast many liberals (and maybe a couple or few conservatives) are more into discussing, doing, going on dates and dating at the level and definition as described in the 2nd sentence of this 3rd paragraph. Its also hard to talk to my conservative friend since he is (currently a sophomore) at LeTourneau University, which is a private, nondenominational Christian university based in Longview, Texas, and I'm guessing that there is a majority of conservatives who attend are are conservative in their thinking and way of life (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with that), so furthermore, yes, my conservative friend, Dave, does talk about and mention girls (and sometimes dating) on his blog, but from a conservative perspective, -- so its hard to talk about talk to him about this in a way that other people may, or feel more relaxed on the topic. But, that doesn't really matter because we find other, more interesting, topics to talk about, such as technology, news, college, etc. So, this is getting pretty long already and I need to get on with my life--more specifically, my day-- and so I think, sadly to me (and you know it to--come on admit it) that I am going to conclude and wrap up this journal entry. It's been very kind of you all for letting me share with you this somewhat "semi-personal" topic -- this topic is more "personal/semi-personal" then paragraph 2's first topic. So, do I plan to date in the future? Simple answer is: yes. and the sub-question based on the simple answer is, when?--answer to this is: who knows?--could be this year, or next year or 2 years from now, 3 years from now, 4, maybe 5, or 6, or who knows--- why think about it? Why have I not dated in high school, or even now?, and based on this question, why have I not ever asked a "attractive, cute" girl out on a "date"? Well, the answer to both of those questions is this: In high school, I really wanted to just concentrate on my studies and I always felt (and this is the true, real, first time told answer) that if I ever "got involved" in dating or even for that matter went on a date, then I could loose all mode of concentration for my studies-- perhaps, for this answer, you could call me a nerd, a geek, or even techie, which those three "labels" could describe me, or for the fact that since I have learning disabilities (L.D.) it take me longer to learn material (and such), but also going along with my L.D., I was reading recently (as recent as Spring 2008) about L.D., since I filling out a learning disability "Anne Ford Scholarship" for peoples, like myself, for have learning disabilities (of which I am NOT ashamed-- I am proud and also very much proud to be a Special Olympian Athlete), so where was I, oh yeah, I needed to learn more about my learning disability and in doing so I discovered, from a great awesome site for all peoples who have learning disabilities like myself, a site just for us to help us and found very useful in helping me transition to college and adult life and in becoming more independent (because its really hard for me and other related L.D. folks) and I will link this site here in this entry, below, for you, but anyone back to what I wanted to tell you and that is this--that people (like myself) who have L.D. having trouble dating, and the whole "relationship" thing. The site is the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which you can go to at http://www.ncld.org/. TO ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH L.D.: my advice to you, as a fellow L.D. student, would be to click on the link "At College and Work" at the top of the home page. Anyways, moreover about the who L.D. and dating ("relationships") subtopic, I discovered this (from the site http://www.ncld.org/content/view/369/406/, title "LD & Relationships")--well, right now I couldn't find it on this page now, but I now that somewhere else on the NCLD.ORG, link "At College and Work", I did find once before and is basically what I said about 2-3 sentences ago(before this one). So, if anyone of you out there who is reading this journal entry (blog post) has any advice on this topic for a LD student whose never dated before and may want to sometime in the near future(but still future-future), then I'd appreciate it and you may do so be posting a comment or by emailing me at dan18writer@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing about what you all have to say about this "semi-personal" topic. So, "semi-"similar to the previous first topic in paragraph 2, I am planning on leaving you with this topic, for now, with a question to ponder. So, here are some questions for you to ponder and reflect about with regards to this topic... Why can "dating" be considered a big thing? Why is it hard for some people, like myself who have LD, to go up to a "cute-attractive" girl and ask them out and go on a date with them? Why is it that if we (people who have LD, like myself, who have trouble with dating) have trouble going up to an attractive girl?--when will be our time ... to come along with the crowd and "date.." Before I leave you I need to correct something with what I said towards the beginning of (or somewhere else throughout) this paragraph, and that is this-- I, just now, recalled that I did "sort of-kind of" go on a "date" and that was my senior-year prom. It was with a neighbor who lives down the block from me. Her name is Hattie B. (for the sake of this being published on my "daily-"blog, I am only going to give you the first letter of the last name.) Here's how it happened: I made the "mistake" or "not-mistake" by telling my dad, through a journal, much similar to some of the topics mentioned in this 3rd paragraph, about how I never dated, and I even made the mistake of mentioning a girl (who last year was a sophomore, was in my 2nd semester digital photography class, and now is currently a junior) named Cecille K. (which it doesn't matter now because she's still in her final two years of high school, and I'm on to bigger and better things--and being at RU means that, I remember hearing from the orientation that there is more girls than guys here at this university, and of which I have seen some, possibly-could be considered "cute-attractive", perhaps yeah or perhaps nah. Now, back to my "first-temporary-test date" with Hattie B.-- I might be now, for the first time, ever, be attempting to you all that I did/do think that she is "cute-attractive", along similarly to Cecille K. In a long reach, dreamy, attractiveness way, I also think--and can't believe that I am journaling (blogging) about this--- this is a HUGE opening up that I am doing, so I hope that you all appreciate this-- so that I think a couple of celebrities (actresses) are "cute-attractive" and they are (go to google or www.imdb.com for a photos and mainly further information about them): Kay Panabaker, Madylin Sweeten(my friend Kyle Erickson can attest that I like Madylin S. and Kay P.--he's seen pictures of them that I sent him--oops! why did I tell you that???), Kristen Stewart -- and that's about all that I can think of now, I'm sure that there's more, or futureley more, but for now that's it. And, that's about it for this topic/journal entry, so on that note, let me leave you pondering some reflective questions on this topic: Why can "dating" be considered a big thing? Why is it hard for some people, like myself who have LD, to go up to a "cute-attractive" girl and ask them out and go on a date with them?
Wow! It appears to be that my 3rd paragraph is the LONGEST of all three paragraphs-- its because I revealed with you some thoughts that I had on a topic that I don't usually care to discuss verbally or electronically virtually; but that might just change now, now that you just witnessed here--virtually,publicly--on my blog. This fourth and concluding paragraph to this awesome revealing entry maybe short or not--that's for me to know (or not know) and you to figure out! So, let me give you a quick sums up summary of the topics, words, and thoughts that I just publicized in this entry (post): In paragraph one, I defined the word "journal" and I made you all clear of the distant, yet very much similar "diary" and finally I cleared up any confusion on your thinking of journal=guys and diary =gals: which is not, necessary true, as thought up of and told by me. Paragraph Two was about the first topic (not personal, but very much an modern-day, real-life issue) of FaceBook and this facebook, networking site-driven society. In paragraph three (the longest of four paragraphs), directly above this fourth concluding one, was about dating, dates, and why can "dating" be considered a big thing? In paragraph four, this one, I conclude and sum up what I discussed in this revealing journal entry as a whole. So, will I ever go on my first "actual, not test" date?--well, if I ever do then it'll make big headlines on my daily blog and weekly blog and of which you all, if you are still reading that by that time, (who knows how close or distant that future might be), will find out too! You now know why I didn't date before--because of me not wanting to loose my study concentrations--that's me being, been the "techie", "geeky" me concerned-in love with-my computer [mac]! I hope that you all enjoyed reading about this journal entry (made published possibly by my daily blog--so thank blogger.com for its years in blogging existence!) --- and remember that I always enjoy reading your feedback-driven comments of which you can always 24/7, electronically reach me via email @ dan18writer@gmail.com to tell me all your answers to any questions that I may pose, and most of all just plain your feedback and comments!
Take Care,
Dan
My Daily Blog Post:
CELEBRATING 10 AWESOME, DAILY POSTS!
... Should I Continue with this Daily Blog? : READ ON to discover if I blog to you again or not! ...
Hello My Blogger Readers,
This is Part II of my blog post today. It is because we are celebrating such an awesome and great 10 daily posts to date, I have decided to give you a DOUBLE POST-- that's right, you get, "two for the read of one!" --oh, boy, how lucky are you! , you can to read not 1, but 2 posts from me today in celebration of this awesome 10 daily post mark! *In case you are wondering where Part I is, or couldn't "tell between the lines", the above "Dear Journal," journal entry was Part I of this blog post.
For this CST 100-01 extra-credit assignment of creating and keeping a blog on blogger.com for [at least] 10 days, I know have the needed 10 entries to the extra-credit. I think that I will keep this daily blog going! I never knew how fun it is-- but now, that is after Monday, Oct. 27th, I won't have to worry about having to keep it updated everyday (or almost everyday)... I can now (as of Monday, Oct. 27th), post whenever I want--maybe every couple of days... but will this blog still be nicknamed, "daily blog"? Maybe or may not?--I'll let you decide.--add a comment to this post and let me know!
TO PROFESSOR WRIGHT: For extra credit, I have the required 10 entries (and I think that I am going to keep blogging with more future posts). You can keep updated with future, more posts about me and my thoughts on whatever topic "strikes my fashion." To keep updated to my "daily blog", you can visit http://dansjournal-thoughtstoshare.blogspot.com/ and to keep updated with my "weekly blog" you can visit http://web.me.com/danielsmrokowski/Dans_Photography/My_Photographic_Commentary_%28Blog%29/My_Photographic_Commentary_%28Blog%29.html. Let me know what you think by emailing me "email feedback" or/and by adding a comment to whatever entry on whichever blog you wish!
Thanks all, for staying with me for these 10 posts and I hope that you all continue to stay updated and informed to my blog about me! -- There's more to come,--let's hope!
Have a Blessed Evening, glorious day, wonderful Friday, and an enjoyable and relaxful weekend!
--Dan
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