My Weirdest Neighbors

My weirdest neighbors were a perplexing obscurity to the natural mind. For the purposes of privacy, revealing their names would be sinister. Lets call the fifty-seven year old male Ricky, his forty-five year old sister Lucy, and their mom Clara. Clara is a retired schoolteacher; Ricky has a doctrine in education, and Lucy is a retired bartender. This family unit and there diverse personalities inhabited the same abode day after day. There bizarre ways became a spectacle of the neighborhood and that raised stern questions about our security.
Dan was a man of short statue with a long cascading black and gray beard that rested on his chest. Every morning before the sun or anyone came out, Dan would turn on and off his porch light, sticking only his head out the door, and slowly looking left and then right. With the light reflecting the thickest bifocals imaginable, he would carefully look at every step he made, as he power walked to his vehicle. Dan would startup his thunderous engine on his 1970 yellow Chrysler. Idling his shrieking cracking motor every minute for thirty minutes was excruciating. Hearing it roar reminded me of the Nascar racing track. After Dan got finish racing his engine, he would power walk to the left corner of his fence, look up in the sky and turn around in a circle for several minutes. He would then go to the right corner of his fence and repeat the same ritual. Finally, he would retrieve his newspaper from the mailbox, begin to rock back and forth while looking at the ground, and then go into his abode. Our neighborhood never needed an alarm clock with Dan shrieking yellow rooster.
Dan was not alone in his madness, his sister Lucy wasn’t too far behind. Lucy was a well-spoken tiny woman with long wavy brown hair and a lit cigarette always attached between her bony fingers. She was quite sociable when she was under the influence of an intoxicating brew. Occasionally, she would stagger over and say hello, with the breath of a thousand dragons. Her whole conversation would be about her brother Dan, “Dan has plastered newspapers all over the freaking walls, floor, and bathroom.” “Dan won’t let me use the bathroom, but he don’t know, I have a big blue bucket.” I would amuse her idiocy with a nod and smile as she rambled on about Dan. Lucy said, “that frick and frat, brother of mine is so darn crazy, I’m the only sane person in the family”. Lucy failed to realize, that she was the nuisance on her knees after midnight cutting the lawn with scissors. Snip, snip, the sound of steal barely rubbing together, but she’s the sane one.
I could go on and on, but I can’t tolerate reminding myself of their mad shenanigans. Sweet Clara is the only normal one in the house; her reactions toward them appear accepting. Dan and Lucy can only be truly loved and accepted by their mother. They are the weirdest neighbors I have ever encountered in my life.

Angela

Resistance & Discourse Communities

Resistance is only valuable to persons or communities who display resistance; it is a way of sharing their opinion. Resistance has been around since Adam an Eve, and I don’t see it going any where any time soon. The point of looking at different discourse communities is simply seeing how others live; how they make choices, and why do they make the choices they make. Look at our community of laws that protects children, I really think this is necessary for Department of Family Children Services to always look into other communities when children are abused. Look what’s happening now with the 400 plus children in state custody, we went to their community, and took their children from what they ever knew. I believe child abuse is wrong, but in their own discourse community it’s justified as right. Even though they feel as if they have their own laws, they are judged by our community of laws. These children are now in a new community, which they have no clue, but hopefully they will adjust easily. Now, that’s one great point of looking at different communities, our world is set up to protect children. Discourse communities are created because everyone has different ways of living, different religions, different statuses, and races. I’m thrilled we created communities, because some communities shouldn’t even exist. This semester, I’ve learned what the term discourse community was, I knew what it was, but I didn’t know it had a name. Also learned that in time, you can conform to other discourse communities, and I treasure the values my community has.

Angela

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT NEWS?

Hi

What would we do without news? I guess we would gossip more, I don't know! But I do know news is an everyday occurrence of events. Some of these events are seen on television, heard on the radio, or read in the newspaper. The news provides people with valuable information about what is going on around them locally or even globally. It is the news that helps to get people involved in their communities and take action in areas where they feel that they can be a big asset. The news is also more than just news. It can be a story that creates a scene in ones mind, therefore giving the person some ideas. In one situation the person can be a movie script writer that is very influenced by a news article that they have read. I guess by now you see where I'm coming from, news is important whether it's good or bad.

Angela

God Bless the Children!

Hello,

Did you know, each year more and more drug affected infants are being conceived? Yes it's true, a large amount of these defects are the direct results of the use of drugs during pregnancy. The abuse of drugs during the prenatal period can be extremely harmful to the unborn, causing such serious complications as permanent neurological damage, serious physical malformations, and even premature birth or prenatal death. Many infants who are exposed to drugs like cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, while still in the womb exert consistent abnormal behavior throughout their lives. When ignorant mothers-to-be did not follow their doctors warning and insisted their baby would be fine. Well they were wrong,the baby has been harmed. Those poor innocent babies, don't forget to pray for them and their mothers.

God Bless the Children!
~Angela

Overpopulation & Inequality

Hi!

Overpopulation and inequality are two problems facing this world today. Today’s societies have different views on this subject, many don’t see it as an immediate threat, but looking at the outcome is frightening. Needless to say overpopulation will threaten all living things on this planet, and we will be in danger of limited resources. It is determined that inequality is a factor that leads to population growth, having severe external and internal factors, equality is needed to resolve the issue of overpopulation. Some even suggests forcing sterilization on women and limiting women to only two children.That's a bit extreme, but you never know what measures we may have to take.
These extreme measures will lower social inequality and help control overpopulation and its consequences. People are a good thing, but population growth without limit is not.
Hopefully, the leaders of the world would come together to solve these problems before it’s too late, our future depends on it.

Angela

Unjustified Prejudice

All groups of people become haunted by stereotypes imposed on them by the media at some point in their lives. However, some groups suffer from these embarrassing labels and acquisitions more than others. I believe people form Middle Eastern descent who live in America, especially Afghans and Iranians, endure much more criticizing and labeling from the media than many other cultural groups. Because of the events of September eleventh,the nationwide fear of the individuals Saddam Hussein an Osama Bin Laden, many Middle Eastern people are judged unfairly by society. When we see a dark skinned, Arab resembling person walking down the street we automatically assume they are terrorist because that is what television, movies, and newspapers have conditioned us to think.

Movies about Middle Eastern people blowing up buildings, making violent threats, and kidnapping Caucasian soldiers have brainwashed us into thinking any descendant from that part of the world will perform those unforgivable acts just like in the movies. Television and newspapers have also contributed to this unfair judgment by displaying clips of home made videos from terrorist or uncovering disturbing information on terrorists’ whereabouts and potential future plans. An example of this unjust persecution influenced by the media is after nine eleven occurred, my Indian friend told me about the new found hostility she and her family experienced from the citizens of her town who had known and previously befriended the family. Just because my friend and her family resembled the terrorist who had conducted the nine eleven attacks, people of the town began to isolate the family by throwing eggs and toilet paper on their house and making rude comments about them in public.

Black people are also stereotyped more than people realized. My kids and I went shopping at Walmart, a caucasian lady left her purse open and walked a little ways off, and when we came up she ran to her buggy. She screamed at her daughter, you know they steal, why did you leave my purse unattended? I thought you were watching it! I assured her, ma'am my children nor I would never take anything that didn't belong to us, I couldn't tell you about anyone one else, but we don't steal. She looked at me, nodded and walked away.My children were surprised, because they never experienced racism first hand. I was pissed off, not because of how she feel toward black people, but she is teaching her child to stereotype. I was accused out of all people, one thing I hate with a passion is a thief. My first apartment,was robbed the same day I moved everything in it, came back it was all gone. I cried like a colicky baby, I never got my stuff back, and that's when I first experienced people that steal. My mom has always told me that a man don't work, don't eat, but he will eventually steal. Life is hard at times, but God is protecting us through it all.

~Angela

Crash: Stereotypical Society

In Hollywood today, American filmmakers are taking their ideas far and beyond the typical thriller or suspenseful movie. They are making movies that force people to think and engage in what is happening. Directors are doing this by manipulating the movie with stereotypes, irony, and by speaking to the wider society. Director Paul Haggis did so in the movie Crash, as well as intertwining every character in some way. In Crash, there are good people, bad people, innocent people, and vice people. Paul Haggis molded into this repulsive (yet true) film stereotypes people perceive from day to day. It shows how every person stereotypes, and how they are stereotyped. In addition to this movie displaying many stereotypes in a single society, it also shows the us the viewers how we are all entwined somehow and in someway.

In Crash, there are stereotypes of blacks, whites, Middle Easterns, Latin Americans, women, and men. All though many of the stereotypes, if not all, are offending, they bring a point to the movie: that every single person in America is stereotyped or stereotypes in some way, shape, or form. When a person sees a tall blonde dressed up in a pink Gucci, outfit walking a groomed tiny dog, they will automatically stereotype her as a dumb blonde, or a daddy’s girl, and when that isn't even true. Towards the end of the movie, most likely to please the viewers, most of the characters in Crash stop their wrong doings, or at leasted tried to change. At the end the movie during the final scene, a car rear-ended the car in front of them, and the movie suddenly ended . Hence, causing another crash, just so that we can feel the after effects. Thanks to my English 1101 class, I look for the meaning in all movies.

Angela

My Father

My father is an amazing man. He is a great husband and father, and he is a man that would do anything to ensure that his family is protected and happy. He always wants to make sure that we are content, and always told us anything worth having is worth working hard for. He is also very caring and concerned for others’ lives and health. He is actively involved in the church as head deacon, and counselor. To me, this shows that he cares not only about himself, but also about all the people surrounding him.

He is my inspiration to do well in life and to be a better person and daughter. I do not know anybody like him and probably never will. His kind of love and empathy is hard to find in this world. He is a genuine person with characteristics that are the rarest ones out there. Anybody who knows him can call themselves lucky, because he truly is the most loyal person I know. Although I will not be able to see him as much as I would like, I will still cherish every moment that I have with him and continue to learn the life lessons that only a parent can teach to their sons and daughters.

Angela

The Semester is Almost Over

Wow! Can you believe this semester is almost over? I'm sure glad it is, I'm exhausted. I work and attend school full-time, take care of my kids an husband,and now I am officially crazy. Commit me to the nearest mental institution, and make sure they have a flower garden. Students have to undergo a lot, some teachers give you so much work you aren't able to have a life, and some honestly think their the only instructor you have. Believe it or not teachers have a lot more work than we do, my math instructor catch it all the time,and seem he would be easier than them all. Kudos to my English 1101 instructor, she has a full load, but she manages quit well. All my instructors are professional, patient, and put up with us not so smart students. Anyway, I love and pray for them all. In this not so perfect world, we need each other!

~Angela

PHAT & FAT

Took a good look at myself , I need to lose fifty pounds-like yesterday. As I get older the pounds keep coming and it is harder to get them off. Even though I'm phat, I am also fat. My husband says, "Somebody, anybody call 911 , your mom is starting a f-f-f-fire", he's saying my thighs rub together. Ha-ha so funny! Besides his dry humor, he is right, I need to put forth an effort too become more healthier. So I have decided to walk an hour twice a week, drink eight glasses of water a day, and do sit-ups every night until my lil baby go down. Wish I can do more, but can't give more than that due to my hectic schedule. I know it sounds like an excuse,well it really is an excuse, because I don't want to do any more than that! Once I get started, I know that I'll stay persistant, and become a lot healthier.

Angela

Planning a Party

Hi

I'm planning a surprise birthday party for my mother. The party will be in December, so I got plenty time to plan. Already it's overwhelming and it's costing more money than expected. This event consists of catering for 250 people, renting a place, and decorations. That's also includes pictures, the organist, and entertainment. Now I'm looking for silver/green tablecloths, green tea light holders, and some donations!:) Every building I choose was already rented out for the month of December, I just happen to get a place because someone didn't pay all his or her deposit. The all mighty dollar always has a voice of its own. Thank God almighty!

~ Angela

HE'S WATCHING OVER YOU

HE'S WATCHING OVER YOU

By Angela Wright

When your mind is in a state of chaos,

and you don't know what to do,

remember Jesus out there,

watching over you.

Although you can't hear, touch, or see him

he's there just the same,

he's there in a heartbeat,

whenever you call upon his name.

I have never known such strength,

as you can find in him.

I just can't help but wonder,

why we ever chose to live in sin.

Such a beautiful name,

I have ever heard.

Jesus, precious Jesus.

The savoiur,

son of our Lord, the mighty King.

Wrote this to strengthen myself ! Life doesnt always work in my favor, and God never said it would,but I trust that he will make it alright.

~Angela

Everyday Moments

Hello English 1101,

We may think of a miracle as something out of the norm, yet that which is normal is itself a most wonderful miracle. From normal days comes exceptional joy, and from ordinary lives come outstanding accomplishments. In every ordinary moment is possibility, and there's nothing ordinary about that. The fact that life often seems so normal, and that we take so much of it for granted, is a powerful testament to God and his wonder. Enjoy the everyday moments, make the most of them, and keep in mind that within them are the most extraordinary things you could possibly experience.

~Angela

Home.....Away from Home

On my way to Atlanta this weekend, I wrote for hours about my African people and how my ancestors struggled, and lost their innocent souls. I'm currently working on this and it should be finished soon. When writing about my thoughts it got really intense, where I couldn't write at all, but I understand the bigger picture of it all. As I was riding, I looked at all the people that we passed, all races going in the same direction. Made me think of how strong a nation could be if they would unite with the same mind to conquer any issue. Unity is the ultimate strength! It seems the smart ones can't figure that out and follow through on the big issues that need it. Maybe they already know and just don't give a darn.

Anyway, my black African sisters and brothers are starving and dying of AIDS everyday, and it’s televised by asking for donations and such. Why would this rich country Mother Africa need help, and why did it all begin? These questions have answers, which isn’t in our children history books. Mother Africa,is a place that I have never been, but it is one place I will visit one day. My home away from home, my people, even when I’m away from my people. What would I be today if thieves wouldn’t have broken in and stole what was rightfully ours (Africans)? Don’t get me wrong I love all people of color, but its something special about your own heritage (community of people).


~Angela

Atlanta Traffic Community

We really needed the rain this weekend and many weekends to come thereafter.Even though it rained, I had attended a birthday party this weekend in Atlanta, it was nice, but getting their was hetic. The traffic was backed up for hours, I was stressed, and the rain didn't help one bit. There's no way I would drive everyday in that stressful traffic. Thinking only young adults could handle this fast traffic, but the old and young was driiving like bats of out hell. Other than that it was nice to be around family and friends. Though it will be a while before I go back I have memories of Atlanta traffic zooming through my brain.

Zoooom

Angela

"Pregnant Man"

Hello,

Here we go again! Heard something that's unbelievable, until I got the entire story on Oprah. When first hearing of a man pregnant, I knew it wasn't possible and God didn't create men to bare children. Learned that Thomas Beatie, a transgender man who is five months pregnant said today that" he had always wanted to have a child and considers it a miracle". Thomas who was once a teenage beauty queen said,"It's not a male or female desire to have a child it is a human desire". This guy/gal is 34, an lives in Oregon with his wife Nancy. Thomas was born a woman but decided to become a man ten years ago. He began taking testosterone treatment, had breast surgery to remove glands and flatten his chest,and kept his reproductive organs because he wanted to have a child one day. Nancy said, she inseminated him with a syringe, using sperm purchased from a sperm bank. Now that is about the jest of the story. Will America accept this? Yes/No, what can we do about how people live their lives. Thomas might be known as the first man pregnant,but he won't be the last. Wonder what's next, you can never tell these days.

~Angela

America is spending too much money!

Hello

We are spending too much money! Watching Suze Orman on Oprah today really touched home, America is spending too much money. We indeed want the best of everything or pretty close to it. Is that brand new car an extension of you? Hope not! We have lost our way about money, which includes me.

I love to spend money, even money I don't have. Sometimes I feel like an addict, I have to buy something everyday. Heaven help me! I do have weakness and managing money is one of them. I really never prayed about it, because I never saw it a big problem. My husband has told me numerous times that I had a problem, but he might as well been talking to the wall. Thank God he is very good at saving; he could squeeze a dollar until the eagle holler.

I learned on Oprah that IRA’S and 4OK’S are protected against bankruptcy. Also don’t be a lump sum investor, and do extensive homework on mutual funds. Oprah teaches a web class on saving the earth, you can see that she loves life too. Oprah is a millionaire and she seems concerned about money. If I were Oprah I wouldn’t care about saving money, I would just make sure I don’t run out. Suze has a book out titled, “Woman and Money” which I’m going to Oprah .com to read.

Loving life,
Angela

TO MY GIRLS....

To my girls...

by Angela Wright

To my mom, you have been the perfect role model to me,
not because of how you live your life now,
but because of all that you strivied to be.
I know that I don’t tell you often
how much I appreciate you
but from the bottom of my heart
I honestly do love you.
To my best friend/cousin Nee-Nee
where would I be without you
every obstacle I have ever been through
I went through it with you.
There’s no greater love than the love
I have for you.
To my little cousin Tootsie,
my ace boom coon
my delightful cousin
a Bonnie and Bonnie
when you combine us two.
Just so you know,
there’s nothing I won’t do for you.
My baby cousin Kia,
how we’ve grown apart
the decisions I’ve seen you make
has torn me apart.
But I know you have that Savage blood in you
so you’ll make it through
I just want you to know
your big cousin is praying for you.
Londa B
I know you think that what you did for me
went unappreciated
but what you don’t know
is that I’m eternally grateful.
I can honestly thank you.
My big cousin Trina,
You’ve taught me so much
without teaching
you taught me how to look at my life
and from that I know that I have to keep reaching
for goals that seem unattainable
for goals that don’t seem near,
and with that extra strength
there is not one thing that I fear.
Tracy, I’m convinced you’re an angel in disguise
your struggles have taught me so much,
through you
I’ve learned to be wise.
The funny thing is,
I would love to be just like you
you are a powerful woman of God
and that’s the honest to God truth.
To my best friend Minnie,
girl you are my back bone,
when I get so weak
I can depend on you to make me strong.
To all my girls,
Y’all have shaped my life
in ways you will never know
and I am called to be used by God,
I want all of you to know
that I have taken a piece of each and every one of you
with me on my journey
and that extra sense of protection
will make sure nothing will harm me.

~God Bless

EXHAUSTED STUDENTS ?

Calling all exhausted students!

Hello, all you exhausted students; do you know your exhaustion is not an excuse to quit. It is a sign that progress is being made. Yes, I’m exhausted too, and I'm no spring chicken. Continuous effort can be tiring without a doubt, and yet the rewards of that effort are great. Though effort will make you dog-tired, the lack of effort is far worse and eventually much more tiring. The exhaustion that comes from honest, priceless effort will quickly be soothed by a rest. The exhaustion that comes from useless drifting knows no such relief. Rest when exhausted! Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. The effort is easier said than done, but it will make it worthwhile. Focus on the goal and move gradually toward it. Keep going until the job is done and the goal is accomplished. Our weariness is evidence that we are already paying the price. So lets stick around to reap the rewards. We can do it !

-Angela

GOD IS GOOD

Hi

Busy, busy, all ways busy! I just had to slow down today and think about my life. God is so good to me, to us all ! Do you realize that everyday when we awake is a blessing, somebody didn't get up today. Not saying that's a curse or something bad, but it can also be a blessing. The thought of living with the Lord in paradise is wonderful, no worries, no pain, and no more satan. Blessings come in all sorts of ways, I 'm just glad to be a blessing to anyone. I might not have a lot of money, or even be the smartest person, but I do have God and he has me! That's more than enough for me, because I don't store my treasures on this earthly plain, but on the things of God!

God is good,
Angela