11.18.2010

To the Google Search Bar!!

What came up when I Google searched "why do people procrastinate?"

 http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Do-People-Procrastinate?&id=1028572

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200308/procrastination-ten-things-know

Procrastination: One Word That Describes My Life

procrastinate |prəˈkrastəˌnāt; prō-|verb [ intrans. ]delay or postpone actionput off doing something it won't be this price forlong, so don't procrastinate.

In Monday's class, Ms. Serensky commented on the fact that many students did not post on their blogs until Sunday, the day the posts are due. I was one of these students. She wondered why we decide to make Sunday the worst day of the week, one constantly burdened by blog posts or poetry papers. After she brought this point up, I thought to myself "I'm going to write about procrastination tonight on my blog!" That was three days ago... Monday night, I thought "I'll do it tomorrow" same with Tuesday...and Wednesday. Now here I am, Thursday night, finally posting about this topic. It's not even impressive, either, because we're required to do at least one post by Thursday night...otherwise this would've been put off for even longer. This makes me wonder, why do I procrastinate? And why is it only some aspects of my life? For example, Sunday, I had this elaborate plan to work on my data sheet and get almost all of it done. Sounds great, right? This went quickly down the drain once I heard my mom say she was going to the mall. After hearing this, I don't even think I would've been able to spell "data sheet," my mind was so preoccupied with the thoughts of everything I planned to purchase that day. I easily put off my English assignment, but I am positive that I NEVER would put off shopping to do homework. I feel like this is an issue... so, I plan to resolve it, tomorrow. 

11.14.2010

Buy a New Outfit! No Need for an Affair...

"I find sometimes it's easy to be myself; sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else"
-Dave Matthews Band

This quote was on the board in Ms. Serensky's room last Thursday. I felt that this really related to the chapter we read for that day, chapter 10. At first, I thought that this really applied to Gogol's life; he always seemed to be living through a girlfriend. But, upon further thinking, I found that I really believe this applies to Moushumi's life. Throughout the book I have criticized Gogol for his failure to find exactly what he wanted to do in life. For example, in France, Gogol wanted to go out and see the city as a tourist, yet when he was out he "wants to go back to the apartment [and] hold Moushumi in his arms" (232). Gogol's constant uncertainty never fails to frustrate me.  But, after further thinking, I realized Moushumi is the one who is truly trying to be someone else. In the class discussion, we talked about how she always discusses Graham and still has not been able to move on from that part of her life, her wedding to Gogol was very similar to how her wedding should've been with Graham, and she still keeps her wedding dress. Those are both big red flags showing someone trying to reclaim a past identity. Her entire situation with Dimitri also shows her attempt to "be somebody else." She says that the affair "reminds her of living in Paris" (264). Another part of Moushumi's life that always is discussed in the story, Moushumi has a longing to still be the person she was in Paris. It seems there could be a better way to hold on to the past that doesn't involve ruining someone's life (Gogol). Instead of having a secret life, she should just buy herself a few different outfits. It is a much easier way to take on a new personality, and its even better because you're not wrecking a marriage!

Moushumi, meet Marc


Buying an expensive purse is a big decision to some people. There are endless possibilities: leather, suede, canvas; totes, wristlets, satchels; red, black, brown; zippers, buckles, pockets… I truly could go on for days. Now if one chooses to buy an expensive purse, this decision is now made even harder as it is a much bigger commitment. After years of broken handles, unwanted stains, and ripped material, it appears time to get a dependable bag. Enter: Coach. Quality purses made from great materials, a good option would be going for a brown leather tote. Simple and safe, this new purchase seems perfect. And at first, it is. But, a year goes by… the purse now has acquired some unwanted scratches, and the handle looks a little frayed. Something just isn’t right. Some unhappiness follows, but you can’t return the purse, you no longer have the receipts. Nor do you have the money to buy a new one. The only thing to do is find an old purse in the back of your closet, and start using it again. See where I’m going with this? Since the discussion Thursday, I have felt bad about my comment regarding Moushumi. I said I felt sorry for her since she was in an unhappy marriage. Now I have never been married, and I know it is a MUCH bigger commitment than buying an expensive purse. But it was something I could relate to.  With this in mind, I’d like to clear the air. In NO way do I feel Moushumi is just in cheating on Gogol because she is less-than-thrilled with her marriage. I find cheating reprehensible and disgusting, but I still do feel bad that Moushumi is in this situation. She thought she made a good decision, but now she just seems stuck with no way out. I feel bad that no characters in this book seem to be enjoying their lives. Since the main focus was on Moushumi, my sympathy will be directed there.  She should spend a day at the mall, head to Nordstrom, and pick up a Marc Jacobs bag. Not only would that give her exactly what she needs, it should cheer her up instantly. I call I'm going with her! 

Add it to the Christmas List!