Writing has been a great past-time for me starting at a young age. I started to read when I was three years old and found that reading was a very relaxing hobby and outlet for my imagination, whether it was Dr. Seuss or R.L. Stine. When I became about 12 years old I would start to write little poems and journal here and there. By the time I was 13 I was writing in my journal everyday and was beginning to expand on my poetry into short stories, and even illustrations. By the time I was 22 I had 12 journals, in which I refer to as the Encyclopedia of My Life. I had a lot of problems with my family growing up and writing became a very therapeutic outlet for myself, and for only my eyes to see. However, it would have made a big difference in my writing if I thought that someone may find it and read my deepest darkest feelings on life, family, and relationships. Consequently, this ritual carried me through Junior High and High School and I think it made English class a little easier, since writing and reading was something I was doing anyway in my own personal time. Writing poetry and short stories came a little easier to me because I wasn't burdened by it, or ashamed of it, I was very acclimated to putting feelings on paper, and now that I have started blogging this term, and I'm kind of feeling the same way. That being said, if by some chance someone came across my works as a writer, and tried to pass it off as their own, I would be furious. At some small level I would be slightly flattered that someone thought so highly of my writing that they would want to use it, but kindly making reference to me for my work would be absolutely necessary. That makes me realize how important it is to do the same for other works written by other writers. Even for someone who enjoys writing, there is still considerable time and effort that is put forth to compile great written work, and credit for this is more than appropriate. I'm looking forward to writing more in this class and writing my research paper, with of course providing credit and reference where and when it is adequate. Even though I do greatly enjoy writing, I know there is still so much for me to learn.

Thank God I'm an online student! My husband works for the local carpenter's union in our area, which is based out of Orlando, Florida. We live just over an hour away on the east coast in a town called Satellite Beach. Anyway, he has been out of work for a while and waiting to get that magical call that a new job is starting, and we are so happy that he did get that call. However, I must admit that I am more than a little disappointed that this is for a third shift job. He will be working at Disney changing the sets and trailers, and this is really a great opportunity to stay working for an extensive period of time when so many others are not as fortunate. Believe me, we are so grateful for this blessing! It's work, and no matter what, we will do what we must to take care of business, we do have a family after all. I am feeling kind of sad because of the little things that end up meaning more to you when you may not have them anymore, such as, I will have to sleep alone at night, and he will be sleeping all day. I am sad that we are not going to have barely any quality time together since I work Friday and Saturdays from 3pm-2am the following morning as a server in a busy pub downtown, and those are his two days off. Usually, after we put the baby to bed we'll cuddle up on the couch and watch a good movie, which how can I do that without him? Well, in the middle of my griping I realized how grateful I am to be an online student. With so many changes occurring in my daily schedule and me and my husband having to make all of these adjustments, we are so fortunate that I can still receive a quality education from the comfort of my home while I am doing laundry, planning dinner, and changing diapers. While I feel like I am giving up on some meaningful aspects of my life right now, I can still go to school, which means so much to me and the future of my family. So, all in all, we've got some changes that we are going through as a couple and as a family, but we are both working, we love each other very much, and thank God I am an online student!

Life for me is blessed and hectic at the same time if that makes any sense. I have such passion for life and have overcome so many obstacles, and not only is it due to the fact that I cannot accept "no" as a final answer, but I have the ever supportive love of my family. I work very hard to take care of my family and make sure they have all that they need and make them happy. I tend to wake up tired, and take on too much, but it is a price worth paying to have a successful end result. I love to exercise because it makes me feel great, helps me clear my head, and allows me to have that extra helping of mashed potatoes if I so desire it. I had decided to come back to school last year when I realized that even though I loved staying home during the day with my daughter, there was more for me to do in this world. I want my daughter to know that there is nothing she can't do if it means that much to her; that there are no limitations when you have discovered your true path. Therefore, yes I spend a lot of time being slightly less than energetic, spending a lot of time completing school work to maintain my 4.0 GPA, potty training my two-year-old little girl, spending time with my wonderful husband and family, and working. Even though a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science is a wonderful accomplishment, my deep passion for this science and helping people use their diet to heal them, I have recently decided that I will pursue a Master's degree as well to become a dietician. Conclusively, as I had initially stated, my life is both blessed and hectic, and I don't think that I would change a thing about it. My family is both happy and healthy, and even though there are always obstacles that just can't help to present themselves, each time we overcome one, it brings us closer together.