It's these Creative Writing classes that I'm taking for my English major (since CW is my emphasis...also my initials...hmm). Advanced Fiction Writing seems like it should be fun; we get time to write in that class, which didn't happen in my intro FW class (yet I liked FW better than I like Adv. FW). The teacher is...interesting. The problem is just finding time to sit down and write when I'd rather be watching movies or TV or something else lazy. Poetry writing sucks (and I don't like to use that word, so it conveys the strength of how much I hate that class better than just saying I hate that class). So much writing for an intro class! and I don't even like READING poetry! We have 9 peer workshops that are supposed to be different from the 9 poems we turn in to the professor periodically that are supposed to be different from the 6 poems we'll discuss in three student/instructor conferences; that's at least 24 poems! Not to mention the poetry journal we do our homework in, which is worth the most in the grading breakdown (although most of those 24 poems will come from the exercises in the journal). We'll also have a final portfolio, a poem recitation, and a poetry analysis essay (in a poetry writing class?) I agree with Chessie. This class might kill me. But, since Chessie posted a poem, I guess I will to. This is a poem I've revised for our first peer workshop tomorrow:
We pick our way among nettlesome brambles and brush
following a path of flesh-colored sand through black green trees to the beach
The steely blue ocean, more dirty sand, and poorly lit sky
appear before us past the trees
The wind is thundering, we shout to talk, and my feet
feel dirty and cold. The kids chase the tide and race it back
We’re looking for seashells, waiting for the dark cold ocean
to hit the line dividing the light and dark sand and touch our toes
The water is faster than my brother.
It is behind him, around him, over him.
Mom is shouting Dad’s name as we fear
the Master Riptide has claimed him.
The heavy water rushes back, leaving a dark lump
in the sand, gagging for breath. Dad picks him up, heaves him
back to Mom, where he stands shivering in his blue oversized
sweatshirt with his already-straight hair plastered to his skull
We pick our way among nettlesome brambles and brush
following a path of flesh-colored sand through black green trees to the condo
The steely blue ocean, more dirty sand, and poorly lit sky
Disappear behind us past the trees
I don't know. I think I tell too much instead of show in poetry. I just don't feel it like some people do.
On a happier note, Dr. McCuskey's class is awesome, of course, just because he teaches it. I'm not very familiar with the Victorian novel, so I can't say whether or not I'm a big fan of them or not (since Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters were publishing before 1832, when this class starts), but even though our mini history lessons are depressing (because of the Corn Laws and poorhouses and the ignorance of the upper classes) I still label Period Studies as my favorite class. Dr. McCuskey just makes thing interesting when, in less capable hands, the subject would be butchered and boring-to-death (like my poetry class--ugh).
So I haven't done so well with my goals (remember they are not resolutions). I'm still on 0-3 fruits and vegetables a day, and I haven't exercised three days in a row since I posted those goals. I am drinking what feels like lots of water but it's probably not the recommended 8 glasses a day.
I did sign up for an LDS Institute class (Book of Mormon 2) and it's AWESOME (big thanks to Ellie for signing up to go with me!). I'm still working through the Gospels. I need to get more motivated though; right now I tend to read 10 minutes before I go to bed. I get good review on the stories and parables, but I don't feel like I'm learning much. On the other hand, I'm just not a morning person, so I have a really hard time getting up and studying before class and homework. I'm not quite sure what to do about it.
And no one has told me any of the new movies they want to see! How can I go with you and share my educated opinion with the world about the movie if no one lets me know what movies to see? Here, I'll make it easy: the following movies are in theaters now or soon.
Taken opens January 30, rated PG-13.
Inkheart opens January 23, rated PG.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop opens January 16, rated PG.
Bride Wars opened January 9, rated PG.
Marley and Me opened December 25 2008, rated PG.
Bedtime Stories opened December 25 2008, rated PG.
Valkyrie opened December 25 2008, rated PG-13.
Yes Man opened December 19 2008, rated PG-13.
Seven Pounds opened December 19 2008, rated PG-13.
To learn more about these movies, including the cast and plot, visit the Internet Movie Database.
I almost forgot: I saw Eagle Eye this weekend! It is a great film and I highly recommend it. It's like a cross of the Bourne movies and Stealth, oddly enough, and not predictable either. There is a fair amount of language and violence, but no adult content. Shia LeBeouf does a fantastic job. I would watch it again.
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