Monday, December 3, 2012

Course Evaluation

Well I'm pretty sure my self evaluation touched on how I feel about this class and how important it has been for me. I was very surprised at how easy this course was for me considering my apprehensions about it.
I thought it would be tough to write so many papers, but I'm unhappy it is almost over.

I feel as though knowledge is never wasted with that said I feel this class was well worth my time and money. This class has boosted my self-confidence and helped me put some demons to bed.

I don't have anything bad to say about this class other then I would like more options to write about. I'm glad that I had Goldfine as my instructor for this class and have told other EMCC students to take this class with him.

I would not change anything about of with this class. I also have no advice for Goldfine as he is the instructor and I am the student. He taught and I learned.

During this class I wrote several pieces that I liked and non that I hated. I don't think I have ever been able to say that before. My second favorite piece was the one I wrote about my wife Amy and the day we were married. She is my everything and writing that piece reaffirmed how much I love her. She read it and gave me a big old kiss. I also got a nice complement from another student on that one.


reaction to my essays and grafs. Graft #20


When I started this class I was not very happy because I had previously taken an essay writing class at Keene State College and I thought that credit should transfer. I was not a big fan of writing and always had a rough time with English classes. I was totally overwhelmed at first with the thought of writing over 25 papers for this class.

 The writing assignments started off small and were all about us and our backgrounds. I liked these assignments a lot and found it to be a great way to ease into writing papers. We moved on into more in depth grafs and then into full 5 paragraph essays. These were a little harder, took more time, and needed preparation. I was very happy with all of my Essays. I feel that all of my papers were a direct reflection of myself and my views. I really liked taking my personal experiences and putting them down on paper for me to relive and for others to enjoy. I think during this class I found a since of peace with my writing, and was able to better develop my writing as well.

The piece I am most proud of was the object paper where I wrote about my PEPE. I still have in my possession his last drivers licence. With this item in hand I wrote all about him and my memories of him. It was the piece I'm most attached to and spent the most time on. This is mostly because I spent as much time crying my eyes out as I did writing.

The other piece that I'm in love with is the place paper I wrote about my wife and the day we wed. This piece is important to me because other than my children she is the most important person in my life and I'm so happy that God chose to bless me with her as my wife.

The only paper I have left to submit is my final draft of my I-search which I am very happy with. I find myself here in the last week or so of classes and for the first time in my college career actually looking forward to our final paper. I have found joy in what I once despised (writing) and I have Mr. Goldfine to thank for that. It may sound corny or like I'm kissing ass, but unlike most people I know I find extreme joy in overcoming my fears, and short comings. So all I have left to say is Thank You!  




Division Essay

I'm Going Home



I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and often go back to visit friends, attend events, and to remember the old days. It is a long drive to Keene and for this reason I don’t go back there very often, but when I do find a reason to make the trip I Divide my trip into three parts. Each part is marked by a change in the road and a change in emotion. The first section is I-95 accompanied by anxiety. Section two is the N.H highways and a peaceful feeling. Section three brings on the back roads and a nostalgic feeling.
I've got my bags packed and can’t wait to take my wife Amy to my old stomping grounds where I grew up. Naturally I've been sitting in the truck for twenty minutes waiting for Amy to finish her final inspection of the house and her tenth review of the instructions to be left for our parents who will be watching the house while we are gone.  Finally we hit the road only twenty minutes behind schedule. I turn onto I-95 South and put the hammer down in a macho attempt to make up for lost time. The road is smooth and straight for the next 2.5 hours as we make our way down the boring Maine Turnpike. I can’t drive fast enough at this point to suit my soul so I turn on the I-pod. Instantly a continuous medially of rock n roll and heavy metal music floods the truck.  I look over at Amy and see her singing along and decide to join in as well. “Highway to the danger zone, I’m gonna take you right into the danger zone”. Without even knowing it we are hauling ass and making up time. “Jeremy stop at the Gardiner rest stop so I can pee.” The warden demands. One pee break down and a fresh cup of coffee later and we are back on the road listening to Billy Joel remind us that he didn’t start the fire. Soon we blow through Portland and though the coast. At this point I’m so anxious to get to Keene I’m physically shaking, on second thought it could be the four cups of coffee or the three lanes of traffic going 90 MPH. Soon we come to the big green bridge as I called it as a kid and finish up our first leg of the trip.

Once over the N.H state line I strip my seat belt off and sit up straight in my seat. Amy looks over at me and says “Why did you take off your seatbelt?” “In N.H we live free or die” I reply. She laughs at me and states “well you’re a Mainer now dumbass.”  We pull up, pay the toll and head into the heart of N.H. Here the road changes, you can tell that much more care is put into every mile. The tar is a dark black color and the yellow lines are bright. The foliage is beautiful and the mountains are breath taking. All along I-93 and I-89 are big beautiful boulders that were blasted many years ago to make way for the roads we travel today. I love the big pieces of granite that have been carved out. These roads are much more peaceful and fun to travel then I-95. At this point in the trip I start spouting off old stories about hunting and fishing in N.H. I tell my wife of all the fun I’ve had in this wonderful state. Soon we hit exit #5 off of I-89 and make our way towards Keene.

Once off of I-89 we continue the trip on the back roads of N.H. This is my favorite part of the trip driving through all of the little towns and looking at all the shops. I don’t even need to look at the road to know where I’m going, I’ve been over these roads hundreds of times and it seems like my truck knows exactly where to go. We pass Granite Lake and make our way through Hillsboro and all of a sudden I can see myself jumping of that old wooden dock right into the lake. I pass the old ice cream stand and instantly taste a hint of chocolate chip. Now the road starts to get bumpy and very curvy as we follow the river closer and closer to Keene. All I can think about are my days at KHS working in shop class, the texture of the football field, the late night parties and mud runs. Now my I-pod starts to play my country selections and it is quite fitting as I’m about to enter the city limits of Keene. I play my welcome home song “ I’m going home” as we pull onto West street and head toward my best friend Seth’s house on Main street. I've got my arm hanging out of my window singing "I'm going home to a place were I belong". We make our way around the common in the center of town and pull into the drive way. Now my cell starts to ring of the hook with countless friends from school wanting to know “hey was that you I just saw on Main Street?” Now I know I’m home and the journey is over.

It doesn't matter how many times I make this trip or who I bring to town I always feel the same way when I reach my destination. Who says you can’t go home?

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Process essay timed



The most disgusting and vile creatures I have had to deal with in my life are my wife's two cats Merlin and Ginger! I know what your thinking how can two soft, furry little kitties be so bad. Well the one thing in this world I hate the most is cat piss and you never know where your going to find it. Unfortunately for me I have found it almost everywhere you could imagine. Cats are also impossible to figure out, one minute they want some love and the next they are clawing the shit out of your leg. When you toss them out of your second story window they will just land on their feet and look up at you with a smug look as if to say" ha ha asshole nice try". When you let them outside they just hang around the garage and poop on your tool bench and sooner or later the wife will hear them whine and let them back in asking the whole house "who let the cats out?". I find it best to stay on their good side as difficult as it may be. There are three things I do on a daily basis in hopes of making these two snobs happy. I check their restroom, I give them food,water, and just a little bit of love followed by my secret weapon.

Upon arriving home from work I take a moment to pray that the monsters who occupy the second floor have not peed on anything since I left for work. I briefly go over my battle plan in my head and then make the terrifying journey up stairs to confront my fate. I check the laundry room for signs of pussy and then make my way into my office. After checking the office I head to check point two the master bedroom. After clearing check point two and finding no trace of cat urine I can abandon operation kill the fur ball and report for clean up duty. Once in the master bathroom home to the feline's potty I fire up the cat scoop and proceed to execute operation toxic waste removal. With my gas mask firmly attached or my t-shirt pulled up high enough to cover my nose, I clean out any clumps the dynamic duo have left behind. My next step is to add just a cup full of fresh cat litter to the box. Once I have completed the mission charlie comes in and starts dropping bombs in the freshly cleaned cat box. God for bid it stays clean for two seconds, but at least they are happy and going in the box instead of my clean laundry basket!

While the cats are polluting the cat box I move onto step two, the dealing out of their daily rations. Both Merlin and Ginger get two scoops of Seafood delight. I always feed Merlin first, and his food must go into the blue bowl. Ginger goes next because she is the younger sister and her food must be placed in the pink bowl that displays her name. My wife insists that they each need their own food bowl even though each one has two sides. Neither one of her cats will drink water from the other side of their bowl. Water and food can not be that close to each other I guess it must be a cat thing because my dogs don't give a dam as long as they get their food and water. I could mix the two and they still would be happy. Next I proceed to the watering hole or the bathroom sink which ever you prefer. Like I said they wont drink from their bowls so I must fill the sink with fresh water. The felines don't even drink right for god sake they dip their front paw into the water and then lick it off. So weird. After the feeding both cats expect me to put them through an exhausting PT session. The session lasts for about five minutes and then they must hit the head and report to the barracks (my bed) for lights out. Once they have had there fill of playing and being loved I get a break from cat duty.

After a few hours of R&R the flea bags are full of piss and vinegar. I know because this is usually when they get me via a sneak attack. All of a sudden I can feel sharp claws through my slippers as I send them flying across the room. The bad part of this is they come right back after me with a relentless attack and I'm forced to either stay and fight or retreat back down stairs to the safe zone. Back at the HQ or the kitchen I prepare for war restocking my supplies (sneakers, water bottle, laser pointer) and prepare the secret weapon. Sometimes I even call on my allies (my son Nathan and daughter Maria) for support. I hump it back in about three clicks and unleash hell spraying my water bottle like a machine gun. With my enemies subdued I usually have enough time to deploy my secret weapon CAT NIP or as I call it kitty weed. One taste of the kitty weed and these hairballs are putty in my hand.

I stand over my fallen enemies victorious and I know I have won the battle, but tomorrow is another day and there will be more battles to fight. As long as I have my battle plan and a heavy supply of kitty weed the war will remain within my grasps or at the very least the cats will remain happy for another day and my clothes will remain pee free.




Monday, November 19, 2012

Effect Essay



On November 19th 2005 my son Nathan L. Edwards was born 6 pounds 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Seven years ago today I had no idea what a profound impact he would have on me and my life. How could a newborn baby change a man so much, even help him? Well having my little man has effected me in so many ways. Some of the ways I have been effected by the birth of my son are: I grew up, my priorities changed, and I began to understand why my parents were the way they were.

At twenty-two years old I was a young hell raising son of a gun with no responsibilities. I could go out when ever I wanted, drink all day and night, and spend every last dime I had on whatever I wanted. My young bride and I could make love til the sun came up and went down again. All of that changed in the blink of an eye, the day my baby boy was born. I found myself coming home early and staying in on Saturday night just to be with him not wanting to miss a thing. Cracking open beer cans turned into warming up baby bottles. Partying all night turned into rocking him to sleep all night. Spending all my money on crap turned into working overtime to pay for diapers and formula. Some people say that a boy becomes a man when a man is needed, it was my time to be that man because my wife and brand new baby needed me.

When Nate was born my wife, son Patrick, and I all lived in a small two bedroom trailer in Eddington. It was a good place, but not where I wanted to raise our new family. I was working for a big company making good money, but they did not care at all about me or my family. I took a new job that would bring in more money for my family and provide better opportunities for my family. As a result I was able to spend more time with my growing family. I traded in our small fast compact car for an SUV with more seating, four wheel drive, and more safety. We built a large home out in the country for extra security and more room for the kids to play not to mention we were no longer right on route nine. I started putting money into a retirement fund and saving for his college education. My path had once again changed and I believe for the better.

When I was a kid I never could figure out why mom and dad always had to know where I was going, who I was going with, when I would be back, and weather or not anyone's parents would be home. I did not understand why I had to save my money or why I could not have all the new toys the other kids had. Why was is so important that I eat a good breakfast and all my vegetables at dinner. "Do your homework before you go out and play" mom would tell me. "But mom I'll do it later" would be the reply. "Don't stand to close to the t.v", "go outside that dam video game is going to rot your brain".  I never in a million years would have thought that I would be repeating the words of my parents one day. Today my wife and I can be heard saying most of these lines and many others from our childhood. We do it because we love our kids, want them to be safe, and grow up to be good, responsible citizens. My mother and I talk about stuff like this now that I'm older and have kids. She loves to hear my go on about some of this stuff, she smiles and says to me now you know how we felt raising you and your brother. Mom always said what goes around comes around I guess she was right. Today I understand all to well what I put her through and all I can say is I'm sorry and I'm glad I got blessed with the parents I have.

I am so thankful for all of my children, I don't think there is anything better then having kids although my mother said to me the other day oh yes there is Grand kids! All I know is when you have kids everything else  moves to second place even your spouse. Kids are the only ones who will give unconditional love and deserve it in return. It is our duty as parents to teach them, protect them, and most importantly to love them. To Nathan, Patrick and my Maria thank you for making me a daddy and I'm so very proud to be your daddy I love you.
 


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Process Essay draft #1


Another Day in Paradise

Like many people I know I often find myself saying "There just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done". I have a day planner that I carry with me everywhere and everything that I need to get done each day is logged in it. This is the only way I can get through the day without saying "I wish I had more time to get everything done". Everyday for me starts off the same way, my alarm goes off, I get up, go work out, and take a shower. The middle part of the day is broken down into three main parts: Work, Family, School and if I stick to my plan I get almost everything done that I need to get done each day. Like the beginning of my day starts the same way so does the end. Right before bed I brush my teeth, take a leak, and then try to seduce my wife into making love to me, this is my favorite part of the day! 

The first part of my day starts at 6 am as my cell phone plays Knockin On Heavens Door by Gun's n Roses, waking me from my sleep. I drag myself out of bed and head for the weight room, nothing gets the blood flowing in the morning like hitting the weights and listening to some tunes. I kiss my sleeping beauty on the forehead and wish I could fast forward the day so I can be back in bed with her. Soon I'm off to Unity to manage the day to day operations of my families grocery store. I love my 35 minute ride to work listening to Fox News catching up on the daily gossip and whats happening in the world. As soon as I walk through the front door everyone seems to get busy working as if the cat has come back home and the mice must now stop playing. I always head into the break room for my morning cup of coffee and then to the back room to get everyone motivated. Five or six hours of the customer always being right, stocking freight, and listening to the normal associate groins sends me right back out the front door wishing all the while I could be curled up with my baby, but for this cat there is still more to be done. I head over to the post office, accountant or run miscellaneous errands that need to be done. At this point I feel like I should get some lunch so my stomach will shut, but really who has time for lunch, not this cat. I'm off to job number two to check in on my investment properties, collect rents, mow the lawn or fix that leaky sink. I get excited when i'm at the apartment house because now i'm working for myself, i'm the boss. Having completed my "jobs" I can kiss the first part of the day goodbye as I get closer to ending my day and spending some time with the wife.

I pull the truck into my driveway and instantly switch gears from businessman to family man. My two stupid dogs run out of the garage to greet me. I wish dogs could talk because I know these dumb asses are thinking  dads home get the ball gotta get the ball. Ha ha here's the ball come on throw the ball come on throw the ball awwwh he threw the ball!!!! Inside my little princess Maria is awaiting my arrival so I can pick her up and she can touch the ceiling. "Uppie uppie" she says as we complete our routine. Once uppie time is over I must run the gantlet with the boys. They love to wrestle with me and practice their karate skills or some new move they learned from the Power Rangers. I get a welcome home kiss from the misses and my mind instantly races to all the fun we could have if the kids would just run up the road to their grand parents house. Usually pasta is whats for dinner in this house since mamma is an Italiano. Oh how I love the smell of her homemade sauce simmering on the stove with big chunks of meatball and sausage. After dinner I make sure each of our three kids has a bath, brushes their teeth and is safely tucked into bed. As I feed the dogs dinner I often silently thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful family. At this point my tummy is full and I can hear my sleep number bed calling my name" Jeremy you are getting sleepy". "I wish I could go to sleep ass hole, but I got to much to do" I mutter to myself. Making my way to my office past my bed I know that I'm two thirds of the way through my day.

It is now that I must slug down an energy drink in hopes of mustering up enough energy to complete my school work. Crap another essay to complete for Goldfine and accounting for Dr.D I might never get to sleep. Soon the words are flowing and my fingers are typing away. I feel an unusual release of tension as I complete my homework. One word after another, sentence after sentence, and then a completed graf or essay. I hope Goldfine will approve of this piece and Doritty will give another passing grade. Did I do the best I could, will I pass this class. My head fills with doubt and I can feel the tension building as my energy drink wears off. Reviewing my calendar I can see that I have completed the days tasks and fear that tomorrow will yet again be more of the same.

I crawl into bed after brushing my teeth and with a sigh say goodbye to the day hoping that god will bless me with tomorrow. I find peace not in how much I got done during the day, but rather what I did during the day. I have provided for my family, spent quality time with my loved ones, and attempted to enhance my future. Now there is only one thing left to do so I give my wife a nudge nudge and a wink wink and turn out the lights.  IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE!!






Monday, November 5, 2012

Process Essay intro#2

Another Day in Paradise

Like many people I know I often find myself saying "There just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done". I have a day planner that I carry with me everywhere and everything that I need to get done each day is logged in it. This is the only way I can get through the day without saying "I wish I had more time to get everything done". Everyday for me starts off the same way, my alarm goes off, I get up, go work out, and take a shower. The middle part of the day is broken down into three main parts: Work, Family, School and if I stick to my plan I get almost everything done that I need to get done each day. Like the beginning of my day starts the same way so does the end. Right before bed I brush my teeth, take a leak, and then try to seduce my wife into making love to me!!

Friday, November 2, 2012

timed effect essay


Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as far,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads onto way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost (1916)
Robert Frost wrote this poem nearly a century ago and it is still inspiring the inspirable today. In 2002 I was a young man of nineteen at a pivotal crossroad in my life searching for answers and direction. This one piece of material has had a profound impact on my life each and every day since the first time I read it in 2002. This poem has affected my life in so many ways and taught me many things; some of them are as follows: 
1) it has taught me to trust and believe in myself no matter what 2) It has taught me that it is better to attempt something great and fail, then to attempt nothing and succeed and 3) it has inspired me not to let my learning lead to knowledge, but rather to let learning lead to action.
1      
      It has taught me to trust and believe in myself no matter what. Self-worth is one of the most important things needed to be happy and successful. Before my experience with Robert Frost I had lost a woman I thought I was in love with. She tore me apart and stole my self-worth, my confidence. This poem helped me to find and rebuild my inner self. It taught me to be strong and to go after what I wanted most. Not long after reading it I found my loving wife Amy. She put me off for months and made it very difficult to get close to her, but I continued the pursuit of what I wanted no matter how tough she made it. I believed in myself and trusted that feeling I had in my gut that she was the one woman god had made just for me. After one year of dating she made me the happiest man in the world when she accepted my marriage proposal. We now have three beautiful children and after almost ten years of marriage she still has that special twinkle in her eye for me. Because of this one poem I have my other half and can live the rest of my life whole.
2  
            It has taught me that it is better to attempt something great and fail, then to attempt nothing and succeed.  In the spring of 2002 I dropped out of college at Keene State College and thought I was destined for some low paying job and that I would never realize my true potential. After reading this poem I realized that at least I had attempted something great. That my parents were proud that I tried to be the first in the family to get a degree. I also learned that we as humans learn more from our failures then from our triumphs. This lesson has inspired me to reach for the stars and to attempt other great feats. Because of this I am taking English 101 at EMCC and seven or so credits shy of being the first one in my family to earn a college degree. I am no longer stupid or fearful of defeat and I will no longer retreat. I will continue to attempt greatness in everything that I do and inspire those around me to compete.
3   
       It has inspired me not to let my learning lead to knowledge, but rather to let learning lead to action. I have always worked for big companies or for someone else and wondered if I would ever get there myself. We are taught in school to work hard, get a college education and get a good job. This poem has inspired me to be a leader, an individual, to take the hard road. I want to learn as much as I can so I can be the boss, the big business owner not be stuck in the rat race working for them man. I have taken every bit of knowledge I have from school, college, life experience and started my own company. I am putting knowledge to work for me and taking action for a better life. I strive for more knowledge everyday not so I can be smart or use big words in a conversation, but so I can take action and produce results.

Robert Frost said “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” It is as true today as it was a hundred years ago. It may not always be easy; we may not know what awaits us around the bend, success or failure. At least I believe in myself and took action unafraid of failure. I've made the choice to take the path less traveled, and oh what a ride!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Example Essay




In August of 1982 I was born, a healthy little boy 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long. As first time parents my mom and dad were very proud and happy to have a healthy child. Little did they know that their little boy had a serious illness hidden deep under his skin, unseen by the naked eye. It would take almost five years of constant ear infections and illness before they realized something very serious was wrong with their bundle of joy. "Cholesteatoma" Dr. Christopher Daniels of Concord Otolaryngology said to my parents in 1987. Cholesteatoma a word my parents had never heard before, but would never again forget.
Cholesteatoma a disease that would be my biggest adversary for over thirty years. Life before and after this disease has proven very difficult and I have had a lot of struggles to overcome. Some of these struggles included finishing my traditional education and attending college, learning and completing basic life skills, and the physical, mental, and emotional toll it has taken on me.

Cholesteatoma is a disease that infects the mastoid cavity within the head. In my case it continued to grow and it ate the bones in my inner ear and started to eat a whole in my skull as it made its way to my brain. Fortunately for me the Dr. cleaned it out before any brain damage occurred, but major damage had already been done. As a result of this I have a hard time processing sounds. As you can imagine I had a hard time learning to read and write because I could not make out the sounds of basic letters and could not put them together to form words. I got way behind the other kids in school and had to work extra hard to learn to read and write. I would spend a part of my day with a special ed teacher who helped me learn these skills. I worked really hard all through Jr. High and high school just to keep pace with kids my age. I would have to have extra time to complete tests, and sometimes have verbal tests instead of written ones. I had a special education teacher assigned to me all through school that gave me extra attention and helped me get through grade school. In college I decided that I wanted to succeed on my own without any extra help. I knew that the world was a fast pace place and no one was going to help me get through this thing we call life. Today I only have a few credits left to earn before I receive my business degree and I am just shy of a 4.0 average. It’s not easy for me and I spend a lot of my time with my head in the books trying to learn as much as possible. I have learned how to teach myself instead of relying on others to do it for me.

Believe it or not I had a hard time just speaking up until about age 18 or so. I knew that if I could hear myself talking I was being too loud so as a result I became very soft spoken. So much so that sometimes people could not hear me or did not even know I was talking. I also had such a bad hearing loss that sometimes people thought I was ignoring them when they spoke, but I really just could not hear them. These issues made it very hard to have a basic conversation with someone. I would always end up saying things like “what did you say, are you talking to me, I can’t hear you”. I had a hard time with driving and cooking as well. I could not hear other cars on the roads or the oven timer going off. I rarely would answer the phone the first time a person called me because I could not hear the ringer. When I played sports in high school I had a difficult time because I could not hear the whistles. Imagine being on the football field and laying an opponent out after the whistle and trying to explain to the referee that you can’t hear the whistle. Now I’m a parent and I cannot stay home with my kids overnight alone because I can’t hear them when they wake up in the middle of the night or when they are hurt and need my help. A lot of simple everyday tasks are very difficult if not impossible as a result of the effects of this disease. Every day is a constant struggle just to be normal, just to survive in this world.

During the last thirty years I have had a total of nine major ear surgeries. I have a permanent six inch scar that starts at my temple and continues around my left ear down to my ear lobe. If you are behind me you can’t miss it and everyone who sees it wants to know how I got it. My scar is a constant reminder that I’m different from everyone else and of the pain I have endured all these years. Looking at my ear you will notice that the opening is three times larger than that of a normal ear. It looks like someone took and ice cream scoop and scooped out the center of my ear. I can’t even count the number of times someone has thought it would be fun to pick on me because of my appearance or try to see how far down my ear a finger can go. In eighth grade I started school with a bandage that wrapped around my head and covered half of my face. I don’t even want to relive that week of hell here so I’ll move on, but I’m sure you can use your imagination.  I’ve dealt with this kind of tormenting my entire life knowing form an early age that I was different and that my life would not be the same as someone without my condition. It has been insanely difficult to stay focused and remember that I can do anything that anyone else can do. In my head I hear those words, but often question the reality of the message. After so many years of abuse a person cannot help but be effected. For many years I was an emotional disaster. I had low self-esteem, thought I was freakish looking, and truly thought I would amount to nothing.

Cholesteatoma destroyed my ear and my hearing, but created the man I am today and the man I was destined to be. Despite all of my struggles, weaknesses, and disadvantages I have learned that nothing in this world hits harder than life and it will beat you down to your knees and keep you there if you let it. It is not important how many times you get hit or how hard, but rather how much you can take while getting up and moving forward because that is how winning is done.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Example Essay Intro revised


In August of 1982 I was born, a healthy little boy 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long. As first time parents my mom and dad were very proud and happy to have a healthy child. Little did they know that their little boy had a serious illness hidden deep under his skin, unseen by the naked eye. It would take almost five years of constant ear infections and illness before they realized something very serious was wrong with their bundle of joy. "Cholesteatoma" Dr. Christopher Daniels of Concord Otolaryngology said to my parents in 1987. Cholesteatoma a word my parents had never heard before, but would never again forget.
Cholesteatoma a disease that would be my biggest adversary for over thirty years. Life before and after this disease has proven very difficult and I have had a lot of struggles to overcome. Some of these struggles included finishing my traditional education and attending college, learning and completing basic life skills, and the physical, mental, and emotional toll it has taken on me.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Graf #19 Reaction to timed essay


I wish I had more than one hour to complete this essay. I decided to write about how I'm like my dog, but found difficulty turning it into a contrast essay. I liked the example and since my first contrast essay was about how my two dogs are different, my dogs were fresh on my mind and I thought it would be helpful to use that freshness to complete this paper.  I took the direction of dogs and humans and how they relate. Or rather how my dog Lucy and I relate. I wrote, and wrote, but found myself with little time to cut and paste. I needed some more time to get the structure the way I would have liked it to be. I think it is a good essay, but not my best work. I will say that the time limit got the best of me here in my opinion.


contrast essay #18 Timed



Some people say that “pets look like there owners”.  While that may be true, I think that pets share certain traits with their owners and those traits are what links us together and sets us apart. I share my home with a white and tan boxer named Lucy. Lucy is my girl and there is no doubt that we have a special bond because of the traits we share. We are obedient, affectionate, and strong. Now while these traits link us together they also set us apart as Human and Canine.


Lucy is very obedient, she will come when called, sit on command, shake, stay, and speak when asked. Lucy knows what the rules are and for the most part follows them. I too, like Lucy will come when my wife calls. I will sit when my boss asks me to have a seat, and I shake hands when I meet someone new or encounter a friend. When someone says “Jeremy stay here and wait for the ambulance” I listen and follow their instructions just like Lucy listens. When board members ask for my opinions I speak up and say what is on my mind.

The major difference in obedience between Lucy and me is that Lucy is only obedient with me and my wife. I on the other hand am obedient with my wife, parents, employer, teachers, and certain community members like police officers and firefighters. Unlike Lucy, I understand that there is not one master of the universe, but rather many moving parts that make up our universe.


Lucy is also the most affectionate dog you will ever meet. She needs attention 24/7/365.  If you are sitting on the couch you better be patting her or she will put her nose under your hand and flick it up into the air until it lands on top of her head. It is funny the first time she does it, but by the end of the night you want to slap her. If your face is in her reach you are going to get Lucy kisses until you move you head. If you manage to get your hand into a safety zone she will jump on the couch with you and inch her way onto your lap. Sounds like fun, but Lucy is 106 lbs of dog that wants to be all over you. I can’t say much I guess, because if my wife is in reach I’m going to give her some love too. Like Lucy I am very affectionate with my wife and kids. I was taught that it is OK to give hugs and kisses to those you love. Sometimes I will even try to inch my way into my wife’s lap and I’m 225 lbs of man who wants to be all over you. You can see how Lucy and I are both very affectionate creatures.

The major difference between us is I understand that everyone needs space and does not want love every second of every day. Unlike Lucy I can control my need for attention, love, and affection. For Lucy it is all about her and no one else. As a human I understand that it must we equally about others as well as yourself. I know that you cannot give love that is not wanted. Lucy on the other hand is like a tramp who will give it up to anyone that is willing and some that aren't.


Like I said before Lucy is a 106 lb. Boxer. She has one of those thick block looking heads that screams don’t mess with me. Lucy has a strong, deep hound howl that would make any would be robber pee in his pants. From her head to her toes each and every muscle is visibly toned like a body builder. Her massive mouth clenches down with in creditable force, making it nearly impossible to win a game of tug of war with her. Like my dog Lucy I am also a strong individual. I have stone cold eyes that can strike fear into anyone and a tone that commands respect from all. I have a toned physique and a grip of steel. Like Lucy I’m ready to throw down at a moment’s notice.

Unlike Lucy I know my own strength and can adjust my strength depending on who I’m with. Lucy is a powerhouse all the time whether she is playing with the kids or with my wife. I understand that every person needs to be handled differently, some with less force. If someone comes into the house that Lucy does not know she is on alert and wants to go after them. I on the other hand can control my aggression and strength with everyone. The control factor is what separates me the human from Lucy the canine.



Maybe the reason people say “dog is man’s best friend” is because we are so much alike. Maybe it is because we share similarities in so many traits. I think we are best friends because at our core we are uncensored animals trying to get out. I think it is only evolution and my wife that separates me from my canine counter parts. When I think about it I have howled at the moon, buried my bone, unleashed my inner beast, and if my wife did not yell at me I would still pee outside.    

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

annotated bib

Works Cited
Leen, Cindy. "What Landlords Think." Personal interview. 16 Oct. 2012.
Cindy is a local landlord in Bangor,ME who has 12 rental units. She has been in the rental business for years. Cindy rents to a wide range of Mainers from students to small family's. Cindy's units are in down town Bangor and are close to schools, retail stores, hospitals and more.

Norsworthy, Tim. "What Tenants Think." Personal interview. 16 Oct. 2012.
Tim is a tenant who rents a one bedroom apartment in Bangor, ME. Tim has rented apartments for over ten years. Tim has lived in many towns from bath,Lisbon to Bangor.

St. Louis, Brian C. "What Tenants Think 2." Personal interview. 16 Oct. 2012.
Brian St. Louis is a former college student who rented a two bedroom apartment in Bangor. Brian rented as a college student in an area near Husson College. Brian offers a college persons views on renting.

Contrast Essay

Dog On Fun


Our family is made up of my wife, three kids, two stupid dogs and I. I love my wife and kids, but I often wonder why I love these mutts. Max and Lucy are our dog’s names and we really do love them very much, but they drive us nuts. Both of them are without a doubt the dumbest canines on earth and they drive me crazy. I spend a ton of money on them from food to vet bills and everything in between not to mention they destroy my house. I have a full size tote that holds their dog food, 50lbs of Dog Chow and that only lasts a few weeks. Several hundred dollars per year goes to vet bills and that’s if they don’t get too friendly with the local porky pine or need any extras like surgery or medications. Both love baths at the doggie spa, but who doesn’t like to be pampered or bathed by someone? The down side for me is the $25 bucks per dog per visit. On the surface they are good dogs, but each of them has their quirks that drive me up the wall. They are different in the time they need to go pee to the time they want to eat and when and from whom they want attention. Really how can two dogs that live in the same house, eat the same food, get the same love and attention be so vastly different?

 My house has undoubtedly gone to the dogs.

Max is a black and tan hound dog that would rather be outside in the rain or snow then curled up on a doggie bed. It doesn't matter if it is 100 degrees out or 10 below zero he wants out. Now one would think that a dog that spends most of his time outside would be easy to house train, well not shit head. I think he waits to come inside to pee just to piss me off. It took us almost six months to get him trained to pee outside and about a thousand dollars in bounty paper towels. When he is not chewing everything in sight he is digging up my entire lawn and we have almost six acres  I sometimes think all he does is eat, pee, dig and bark. All dam night bark, bark, and bark some more. I’m about ready to invest some more money in a bark collar. Roof, roof, zap, whine ha, ha, ha ass hole. Did I mention that he is my wife’s dog? Now the other block head Lucy is a tan Boxer mix who unlike Max would rather be lounging inside on the couch then outside. Lucy is what I call a fair weather fan. If it’s nice out 55-80 degrees she will play outside and run around, but outside of that her ass is inside. If it is snowing or raining I literally have to force her to go out and do her business, God forbid if princess gets wet. On the up side I had her potty trained in two days and she will hold her bladder all dam day before she pees in the house unlike dumb ass  When she does get out she will most likely lay down in the drive way and take a nap while max aerates the lawn. Lucy doesn't bark it’s more of deep growl and she only does that if she hears someone pull in the drive way. With max I can’t tell if someone is here or if he is just trying to tell me he took a poop. If you could not tell Lucy is my baby.



Now max is still a puppy only about a year old while Lucy is a senior citizen pushing nine. With that being said Max will eat five meals a day if you let him, and then still gets into the trash. Lucy on the other hand may or may not eat her breakfast, but looks forward to dinner and a bedtime bone. After Max eats he needs to poop right away while Lucy may just wait until morning. Inside each mutt has their own special spot, Lucy always on the couch or in the recliner while Max is on the floor next to the window or sleeping by the door. Max will spend hours chewing a bone or playing with his toys, but not my Lucy. Lucy may play for a while, but she is more content following the cats around or napping. At dinner time both dogs can be found lying underneath the kitchen table. Lucy always sits by the kids because time has taught her that’s who drops the food. Max on the other hand always by mommy and rarely getting a taste of our dinner, rookie. 



Both dogs love our kids and are always playing and licking them. When it comes to my wife and I it’s a little different. Max wants more attention from me then my wife and Lucy wants attention from Amy rather than from me. Naturally and subconsciously I think I give more attention to my dog Lucy than Max while at the same time Amy gives more attention to Max than Lucy. Now we really do love our dogs equally, but we have special bonds with one or the other. For example Max and my wife will sit together in her chair crafting while Lucy and I go for rides in the truck. Lucy loves to go riding with me in the truck unlike Max who trembles every time you open the car door. I taught Lucy all of the normal dog tricks like sit, stay, come and so on. She can shake; give hugs and kisses on command. When I ask her who is here she goes to the window and will bark if anyone is at the house or driving by. Max on the other hand has barely mastered sit and stay.  Likewise both dogs have special attributes. Max can always tell if there are any animals around the house or in the woods. His nose is truly that of a hound, I often will see him flowing a sent zigzagging this way and that.  Lucy sometimes can’t smell a French fry even when you drop it right in front of her. Lucy is without a doubt a true protector of the family and a great judge of character. She has on several occasions put herself in between a family member and an unknown person. Max on the other hand runs away from most people scared or will wait to see what Lucy does. Lucy can tell if you are a good person or not and whether or not I should be careful around you. The hair on her back stands up in a solid line and she gets a mean look on her face constantly looking up at me as to say “dad I don’t know about this guy”.

Being a dog owner is a lot of work and defiantly costs a lot of money. Even though both of my dogs drive me nuts, I still love them. Their bad habits and their good ones to remind me of us humans, God knows none of us are perfect and it is how we are different that makes us unique. Max and Lucy are special because they are a part of my family. Despite all the things that irritate me about Max and Lucy I cannot imagine our family without them especially my Lucy girl. I thank God for all the truck rides with Lucy as my co-pilot these are memories I will keep forever. I feel comfortable saying that being a dog owner is well worth the price you pay. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Contrast Essay Outro


Being a dog owner is a lot of work and defiantly costs a lot of money. Even though both of my dogs drive me nuts, I still love them. Their bad habits and their good ones to remind me of us humans, God knows none of us are perfect and it is how we are different that makes us unique. Max and Lucy are special because they are a part of my family. Despite all the things that irritate me about Max and Lucy I cannot imagine our family without them especially my Lucy girl. I thank God for all the truck rides with Lucy as my co-pilot these are memories I will keep forever. I feel comfortable saying that being a dog owner is well worth the price you pay.  

Graf #18 I-search Progress report


I have all of my landlord interviews set up, and they should be completed this week. Four of my Tenant interviews are also scheduled for this week as well as my meeting with the town manager. I am attending a landlord/ property owner association meeting on Tuesday night as well.

I hope to have the two remaining tenant interviews completed by the end of the week or first of next week, timing has been an issue with these two thus far. I'm waiting for a return phone call from my attorney to schedule our meeting.

Week ending 11/3/12 I will be conducting my on-line research since it will play a small role in my paper. Week ending 11/10/12 I will be putting everything together and writing my first draft of my I-search paper.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Contrast Essay Intro #2

My house has undoubtedly gone to the dogs. We have two dogs that we love very much but, drive us nuts. I have a full size tote that holds their dog food, 50lbs of Dog Chow and that only lasts a few weeks. They cost me several hundred dollars per year in vet bills and both love baths at the doggie spa. Two dogs that live in the same house, eat the same food, get the same love and attention, but are vastly different. They are different in the time they need to go pee to the time they want to eat and when and from whom they want attention.

Contrast Essay Intro #1


Our family is made up of my wife, three kids, two stupid dogs and I. I love my wife and kids, but I often wonder why I love these mutts. Both of them are without a doubt the dumbest canines on earth and they drive me crazy. I spend a ton of money on them from food to vet bills and everything in between not too mention they destroy my house. On the surface they are good dogs, but each of them has their quirks that drive me up the wall.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Classification Essay



My Friends

As I look back over the last 30 years I can recall many good times with my friends, playing on the playground in Elementary school. Riding bikes and chasing girls in Jr. High School. In high school it was sports, parties and girls. College was about drinking and smoking everything we could get our hands on. After college it was working, buying a house and starting a family. Every memory I think of has a friend attached to it. Looking at those friendships I can see three distinct types of friends. There were my needy friends, my good friends, and my best friends.

The Needy Friend: These are the friends that call you up at three in the morning and want you to bail their ass out of jail because they got to rowdy at the bar, but are too afraid of calling the folks or the wife. These people want to be your friend because you have something that they need or want and they know you will give it to them.  I find these friends to be the hardest ones to get rid of, especially when what they need is a friend because no one else will give them a chance.
When I was young my needy friends were Michael and Tom. They always wanted to come to my house because mom had snacks in the house. They wanted to play my Nintendo and play with my toys.  “Can I use your bike” or “can your mom take us to the Ninja Turtles movie?” In Jr. High they wanted me on their team because I was a better athlete. “Can I borrow five bucks” or “can I copy your math homework?” In High school it was Chris and Joey that were the needy friends. They would ask me for rides to school or too a party. “Can I borrow twenty bucks I’ll pay you back.” or my favorite “Hey bro, ask Jessica if she will go to the movies with me.”  In college Dan was my only needy friend. He would ask me to get him beer or once a job.  “Jeremy buddy I’m a little short this week can you help me out?” “Can you get me into the Bear Brew?”  Now, ten years later the needy ones want me to take their trash to the dump or want to borrow the lawn mower.  “Can you watch the kids tonight”? “Can you help me clean out the garage before the wife gets home”?  Starting to sound familiar yet? 

The Good Friend: These are the guys you call at three in the morning to bail you out of jail when you have gotten to rowdy at the bar and refuse to call the folks or the wife. These are the guys that probably got you arrested in the first place. These are fun people to hang out with and are of the same circle. These friends come and go all the time depending on what stage of life you’re in. I have found that these friends are the most fun to hang out with.
                I've had a lot of these “good friends” over the years, Brett, James, Jeff, and a host of others. We went mudding in the woods, camping, hunting, and fishing. We all rode together in the same limo to the prom, played ball on the same team, and cut class together.  We talked all night and relived the good old days at our high school reunion.  Today “my good friends” are Scott, Brian, and Mike. We take the kids to the park and have family bbq’s together. Friday night is usually poker night unless its hockey season and we are at the rink. We have drinks together and talk about our other halves. We talk about the present, the future and all the crazy shit we did before we knew one another.  We go on trips out of state, go to concerts at the water front, and sporting events together. “Hey man want to grab a brew after work tomorrow”? “Do you want me to help you split that cord of wood on Saturday”? Sounds like a good friend doesn't it?

The Best Friend: These are the guys sitting next to your ass in jail at three a.m.  saying things like “she didn't look like no cop did she?”  These guys usually have been your friend for as long as you can remember. They are the ones who know your deepest, darkest secrets. Like the time I got caught skinny dipping in the neighbor’s pool with Shay. They are the ones you trust to have your back and the ones whose back you have.  They are the friends that were always there for you, are still here for you, and will always be there for you.  
                In grade school Seth and Ben were my best friends and today 25 years later not much has changed. We started cub scouts together and received our Eagle Scout badges together.  In Jr. High we all had Mr. Smith for math class and entertained each other in detention. In high school we were football teammates. Seth was the right tackle, Ben left guard, and I left tackle, a line to be feared the paper said.  In the fall we were teammates yet again on the wrestling mat, Seth at 215, Ben at 152, and I at 189 a trio of champions.  In the summers we all worked together at Elegant Settings, setting up wedding tent, parking cars, and catering. At night we could be found mudding in the woods, drinking beer or playing pool, but always the three amigos.  In college we were separated, but only by a phone call. They were the best men at my wedding and the first to congratulate my wife and I when our first child Nathan was born. I was in Ben’s wedding and will be in Seth’s next June. When I lost a loved one and could hardly stand they held me up and were the ones who made me laugh again. When it was time to throw down I knew they were right behind me. Best friends or as we would say and often do “Country boys forever”.  This is a friendship that has stood the test of time and I have been blessed to have not one, but two of the best friends on the planet, thanks guys.
               
In this paper I set out to classify the friends I've had and have in my life.  We can all identify which of our friends fall into each of these categories, but somewhere I lost sight of the most important friend of all The Soul Mate: The one person whose life matters more than your own, the one person who makes you whole, the one person who stands beside you even when you’re wrong. She is the one who has seen you at your worst and knows all about your best.  I married mine eight years ago and I hope you all meet yours one day. 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Classification Outro




In this paper I set out to classify the friends I've had and have in my life. We can all identify which of our friends fall into each of these categories, but somewhere I lost sight of the most important friend of all.       

The Soul Mate: The one person whose life matters more than your own, the one person who makes you whole, the one person who stands beside you even when you’re wrong. She is the one who has seen you at your worst and knows all about your best.  I married mine eight years ago and I hope you all meet yours one day. 

Classification Intro#2



When we were in elementary school everyone was a friend. In Jr. high groups were formed and some friends left and new ones joined. In high school the groups changed again and more friends were lost. College came and the old groups were dismantled and new friendships were born. Now look up and see whose around you, only the best of the best I bet. All along the way friends have come and gone. We had the friend who always wanted something, the friend who was around when it was convenient, and the friend who was always there, is still there, and will always be there.

Classification Intro#1

Friendship


As I look back over the last 30 years I can recall many good times with my friends. Playing on the play ground in Elementary school. Riding bikes and chasing girls in Jr. high school. In high school it was sports, parties and girls. College was about drinking and smoking everything we could get our hands on. After college it was working, buying a house and starting a family. Every memory I think of has a friend attached to it. Looking at those friendships I can see three distinct types of friends. The needy friends, the convenient friends, and the best friends.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Graf #17 Reaction to Cause Essay Comments


I was pleased with the critique of my first draft of the cause essay. I put a lot into this piece and was proud of it.  I revised it slightly making the recommended changes. The final opinion of the essay was what I hoped it would be. I love a challenge and I'm glad I was able to meet your expectations. I have never been as they say a "smart student" so I'm very happy to be doing well at EMCC especially in English 101.

Graf #16 Reaction to Classification samples


I think this will be a fun essay to write. I thought the snakes, snails and puppy dog tails was interesting how the writer compared guys and relationships. I think she missed one class though not all of us are bad. The sports fan essay was cool too and I think the writer hit the nail on the head. I guess I'm the middle fan.

I think the best fish to catch was more up my ally. It got me thinking of potential topics that would relate to me. the streets essay also got me thinking about country living vs city living. Then I thought about all the different towns I have lived in and how each was so different. So many topics so little time. Just trying to find the right one now. I like how the samples are so different that you get a taste of different topics to consider. Each essay gets me thinking about topics that would be interesting to me. I like how one persons idea or paper can trigger my own ideas and visions for a paper.

Graf # 15 Meta-Graf


I wrote my cause essay in my bedroom, sitting on my couch next to Merlin my cat. He would stare at me and the lap top as I wrote. I think he was more interested then I. I kept pausing to watch one of my shows, and at commercial break back to typing. I write all of my papers with my lap top sitting on my kids 2X2 plastic, Fisher Price white and blue table. It is the perfect height and they don't really need it anyway, right?

I had just finished my quarterly gun cleaning session and was pondering different topics for this cause essay. Would you believe it the topic was sitting right in front of me and the material was yelling at me from down stairs, "dinners ready." my wife called.

I got through the intro and waited for comments from Goldfine. "This is not a hopeless topic at all, but it's not an easy one either." he wrote. I thought he knew me by now, I always take the path less traveled. I thought to myself okay Jeremy get your shit together and show Goldfine you got this. Needless to say this was my motivation for the piece.

I really wanted to preach and infuse my views and values into the paper, but I also knew that Goldfine wanted me to personalize the paper so I backed off a little. I really just wrote about the conversation my wife and I had about my gun purchase, minus all the bad things she called me. It would have been comical, but I didn't want to give the wrong impression of my dearest wife not to mention she reads every paper I write. Love you honey!



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Cause Essay


Gun Control

I remember when I bought my first Pistol, a black Smith & Wesson .45 caliber M&P. I had many guns. Rifles and shotguns I used for hunting and trap shooting, but not a handgun. I had always wanted one and finally I had one, but I was not nearly as excited to tell my wife about my new purchase. 

“Why the hell did you buy that thing?” She asked. “Well, I needed it.” “Give me three good reasons why you need a handgun in my house.” “Well OK I will”, and at that moment I had nothing, not one single reason that would wipe that smug wife look from her face. I knew I had reasons for buying it, but what would satisfy my wife and mother of three? “Amy I got the gun for Protection, Piece of mind, and for the kids.” I told her. “Oh really explain that for me will yeah?” was her response.


“Look around Amy this is not the same world we grew up in. Bath Salts on the streets of Banger, Maine, kids killing each other over drugs. I’m not talking about a few beers or a hit off the peace pipe here. This is serious and here in our own back yard, armed robberies, stabbings, and home invasions. Look at the facts; we have mass unemployment, rapid home foreclosures, and a host of methadone clinics. We are not living in the same times anymore and I want to be ready to protect our family if need be.  When we got married I told you I would love and protect you at all costs and that’s what I’m prepared to do.”
           “Secondly I feel much safer knowing I have the pistol with me at all times. I took the handgun safety class and got my concealed carry permit. I keep it locked up in the gun cabinet so the kids can’t get at it and hurt themselves. You must feel better knowing I’m prepared and trained to use the gun. Do you remember last year after a day of hunting when I told you about the pack of coyotes that followed me through the woods?” “What does that have to do with you having a pistol?” She said with a smug look. “If I had a pistol with me I would have been better prepared to defend myself. Now I can feel safer know it is with me while I’m hunting and you can have peace of mind knowing I’m prepared and safe.  You also know how I feel about observing my rights as an American, and in my mind owning this weapon demonstrates those convictions.”
            “And when my time in this world is up I will leave behind this gun and a legacy for our children. They will have my gun to use and all the memories of me, how I used to love hunting and shooting. How I always wanted them to be safe and have good things. They will remember how I stood for what was right. How I loved this country and our many rights as Americans. And as long as they have my gun they will always have a piece of me and I can stay with them forever.”  I hoped that if I through the kids in she would let me keep the gun.

            Bang...Bang...Bang...Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang. How I love the sound of emptying a clip from my old Forty-Five. It is like a part of me, it goes where I go. I carry it on my hip out in the woods, under my shirt in public, and under my arm rest in the Chevy.  As you can guess my dear Amy let me keep my pistol and since has even asked when I’m going to buy her a gun. I don’t know what it was that changed her mind. I hope she realized that the best way to control guns (“Gun Control”) is to control the people who have the guns. I wish more people observed the second amendment, took safety classes and carried. If this was the case we may have less mass shootings at colleges and movie theaters. We the people could be ready and able to stop these horrific events instead of relying on the police and the courts to find and prosecute these criminals!

You have the right not to observe the second amendment, but please respect my decision to uphold and embrace it!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Graf #14 I-Search Plan


I-Search Plan A

I will search the Internet for creditable sources and help sites. I think this will point me in the direction of some good groups and organizations. Most of these I suspect will be for landlords and tenants. 

I have some real estate related books I will skim through, but I fear they will be of little help answering my questions. 

I don't think my questions are yes or no type questions nor is there a right or wrong answer to most. I will need to sift through the information and opinions collected in order to reach a consensus. 

Because I feel like the answers to my questions are opinion based the bulk of my research will be conducted through informal interviews with local landlords and tenants. (If approved by Mr. Goldfine.)

I plan on talking with three landlords and six tenants. I also plan to speak with the town manager of Winterport and a local lawyer. 

I feel it is important to get information from local people since my business is local rather than from web sites from around the country that may not speak volumes or relate to Maine.

My goal will be to have completed all research including interviews by the end of October at the latest. I will then interpret my findings and begin writing my I-search paper. 

The only issue I can foresee is scheduling conflicts and a possible unwillingness of interviewees to meet. Lucky for me I'm good with people and there are a lot of landlords and tenants in the greater Bangor area. By allocating such a large amount of time for research I should be able to overcome any of these issues and find other available interviewees if need be. 

I am really looking forward to meeting with tenants and landlords alike and comparing there views.



Outro Graf Cause Essay




Bang...Bang...Bang...Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang.

How I love the sound of emptying a clip from my old Forty-Five. It is like a part of me, it goes where I go. I carry it on my hip out in the woods, under my shirt in public, and under my arm rest in the Chevy.  As you can guess my dear Amy let me keep my pistol and since has even asked when I’m going to buy her a gun. I don’t know what it was that changed her mind. I hope she realized that the best way to control guns (“Gun Control”) is to control the people who have the guns. I wish more people observed the Second Amendment, took safety classes and carried. If this was the case we may have less mass shootings at colleges and movie theaters. We the people could be ready and able to stop these horrific events instead of relying on the police and the courts to find and prosecute these criminals!

You have the right not to observe the second amendment, but please respect my decision to uphold and embrace it. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Intro Graf #2 Cause essay

Gun Control

Bang...Bang...Bang...Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang,Bang. How I love the sound of emptying a clip from my old Forty-Five. It is like a part of me now, it goes where I go. I carry it on my hip out in the woods, under my shirt in public, and under my arm rest in the Chevy. Some people don't believe in guns they say that guns kill people, well if that's the case then forks made me fat! The bottom line is, people kill people, Period.

There are many like it, but this one is mine, without my gun I am nothing.

I got my first handgun about two years ago for a few important reasons:

  1. Safety
  2. Protection 
  3. Because I can!



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Intro graf #1 cause essay

Gun Control

About two years ago I bought my first Pistol, a black Smith & Wesson .45 caliber M&P. I had many guns. Rifles and shotguns I used for hunting and trap shooting, but not a handgun. I had always wanted one and finally I had one, but I was not nearly as excited to tell me wife about my new purchase. 

Why the hell did you buy that thing? She asked. Well, I needed it. Give me three good reasons why you need a handgun in my house. Well OK I will and at that moment I had nothing, not one single reason That would wipe that smug wife look from her face. I knew I had reasons for buying it, but what would satisfy my wife and mother of three? Amy I got the gun for you and the kids, for protection, and because I can! Oh really explain that for me will yeah?

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Graf # 13 sample cause

I really liked the cause essay on falling in love and the tomato lover essay. I see how the flow should be. Taking the intro and expanding on the reasons one paragraph at a time. I think it will be hard sticking to why and not falling into how something happened. I hope to show how certain effects or reasons caused the event instead of showing the effects of the cause. This will be a tricky essay to nail down.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Graf #12 Place

The Wedding Place


May 28, was a warm day and the grass at the church was still wet from the nights rain. I was nervous even a little anxious to see my bride. My new father in law gave me a pep talk outside of the church that day, but his words seemed to drown out as I stared at the peeling paint on the church walls hoping she would say yes. My groomsmen and I gathered in the pastors office and sipped whiskey from a flask as I awaited our introduction. The whiskey never tasted so good, and I had never been more afraid. I starred out at our guests sitting in old wooden chairs, gathered in an old run down church that had hardly been kept up. It was not a grand hall, or a magnificent church but it was all a young couple could afford. Our family members took pitchers and taped the ceremony to save money. From an old CD player the wedding music began to play and out came the bridesmaids. One after the other walking on old green shag carpet to the front of the room. It was now or never, my knees shook and my palms began to sweat. Out from behind an old dusty curtain came a beam of light, brighter then I had ever seen before. The glow on my brides face lit up the dark room and brought a smile to my face. She was here and awaiting my embrace. The room went silent as she walked down the isle. I had never seen a women look more beautiful in all my life. Up on a rickety old stage we held hands in front of our family and friend under gods watchful eye. We exchanged vows, rings, and a kiss. Just like that all my worries and fears drifted away in the spring breeze. I was now a husband, someones everything. I still drive by that old church from time to time, but I don't see an old building in need of repair. I don't think about the old carpet inside to me it is a beacon of light, a beautiful memory.

Graf # 11 research history

Old Blood or New Blood

Its that time again and we as Americans have a choice to make. Do we reelect President Obama for four more years and keep on the path he has laid for us, or do we elect Governor Romney as our president and bring in some new blood to the white house? It is a simple choice, one man or the other, and you cant vote wrong. All we need to do is vote for the man whose values, morals, and ideals are most inline with our own.

As Americans we have the Right to vote and as far as I'm concerned the obligation to do so. I have educated myself on the background of each of these men. I feel that in order to understand where the candidates are going we need to understand where they have been. It is easy to see where our current President will go with another four years in office by looking at his last four years of presidential rein. I had to go a little deeper to find out about Governor Romney, but this is where the internet and public records come in handy. 

I have watched almost all of the Republican debates, and yes at times I wanted to shoot myself. These events are good because you hear the good, bad and the ugly about a candidate. I also was able to see what ideals are important to Governor Romney, what visions he has for America and what he says he will do. 
Next comes both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention. Yes I put myself through  seven days of political propaganda and listened to both sides. I like these events because not only do we get to hear from both candidates, but also from some of each parties most important members. We hear from the loving wife, the VP's, and a host of party supporters.  After these events it should be pretty easy to Aline yourself with one party since both are insanely opposite especially in this election.

I watch both CNN and Fox News to get both points of view on these two men. I learn what the president is doing and see how he is handling situations. I see the reactions to these actions from Governor Romney. Both stations will give you all the strengths of a candidate and all of the weaknesses of the other. I watch both so I can validate the other and hear both sides. We will also see a host of political T.V adds, it is my opinion that 90% of these adds are crap. Each candidate attacks the other in hopes of making the uneducated voter hate their competitor.

It is important to me that my children and grandchildren have a bright future that is not restricted by the debt of my fathers generations. I wish them to live in a free country, plentiful of jobs an opportunities that are not hindered by illegals, or oversea job loss. I wish them to sleep safely at night knowing that our country will defend itself from all enemies both foreign and domestic. I wish them the ability to own a home instead of a foreclosure wasteland. I wish for them a country with many low cost energy options, low gas prices, and superior education that focuses on financial education as well as traditional text book learning. 

For all of these reasons and so many more I have decided which candidate has the best chance of accomplishing these tasks and I will vote for him in November.






Saturday, September 15, 2012

Graf # 10 Person.

There are some people in this world that are natural athletes who beat everyone, win everything and make everyone look bad. We feel like no matter what we do or how hard we train, the result will be defeat. We spend all of our time hoping someone will put them in there place or that they will just die. In high school I competed against this animal.

Eric was a winner, a natural who beat everyone on the wrestling mat. He was tall, the girls loved him and he had a body that Greek Gods would be jealous of. He was fast, strong and the best technical wrestler I had ever seen. At the start of the season his coach told reporters your looking at this years State champ no one is going to touch him. Eric had already received a full wrestling scholarship to Penn State. Eric won every dual meet, and every tournament our senior year. He pined everyone or won by points before the six minute match was up. At the Rhode Island invitational, Eric beat the two year state champ in one minute thirty seconds. His competitors were like rag dolls he played with until he was board, and when he was done you got pined. At tournaments no one wondered who would win, but rather who would Eric beat to win, unfortunately that was usually me. At the regional tournament I decided I would not allow myself to get pined. In the final match Eric did not pin me, he won by four points. My coach said it was the best match I'd ever wrestled. Be proud he said no one has done that well against Eric, you cant expect anything more.

At the state tournament I won my first match and then a second. After winning my semi final match Peter from Salem said to me "kick his ass Jeremy" referring to Eric. Coach stopped me to remind me of what our jackets say on the back " Success is a journey, not a destination" This pissed me off to think my own coach had no faith in me. I told him my journey is over and my destiny is on that mat. I was ready for my last showdown with Eric. After six minutes of hell we were tied 10-10 and headed for sudden death. Physicaly exhausted we circled each other looking for an opening. Eric racked his hands across my face sending me into an instant rage, I grabbed him and applied my favorite move the firemen's carry sending him down to the mat for two points. As we stood and my hand was raised, the new state champ I felt a turning of the tides I'd beaten the man and never again would I be second best, not ever!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Graf #9 Object

4301002


State of Maine, Maine drivers licence # 4301002. Issued by Maine Secretary of State Bill Diamond. This is what you will find printed on my most adored possession a Maine drivers licence from 1992. You will never see it, but if you did you would say whats so special about that? Its cracked, faded, hard to read, and you can't use it for anything. Well I use it as a time machine, as a way to go back to a special place were love was enough. Let me show you.

Hair: Brown or what was left of it. Pepe had cancer so I never knew him with hair. I used to like to pat him like a dog, it felt so cool. I have always had a shaved head for as long as I can remember, always wanting to be like him.

Eyes: Blue, just like the sky at the park we used to go to before his kemo treatments. We would hang out feed the ducks, and sometimes get ice cream. 

Height: 5'10", but you would not know it cause he walked with a slight hunch. As a kid he seemed ten feet tall and bullet proof. 

Weight: 165lbs of skin and bones. I remember most of the time he was like a stick, always sick. He never ate very much I guess it was to much energy or to hard to handle when it came back up. I can remember a time when I was very young when he was up around two bills and strong as an ox. He used to make home made spaghetti sauce from scratch. I can still smell it simmering on the stove. He cooked it for three days. The meatballs were the size of baseballs and oh so tasty. 

Sex: Male A mans man who loved working outside. He cut wood for the winter and took me out all of the time. We would go up to camp and he let me drive the boat. When I was young I remember him taking a blood sucker off my foot with his pocket knife. He always had a pocket knife and a .22 pistol with him. 

Restrictions: A for corrective lenses. Tan Miami Vice style glasses. I remember at night how he would place his glasses on the night stand before bed. I would put them on and run around the house. Once I even tried to stock the wood stove.
 M for medications. Pepe was on all sorts of meds. I never new what they were, but he would take a handful every night and I would get a vitamin too. Mom said the doctor offered him medical marijuana, but he said not a chance I have grand kids. 

The last thing he said to me: "Hey kid, Pepe loves you."

We used to walk down the road to get fresh eggs for breakfast and pick Meme up from the fudge shack as I called it. There was always milk in a glass jug and red hot dogs in the fridge. On the stairs leading to the basement there was an old, blue tool box. I used to take the knife in it outside and use it to dig up rocks. On my eighth birthday Pepe gave me a red Swiss army knife. He told me to be careful not to cut myself because the knife was very sharp. In less then a few minutes I cut my thumb. I cried like a baby until he picked me up in his arms and got me a band aid. 

At dinner he would always sit at the head of the table and help me cut up my food. He was always the first one done. I suppose his eating habits came from his days in the army. He was apart of the trucking company in Korea. He never spoke much about his time at war. He always said he was trying to stop bad men, and not to worry about it quickly changing the subject. 

We used to sit together in his chair and watch MASH. I remember watching him closely studying his every move. He would take out his old corn cob pipe and pack it. It was always cherry, vanilla flavored pipe tobacco. He kept his pipe in his blue jean jacket, next to a small leather bag full of tobacco. Next to his chair was a cool glass container filled with tobacco and a rack that could hold four or five pipes. I remember how he would bite the end of the pipe and every so often take a puff. He always smelled like pipe tobacco, and I loved it. To this day when I'm feeling blue I sometimes can smell that tobacco. When I was little he bought me a small corn con pipe of my own, so I could be just like him. No tobacco of course. We had the same velcro shoes and hair cut. 

When it was time for bed we would go into the bathroom and shave before bed. He used a ceramic bowl with soap in it and a whisk. He would lather up and shave with a straight edge. Sometimes I even got to shave too. Every night Pepe would have a package of Zebra cakes and a glass of milk for a bed time snack. When he knew I was coming he would buy an extra box just for me. He always wore blue pajamas, and set his teeth on the night stand. He had a hairy chest and wore a necklace of Saint Christopher. When I had trouble sleeping I would play with his big, old, floppy ears until I fell asleep. I have no idea how he could stand it, but he did. 

October 27, 1993 was the day the cancer won and the day he left me. It was a cold fall day in Maine not to uncommon. The leafs had changed color and begun to fall, but not as hard as a little boy who had just lost his best friend. 

So this is not a normal drivers licence, it is a licence to travel in time. A way to relive the past or step back in time, even if only for a moment. It is my way of finding that which has been lost, and my way of remembering what was, what is, and what will be. 

Lester F. ST Louis
Rest In Peace 

For ever your loving grandson Jeremy.




Sunday, September 9, 2012

Graf #8 Reaction to I-search samples

I read three sample I-searches tonight and all three were very different. I thought one was boring as hell. This one had limited information and repeated itself many times, it also seemed short. Another one was very long and had a lot of information almost to much. The third I thought was very good, it had ample information and kept my interest from start to finish.

I think each one was good because each topic was important to the writer. You could tell that each writer had tons of passion and a personal connection to their topic. I want my paper to show my passion.

I was having trouble and even doubts about a topic, but reading these samples helped. This assignment will be even more difficult then I originally thought.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Graf#7 I-search brainstorm topic ideas

Money
Small business
houses
apartment
presidential election
guns
sex
beer
hunting/fishing
cars
food
family
End of the world
Military


Saving money
Savings bonds
Mutual funds
Stocks
Investing
Real estate investing
Apartment buildings
Hand guns
AR-15
Reloading equipment
Farming
Vegetables
Ice house


World war 3
Armageddon
Survival 
Safety
Family compound

Could I keep my family safe if the world fell apart?
Would I be able to survive doomsday?
Do I need a survival plan?
Where would I go who would I take with me? How would I get food and water? Do I have enough weapons and ammo to defend my family? Would biker gangs run the country? What if there was no heat,lights,grocery stores?