Week One: Famous Last Words

Wow! I cannot believe that one week of school has passed us by. There will come a time when I feel like May just cannot get here soon enough. There will come a time when I feel like this semester was over in a glimpse. This first week of school, I have had a hard time getting into the classes that I really needed to be in. Many Communication classes are capped at 30 students, which can become stressful your last semester. Luckily, I was able to get the classes that I needed.

I have had a lot of fun with this course. A friend has been encouraging to start my own blog, which I have because of the knowledge that I have gained just this week. I didn't think that much work went into blogging until this course. It truly takes time to make a blog your own style and to express yourself. I think my best writing this week was storytelling. It was fun trying to rewrite the story how I interpreted the words. Also, reading everyone else's creations and introductions was nice. Many people say that you can't really get to know your classmates with online classes but I disagree. I know more about peers in this course compared to my other classes on campus.

I am trying my best to stay ahead in this class. I do not want to miss out on points because I was too busy to remember. I really want my last semester to be epic! I want to achieve a 4.0 this semester and really enjoy all that the University has to offer. I have never been to baseball game, wrestling match, and other campus events. I want to enjoy all of those things before I leave. Also, I wish everyone else a great semester too!

My first semester! Source: Chandler

Exploring the UnTextbook

I am a little nervous about this assignment because I am probably going to change my mind a billion times. So far, I have chosen...

West African Folktales
During an intercession course, I took an African Dance course and really enjoyed it. I quickly learned that those of the African culture have a story/lesson behind their music, clothing, and etc.

Bible Women
Being a female, I can learn a lot from the women of the Bible. I think this would be great exploration for me.

Myths of the Cherokee
This would be really interesting because they are all animal stories. Hopefully, choosing this will help me better understand the Cherokee culture.

Italian Popular Tales
Once again, I love romance. The Italian stories will provide all the romance stories I crave. The artwork for this book makes me think of a writer that spent the winter type writing about his summer fling.

Italian Popular Tales

Thomas Frederick Crane (1885)

Storybook Favorites

I have chosen the storybook Cupid on Trial. I love love! The idea of romance or two people falling in love is just wonderful. Also, I love suspense. The fact that Cupid is on trial is a great plot twist. Can you tell that I like to  watch televisions shows such as: Scandal, Castle, How to Get Away with Murder, and CSI: Miami? Similar to the introduction, many people blame Cupid for not having a successful relationship or someone that is not even interested in them.  Hopefully, writing about this will give me ideas on making the upcoming Valentine's Day exciting!

The next storybook that I looked at was Cinderella...or whatever her name was. First, I pretty sure that everyone from there to here and back know the story of Cinderella. Cinderella is equivalent to cereal. Everyone has heard of cereal. Lol. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating. My point is that the title of this storybook made me laugh! SN: I would have greatly appreciated an all expenses paid trip to see the Cinderella Broadway show with KeKe Palmer and NeNe Leakes. I agree with Melissa Schwartz, the author of this particular storybook, that "there are so many versions".

The last storybook that I have chosen is Fairy Tales: The Other Side because of its title too. I want to hear the antagonist side of the story! I am very understanding of both sides, right or wrong. The Three Little Pigs story was really entertaining. I also appreciated the cliff hanger at the end of this storybook! As far as illustration or pictures, the picture of Snow White being arrested was funny. When I think of fairy tales, I do not think of the characters being arrested in real life.

Snow White's Arrest

Source: Web Culture Pictorial 

I love to read! When I go to Barnes & Noble, I usually pick book by their titles. All of these storybooks grasped my attention by their titles. Looking into these deeper was a bonus!

Week One Introduction: It's Me, Chandler!

Hey Everyone,

I am so elated about this semester because I am graduating in May! There were so many nights and days that I thought I would never make it to graduation. I will graduate with a degree in Communication and minors in African-American Studies and NonProfit Organizational Studies.

As a freshman, I started with 25 concurrent enrollment hours and majoring in International Business and Marketing with a minor in Spanish. I was so convinced that that was the path that I should take in college, especially after making a 3.5 my first semester. I did not do so good the following semester because I was not motivated or passionate about my coursework. I hated going to class because it was just so boring. Long story short...I found what I something I was passionate about, which has lead me to present day.

I have had the opportunity to serve in many student organizations such as: Camp Crimson, Black Student Association, Sooners Helping Sooners, OU ConnectU, Sooner Promise, and many others. I have also had the chance to work in various offices on campus, my favorite was being a Tour Guide for the University! It was so exciting to see incoming students and be one of the first to share the loving OU family traditions and stories.

Today, I am focused on walking across the stage and finding my next step in life. I am so open to many possibilities as far as my career. I like to learn new things and don't want to limit myself. Also, I am narrowing down my graduate school options. I would like to move out of state some time soon but am waiting until I am financially stable.

Ummm...I like to read. I love going to Barnes & noble. I LOVE TO SHOP! If it's not on sale, I don't buy it. I am the saving queen. Family is really important to me. Also, I like to plan events. Its fun and allows me to be creative.

This is me.

Taken by Chandler

Week One Storytelling: Lets Fall in Love

THERE was a little boy and a little girl
Lived in an alley;
Says the little boy to the little girl,
[202]"Shall I, oh! shall I?"

Says the little girl to the little boy,
"What shall we do?"
Says the little boy to the little girl,
"I will kiss you."

Once upon a time, there lived a boy named Charlie. Charlie would rise early every morning to see the lovely Olivia walk into town. She was a petite and sweet girl with a smile that brightened the world. One day Olivia asked, "why do you follow me into town Mister? You can simply keep me company on my morning walks." Charlie looked forward to those morning walks and carried all her things. After about six months, Charlie finally found the courage to say what he had been wanting to say.

Charlie: Olivia, I have something to ask of you.

Olivia: I may have an answer for you.

Charlie: What if I asked you to be with me for eternity? What if I said I wanted to care for you and begin a legacy with you?

Olivia: I will follow stand by your side and love you for eternity. I will nurture our family and support your leadership.

They kissed. They wed. They loved. They started a family. Charlie and Olivia lived happily ever after!

Marriage

Author's Note: I chose this proverb from The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang (1987). This "Love and Matrimony" piece stood out to me because it was simple but had so much depth to it. I chose to write about a boy and girl that fall in love. The girl, Olivia, had a feeling that Charlie was in love with her and she felt the same. Unlike today's unwritten dating rules, Olivia allowed Charlie to be the leader in the relationship. I appreciated that he took his time to get to know Olivia by partaking in the morning walks. A woman is to be submissive to her husband just as he is to be respectful of his wife. I admire relationships that are built on friendship, patience, and true love. 

My Favorite Place in the Whole Wide World

So, my most favorite place is Fort Worth, Texas aka The Funk!

I am originally from Fort Worth but I have grown up in Oklahoma City. My T-Jones (mother) is the only family that I have in Oklahoma. I never got to go to my MeMe's (grandmother) house after school or spend the night with my cousins. I come from a very close family and missing out on functions was hard for me. My mother sent me home for every holiday, school break, and summer. I spent that time all over Texas with family such as: Arlington, Dallas, Beaumont, and Waco.

DFW Area, Source: Fort Worth