TEXTING AND DRVING REVISED BLOG POST

Every day I get into a vehicle, as a driver or passenger, I always seem to come across someone who is using their cell phone as they drive. Whether it is texting, dialing a number or talking, cell phone usage while driving has become a bigger issue. I can admit that from time to time I do use my cell phone as I drive. Since my previous blog post about texting and driving, it has now become illegal for anyone in the state of Wisconsin to text and drive, so I no longer keep my phone out. Before this law was in action, I used to both text and talk on my phone. For some reason I felt that I was more aware of my surroundings and not as much concerned with my cell phone as I drove, like most others are. Very, very seldom did I use my phone as I drove just to talk to someone. If I needed to use my phone for any reason it would be to get a hold of someone. I have seen a wide variety of people texting while driving. A few months back I witnessed a woman, I’d say mid-thirties, driving a minivan and texting at the same time.

Now I wouldn’t be too concerned usually because that’s her own issue for texting while driving, but for some reason this lady really got to me. She had an older woman in the passenger seat, which looked as if she was sleeping, along with children in the back seat of her minivan. Not only did she have children in the back, one of the children was still a newborn, and you could see her talking/yelling at the kids. If something would have jumped in front of her vehicle, a car cut her off or drifted in her lane, I doubt she would have noticed. More than likely an accident would have been the result of that situation. A study showed that in 2009, 29 percent of accidents in the United States were caused by the driver of one vehicle (ages 18-30) being distracted by the use of their cellular device. It was also stated that four out of five accidents are caused by distracted drivers. I believe that the law against texting while driving is suitable for citizens because it took a step forward in keeping everyone on the roads safe.  However, if an accident is still caused by the distraction from the use of a cell phone, major action should be taken place. The driver at fault should be given a heavy fine for what they had done. I believe texting on a phone is much more dangerous than talking on the phone. When a driver is texting they more than likely are not even looking out the window, but down at the screen of their cell phones. Having a verbal conversation on the phone is not as dangerous because the driver would be able to see the road while continuing the conversation. I do not think that talking on the phone should be illegal. A recent study by students at Virginia Tech concluded that someone who is texting and driving is twenty-three times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to someone who is focused on driving.  Another study found of that, in their opinion, texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the 2008 statistics regarding accidents resulting from the use of cellular devices. According to them, in 2008 alone, 5870 people had died in crashes and over 515,000 people were injured in the United States. Around 28 percent of the crashes were people between the ages of 18 and 29. It does not really matter the circumstances, there more times than not, is a chance to pull off the road, or into a rest stop or restaurant to make an important phone call or shoot a quick text. People should not use their cell phones while driving. It has been proven time and time again that it is a highly dangerous situation in which many people have resulted in injury or even death. So, save yourself and others and don’t use your phone and drive.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/texting-while-driving-statistics.html

REALITY TELEVISION

Reality television seems to be not such an actual reality at all. In today’s world of television there are so many “reality” shows that who knows what’s real and what has been staged. The shows all seem to run together along with the drama and actions which the characters or reality TV stars create. To me, the fights, drama, crazy situations that happen on the reality television shows are all staged just for ratings. What’s the point of calling a show a reality television show, if the only reality is that the people were randomly selected to be on the show? Although some reality TV shows are set up for love or money, all those who apply to be on them, want, is fame. Fame from reality show is now days considered a shoe in to success and money. Once you make it to one reality show, you are offered to different shows, especially if you’re full of drama.

Show’s like the Bad Girls Club, just makes the women feel obligated to act their worst and instigate fights for the shows content. Watching reality shows can actually be really unhealthy for people because then they start believing that this is what happens in real life Hollywood or on television at all times, NO! Those who are casted on to reality television shows are told specifically how to act, when to start fights and sometimes even what to say to create more problems in the show, for more ratings. Viewers feed off of drama, arguments and tension between castmates on each show.

 Vh1’s reality show “I Love Money” just encourages people to befriend, betray, backstab, and be manipulative and horrible to people just to get further in the game. In the end only one person gets the money anyways, so why go through the game being an awful person? In their defense, if they really believe that they have the shot at the money prize, maybe acting terrible is worth it? It really all depends on that person’s character and morals, I guess. Shows like the Bachelor or Bachelorette seem to be a hoax, because how can you possibly know someone so well during the filming of the show (around two months) to propose to them, and potentially expect to spend the rest of their life with that person?

I suppose it is possible to find that “special someone” with that thing they call love at first sight, but when you have a house full of 20 plus women or men all fighting for your attention, how is one supposed to depict true character from someone trying to be more than they are or on the show for the wrong reasons. All reality television shows have something sketchy about them; however they do make interesting and addictive television. I admit that I am a reality show junkie, and cannot resist watching the variety of shows that stations provide. Although I know most of it is not real, I enjoy watching it and getting a laugh here and there.

ENERGY DRINKS

Energy drinks are becoming one of today’s latest crazes; with names like five hour energy, cocaine, red bull, monster, amp, four loko and rockstar, some of which have been banned from production. Energy drinks are supposed to have a high level of caffeine that, like its title, gives you energy. Now not just caffeine will boost your energy level; it takes several ingredients including some chemical based things that make up these high caffeinated drinks.

Four Loko, for example, is one of the energy drinks that are now banned. Its mixture of energy drink supplements and alcohol caused outrageous, negative affects on people in which caused harm, including one death and several injuries. Energy drinks have two sides to them. They are good in the way that it gives the person drinking it a temporary energy boost, but on the downfall they “crash” severely which can potentially harm their body systems, especially Four Loko since it is mixed with alcohol. The cocaine energy drink, for example, has over twice the amount of caffeine in which one cup of coffee contains. Studies have shown that too much caffeine, in anyone’s body, mixed with a lot of sugar, which is also included in energy drinks, can cause irregular heartbeats and higher blood pressure. In a 2007 survey, approximately 31 percent of American teenagers (7.6 million) have drunk an energy beverage in that year. A jump of 3 million people since previously surveyed in 2004. Since then recent studies have shown that energy drinks are becoming more and more popular in which the number of people, mostly teenagers will start and continue to use and drink them.

I have tried energy drinks before, and for me they work for a little while, but after almost an hour I get exhausted and sick to my stomach from drinking that beverage. It doesn’t feel good in your body and doctors and studies have shown that it isn’t good for your body either. In my personal opinion, the harsher energy drinks should either be banned or have their ingredients changed so it is not as harmful as it currently is. With energy beverages and supplements, it is doing more bad than good. I do NOT recommend energy drinks; instead I would find an alternative to get your energy level up instead of using an outlet like energy drinks.

http://newsandtribune.com/homepage/x519361428/Energy-drinks-sales-explode-despite-concerns?keyword=leadpicturestory

DOES HOLMEN HAVE A "CURSE"?

The Holmen “curse” is something I know all too well. Since 2005, Holmen, Wisconsin has lost ten students or recent graduates due to some type of tragedy. Whether it is falling off of Grand Dad’s bluff, a car accident or a death related to drugs or alcohol. It seems like an all too common occurrence, and almost something expected now

 that Holmen has lost so many

students. It is depressing to be

expecting a death, but it happens so often that it’s all students and residents of Holmen can think about. In my graduating class alone we have lost two females in the past year and a half; one to an accident of the ground coming out from her at Grand Dad’s Bluff in September of 2009 and the other a car accident due to road conditions this past Monday (December 13th). Students, staff and community members of Holmen have suffered so much over the last few years that I don’t know how much more they can all take. Students in the Holmen School District have now called it the “Holmen Curse” saying that at least one student will pass away from each graduating class. Unfortunately so far the curse has “struck” for every graduated/graduating class so far, since 2005. Students have talked about moving schools and being scared for what’s to come.

Everyone believes something will happen to them or someone they are close to. Its frightening for everyone because they are always expecting something terrible to happen. I’m not sure what can be done about this, basically nothing, in my opinion. All people can really do is be extra cautious at all times and not think about the “curse.” Losing someone you are close to or acquaintances with is a tough thing to go through, especially when it happens multiple times. The mental and emotional stress is exhausting for young people. I believe counselors and the school district are doing an okay job trying to get counseling and help for those who are having troubles coping with the death of a friend or loved one.

Death is a hard thing to get over, and when it happens more than once it tends to become a common feeling of sadness and hurt. I really hope that this is the last of this “Holmen curse” because it hurts me to see everyone around in constant pain or depression. I believe that ten is way too many to have lost in a short time and that the “curse” stops here.

THANKSGIVING / BLACK FRIDAY

Thanksgiving is something I look forward to every year. We only get together on my mom’s side for holidays, which happen to be a large number of people. My mother has 7 brothers and sisters who all have a significant other and at least two children; then my grandparents and my grandma’s brothers usually attend as well. Because of the large number of people we unfortunately cannot all sit at one table, or in one room for that matter. We end up separating into three tables, wherever you happen to sit down. It’s quite funny at times because when my family starts to tell stories or make conversation, the other tables either try to listen in or they interrupt and start a harmless, fun argument about it. We all get along great and it’s a nice feeling to get away from all the stressors in life and just relax and have fun with one’s relatives. For our Thanksgiving meal we had: turkey baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple, two kinds of cranberries, and many, many different desserts. After the meal, games, and just hanging out with family, I drove two hours home so I could work that evening and then participate in Black Friday. Black Friday is something many people look forward to each year, while others dread that very day. On Black Friday almost every item you could think of goes on sale for those early Christmas shoppers. This year I did go out on Black Friday not even looking for anything in particular. I first went to Wal-Mart right around midnight and let me tell you, the parking lot alone was insane: people racing for spots, people piling out of cars because they were packed in and some couldn’t even find a spot at all. When I got inside there was more people than I have ever seen in a Wal-Mart at one time. Now I’ve been Black Friday shopping before but it was never as crazy as it was this year. Although there were so many shoppers and people scrambling for things, I went shopping without an agenda or any expectations of buying anything. The things I would have expected to have gone right away happened to still be there at an outrageously low price, so I ended up buying a few things. Some shoppers were running with carts, stopping to make a game plan, just throwing random things in their carts; it was crazy! I’ve never seen anything like it. I think if you are going to go Black Friday shopping don’t have any expectations or anything in particular you NEED to get, because if it’s not there you’ll only get disappointed and frustrated which will make your experience in long checkout lines even more horrible. If you think about how low the prices go for certain things you would be thinking to yourself “wouldn’t the business be losing money for dropping the price so low?” But the truth is that, that is just how much markup was originally on that product, that if they lower it to that price they can still be making money off of it. Which ultimately seem ridiculous to buy anything at regular price now days when you know they’re making a ton of profit off of your purchase. I came to the conclusion that from now on, I am going to save some money on the side just for Black Friday and when the time comes, just buy every sale or discounted item that seems like a good deal to me for Christmas presents or everyday items I may need, because what’s the point of buying anything if it’s not on sale or clearance?

TANNING BEDS

It seems like everywhere you look you see someone who obviously uses a tanning bed and I do admit that I use them, myself. Although I do use them, and sound like a hypocrite, they are beginning to become more and more of a problem now days. Each time someone enters the tanning bed their risk for cancer increases greatly. Even though these facilities cause harm to people, it is their own decision and right to enter them. I believe it is right for laws to be enforced regarding children tanning or teens to a certain age. If a child, under the age of 18, wants to use a tanning bed, at a salon, then a parental agreement form should be signed. Because the child is not a legal adult, the parent should have the right to make the decision on whether they want their child to use the tanning bed or not. It is said that over one million Americans tan each and every day and according to the FDA Consumer Health newsletter, about one million Americans get diagnosed with some form of skin cancer each year. I was watching E! Hollywood Insider about a story concerning former Miss Maryland and her battle with cancer at age twenty. Brittany Cicala began using tanning beds at age 17 to prepare for beauty pageants and a short three years later was receiving treatment and having surgeries to try to get rid of her cancerous skin cells. After having over 20 surgeries she was literally scarred for life, and is now reaching out to children to prevent their use of tanning beds. Ultraviolet radiation given off by tanning beds can cause the obvious, skin cancer, as well as permanent eye damage, and can lower one’s immune system. It’s hard to believe that between 10 and 20 minutes in a tanning bed is equivalent to a FULL day under the sun’s harsh rays. Resources have shown that even tanning one time every month increases someone’s chance of getting melanoma, the worst form of skin cancer, by 55%! To me that’s so crazy! I guess if they have statistics and medical evidence proving their facts, then it must be true. I have thought going tanning or not over many, many times. I’m sure one day I will stop but as of now I still tan on occasion and probably will continue to do so.

PET ALZHEIMERS?

For thirteen years now I have had the same cat, Trinity, whom I had adopted her from the Humane Society. They had found her at the Trinity Lutheren Church, hence the name. Trinity is the nicest, calmest, sweetest cat you would ever meet and it’s crazy since she’s always been this way, even as a kitten. As one starts to age, just like humans, pets start having some problems. It seems like Trinity is losing a little bit of her sight, hearing and I believe some memory loss. When you call her name she now looks the opposite way or doesn’t recognize a voice at all. While it is quite funny at times her wandering around looking for you, it is also quite sad. I feel bad for her and I feel helpless because what am I supposed to really do about it? I am not going to put my cat down because she becomes confused here and there and is having trouble seeing and hearing at times. She obviously doesn’t speak English or any language for that matter, so when she meows how am I to know if she is in pain, is whining, etc? I don’t! I have no clue what I can do for her. However, despite all of her troubles from getting older, Trinity has started acting out and doing things kittens would do. For instance, she climbs up on the counter, searching for food, crumbs, anything she can find. She also has been caught in the sink licking dishes, including the butter dish. To me, it’s disgusting, because she gets plenty of food and she just chooses to eat and explore. Because she eats so often, and so much, you would think that this cat is 100 pounds, but no. Trinity is a whopping 5 and a half pounds of fur. She has been tested for thyroid disease; stomach disease and many more and they cannot find anything wrong with her except for the fact that she is too happy and hyper for an older cat. So, despite her tendency to walk in the other direction, not see properly, have trouble hearing and remembering where she is, Trinity is healthy and as happy as a clam . . . when the dog’s not bothering her that is.

NOBEL LAUREATE ESSAY

There have been many people who have impacted the world for their various good deeds and accomplishments. However, some individuals seem to stand out more than others, including Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel. No one alive today, unless experienced it themselves, could fully understand, mentally and emotionally, what Wiesel witnessed and was treated like during the Holocaust. He has impacted the world, with his bravery and strength, in such a way that his story of the Holocaust, and his work following, will carry on forever, into the history of tomorrow.

Elie Wiesel was born on September 30th, 1928 in Sighet, Transylvania, which is now part of Romania (Elie Wiesel ¶ 1). Wiesel and three sisters, two older and one younger, were born to Shlomo and Sarah Wiesel (Eliezer Wiesel ¶ 3, Elie Wiesel-Biography ¶ 5). In May of 1944, Wiesel’s world came crashing down when Nazi’s invaded his residence, among others, and deported all Jews to concentration camps. Wiesel’s family was transported to Auschwitz where his mother and younger sister were killed immediately. Wiesel and his father managed to stay together through Auschwitz and into the Buchenwald concentration camp in 1945; his father died shortly before the camp was liberated (Wiesel, Elie 1928- ¶1-2). Following Buchenwald’s liberation, Wiesel was sent to study in France with a group of orphaned Jewish children, which ultimately began his journey to where he has ended up today (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶ 4-6).

Elie Wiesel attended the Sorbonne in France studying philosophy, psychology and literature from 1948 to1951 (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶6, Wiesel, Elie 1928- ¶6). Wiesel started a career as a translator, reporter and journalist and became the United Nations correspondent of the Israeli newspaper: Yediot Aharonet, after emigrating to New York in 1956 (Elie 1928- ¶6). During an interview Wiesel had with French writer Francois Mauriac, he was persuaded to finally speak out and write about his experience at the death camps during the Holocaust (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶6, Elie Wiesel ¶2). His personal encounter with the Holocaust, put down on paper, resulted in the phenomenal book entitled Night (La Nuit). Along with being an author, Wiesel was a Professor, a member of several organizations and is a strong supporter of causes for those in need. Wiesel has won multiple awards including the astonishing Nobel Peace Prize, in 1986. He became one of the more famous Holocaust survivors because of his writings, speeches and humanitarian work (Wiesel, Elie 1928- ).

Elie Wiesel was the voice for those who had perished along with many Holocaust survivors who did not speak out or could not find words to say what had happened to them. Wiesel’s novels describe in great detail the events that went on during the Holocaust. He gave insight to the horrific tragedies he was faced with along with thousands of others. Because he survived he felt it was his duty to share his experience and speak out for those who could not. Although he vowed not to speak until ten years after camps were liberated, his story has still impacted millions. Since the original writing of Wiesel’s memoir, written in 1958, it has been translated into 30 languages and has sold over seven million copies worldwide (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶6, Elie Wiesel ¶2). Following Night, Wiesel has published over 40 other novels both fiction and non-fiction (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶8, Elie Wiesel ¶6). His writings are mostly focused on keeping the memory of the Holocaust, and those involved, alive in story.

Because of Elie Wiesel’s schooling for philosophy and literature, and his early career in journalism, he eventually became a teacher following his studies. Elie Wiesel was the Professor of Judaic Studies at the City College in New York from 1972 until 1976 (Elie Wiesel-Biography ¶7, Wiesel, Elie 1928-¶ 6, The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶13). He has been the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in Humanities at Boston University since 1976. Also at Boston University, Wiesel is a faculty member in the Department of Religion as well as the Department of Philosophy (Elie Wiesel ¶5). During 1982 to 1983, Wiesel was the Henry Luce Visiting Scholar in Humanities and Social Thought at Yale University (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶13). Among other things, Elie Wiesel dedicated his time as being a member, chairman or president of many organizations that benefitted the well being of others.

In 1978 President Jimmy Carter named Wiesel as chairman in the President’s Commission of the Holocaust (The Life and Work of Wiesel ¶12). Following that he was elected chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council from years 1980 to 1986, and then resigned in protest to President Regan (Wiesel, Elie 1928- ¶6, Elie Wiesel ¶3). Elie Wiesel is a large supporter of Israel and defends causes of the Soviet Jews, the Nicaragua’s Miskito Indians, Argentina’s Desaparecidos, the Cambodian refugees, the Kurds, and the victims of famine and genocide in Africa (Elie Wiesel ¶ 4). While supporting many groups and being chairman in different organizations, Wiesel received and is still receiving awards for his great humanitarian work. He has received many awards including: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, the national Humanities Medal, the Medal of Liberty, the rank of Grand-Croix in the French Legion of Honor and ultimately the Nobel Prize for Peace; which was awarded to Wiesel in 1986 (Elie Wiesel ¶ 7).

Shortly after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize he founded the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. Today his foundation focuses on helping those in need, especially the youth. The foundation’s mission “Is rooted, in the memory of the Holocaust, is to combat indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue and youth-focused programs that promote acceptance, understanding and equality” (About Us ¶1). The foundation has different sections and programs that are in the United States as well as internationally, for children. The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity has a program in Israel to give Ethiopian immigrants academic tutoring, support and the opportunity to overcome early educational inequalities. A quote from Wiesel himself states that “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” (Elie Wiesel American Novelist ¶ 1). Although the quote explains itself, Wiesel’s word to the world is to not judge someone or use their culture, race or religion to hate them, like the Nazi’s did to the Jew’s. Because of Wiesel’s experience with the Holocaust and surviving, it gave him the courage and the drive to share with the world his story and to give back to those in need of help and support. Elie Wiesel has contributed to more lives than one could imagine and receiving awards, like the Peace Prize, thanked him for doing so.

Is it EVER going to snow?

I swear it just gets colder and colder every single day. I mean come on; if it’s going to be this cold I’d prefer some snow to be falling. It’s not even that I enjoy snow or winter in general; I just think that if it’s going to be the season of WINTER then it should look like winter. I’m sure many of the people who do recreational sports in the winter also agree with me. The lack of snow is preventing those people from participating in the activities in which they enjoy most during this season. Pretty soon Mount La Crosse along with many other places will just have to make snow if it never is going to fall. How are they supposed to make any money from the skiers and snowboarders if the weather doesn’t even cooperate? I know they have machines to make snow, but that costs money, so if it would just snow everything would be fine! 

For me, driving in snowy conditions is not something I enjoy that much. However, it does look pretty on the ground-until dirt gets mixed in or it starts melting, that is. I looked around online and found out that snow plow drivers can make anywhere from 24-58 dollars an hour. If that’s their only job during the winter they could be hurting for money until the snow starts to fall; and if it doesn’t snow, they don’t get paid. I also found out that if you work alone, plowing driveways for people, than the usual rate is around 25-30 dollars per driveway. Maybe I should invest in getting a junk truck with a plow and plow driveways for people. To make some extra cash sounds good to me! Oh wait, I forgot we don’t have any snow. So for now, i'm stuck waitressing at the job i love oh so very much :).

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

Standing up on the bluff looking at the world below it finally hit me that this was it. This is what happens in real life, and she’s never coming back. Tears start streaming down my face as all the emotion of what had happened exactly one year ago started filling my mind.

September 16th, 2009 started just like any other day. It was a Wednesday, so the week wasn’t over just yet. After hearing my mother yell “Turn that damn alarm clock off!” about twenty times, I finally listened and get myself out of my warm, comfy bed. An hour or so of doing a normal morning routine I get in my car and head off to school. As the day goes on it felt like any normal school day; slow paced, boring and a waste of my time. I dragged myself from College Prep, to Psychology 2, to Advanced Civics 2 then to my lunch/release period. I could finally go home to do what I love best; sleep. Taking a good nap was something I was looking forward to all day; so from about 12:45 to 3:00pm I dozed off then sprang up with what little energy I gained. Since it was a Wednesday it was time for me to work. Work actually excited me because it was that time I had to get away from thinking about school or pleasing my family and getting a chance to laugh with my co-workers and have conversation as I waited on my customers.

9:30pm rolls around and I hear, “We’re done!” from my manager. “Thank God” I say to myself, because it had been a slow night. I ran over to the windows to shut the open signs off and sprinted to the doors to lock them as quick as I could so no customers could sneak in. After closing I went home and did what I do best…sit on Facebook. As soon as I logged on, I knew something was very, very wrong. Everyone’s status and messages to one another were depressing and had something to do with “RIP Rachel” or “RIP RMC”. My armpits started to sweat, and my face was getting flushed realizing that someone died; and it was obviously someone I knew. I racked my brain for someone I knew named Rachel, with the initials RMC. All of a sudden, like a ton of bricks, it hit me; Rachel Maxine Cody. In shock, sitting there staring at the computer screen, my cell phone starts vibrating; my best friend, Denali, was calling.

I answered, “h-hello.”

“Are you home yet? Did you hear?” her voice quivered into the phone.

Sighing heavily, I replied “Yeah, I see it all over Facebook. What happened?”


“She fell off the bluff.”


“What do you mean she “fell” off the bluff?” I said in confusion.

“She went out past the fence and the ground fell from underneath her. She was only a few feet from the fence. This is so crazy.”

We only talked for a few more minutes, and then I just sat there staring at my computer in shock. I didn’t do anything that night. I couldn’t do homework, I didn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, I was just so upset and confused on why this was happening, why her? It did not actually kick in to full effect, of what was going on until the next day at school. The senior class did not have to attend classes if they did not wish; however, they needed to stay on schools property unless released by a parent. My close friends, forty to fifty seniors and myself, gathered in the “circle of life” where three hallways meet. Together we were able to confide in one another and grieve the loss of someone so amazing. Although we did not all get along, everyone pushed aside their prior fights and grudges and helped their classmates cope with the heartbreak of losing a friend. I never would have imagined that something so awful and tragic could bring out the best in each person and bring us all closer; which is exactly what Rachel would have wanted us to do.

Rachel Maxine Cody was not your normal senior high school student. She was an exceptional human being. She was a smart student, brilliant actress and had a quirky, creative personality. It didn’t matter if you knew her or not, if she passed you in the hallway or saw you on the street, you would get a “hello!” with a smile, as she went on her way. Involved in many school, church and community activities many, many people knew and loved her. Most knew her for her great personality, addiction to coffee and her talent for acting in the schools plays and musicals. She wrote her “about me” on Facebook perfectly. “I’m an addict to the bean. Persistent. Optimistic. Outgoing. Adventurous. Love my friends. Have no enemies. You may dislike me. That’s fine, I don’t dislike you. I love listening. Come tell me about your day.” The night before her death she posted, “Louder than sirens. Louder than bells. Sweeter than Heaven. Hotter than Hell.”

For a moment in time, my life was frozen. It didn’t really continue on until after I got some closure from her wake and funeral. Those two consecutive days were some of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. Seeing all of her loved ones and everyone who knew her and how they were affected by this was a terrible thing to have to see. Hundreds of people showed up, and my best friends and I were there to witness it all. The emotion and expression on her parents face, I can recall in an instant. I cannot imagine the pain they were going through, from the time they got that call from police until that day, and for every day for the rest of their lives. Her parents are two of the strongest individuals I have ever seen. To stand there and discuss the life of their daughter and see her lifeless body in a casket, unable to do a thing, took major strength. I remember her mother saying to a teacher, that “I have no tears. They have all disappeared. All I can do is stay strong for my family and move forward, how Rachel would have wanted me to.”

The moment when Rachel’s feet were swept out from under her was at the exact time she was photographing a rock formation on the bluff called “Jesus Point”. Father Pat Umberger stated that “She was searching for something bigger than herself.”

To me I believe it’s true when they say only the good die young. Holmen, Wisconsin has lost several outstanding students, most of who I have known. Tragic things have been happening over the years, every year, and the lives that have been lost are of those who have impacted the most people.

To this day it is still hard for me to fathom that she is gone. All the things that I have experienced since then and will experience in the future, she will never be able to. She will never get to finish high school, be considered an adult, get married, and watch her children grow or go to college. She has inspired me to be a better person, and I guess it took her death to really show me how amazing a person can be. She crosses my mind often and I can say with confidence that this girl, Rachel Maxine Cody, has impacted my life. I will never forget her beautiful smile, or how good she could make a person feel by just talking to or being with her. Chills run through my body and my eyes swell with tears just thinking about her. I continuously ask myself, “Why her?” The only answer I have ever came up with, was that God needed her and it was her time to go. She is in my heart forever and will be missed greatly, not only by myself, but for hundreds of people who knew her.

“To know Rachel is to have been changed. To miss her is to know love. As I knew you, Rachel Maxine Cody, I have been changed.” ~ Kam-Lin Roswall, Language Arts Teacher/Theater Director

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdMuxKNM9z4

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

Every time I drive I see at least one person using their cell phone while driving. Whether it is texting, dialing or even just talking on the phone, it has become more and more of a problem. Yes, I admit from time to time I use my cell phone as I drive. However, I feel that I am more aware of my surroundings and not so concerned with my phone or the conversation I was having. I don’t just text or talk to people just to talk to them, as I drive. If it is an emergency or I need to get a hold of somebody then I will use it. I have seen a variety of people, wide range of age’s texting while driving. A couple months ago I saw a woman, probably in her mid thirties, driving a minivan with at least two small children in the back. She was texting and driving and either yelling at the older woman in the passenger seat, or the kids in the back. You can’t tell me that if something jumped in front of her vehicle, a car cut her off, or drifted into her lane, that she would notice. More than likely an accident would have occurred if something like that were to happen. In 2009, 29% of accidents in the United States were caused by the driver (ages 18-30) being distracted with the use of a cell phone. And it is said that 4 out of 5 accidents are caused by distracted drivers, of any age. Something should be done about this and I agree with people when they say something needs to be done about texting/cell phone usage while driving. However, I think when the government makes it illegal in some areas to even use a cell phone is taking things a little too far. In my opinion, if someone is at fault for an accident or is using excessive speed due to being distracted with the use of a cell phone, then they should be fined for that. I do not think it is right to pull people over and give them tickets for talking on their cell phone only. Maybe in the future, if numbers continue to rise with accidents and deaths related to texting while driving, I will agree…but for now, I think it’s wrong to make using a cell phone while operating a vehicle illegal.

GEVER TULLEY-TINKERING SCHOOL

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/gever_tulley_s_tinkering_school_in_action.html

After watching the link above I began thinking about my personal experience with school and learning strategies or types that help me learn or expand my ideas. I came to the conclusion that I have no idea how I learn best or what learning types help me get the most out of my education. The high school that I attended did not focus on helping students with their own personal needs or helping to expand their ideas. Going to class, looking at a power point, taking notes, watching the same informational videos become a routine for every single class period, day after day. Although I rarely had group assignments, from the group work I have experienced before I do believe I work better by myself. However, if I was given the opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge by communicating and working with others than I would do it. Besides gym class, I did not have one single class that had any hands on work. Yes, I could have taken woods or mechanic based classes but that is not the only circumstance where hands on material should be used. By providing materials and giving assignments where the students may make or do whatever they wish with the project, it gives them room to grow and plan out projects that they have interest in. Through trial and error kids can find ways that work best for them on their hands on projects and can expand their thought processes further for future assignments. Although not every person learns by hands on activities it may show them that they are in fact more of a visual or listening type of learner. It could, however show them that the physical project making is their way of learning best and could definitely benefit them on their study techniques or learning practices in the future.
      Change is more often than not a positive experience. Schools should focus less on what classes to cut or how much more they should charge a family to keep budgets manageable and change to focus a little more on how staff members could teach more efficiently and in different ways to help students learn their best. Some may strive and some may fail miserably but in the end they know how that learning process helped them in a positive or a negative way. Personally, I would enjoy attending a school or a class that had a “hands on” based curriculum. Although I may not enjoy every aspect of the experience I would have broadened my horizons on how I can improve my personal learning style.
     If only life were simple, we would know everything there is to know if we were ever going to use it in our lives after we learn it. I have come to ask myself the same question of “When will I ever use this information again?” In all honesty I think a good chunk of things I have learned in my education I will not ever bring up in my life again. I need to try it and see it to believe it and use it to know it. My learning experiences outside of my schooling are just as important as those inside of a classroom. I do not learn from just one technique, there are several factors of each learning process that I can benefit from. I guess that until I reach that point where I have experienced multiple learning techniques I will never know my full potential for learning information or studying efficiently. I may succeed or I may fail but at least I’m doing something that will teach me whether to continue my schooling how I am or how to change myself to learn more efficiently. In the end, all I really have to say is that change is good. Being different and trying things out is a great way to learn and that I wish a lot more people were open minded to new things or techniques. Society may reject the unfamiliar and respond poorly to failure, but at least someone is trying to do something different and make a change. I thought that Gever Tulley’s video showed the potential for some peoples learning capabilities and brought the idea of “you never know until you try” back out on the table for everyone to think about or experience.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Going camping is an activity that my family and friends do every year, including this one. This past Labor Day weekend my family and I decided that we would go back to Jellystone Campground in Warrens, WI like we used to do when I was younger. For me, camping was something I enjoyed doing but this year I was very disappointed. Recently, Jellystone was sold over to new owners who it seems don’t really care about making the campground fun and presentable. I know it isn’t possible to enjoy this campground as much as I did when I was little when I thought everything was amazing, but something about the place with these new owners wasn’t right. When we first arrived we received a flyer of things that were going on or activities to partake in. Although they made those suggestions available to us, it seemed like everything we wanted to do was not taken care of, closed down for the day or just taken out completely. The band that night didn’t show along with the “free fresh cotton candy” guy. The miniature golf course was overgrown with weeds and there was only one golf club allowed per grouping of people. Half of the outdoor water park was shut down and some pools were empty, however, the entire new indoor water park was just shut down completely with storage being held in that area. The indoor and outdoor arcade were both closed and emptied out and the outdoor theater screen was removed. The little train I used to ride when I was young was broken down on the side of a trail for everyone to see and every time you decided to leave your campsite with your golf cart security would stop you at the end of your camping row to make sure you had a valid license.

 I literally got stopped by these so called “guards” at least 20 times. The bathrooms and showering area was about 10-12 rows of campsites over. And if all this wasn’t enough to put a damper on my camping experience, the weather was cloudy and windy at 45 degrees. After shivering my butt off all night long, tossing and turning to keep myself from growing icicles on my nose, we decided to get breakfast inside the “Three Bears Lodge” hotel at Jellystone. Only three tables were taken in the restaurant yet we waited 45 minutes for pancakes that had a full mayfly and a long red hair in them. This was a very disgusting, disappointing camping/Labor Day weekend. I will probably never go back to the Jellystone in Warrens again. :(

INTRODUCTION





Hello. I’m Rachel Priebe. I’m from Holmen, Wisconsin which is only about 12 miles from Western. I am 18 years old and just graduated from Holmen this past spring. I am still living at home and just drive back and forth every time I have class. Keeping up with work and school is something I’ve had to do for years so I’m used to managing my time the best I can. I waitress an average of 30 hours a week all year long, but during the summer I work about 65 hours total because

of my summer job at the Holmen Aquatic Center. I’m a very random person; I tend to go from one topic to another in a matter of seconds. I like expressing my opinion, especially if it’s on a topic that I’m passionate about. I am very protective of my friends, family and pets so you can go ahead and pick on me all you want, but say one thing about any of them and you better watch it. :) Traveling, listening to music, eating, sleeping, watching movies, spending time with friends and family are just a few things that I love doing. Listening to people is something I do often and I've been told that I give great advice. I am a huge animal lover and have had a variety of pets. Currently I have one dog and one cat. Driving insanely fast is an everyday occasion for me. My obsession with cars has grown bigger over the years and I'd do anything for a really nice Ford Mustang. I have 6 piercings and 2 tattoos; I got my belly button pierced when i was 14 and my first tattoo at 16. There's quite a bit more to know, so don't be afraid to contact me and ask. I'd love to hear your opinions, comments, etc.