I’ve decided that I wanted to post my thoughts as well. I hope my thoughts are well-formed, and I hope that those that disagree with me won’t burn me at the stake. I’m only going to address a few things mentioned in the article because the article is too long to discuss in its entirety.  (Some of these thoughts are identical to those in my Speak Up post.)

First and foremost, this article acts as if all YA literature is too dark or inappropriate for all young readers. This generalization is just not true! You cannot lump all of YA literature into this category. Nor, can you lump all teenagers in this category. From experience, I know I wouldn’t have dealt well with some of the mature themes in some YA books when I was a teenager because of my upbringing and where I was mentally at that age. But, others I know, including my husband and at least one of my older sisters, would’ve been just fine. I also know that there are some books that I’ll never be adult enough to read while others will be.

I don’t believe any book should be banned or censored, not even Mein Kampf–the combined autobiography and political views of Adolf Hitler. There are many books, including Mein Kampf, that I won’t read. However, I believe I don’t have the right to keep someone else from reading those books. Everyone needs to make their own decisions as to what types of books they deem are worthy to be read.

In the case of children and teenagers, however, I believe that parents have the right to and should limit the books their own children read. Children and teenagers don’t have the experience or knowledge to make certain decisions by themselves. They may not realize how a book and its content will affect them. And, most of the time, their decisions are made purely on peer influences and selfishness rather than well-thought out decisions. (Granted, a lot of adults make decisions that way as well, and don’t often make the best decisions. But, as an adult, they’re more equipped to deal with the consequences of their actions.) With that being said, however, I think adults often err too much on the side of caution and think children and teenagers cannot handle the cruelties in this world. And, rather than preparing their children to face those cruelties, parents act as if they don’t exist, hoping their children won’t be influenced or taught by someone else (e.g. teachers, friends, TV, books) or the awfulness in this world. Just because you don’t talk about something or you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

In my opinion, controversial topics are a chance for parents to bond with their children, to teach them and help them understand the atrocities in this life, and most importantly, to more fully appreciate the beauty and love this life has to offer. No one can appreciate the good without knowing the bad, and you can’t always shelter your children against the atrocities of this world. Isn’t it better to arm your children with the skills and coping mechanisms needed to deal with these atrocities instead of hoping they’ll be able to figure it out on their own when they first encounter them, in most cases when they’re still young and easily influenced?

When I was sexually assaulted at the age of 14 (you can read my story, but please be respectful to my family), I had no idea how to deal with what had happened to me. While my parents warned me that there were despicable people like that in the world and to beware of strangers, they never informed me that sexual assault is more likely to happen by a family member (as in my case) or a close friend. I was very naive, innocent, and sheltered. And, because of this, I was devastated. When what had happened came to light, most of my family put more stock in the fact that my perpetrator was “family” than an assaulter; I felt alone and betrayed by the adults around me.

I wish my parents would’ve taught me how to deal with my assault instead of always shying away from the bad things as if they didn’t exist. I wish they would’ve taught me how to deal with my feelings of despair and anger from my assault. Because they didn’t, however, I also wish that Speak (my review) by Laurie Halse Anderson was around so that I would’ve realized that I wasn’t alone and that there was hope and I’d feel normal again someday.

I think if I would’ve had an outlet or support system of some kind when I was still young, I would’ve recovered much more quickly. As I said, I think Speak could’ve offered me that much needed support. I think other books that deal with real-life issues could’ve helped me, if only I knew they were there (or if I would’ve been a reader at that age). I think parental involvement is the best thing for a child. But, when parental involvement doesn’t happen, I think books like Speak can help teenagers who’ve experienced similar things deal with what they’ve been through, even if it’s just to let them know they’re not alone. I also think books like The Hunger Games (my review) by Suzanne Collins, which was specifically pointed out in the article as “hyper-violent,” can help teenagers realize the devastation of war and oppression more than anything else can in this world, especially if that teenager has no inkling that war and oppression exist, are glorified by media, and are as bad as they really are.

Banning/censoring books deprives parents and children from the opportunities to learn and cope with the atrocities of this world. Parents need to be involved in their children’s lives. Parents need to understand where their children are mentally and act accordingly. They need to be aware of what their children read. They need to read a book before they let their child read it if they’re worried it’s too mature in content for their child, and explain to their child why they don’t want them to read the book rather than just saying, “Because I said so.” And, in some cases, they need to let their child read the book so they can have the opportunity to discuss those mature themes and help their children learn what to do rather than trying to shield them from it and acting as if it doesn’t exist. In my experience, children react better to well-thought out conversations instead of just being banned from doing something or having their parents (or the other adults in their life) freak out about something the child read, did, or encountered.

While I agree with the article in the sense that there are a lot of books out there with questionable material or material unsuitable for some younger readers, my bottom line is that not all YA literature is too dark nor are the really dark books necessarily bad. I think a rating system, such as what’s used for music, games, and TV, would be helpful in all literature, not just YA. That way parents and readers can make informed decisions of what they find suitable to read.

My Engl 295 class, however, has me a little freaked out.  I was excited about the class until my teacher had us read the following on our syllabus:

At BYU, a grade of “A” indicates that student performance is “Excellent,” a grade of “B” equates to “Good” performance, and a grade of “C” indicates that student performance is merely “Satisfactory.”  I understand the use of the word “good” in the sense defined by the American Heritage Dictionary: “superior to the average.”  Accordingly, in order to earn a grade of “B” or higher, you must submit above-average work on a consistent basis.  If you understand the definition of “average,” you should be able to figure out that most of the students in most of my classes will receive a grade lower than “B”; the odds against an entire class being “above-average” are astronomical.

I’ll be the first to admit that some teachers do give As too freely.  However, the way this teacher is making it sound, it seems like it’s nearly impossible to get an A in his class.  I’m going to do my best.  I’m also going to challenge my perfectionist-nature during the entire semester to be okay with my best, even if it doesn’t coincide with what my teacher considers “good” or “excellent.”  My counselor even suggested that I don’t track my grade at all because I need to work through this issue of basing my “worth” on my grades.  Wish me luck! :?

Siempre he querido estudiar en el extranjero pero nunca he tenido la oportunidad.  BYU está organizando un semestre en Madrid durante la primavera.  Los estudiantes que pueden ir a España van a tener la oportunidad de estudiar en la Universidad de Alcalá y visitar a cuidades cercanas por siete (mas or menos unos pocos días) semanas.  ¡Quiero ir muchísimo!

Al principio, Corey y yo pensamos que yo podría ir.  Pero, después de mucho pensamiento y consideración, nos dimos cuenta de que no es posible.  Para ir, necesito tomar dos clases en el invierno–Span 206 y una para prepararme por el semestre en el extranjero.  Parece bastante fácil, ¿verdad?  No es fácil.  Es necesario que trabaje tiempo completo y los horarios de las clases contradicen con el horario de mi trabajo.  ¡Así es la vida!  Quizás pueda ir otra tiempo.

*****

I’ve always wanted to study abroad but I’ve never had the opportunity.  BYU is hosting a semester in Madrid during Spring term.  The students who can go to Spain will have the opportunity to study at the Alcalá University and visit neardy cities for seven (give or take a few days) weeks.  I want to go so badly!

Initially, Corey and I thought I could go.  But, after a lot of thought and consideration, we realized that it isn’t possible.  To go, I have to take two classes during Winter semester–Span 206 and one to prepare me for the semester abroad.  Seems fairly easy, right?  It’s not.  I have to work full-time* and the class schedules conflict with my work schedule.  C’est la vie!  Maybe, I can go another time.

*It’s not just a matter of having to work full-time.  Sure, I do have to work full-time so Corey and I can meet our financial obligations.  But, I also have to work full-time because my job won’t allow me to go down to part-time.  I could always find another job that works with my school schedule, but I probably wouldn’t be paid as much, which of course brings me back to the “meet our financial obligations” problem again.  (In the last 10 years, I’ve worked up to a fairly good salary.  And, I’m nearly 100% sure that any other job I took–before I finish my degree–would pay me about half of what I earn right now. But, at least I have a job, right? I know there are many people who’d kill to have my job.)

I’m not going to bed on time anymore.  Because I’m not going to bed on time, I’m getting up late, which makes me late to work.  And, even though I’m getting to work late, I’m still leaving work early enough to get to my classes on time because my classes are at a set schedule, my grades are partially determined by attendance, and I absolutely love going to class.  Or, in other words, I’m not always working a full 40-hour work week like I’m supposed to as a salaried employee.

I’m also having a hard time being productive at work because I feel like my job is the most boring job in the entire world.  I always get my work done, but I don’t get it done as quickly as I could.  I would quit my job and find something else I enjoy doing more, but I can’t quit because no one else is hiring right now and no one else will pay me as much as I get paid at my current job; I’ve been pigeon-holed until I graduate from school.

I’m not eating as healthy as I was last year and the only exercise I get is walking around campus.  I’ve had a hard time remembering to read my scriptures at night.  I haven’t been to the temple since December because I’ve been so busy with school and work.  And, finally, I just have no motivation at all to do anything.

I’ve been feeling really depressed lately because of my lack of motivation.  I feel like I’m in a slump, a slump with really steep, slippery, high walls, making it almost impossible to climb out.  The only things that have kept me going lately are school, Project 365, and reading for fun for the past few days because I haven’t had any homework.  (My last class for this semester was yesterday, but I don’t start taking finals until Friday.)

I’m excited to start a new term in a couple of weeks.  I think a change of pace will help me get out of this slump.  For one thing, I’ll be less busy because I’m only taking one class rather than three.  And, for another thing, it will be something different.

Even with a change in pace in a couple of weeks, I just need to focus and make stronger commitments to do better.  I also need to check in with myself daily so if I start to get in a slump again, I can get out of it immediately rather than wallow in it for months at a time.  Here’s to putting on some climbing gear and getting out of this slump by refocusing on my goals and putting those things first that need to be. ;) Wish me luck!

PS–Any idea what book my title alludes to?

At work, I’m underneath an air vent.  Not only does this air vent gush out cold air all year around, it also gushes out the air full blast. 8O It’s ridiculous!  I’ve never been so cold in all my life!

On a typical day, you can find me wrapped in my slanket trying to keep warm.  On some days, I’m so cold that my slanket isn’t enough.  On those days, I’m not only wrapped in my slanket, but I’m also wearing a sweater, a coat, or both.

I feel like I work in the Arctic.  My overall body temperature is changing because I’m starting to feel cold in other places too.  I didn’t like being a hot person, but I don’t like being a cold person either.  Isn’t there a middle ground?

PS–Don’t forget to click the “Subscribe to this post’s comments” link so you’re notified when I (or even someone else) replies.  (Click here for instructions if you need them.)

Financial aid is the worst!  Trying to jump through governmental hoops to get help couldn’t be more complicated.  I’ve been dealing with this forever-long process since last September and I still don’t have financial aid!

When I realized I was going back to school this year, I started the financial aid process.  I handed in my FAFSA application, tax forms, etc.  During this process, Corey and I noticed a large discrepancy on his 2008 tax form.  Corey does our taxes by hand, or I should say by tax software. ;) He was advised to file our taxes separately for 2008, which was the first time we had done that since we were married.  He figured it would be a similar process and decided to still do it himself.  (I would’ve done the same thing if I were in his shoes.)  Somehow, my income was not only entered as my income on my taxes, but it was entered as Corey’s income on his taxes too.  Needless to say, that error makes it seem as though Corey and I made double what we actually did.  As you can imagine, that’s not good when you’re trying to apply for financial aid.

When Froyo closed, Corey and I didn’t think I’d make it back to school so I decided to stop pursuing financial aid.  Then, in December, everything worked out for me to go back and I started to process my financial aid again.  At that time, I let the financial aid office know that Corey’s taxes were wrong.  They told me to submit a copy of my W-2 and a letter explaining the situation and everything should be hunky dory.

On December 28, I heard back from the Financial Aid office stating that they couldn’t do anything about Corey’s taxes because legally that’s how they were filed.  That made sense, but I wish the adviser had told me that in the beginning so I didn’t waste two weeks finding it out from someone else. I sent them a message asking what my next course of action was and I asked them if I would still qualify for loans, even unsubsidized ones.  I just heard back from them this week and I still don’t know anything! The person who answered my message didn’t even read it.  They just told me to come in and talk with an adviser to get an overview in the process.  I’ve already talked to an adviser (I mentioned this in my message) and I know the process.  Look where doing those things the first time got me! Absolutely nowhere!

At this point, I need to talk to an adviser again and try to get this resolved before March 1 so my financial aid can pay my short-term loan back.  If this doesn’t get resolved, then I may not be continuing past this semester.

I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs, “Can something just please work out with out a lot of falderal?”  I know these experiences are supposed to help us grow and become stronger, better people, but they’re still frustrating, overwhelming, and very discouraging.

When I need an image, I usually do one of four things.  One, I see if I have an image or photo I can use.  Two, I try to make an image.  Three, I search for an image using Google Image search.  Four, I ask Corey to make something for me.  In a lot of cases, I find something with the image search and I modify it to fit my needs.

Until Tracy Apps, the designer of the Christmas card I used, notified me of my infringement by posting a comment and tweeting about it, I didn’t realize I was doing anything wrong using those images from the search.  I always thought that if you weren’t using the images for commercial use, it was okay to use them.  Obviously, I was wrong.

I was in a meeting at work.  When I came back to my desk to check my e-mail, I noticed her comment in my inbox.  I immediately gave her credit for her work and sent her an e-mail apologizing for my gross oversight.  Then, I noticed (on the back end of my blog) that there was a trackback from Twitter about the post.  When I logged onto Twitter, I noticed that several people had announced I had stolen Tracy’s work.  Because I never intended to steal her artwork, I posted an apology on Twitter as well.

I know I should be more informed about copyright laws with artwork since Corey’s a graphic designer, but I’m not.  Like I said, my understanding was that if the image wasn’t being used for commercial use, I could use it.

Anyway, I feel about three inches tall right now and I really don’t feel like blogging anymore.

I try to realize that my blog is for me and me alone.  I also know I shouldn’t care about whether people comment, but I’m filled with a longing to be interesting, liked, loved, and approved of.  I know that’s my issue and not yours.  I just want you to know where I’m coming from.

I like to receive comments because it helps me see that people are enjoying my blog … or at least reading it.  I guess I get a little jealous when I notice my friends and family commenting on other people’s blogs and not mine.  I wonder what they have that I don’t.  Is that crazy to think?  It’s just that I know I don’t have kids to blog about, which I think makes the difference and I feel like I’m being punished for something I can’t help.  I’ve tried to be more personal, but right now, I feel like my life is really boring or depressing and don’t want to be negative.  I also can’t really do giveaways because I don’t have the money to.

Sometimes, I feel like I should stop commenting on other people’s blogs because they don’t comment on mine anymore.  But, I realize that’s very petty of me so I keep commenting because I want to make those people feel special even if they don’t want to make me feel special.  It just hurts, I guess.

Do you not comment because you feel like you don’t have anything interesting to say?  If so, please comment anyway.  I appreciate all comments, even if it’s something like, “That’s so true,” or, “That’s neat,” because at least I know you care enough to make an effort.

I’m sorry if you think I’m being whiny.  It’s not my intention at all.  I just want to know how to get more comments.

Anyway, why don’t you comment?  Please be honest.

1. Work: I have a project due on Friday that I’ve been working on for the past few weeks.  It was supposed to be done last Friday, but other things came up that I had to work on instead so I got a reprieve for a week.  This project is taking so long to do.  It feels like I’ve been working non-stop, even though I haven’t.  I just can’t seem to focus because I’m so burned out.  At this point, I just want to quit so it’s one less thing to deal with right now.  But, I’m going to stick it out for more reasons than the obvious ones.
2. Car: Our one and only car has been making strange sounds for the past couple of days.  Unfortunately, we haven’t had time to take it into the shop because of work and Froyo.  And, when we do take it in, we don’t have the time to sit around and wait for it to be fixed.  We tried to get a rental car yesterday for a couple of days.  Yeah, that was a no go.  There isn’t a single car within a 60-mile radius of where we live for rent. There’s some stupid conference going on at BYU right now and I guess all three cars at each of the rental places in Utah are being used. Corey’s taking the car in today and we’re hoping it won’t take too long to fix.
3. Froyo: Read the post Woes with the American Fork Building Inspector for details.

I’ve canceled both my personal training sessions this week because I’ve had to stay at work longer than usual and because of everything else going on this week.  I’m really feeling the lack of going.  Even though I feel tired when I’m done, it’s a good tired and I feel so much happier and calm when I go.  I tried to work it out so I could go today, but it just ain’t gonna happen.  I’m going to do three sessions next week to make up for the lack this week.  Maybe, I’ll be super happy and calm next week.  That would be a good thing after this week’s hectic events.

You may ask, “Why all the delays?”  It’s been one thing after another. :roll:

The movers were supposed to show up on Thursday to move our stuff from the old store to the new store.  They didn’t show up.  They came on Friday instead.

The company that’s doing the stainless steel caps around the area the machines fit into and the stainless steel for the chair rail had a mishap of their own.  Their machine broke last week.  We were supposed to get the stainless steel last Thursday, but they weren’t able to get us anything until today. The caps for the area around the machines are being installed and are almost done.  The rest of the stainless steel will be coming and installed tomorrow.  (The health inspection can’t happen until the caps are installed, even though it’s considered finish work, because the caps are near the machines.)

The word “signs” has become a swear word in our house.  We aren’t going to have our outside signs until later this month or possibly September.  We can deal with that.  But, what we can’t deal with is having no signs inside.  The sign people didn’t show up to verify the dimensions so we’re in the process of looking for another sign company because we’re fed up with the the current one.  We have a couple of companies in mind; they wanted the job in the first place so they should be able to get us the inside signs in time to open on Friday.

We were about $8000 short on building costs because of all the delays.  Luckily, this one has been resolved and ended up being the least stressful thing to deal with.

Our building inspector has been a pain in the butt from the beginning of the process.  He acts like he’s God’s gift to building inspectors and has all these stupid rules that make no difference to whether the building’s sound.  Our contractor has told us that he’s never had to deal with these “rules,” even when building in American Fork.

Anyway, the inspector did our final inspection yesterday and we failed it! 8O That’s not even the most frustrating part.  We didn’t fail it because we weren’t up to code; we failed it because of stupid reasons that had nothing to do with the inspector’s actual job! :x

1. He said our tables and chairs needed to be set up before he could pass us.  That’s like telling someone they can’t get the okay on their house because their couches aren’t in the living room yet.
2. He said we needed an American Fork business license, which is true.  However, we can’t get one until our building inspection gives us the go ahead to practice business in our space.
3. He said we needed to have our health inspection before he could pass us.  The health department won’t even come by until our building inspection has passed.
4. And, last but not least, he said our counter is an inch and a half too high for American Fork’s standards.  American Fork requires your counter to be no higher than 34 inches so that people in a wheelchair can write a check with ease.  That seems like a sound reason to not pass the inspection, right?  Here’s the catch.  The building inspector approved the blueprints that had the dimensions on them.  He never told us that the counter was only supposed to be 34 inches high; he only said that we had to meet ADA (American Disability Association) standards.  Guess what the ADA’s standard for the top counter height is?  36 inches.  We assumed, which was presumptuous of us, that if we built our counter 35.5 inches high, the height would be fine.  After all, our blueprints were approved, right?  Yeah, I know our reasoning was flawed. :roll:

Needless to say, Corey called the boss today to complain.  Now, the only thing we have to comply with out of the above reasons is the counter height.  We’ll be dealing with that tomorrow.