Weekly Blog

Blog 10

After reading over my first blog I feel that I have achieved learning how to better understand people. However I definitely spent more time on the content then I originally believed that I would have to. But I enjoyed digging into the material and spending time growing my knowledge. I do believe that I have an increased chance of understanding the different way that people operate and their motivates behind some choices. Obviously then will not always hold true since everyone is different and look at things very differently at times.

I choose this image because anytime we take on a new challenge to attempt to gain knowledge we are exercising our brains! At times this semester because of my workload I truly felt that my brain was lifting weight above its ability!

Blog 9

My top three things I’ve taken from our ePortifolio assignments so far would be how very different men and women react to the same situations and the difference in what upsets us, the Ferguson’s video on the fight or flight system was very interesting, and the effect advertising can have on us. I have studied about the fight or flight system before in anatomy classes as well. I have had to do a similar project as the advertising one in abnormal psychology. The effect that advertising can have on especially women and can contribute to eating disorders and self image disorders is distressing at best.

I added a picture of the pages from the book related to the power of persuasion and how advertising or what is in the media effects us.

Blog 8

The subject matter for week 8 is difficult because they are so many different way that men and women come into conflict so it could be a lengthy subject. Men and women at different times fain interest emotionally or sexually to lure a partner for what they can get out of the relationship. I feel that our society has seen a rise in this in the last three decades (I say three because this the timeframe plus a few years that I have myself been alive but I am sure the movement started earlier than that) as we become more about what makes oneself happy as opposed to thinking of the good of others as well. As this mentality increases then we care less and less about what our actions cause for others around us.

Things that men do that anger women (are countless I am sure) but to name a few that my husband does that personally angers me: leaves a semi circle of trash of his snacks or drinks wherever he is sitting, leaves his dirty clothes in the bathroom floor, procrastinates even the smallest of household improvements even if it is one he wanted to do to begin with, he has a ton of hobbies that cost lots of money, plays video games for far too much time, wants to start a diet but then has to stop at every gas station for a 5 mile radius for his soda and snacks. Obviously I could go on and on but I believe that love and marriage is a choice we make every day that even though there are a ton of things that he does that drives me crazy there is a flip side in which I could name a ton of things that he does that melt my heart everyday.

Things that women do that anger men (I got some input from my husband for this one). For example: when I get mad and do not talk to him (the infamous silent treatment), not want to participate in sexual activities as frequently as men would like, how when I decide that something needs to be done I want it done right then (so don’t procrastinate), my incessant need to have a plan, how I always lose my keys, when women make a list of items for men to complete, when women asks them to do something right after they sit down.

I’m not sure if you can tell. But this is a way men anger women. There is currently 2 empty cans, one empty cup from lunch, and an empty paper plate sitting on his desk from eating/snacking all while playing his video games.
How women anger men. This was his honey do list yesterday. Putting together two desk and hanging four shelves in our room so that we each had our own space. Two desks and four shelves in which he drove to Charlotte, NC (which is like 3.5 hour drive) to get them from IKEA because that’s where I find the ones I wanted. So he drove to get them Friday stayed over night with family then drove home on Saturday to put it all together and hang the shelves because I wanted it done in a timely fashion.

Blog 7

Dr. Ferguson’s video was interesting. I am so interested in how our fight or flight system works. If you have spent any time with a special needs child then you have probably seen that system at work with increased intensity than what is often seen in neuro typical individuals. I’d love to see research done in that area to see what the relation is. But, after learning more about that system while completing my associate’s degree I begin to pay more attention to it in myself as while and it is truly an amazing thing that our bodies do. It is amazing to feel the effects of that system being activated whether it is by a crazy driver on the interstate or a child hiding in under a bed then falling asleep and a mother not being able to find them. But I also see how extremely important it is for us to take a few mom to breath and calm down before allowing ourselves to respond to an event after that system is activated. Because that flood of hormones that our systems receive when something happens it is important to take a few moments to allow our body to return to a normal state before an emotional response comes out. This is not always easy depending upon the situated. In the situation like I spoke of above where my child fell asleep under the bed and I was looking for her and I became frantic it was important for me to take a few breaths before allowing my emotions to rule the moment and scare my little girl.

I took an EI test online at https://globalleadershipfoundation.com/cgi-bin/eiscore.pl and these are my results. I scored higher in self management and social awareness. I was surprised that I did not score higher in self-awareness because I like to think of myself as pretty self-aware. But I also believe we can all do better in learning about ourselves.

Blog 6

I have had to do a similar activity for a previous class so this is not a new idea for me. Women have been sexualized for decades to sale multiple items. Most of the time the sexualization does not even make sense. For example the Burger King ad does not appeal to me in the least. In fact it makes me not want to eat at Burger King ever again. So I feel that often times these companies shot theirselves in the foot so to speak. I do agree with the Kilbourne’s statement that these images often put unrealistic expectations on women and girls alike. It makes it difficult for us females to learn to love ourselves just as we are instead of attempting to achieve some image of perfection that is not possible. I have seen multiple situations were famous people have been photoshopped and the person has fought back and I admire when they are able to do that. It helps other people realize that it is okay to normal. I do not like to say flaws there because I do not think they are flaws! They are simply the way we are made and the life we have lived.

Blog 5

The CDC is considered a credible source since our top professionals in the health field work for them. The CDC is considered the frontmost authority in any and all public health concerns. During the last three years we have looked to the CDC for all the up to date suggestions and recommendations on how to handle the COVID 19 virus.
Kayak has COVID 19 advice listed on their page as informational. But if someone was looking for COVID 19 advice I seriously doubt they are going to trust the travel site as a credible site. Since it is a travel agency type company and has no professional medical staff that has the public’s best interest at heart but instead their business is selling people trips.
WebMD has a very accessible website with lots of information. While some of their information in accurate I have my doubts that their information is as valid as the CDC. Simply because the checks and balances system that the WebMD articles/information has to go through would not be as rigorous as the CDC’s should be. WebMD would not be held to the same standards as our national health authorities would be.

Blog 4

I only missed one question on the Exam. I was able to go back and identify in my book where it was discussed and why what I choose when incorrect. I answered the question more so based on my own self instead of what would be a collective answer when looking at more than one person. It was helpful to be able to look back over the text to identify the correct answer. It is helpful go through my notes and over the review questions the week working up to the exam. 

I choose the image as a reminder that just because I think/feel a certain way does not mean that’s actually the right answer! No really, as a reminder that just because I would handle or react a certain way in a situation does not mean that everyone else or even the majority of other people would handle the situation in the same way.

Blog 3

There can be a strong connection between music and relationships. But I would argue that it depends how on large a part music truly plays in your life. While I enjoy listening to music it is not something that I do often, and my music tastes have greatly change in the last 15 years since my husband and I got together. Even in the beginning of our relationship our taste in music was not necessarily similar. He prefers more sad slow songs in different genres, and I prefer a livelier upbeat in multiple genres. But the point is music did not play a large part in either of our lives while we enjoy it, it is not something that is at the top of either of our list of things we enjoy doing. However, I believe that is music is at the top of the list of things that you truly enjoy doing or listening to then you will want to find someone who always enjoys the same kind of music and gets the same amount of enjoyment from participating in those activities. So, I would say that it all depends on how much music is a part of your life that would relate to how important your significant other enjoying the same kind of music that you do. 

These are the six songs that I choose. The song beside my husbands name (Charlie) is one that was popular when we had first gotten together and we listened to often and so I can never hear it without remembering 19 year old him and the love that was beginning at that time in our life. “My Jesus” beside of my daughter’s name is a newer song and my daughter loves it and it makes my momma heart happy to see her sing it with gusto. My youngest son has the heart of a rocker but a Jesus loving rocker and he likes to rock out to Jesus Freak. The River is my oldest son’s favorite song and has been for the last 3 years at least and he asked to listen to it as soon as we get in the car. Every. Single. Time. Fancy Like is Haven’s (who is my best friend) favorite song and she often times will start singing it frequently. Last but not least is my sister. Armageddon was her favorite movie for the last few years that we lived at home together and I can never hear this Aerosmith song without thinking of her and I belting it out while driving in our younger days.

Blog 2

I received a total of 29 points on the GSE scale. While I do believe that I am very self-efficient. I also think that there are multiple outside factors of a person’s life that influence how efficient a person can truly be. What I mean by that statement is that when I consider what type of student I am, I do the best I can to stay on top of my work because I do not like leaving things to be done at the last possible minute but there are often things in my life that keep me from being able to do that. For example, if I have a paper due at the end of the week but when I sit down to begin working on it but then one of my children yell because they are not feeling well so I go to help then. Then by the time I get that child settle the next one is coming down with the same thing then my next child is getting it too. So, while I have good intentions and have set myself up for success and given myself time to do the work appropriately outside forces can send my plans into a tailspin. Therefore, my ability to work quickly and efficiently must kick in and my confidence that I will be able to get the work complete even though all my plans have been derailed. If I am honest in lots of ways, I believe this makes me a better student because it prepares me more for working life than any things else does. Because let’s be honest how often do the best laid plans fall apart and plan B must then be activated! While I understand that not everyone can adjust this way over the last 3 years while being a mom, wife, and student I have found ways to make it work for me!

The beauty in the chaos!

I choose this image because it sums up my chaos. It is organized chaos for the most part but chaos none the less. While I’d prefer everything to be neat and tidy that’s just not the stage of life that I am in. So just keeping it real!

Blog 1

After looking over the syllabus and course objectives I am most looking forward to learning about the driving factors behind people’s attitudes and behaviors. I believe that this class will help me better relate to the individuals and families that I serve and work with in the future. It will help be able to know how to communicate effectively with others. I intend to spend at least an hour each day working through the weeks work and take notes while working through the material.