Final Blog Post
I've actually really enjoyed the blogging assignment! My only problem with it was trying to find the time to do it daily. Days where I was really busy, I'd fall asleep before getting around to posting anything, or I'd forget about it entirely. Some days, I had writer's block and struggled more. I would look over a hundred writing prompts and not a single one of them would spark an idea. That's always what I looked for in a prompt. Whatever idea that could start the gears turning in my head would be what I picked.
I feel like the blog has increased my fluency and creativity. I used a lot of writing prompts to come up with ideas of what to write about. I liked to pick the prompts that had a the potential of being different and creative. It was more fun! I would actually find myself trying to suddenly wrap my story up before I got too carried away. Some of my blogs I could have spent the better part of an hour just writing.
At first, I hated the idea of blogs. I thought, how am I supposed to write one of these everyday? That's just absurd. I was wrong. It really isn't that much of a challenge. I quickly found that they were enjoyable to write. I think I'm going to miss my daily blogs. Sometimes I'd use them just to right about the ups and downs of my day. Others, I'd just have a blast with making up whatever random story a writing prompt inspired me to write.
While the writing blogs seemed like a silly idea at first, I feel like they really do improve writing fluency. I could feel myself write with more each as time progressed. I'm thankful for this assignment, not only was it enjoyable most days, but I feel like my writing has at least improved some.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
October 7, 2014
Prompt: You’re awoken from your midnight sleep in your favorite chair to your dog barking wildly in the living room. Pulling her aside, you look out the window, only to see a face staring right back at you. Whose is it? Why are they there?
I flinched away from the window as my heart raced. I flung myself to the opposite side of the room as the face never broke eye contact with mine. It took a few seconds for my startled brain to connect a name to the face. It was one I hadn't seen in months. Actually, I never thought I'd see this face again.
It was the face of the man who had been my borderline stalker for a year. I had once been foolish enough to date him, before I had realized how odd and obsessive he really was. After we had called it off, he wouldn't accept the fact I was no longer his. I was supposed to take him back. I wouldn't, especially not after seeing that side of him. He could be controlling and terrifying.
Before he had moved across the country, he had showed up uninvited to my house several times. It was always after the sun had gone down. He lived within walking distance, so he would venture out in the dead of night to make an unexpected trip. This scared me. Couldn't he leave me be? Needless to say, I was glad when I heard he was going to be several states away. I guess my luck had run out.
I tried to gain my composure. I knew he had come for me. Whether that be to talk or what else, I didn't know. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and straightened out. No need to appear fearful. He was probably just here to let me know he moved back. Maybe say a few words, catch up on what had happened in the past few months. My heartbeat had calmed a considerable amount by the time I had neared the window. I forced a small smile on my face to help break the tension.
His fixated eyes didn't change their expression as a chilling smile crept on his lips.
Prompt: You’re awoken from your midnight sleep in your favorite chair to your dog barking wildly in the living room. Pulling her aside, you look out the window, only to see a face staring right back at you. Whose is it? Why are they there?
I flinched away from the window as my heart raced. I flung myself to the opposite side of the room as the face never broke eye contact with mine. It took a few seconds for my startled brain to connect a name to the face. It was one I hadn't seen in months. Actually, I never thought I'd see this face again.
It was the face of the man who had been my borderline stalker for a year. I had once been foolish enough to date him, before I had realized how odd and obsessive he really was. After we had called it off, he wouldn't accept the fact I was no longer his. I was supposed to take him back. I wouldn't, especially not after seeing that side of him. He could be controlling and terrifying.
Before he had moved across the country, he had showed up uninvited to my house several times. It was always after the sun had gone down. He lived within walking distance, so he would venture out in the dead of night to make an unexpected trip. This scared me. Couldn't he leave me be? Needless to say, I was glad when I heard he was going to be several states away. I guess my luck had run out.
I tried to gain my composure. I knew he had come for me. Whether that be to talk or what else, I didn't know. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and straightened out. No need to appear fearful. He was probably just here to let me know he moved back. Maybe say a few words, catch up on what had happened in the past few months. My heartbeat had calmed a considerable amount by the time I had neared the window. I forced a small smile on my face to help break the tension.
His fixated eyes didn't change their expression as a chilling smile crept on his lips.
October 6, 2014
Prompt: Reasons to make your best friend your roommate.
You're best friend is the person who knows you best. They're going to accept you on your moody days that you're sure to have. On a bad day, your best friend is going to know the best ways to cheer you up. Whether it be going out to pick up your favorite food or putting on a favorite movie, they know it all. That's what best friends are for. They know you better than you know yourself sometimes.
A best friend will be willing to have all nighters with you. Whether you're staying up to do silly things like binge watch your favorite television show and pig out on junk food, or cram all night for an important exam. All nighters aren't nearly as successful or as much fun when performed solo. You have to have that trusty friend that will wake you up in case you doze off.
Speaking of a lack of sleep, a best friend will serve as your alarm clock. Their reliability depends on the day though. You'll be given the opportunity to sleep in sometimes. Not always when you want to sleep in perhaps. There's a chance you'll be late to an appointment or class, but your best friend just wants you to catch up on your sleep. However, if they have exciting news or are bored, expect to be woken up early. Sometimes a best friend just can't contain their urge to spend time with you. It's done out of love and admiration of course.
A best friend will be willing to sing and dance around the place like a fool with you. Most of your spare time is going to be spent goofing off and laughing. It's much more fun to have a roommate that will keep you in good spirits, than someone you will constantly be bickering with.
Prompt: Reasons to make your best friend your roommate.
You're best friend is the person who knows you best. They're going to accept you on your moody days that you're sure to have. On a bad day, your best friend is going to know the best ways to cheer you up. Whether it be going out to pick up your favorite food or putting on a favorite movie, they know it all. That's what best friends are for. They know you better than you know yourself sometimes.
A best friend will be willing to have all nighters with you. Whether you're staying up to do silly things like binge watch your favorite television show and pig out on junk food, or cram all night for an important exam. All nighters aren't nearly as successful or as much fun when performed solo. You have to have that trusty friend that will wake you up in case you doze off.
Speaking of a lack of sleep, a best friend will serve as your alarm clock. Their reliability depends on the day though. You'll be given the opportunity to sleep in sometimes. Not always when you want to sleep in perhaps. There's a chance you'll be late to an appointment or class, but your best friend just wants you to catch up on your sleep. However, if they have exciting news or are bored, expect to be woken up early. Sometimes a best friend just can't contain their urge to spend time with you. It's done out of love and admiration of course.
A best friend will be willing to sing and dance around the place like a fool with you. Most of your spare time is going to be spent goofing off and laughing. It's much more fun to have a roommate that will keep you in good spirits, than someone you will constantly be bickering with.
Monday, October 6, 2014
October 5, 2014
Prompt: Write about a keepsake.
I'll actually write about a few different ones.
I work with my boyfriend, which probably sounds like a terrible idea, I know. But we leave each other little notes at work. Being cashiers, we get our own registers that are supplied with pens and a stash of paper. When the other one isn't around, we'll write a cute little note and put it on their register for later. It's just a way we try to make the other's work day a little brighter. We also write sticky notes that have our inside jokes on them. I've kept all of the notes he has written me. I actually brought that up to him and found out he has kept every one I've written him as well. Both when we were just best friends and now. I read them on bad days to help cheer me up.
I have a necklace that my best friend of many years had gotten me for a Christmas gift. It's absolutely beautiful. I got mad at her when I opened the jewelry box to discover it. We agreed that we could by each other gifts, but they had to be within a certain price range. I knew this necklace cost more than what she was allowed to spend on me. It's my absolute favorite piece of jewelry, but with that being said, I hardly ever wear it. This probably sounds a little strange. I just worry that I'm going to end up losing it if I wear it out often. I would be devastated if I lost the little necklace. It means a lot to me.
Earlier I mentioned how I like keeping little notes, I'm the same way with pictures. I tend to forget a lot of important moments in my life, or I can't remember a lot of details about a person from my past. I'm fond of taking pictures of important people and memorable moments. It's nice to be able to look back at them and remember everything.
Prompt: Write about a keepsake.
I'll actually write about a few different ones.
I work with my boyfriend, which probably sounds like a terrible idea, I know. But we leave each other little notes at work. Being cashiers, we get our own registers that are supplied with pens and a stash of paper. When the other one isn't around, we'll write a cute little note and put it on their register for later. It's just a way we try to make the other's work day a little brighter. We also write sticky notes that have our inside jokes on them. I've kept all of the notes he has written me. I actually brought that up to him and found out he has kept every one I've written him as well. Both when we were just best friends and now. I read them on bad days to help cheer me up.
I have a necklace that my best friend of many years had gotten me for a Christmas gift. It's absolutely beautiful. I got mad at her when I opened the jewelry box to discover it. We agreed that we could by each other gifts, but they had to be within a certain price range. I knew this necklace cost more than what she was allowed to spend on me. It's my absolute favorite piece of jewelry, but with that being said, I hardly ever wear it. This probably sounds a little strange. I just worry that I'm going to end up losing it if I wear it out often. I would be devastated if I lost the little necklace. It means a lot to me.
Earlier I mentioned how I like keeping little notes, I'm the same way with pictures. I tend to forget a lot of important moments in my life, or I can't remember a lot of details about a person from my past. I'm fond of taking pictures of important people and memorable moments. It's nice to be able to look back at them and remember everything.
October 4, 2014
Prompt: Write for 10 minutes using "I used to think..." as your starter.
I used to think the world was a simple place. Everything was straightforward and you could tell who was genuine and who wasn't. It's not that easy. The world isn't a black and white place. Most of it lies within the grays. There are a lot of both good and bad people, you just have to figure out which is which.
At my job, I get some really hateful people come through. You can do your best to be polite and have a smile on your face. They just scoff and you and tell you to quite looking so happy. Those people, to me, seem to be the saddest. They're cranky for no reason and don't enjoy the beautiful things in life.
Then, I see people who are the exact opposite. They ask me how I'm doing and you can tell they actually care. I've had customers pay for a person's groceries without even having met the other person before. They just do it out of the kindness of their heart and say they'd hope someone would do the same for them if they ever needed it. These people restore my faith in humanity.
I also used to think that when a friendship was strong enough, it could last anything. That when everyone parts ways after high school, it wasn't really over. You'd still see all of your old gang just like you used to. This isn't the case. You only see the friends that care enough to make the effort to continue being an active part of your life. Even then, it's impossible to see them everyday. There's too much going on in life for that to be a possibility. It's more of a matter of being able to see them once a month and keeping in contact with them a few times a week. It's not much, but it's something. I've come to realize the term "always" is more of an overstatement than a promise. I've already learned many valuable life lessons in the few short months I've been out of school. It's a whole new world.
Prompt: Write for 10 minutes using "I used to think..." as your starter.
I used to think the world was a simple place. Everything was straightforward and you could tell who was genuine and who wasn't. It's not that easy. The world isn't a black and white place. Most of it lies within the grays. There are a lot of both good and bad people, you just have to figure out which is which.
At my job, I get some really hateful people come through. You can do your best to be polite and have a smile on your face. They just scoff and you and tell you to quite looking so happy. Those people, to me, seem to be the saddest. They're cranky for no reason and don't enjoy the beautiful things in life.
Then, I see people who are the exact opposite. They ask me how I'm doing and you can tell they actually care. I've had customers pay for a person's groceries without even having met the other person before. They just do it out of the kindness of their heart and say they'd hope someone would do the same for them if they ever needed it. These people restore my faith in humanity.
I also used to think that when a friendship was strong enough, it could last anything. That when everyone parts ways after high school, it wasn't really over. You'd still see all of your old gang just like you used to. This isn't the case. You only see the friends that care enough to make the effort to continue being an active part of your life. Even then, it's impossible to see them everyday. There's too much going on in life for that to be a possibility. It's more of a matter of being able to see them once a month and keeping in contact with them a few times a week. It's not much, but it's something. I've come to realize the term "always" is more of an overstatement than a promise. I've already learned many valuable life lessons in the few short months I've been out of school. It's a whole new world.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 3, 2014
Prompt: Flesh out this character: Juilana Ritter, 53; she is an extrovert but gets easily depressed.
This will be written from Juilana's point of view.
I'm really excited about going out with some work friends tonight! We're going to a fancy restaurant that one of the younger girls had heard about and wanted to try out. I'm wearing my best dress out and my expensive pair of high heels. I'm the oldest of the girls in the department I work in, so I want to fit in with the others. I'm sure they'll be wearing their most flashy outfits. Hopefully, we'll turn this into a weekly event. I love going out with my friends on the weekends.
I was disappointed to see I was the first of my group to get to the restaurant. That meant I would have to awkwardly wait in silence on everyone else. It's kind of a letdown to be the only person to take this seriously enough to show up on time. Oh, here they are! I'm excited now that everyone is here.
The waiter sets each of our dishes in front of us. I had ordered a seafood alfredo, not wanting to order anything that would be too unhealthy. I chatted with the girls about the new clothing store that had opened up not far from the restaurant. I glanced down as I thought one of the noodles had slipped off my fork. Sure enough, the noodle had landed right on my lap. I let out a loud gasp. My dress is absolutely ruined! A stain like that couldn't be missed!
All of the girls assured me that the stain was small and blended in with the color of the dress. I didn't believe them. I gloomily picked at the rest of my food. The night was a complete disaster. I just wanted to go home and change out of the dress. Maybe I should just become an introvert.
Prompt: Flesh out this character: Juilana Ritter, 53; she is an extrovert but gets easily depressed.
This will be written from Juilana's point of view.
I'm really excited about going out with some work friends tonight! We're going to a fancy restaurant that one of the younger girls had heard about and wanted to try out. I'm wearing my best dress out and my expensive pair of high heels. I'm the oldest of the girls in the department I work in, so I want to fit in with the others. I'm sure they'll be wearing their most flashy outfits. Hopefully, we'll turn this into a weekly event. I love going out with my friends on the weekends.
I was disappointed to see I was the first of my group to get to the restaurant. That meant I would have to awkwardly wait in silence on everyone else. It's kind of a letdown to be the only person to take this seriously enough to show up on time. Oh, here they are! I'm excited now that everyone is here.
The waiter sets each of our dishes in front of us. I had ordered a seafood alfredo, not wanting to order anything that would be too unhealthy. I chatted with the girls about the new clothing store that had opened up not far from the restaurant. I glanced down as I thought one of the noodles had slipped off my fork. Sure enough, the noodle had landed right on my lap. I let out a loud gasp. My dress is absolutely ruined! A stain like that couldn't be missed!
All of the girls assured me that the stain was small and blended in with the color of the dress. I didn't believe them. I gloomily picked at the rest of my food. The night was a complete disaster. I just wanted to go home and change out of the dress. Maybe I should just become an introvert.
October 2, 2014
Prompt: It was Erica Jong who said "If you don't risk anything, you risk even more". Write about what this means to you.
Ever since I was a small child, I've always been one to think about my decisions before I make them. So, I had always been bad about never taking any risks. I would prefer to take the safer route, even if it meant no chance of a future gain. I don't think of that as a bad thing necessarily. But if you don't at least risk something, there usually isn't a potential of any gain.
This past year, I've progressively become more of a risk taker. It started out pretty slowly. Just a little risk here and there. But now, it's much more often. I've come to realize that great things in life aren't always just handed to you. Not everything is black and white on what you should do. You just have to be smart enough to make the right decisions.
I'm really big into thinking that I have to have a plan for every detail of my life, that's how I've always been. I think that's what makes the idea of risk taking so difficult for me. I like things set in stone, no sudden changes. Especially nothing major enough that can extremely alter my future.
A month ago, I made a huge decision. It was sudden, completely out of the blue. A friend of mine suggested that I write a pros and cons list to help me make my final decision. There were more pros than cons, yet I went again the list. Something in my gut just told me that the paper wasn't right about what was the best for me. It was a huge risk, but I knew I needed to do what would make me happiest.
Today, I'm beyond elated that I had took that huge risk. I wouldn't have been nearly as happy if I hadn't. I think part of me knew that I would be risking more by not gambling with my decision. The jackpot was definitely worth it!
Prompt: It was Erica Jong who said "If you don't risk anything, you risk even more". Write about what this means to you.
Ever since I was a small child, I've always been one to think about my decisions before I make them. So, I had always been bad about never taking any risks. I would prefer to take the safer route, even if it meant no chance of a future gain. I don't think of that as a bad thing necessarily. But if you don't at least risk something, there usually isn't a potential of any gain.
This past year, I've progressively become more of a risk taker. It started out pretty slowly. Just a little risk here and there. But now, it's much more often. I've come to realize that great things in life aren't always just handed to you. Not everything is black and white on what you should do. You just have to be smart enough to make the right decisions.
I'm really big into thinking that I have to have a plan for every detail of my life, that's how I've always been. I think that's what makes the idea of risk taking so difficult for me. I like things set in stone, no sudden changes. Especially nothing major enough that can extremely alter my future.
A month ago, I made a huge decision. It was sudden, completely out of the blue. A friend of mine suggested that I write a pros and cons list to help me make my final decision. There were more pros than cons, yet I went again the list. Something in my gut just told me that the paper wasn't right about what was the best for me. It was a huge risk, but I knew I needed to do what would make me happiest.
Today, I'm beyond elated that I had took that huge risk. I wouldn't have been nearly as happy if I hadn't. I think part of me knew that I would be risking more by not gambling with my decision. The jackpot was definitely worth it!
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