Blogging Reflection

I have learned how to present myself through blogging daily while moving forward in my writing fluency. Most days, I have progressed in my word count and I have learned how to apply myself on a daily basis in writing. This exercise has broadened my outlook and understanding of what it is to blog daily. It takes a commitment to open myself to my writing and gives me a new voice through my blog. I am a very private person in general, and it took me some time to find my voice. The great thing about a personal blog is that I have complete control of what I write. At first, I thought "Who would want to hear about my daily experiences and views on topics? But after a couple of days, people started to respond to my thoughts and share their opinions and views. It has been a eye-opening exercise for me in general. I really didn't know what blogging was all about before I tried it. Sure, I had heard of it, but did not really understand all it entails.

Blogging is a good way to express yourself, while learning more about yourself through writing your thoughts out. My wife and I have had many conversations pertaining to my thoughts in blogging, and we have bonded through the process. For me personally, I have found a voice previously unknown to me. I feel like a more well-rounded writer and plan on continuing my blog in the future. I did not realize how much stuff I had to say about my son, wife, and my overall daily life experiences. Just like with music, I feel that I have found a new companion in writing. I posted a previous blog on writing before I knew that our last blog would be a reflection of our lesson experience. I guess the significance of blogging was already apparent to me. I still have a long way to go in professional writing, but as professor Anthony told us, "You are a writer." I have learned to embrace and believe that fact as I progressed through the class. I might not be the best writer, but a writer I am.

My Birthday

Today, July 18th, is my birthday. Ever since 21 it was all downhill. I have had an eventful life so far. I am not ashamed to say that I turned 32 today. I don't really feel different than last year, or the year before that, but i am looking forward to the rest of my thirties. I have a lot of living left to do and look forward to watching my son grow up. I have some more places that I would like to travel, people that I'd like to meet, and I want to focus on being a better person in the future. One thing that I have learned in my 32 years, is that it doesn't matter how much money you make, or things that you have, life is about cherishing those fading moments with loved ones. I'm sorry if this is short but I have some more cake to eat now.

kayaking

Yesterday my wife and I went kayaking on Taneycomo lake in Branson. Although the banks were still up a little from the recent rain, we still were able to enjoy our kayaking trip. I have only been kayaking twice in my life and enjoy the scenery of wildlife, trees, and the calming effect of just floating down the river. My wife and I used seperate kayaks and floated beside each other and talked for a decent amount of the trip. It was a nice environment to discuss life's problems and future plans. There is nothing more peaceful than being out in nature for me. The whole trip took about 3 hours and we ended up coming ashore next to the Branson Landing. Luckily, my wife was not dressed to go shopping! I recommend going kayaking to anyone who appreciates the slow things in life and nature. It is a good way to clear your head of your problems and worries. I can't wait until my son gets old enough to try it.

dreams

I have often wondered and studied a little into the meaning of dreams. I have learned that many have the dream of not being able to move as some horrific event unfolds. This is a representation of not having control over a situation. People that have these dreams often feel helpless in some situation whether it involves work or personal issues. The dream of falling is another common dream people have. I have never had this dream. I dream of flying freely through the air instead. I don't know if this means that I want to escape from something, or just that i feel free? I find it very interesting that our brain works these images into our dreams based on events and emotions that we are going through. Studies have said that we only use 10 percent of our brain. It makes one wonder what would be possible if we used half or all of our brain. I think it would "blow our mind", pun intended. I think as humans go through another 1,000 years, they will use more of their brains than ever. I won't be around for that, but it is interesting to ponder. Good lord willing, I think that humans today wouldn't even recognize the traits and abilities our future race will attain. Sometimes I wonder if God intended us to use all of our brain, or if he just gives us access to what we need? These answers will never be answered until I meet the big man upstairs. I digress, I do believe that dreams have a significant meaning to each individual. Maybe I should be a Psychologist. I bet studying the human condition would be very challenging and enlightening.

the future

The future is something that we have no control or grasp on. We go through this life, just doing the best we can, hoping for the best in the future. The future has endless possibilities and endless questions. I don't think we are meant to know what is going to happen for a reason in the future. Don't you think it would change everything knowing what was to come? I t would change one's actions and thoughts therefore changing the future itself. I know I am getting deep today, but I woke up wondering about my future. Everything hangs in the balance on what happens in the future. I had a dream last night that I could go in the past and change events. I guess I've seen one too many sci-fi movies. I'm pretty sure it had to do with me watching the movie "Project Almanac." Going in the past changes future events, but if one could go in the future, it would not change past events. only future events after the future become the past. It's a brain twister, I know. Anyway, I think that we are suppose to live in the present and just live our lives the best we know. Just to make the best decisions at any given moment and push on through our journey in life. I think I'll watch "Back To The Future" now and see if I have any break-throughs in time travel after I watch it?

Fishing

Fishing has always been an a favorite past-time for my family. My father used to take me when I was a small boy to the James and Finley rivers to fish. Yes, I can still remember my first fishing pole. It was a spiderman kids pole that didn't effectively catch fish for me. My dad would let me practice with his, but I just kept throwing it in the water. I finally got the hang of it, or should I say a hold on it, and began my fishing career. Some people might say, "fishing is boring" but there is a peace about casting your line, while waiting for that bite. I have always found it calming to fish. No matter what is going on in my life, I can have complete control over my fishing experience. Patience is not a virtue of mine, but fishing is different somehow. I find myself at peace with the world while fishing. I recently took my son to the river and showed him how to fish. I couldn't help but think about my father and how I was keeping the tradition going. My son was more excited about throwing rocks in the water. All in due time. He will get the hang of it just like I did. It's not about the fish you catch, it's about the memories made and the appreciation of the sport.

 My son went fishing with his great-grandpa and caught his first fish a couple days ago. Although I wish that I was there to see it, I am happy for his accomplishment of catching his first fish. There will be plenty of time to catch fish in the future. I can't wait to take my son on our next fishing excursion.  I guess after we get the art down, we can move on to skinning and preparing the fish to eat.

Writing

I have learned how to write more efficiently and fluently through my blogs. My thoughts present themselves in a more complete representation of my points and feelings. I haven't ever blogged before, and find it liberating and satisfying to write each day. My blogs might not interest everyone who reads them, but I still find my writing important to me. Writing is physical activity for my mind. Not unlike working out my muscles in weight training, writing these blogs is training my brain. I have found out things that I believed or thought, that previously evaded me through writing my blogs. My wife and I have read them and discussed in length my thought process. I have never kept a journal or written in this fashion. I find myself examining and thinking on different levels after blogging daily.

Writing is a new form of expressing myself. I play music and sing daily, but I have found that writing expresses a different side of me. I have delved deeper into my creative self, while finding out new things about myself on a daily basis. Like I said, it might not mean anything to someone else, but my words make an impact on me. I have a long way to go with writing, but I feel that I have found a companion in writing. I look forward to continuing blogging my thoughts and experiences as a form of expression. My wife loves writing, so we have found a new commonality together. I think that she is even going to start a daily blog of her own.