I actually found two on Thursday. After English I went to Sociology 102,which is social problems. We happened to watch a movie called, Waging a Living. It was a profile of 4 people who are living on low wages. Three out of the four people were Single Mom's. And two out of those three were Single College Mom's. This gave me a new perspective being that these Single College Mom's were living on the east coast.
Also I did an interview on Thursday. I interviewed a single mom. One of my interview questions prompted her to say something about a single mom's group that she gets together with, so that linked me to another part of this Single College Mom's community.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Exploration One
Sarah Watzke
ENGL 102.048
Melissa Keith
2/21/09
Exploration One
In my first two hours of observation, I went to an apartment to visit a single mother and her son in their home. I kind of found out how parents talk to their children, when it is only the two of them. When the mothers are the only ones raising them, I have seen that they really try to implant good manners, habits, and morals in their children.
The single mom that I was observing said sayings such as: “hush, we are talking,” “please don’t play with your food,” “please take three more bites,” “make sure you wash your hands,” “what do you say after you burp?,” and “I want everything pot away now.” I really got a sense of a single mom and her son in their normal environment a normal night just the two of them.
I noticed that the son and mom have a great relationship. He had an understanding that this is his mom and this is how things are, he never argued back. But they look like they have a lot of fun together. The mothers have to be very good at explaining, they don’t want their children have the wrong understanding of why things are the way they are.
I noticed a couple things around the two bedroom, one bathroom apartment. It was in a very nice neighborhood, very safe and pretty. Also, there were school books on the counter, a laptop on the couch, her son’s pictures and school work and art all over the apartment. It looked like before I got there she was working on her homework because the blackboard web page was on the screen. As I got there she was running around the kitchen making dinner. She made chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes. It was really good, and not to hard, but nutritious. As the mother was making dinner, the son who was playing in the living room grabbed my attention. He wanted to show me all of these things he made. He had quite the imagination, using paper towel rolls, construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, and other things. I think he plays by himself a lot being an only child, and I think that contributes to his creativeness. Also I know his mom has school work to do, but I know they have a lot of fun when the get the chance to play together.
She did mention something about her son having more chores then other kids, one because he is an only child, and two he doesn’t his parents are divorced, so the parents can’t tag team it. Him and his mom split the chores, and he folds his laundry when it is done in the dryer. They have to bargain a lot, but it works for them. I think that with single college mothers they have to find a system that works with them and their children. And it takes a lot of patience and understanding.
ENGL 102.048
Melissa Keith
2/21/09
Exploration One
In my first two hours of observation, I went to an apartment to visit a single mother and her son in their home. I kind of found out how parents talk to their children, when it is only the two of them. When the mothers are the only ones raising them, I have seen that they really try to implant good manners, habits, and morals in their children.
The single mom that I was observing said sayings such as: “hush, we are talking,” “please don’t play with your food,” “please take three more bites,” “make sure you wash your hands,” “what do you say after you burp?,” and “I want everything pot away now.” I really got a sense of a single mom and her son in their normal environment a normal night just the two of them.
I noticed that the son and mom have a great relationship. He had an understanding that this is his mom and this is how things are, he never argued back. But they look like they have a lot of fun together. The mothers have to be very good at explaining, they don’t want their children have the wrong understanding of why things are the way they are.
I noticed a couple things around the two bedroom, one bathroom apartment. It was in a very nice neighborhood, very safe and pretty. Also, there were school books on the counter, a laptop on the couch, her son’s pictures and school work and art all over the apartment. It looked like before I got there she was working on her homework because the blackboard web page was on the screen. As I got there she was running around the kitchen making dinner. She made chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes. It was really good, and not to hard, but nutritious. As the mother was making dinner, the son who was playing in the living room grabbed my attention. He wanted to show me all of these things he made. He had quite the imagination, using paper towel rolls, construction paper, cardboard boxes, tape, and other things. I think he plays by himself a lot being an only child, and I think that contributes to his creativeness. Also I know his mom has school work to do, but I know they have a lot of fun when the get the chance to play together.
She did mention something about her son having more chores then other kids, one because he is an only child, and two he doesn’t his parents are divorced, so the parents can’t tag team it. Him and his mom split the chores, and he folds his laundry when it is done in the dryer. They have to bargain a lot, but it works for them. I think that with single college mothers they have to find a system that works with them and their children. And it takes a lot of patience and understanding.
Exploration 1
Exploration 1
As I began my observations of the breast cancer survivor community, one thing that definitely stood out to me was that no matter how awful and dire the situations were, the women involved seemed unbelievably optimistic. While I was chatting with one of the women about her journey through diagnosis, treatment and life as a cancer patient and she told me some interesting details. Fifteen months ago, her doctor gave her three months to live because of the aggressive nature of her breast cancer. This woman is living day to day knowing that medically, she should not be alive. Even through all of that, she still focused on the good things in her life- her family, friends and the support she finds through her church congregation. She wasn’t dwelling on the facts of her life possibly ending imminently. The only amount of negativity that she let me see was when she told me about her upcoming appointment with her oncology doctor. She said that the nurse had called her a few weeks ago and told her that her cancer appeared to be more aggressive but she had to wait until March 4th before seeing her doctor to discover what exactly “increased aggressiveness” actually means.
I am really curious as to whether or not these women are really as optimistic as they seem? Or is that something they feel they must uphold so they don’t lose control? I would also like to know if there are statistics on how breast cancer was found initially- by mammogram or self breast exam? Also, if they are told they only have a certain amount of time to live, what do they do with their life? Do they “live like they were dying” or focus solely on the health of their bodies, in order to add extra weeks, months or years onto their life? I am also curious about the incidence of depression alongside the diagnosis of breast cancer. Also when a woman is diagnosed, how likely is it that she will receive disability?
The details that pique my interest about this group are the dynamics and support they have for one and another. It seems that they are able to draw strength and knowledge about their disease with the other women in their group. No matter what stage of the diagnosis the women are at, the support is unwavering.
Something that I would still like to learn about this group is how they feel emotionally throughout their diagnosis, treatment and after. How does a woman cope with losing one or both of her breasts? Does she feel like less of a woman? After being diagnosed is the woman always waiting for the other “shoe to drop”- so to speak? Another thing that I would like to know is what percent of breast cancer is not detected by annual mammograms? What can be done to improve the detection process? What about women who don’t have insurance to cover preventative health care, like mammograms? How big of a financial burden is placed on the family and what, if any, social services are out there to help in a time of need?
One thing that was a resounding theme throughout my initial observation was how the women felt that the medical technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Breast cancer was once a death sentence and now it is viewed as far more curable. I think that knowing this is what helps so many women maintain strength and courage through their battle.
These wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends are facing such adversity and continue to rise above it, gathering together and fighting to find a cure. The camaraderie is unparalleled to any other disease. These women, otherwise complete strangers are drawn together, open up and share the most intimate details about their lives. This is absolutely fascinating to me. I look forward to learning more and the intricate dynamics of their close knit group.
As I began my observations of the breast cancer survivor community, one thing that definitely stood out to me was that no matter how awful and dire the situations were, the women involved seemed unbelievably optimistic. While I was chatting with one of the women about her journey through diagnosis, treatment and life as a cancer patient and she told me some interesting details. Fifteen months ago, her doctor gave her three months to live because of the aggressive nature of her breast cancer. This woman is living day to day knowing that medically, she should not be alive. Even through all of that, she still focused on the good things in her life- her family, friends and the support she finds through her church congregation. She wasn’t dwelling on the facts of her life possibly ending imminently. The only amount of negativity that she let me see was when she told me about her upcoming appointment with her oncology doctor. She said that the nurse had called her a few weeks ago and told her that her cancer appeared to be more aggressive but she had to wait until March 4th before seeing her doctor to discover what exactly “increased aggressiveness” actually means.
I am really curious as to whether or not these women are really as optimistic as they seem? Or is that something they feel they must uphold so they don’t lose control? I would also like to know if there are statistics on how breast cancer was found initially- by mammogram or self breast exam? Also, if they are told they only have a certain amount of time to live, what do they do with their life? Do they “live like they were dying” or focus solely on the health of their bodies, in order to add extra weeks, months or years onto their life? I am also curious about the incidence of depression alongside the diagnosis of breast cancer. Also when a woman is diagnosed, how likely is it that she will receive disability?
The details that pique my interest about this group are the dynamics and support they have for one and another. It seems that they are able to draw strength and knowledge about their disease with the other women in their group. No matter what stage of the diagnosis the women are at, the support is unwavering.
Something that I would still like to learn about this group is how they feel emotionally throughout their diagnosis, treatment and after. How does a woman cope with losing one or both of her breasts? Does she feel like less of a woman? After being diagnosed is the woman always waiting for the other “shoe to drop”- so to speak? Another thing that I would like to know is what percent of breast cancer is not detected by annual mammograms? What can be done to improve the detection process? What about women who don’t have insurance to cover preventative health care, like mammograms? How big of a financial burden is placed on the family and what, if any, social services are out there to help in a time of need?
One thing that was a resounding theme throughout my initial observation was how the women felt that the medical technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Breast cancer was once a death sentence and now it is viewed as far more curable. I think that knowing this is what helps so many women maintain strength and courage through their battle.
These wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends are facing such adversity and continue to rise above it, gathering together and fighting to find a cure. The camaraderie is unparalleled to any other disease. These women, otherwise complete strangers are drawn together, open up and share the most intimate details about their lives. This is absolutely fascinating to me. I look forward to learning more and the intricate dynamics of their close knit group.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Exploration 1 :)
When going to the hospital to observe different surgeries I would out lot about of surprising and interesting things about surgeons. Since I was observing my uncle who I know as a jokester, I was a little surprised to see how he acted at work. He was so focused and seemed to have no time to joke at all. Right when I arrived we got straight to work. His whole day was filled with various surgeries. The first thing that stood out to me was the on call room. I thought they these were only used in movies or TV shows. I couldn’t imagine having to sleep for a few hours and then going back to surgeries. I guess that is just the life of a surgeon.
Another thing that I found very interesting was the fact that I barley saw my uncle communicate with his patients. Sometimes he would go in and brief them on the surgery but most of the time he would just report to the room where the surgery took place and after the patient was already under anesthetic. Never once did I see my uncle ask how the patient was feeling or if they were okay after. All of the emotional aspects were up to the nurses.
At times while I was in the gallery my uncle would turn the microphone on so that I could here the conversation. I found it a but surprising that they were all just holding on normal conversations. My uncle was talking to one of the surgical nurses about the cruise he is going on in the summer. The reason that this surprised me so much was because here is a woman with her hip cut open with her life in his hands and he is talking about a cruise. I just don’t know if I could be that calm during a surgery.
One of the questions that came up while observing different surgeries is why they need so many nurses. Half of the time a lot of them were just standing around. I found it odd that he needed so many people in the exam room. I also want to know if the surgical nurses have to go through more training then non-surgical nurses since they are not just performing basic tasks. Overall I still have many questions and am still fascinated with this line of work.
Artifact Sketch
If I were to bring an artifact from a punk concert I would bring a flyer. The reason that I would do this is because punk flyers are different then all other flyers. Most of the bands being advertised on the flyers have distinct names. Also the vibrant colors make the group stand out when it comes to advertising.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Locating an Artifact in Literacy Sponsers
While reading "Literacy Sponsors and Learning: An Ethnography of Punk Literacy in Mid-1980s Waco" I was mentally sifting through the text, trying to pinpoint the best artifact for this particular group of people. Many items jumped out at me, and the description of where the punk shows took place, seemed to set the tone for the entire paper. (Page 137) I believe that the most fitting artifact would have to be the punk inspired "Do-it-yourself" attire. "Think for yourself, be yourself, don't just take what society gives you, create your own rules, live your own life." In that quote, it really speaks to how people who are into punk music can come from all walks of life and still find a little corner to fit in. Taking a stand, making your own clothes, to best suit what punk means to you. That is why I believe the clothes are the best artifact. Just as every person who joins the punk group is unique and dynamic, so are the clothes they wear on their backs.
Punk Literacy in Mid-1980s Waco: Artifact
Eric Pleasant may identify a band's record from the local music store an artifact (page 142). The artifact is significant in developing the group's own literacy. The group was able to learn the slang, the dress, and the fashion of another culture. "We were 'punk-literate,' albeit without much real-life, direct exposure to the punk scene," Eric states. The group was able to adapt their dress and style from the pictures seen on the records and learn a new language from the music. The records were extremely influential.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Do it Yourself!
In "literacy Sponsors and Learning: An Ethnography of Punk Literacy in Mid- 1980's Waco," I found that the author could have used a piece of do-it-yourself clothing as an artifact in his research. He talks about this on page 143. I think this would be significant to Kids of Punk in 1980's Waco because it was how they expressed themselves. They could do anything with their clothes, and they would make a scene. They wanted people to know what they stood for.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Response to Question 3.
Kidder's own perspective definitely shapes his writing. I think before he wrote this piece he did a lot of observations, had some assumptions, and had his own opinions. Since this is his hometown he does take a side.This is where he grew up, and his beliefs were formed. I personally think he was sympathizing with the losers more because he wrote a lot more about them, and his emotions and voice really came out at the end.
I know I have my own views about my hometown. I think I know more about it, then people who are not from there. And my voice definitely comes out when I talk or write about my hometown. A person can tell because my attitude goes one way or the other based on how I was raised. But I know I shouldn't do that because people who are reading should form opinions/attitudes of their own, because when I describe it to them I am putting my views on them.
I know I have my own views about my hometown. I think I know more about it, then people who are not from there. And my voice definitely comes out when I talk or write about my hometown. A person can tell because my attitude goes one way or the other based on how I was raised. But I know I shouldn't do that because people who are reading should form opinions/attitudes of their own, because when I describe it to them I am putting my views on them.
Responding to Reading Question #3
3) I believe that Kidder's own perspective shapes his writing by offering a slight personal slant on his belief about the vote in the Northhampton. I see that he has sympathy for the plight of the people when he writes about when the election was complete for the Domestic Partnership Ordinance (DPO) initiative. He described how the supporters for the DPO had put on an elaborate service, and went into great detail about the architecture of the building. He also commented on what was happening during the "Healing Ceremony" with many rich details, almost as though he were in participation. Whereas the description of the "party" for the voters who defeated the initiative was short, impersonal and not great in details. That part made me feel as though he definitely was sympathizing with the supporters of the DPO. When describing my own home community to others who are unfamiliar with it, I tend to focus on many of the awesome attributes of the community and really play down any perceived negative elements. Of course I would be somewhat biased in my descriptions but in order to make it fair representation-- providing all the information, good and bad is imperative. Everyone has opinions about their own community so the best way to describe it would be to exclude the bulk of the opinions and try to focus more on factual information. In my opinion it makes for a better, unbiased description.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Adoptive Families- INSIDERS
When conducting some of my research beforehand I discovered a list of numerous online forums and support groups for adoptive families. Many families share their stories online.
I also am fortunate to know a family who has adopted two little girls from China. They are so adorable. As well as a family who adopted a young boy that they had as a foster child for many years. Other than that, I have no inside contact to families who have adopted children.
I plan on possibly forming relationships and recieving more inside information from the families involved in the support groups and those that take part in the online forums.
I also am fortunate to know a family who has adopted two little girls from China. They are so adorable. As well as a family who adopted a young boy that they had as a foster child for many years. Other than that, I have no inside contact to families who have adopted children.
I plan on possibly forming relationships and recieving more inside information from the families involved in the support groups and those that take part in the online forums.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Breast Cancer- Insiders
I have several people I can contact who are insiders for the breast cancer survivors community. Several of my close family members are breast cancer survivors. My Aunts Carla, Marla, and Rita. Also one of my best friends works as a mammogram technologist. Many of my family members have lost their lives, so many of my family members from can help me from a family perspective. I also plan to observe local breast cancer survivor support groups too.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Single College Mothers- Insiders
Since I have attended college, I have met several single mothers. One from my English 101 writing group, I need to email her. Two from this English 102 class, one is in the Pink Ladies. Also, a couple from other classes and other people through friends. My mom has a really good friend who has two kids and got divorced. She now has to go back to school, and I know it is very very hard on her. But other then that I don't really have any other connections. I have to look into the Single Parents Club on campus, and see what other resources are available for college mothers. Like babysitting facilities and after school programs. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know. Thanks!
Insiders
When figuring out what types of surgeons I wanted to research, one particular person came to mind and thats my uncle. He was once a brain surgeon then went to a foot surgeon and now is a general surgeon. Not only can I get information from him, he also has many connections in the medical field. I am planning on getting in touch with one of the surgeons at St. Lukes to see if he also has any ideas for me.
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