Didn't believe I had them. (They're located on your ribs along your sides, supposedly visible). After working out on Saturday for the first time in a while I learned something.
Newsflash:
I've got 'em!
No worries.
They're there.
Now, the question is: will I be able to abduct my scapulae or upwardly rotate the inferior part of them any time soon without discomfort?
Forecast: Unlikely
February 23, 2009
February 19, 2009
Close Writing
In English classes, close reading assignments are given frequently. A close reading is one in which a student picks a particular passage of a work of literature to analyze and assign meaning. Along with these assignments is given the caution "pay CLOSE attention to the language of the text and chain yourself to it's function." As I write more and more of these papers, I wonder more and more how an author chooses precisely the best words with the exact meaning and connotation needed to portray meaning. This ability never ceases to amaze me, and at times it is hard for me to write becuase I am overwhelmed by that very task of choosing the right words.
But what I realize is that I am always writing. Every day, every second of my life, the chapters of my life's story are being written in a book that will continue into eternity. And the individual words are what make up the sentences, paragraphs, then chapters of this book. There is no more important act I can do than to make each word something that I choose deliberately to contribute to the meaning of my work that will turn into the most personal thing I can ever be a part of - my life.
That's where the cool part comes in - I have to power to choose which words will be used. At times I won't be able to choose the plot or the characters surrounding me, but I can always choose the words which portray the tone, mood, and meaning. And this book will never fit into one genre. There will be elements of comedy, tragedy, romance, and drama sprinkled throughout, depending on my stage of life, my priorities, and the circumstances which surround me.
I title my thoughts "Close Writing". I believe this is the reverse of close reading, which is the process by which the reader unravels sentences and phrases to discover meaning. Close writing is instead the writer's process - when he/she must weave together specific words to create the meaning. Close writing must be picky, and can be a long and arduous process. But, my friends, it is completely worth it. After all, am I not here to prove I can pick the best words from my selection to make up my book?
But what I realize is that I am always writing. Every day, every second of my life, the chapters of my life's story are being written in a book that will continue into eternity. And the individual words are what make up the sentences, paragraphs, then chapters of this book. There is no more important act I can do than to make each word something that I choose deliberately to contribute to the meaning of my work that will turn into the most personal thing I can ever be a part of - my life.
That's where the cool part comes in - I have to power to choose which words will be used. At times I won't be able to choose the plot or the characters surrounding me, but I can always choose the words which portray the tone, mood, and meaning. And this book will never fit into one genre. There will be elements of comedy, tragedy, romance, and drama sprinkled throughout, depending on my stage of life, my priorities, and the circumstances which surround me.
I title my thoughts "Close Writing". I believe this is the reverse of close reading, which is the process by which the reader unravels sentences and phrases to discover meaning. Close writing is instead the writer's process - when he/she must weave together specific words to create the meaning. Close writing must be picky, and can be a long and arduous process. But, my friends, it is completely worth it. After all, am I not here to prove I can pick the best words from my selection to make up my book?
February 8, 2009
NERD
(noun)
1. An insignificant, foolish, or socially inept person; a person who is boringly conventional or studious (Oxford English Dictionary).
2. A person who #1 - knows what the Oxford English Dictionary is and #2 - thinks to use it to define a word.
3. Someone who buys a Norton Anthology and instead of thinking "man, this is big and expensive!" thinks "yes! I can add this to my collection!"
4. Someone who likens linguistic theory to church doctrine.
5. Someone who notices particularly the power of the alliteration in the word choice of the guest speaker in Stake Conference.
6. (insert picture of me).
1. An insignificant, foolish, or socially inept person; a person who is boringly conventional or studious (Oxford English Dictionary).
2. A person who #1 - knows what the Oxford English Dictionary is and #2 - thinks to use it to define a word.
3. Someone who buys a Norton Anthology and instead of thinking "man, this is big and expensive!" thinks "yes! I can add this to my collection!"
4. Someone who likens linguistic theory to church doctrine.
5. Someone who notices particularly the power of the alliteration in the word choice of the guest speaker in Stake Conference.
6. (insert picture of me).
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