Rules??? What are they?

Hmmm…. MLA is so strict and you have to be so careful when writing in MLA format.  I don't think I've ever cited a paper correctly, even if English 1010. After reading I feel overwhelmed and my head hurts. Like some of my classmates said in their blog, I like to have some freedom while writing. Like we discussed in last Tuesday's class, it’s very hard to write something that hasn’t been written by someone before. When writing a paper quoting and sourcing our entire paper would be excessive.  Things like the oreo cookie method, how to cite different information you pulled from a book, article, or website. Ensuring that you do not take what you read somewhere and put it into your own words because that’s counted as plagiarism. It’s all very overwhelming.

I am far from fitting into societies “norm”.  I know I’ve always liked to be different and to push the envelope. I’m supposed to be in love with a man, not a woman. I’m supposed to be married (to a man) by now, have a few kids along with my dog. I’m supposed to have a degree and be well into my career. It’s an every day struggle to not fit into the mold that most think we are supposed to fit into. I get judged every day when I walk out of my front door. Living in the “bible belt” is very hard. My fiancé and I can’t walk down the street without getting stares or people whispering to each other. I can’t imagine what would happen if we were holding hands or showing any affection towards each other. A few weeks ago we were in a grocery store and a couple of the WORKERS standing up front yelled “GAY!” really loud as we walked by. I do not judge anyone, after all who am I to judge? I feel that every single person is going through some kind of struggle; and everyone deserves a chance no matter their sexual orientation, the color of their skin, eye color, hair color, gender, etc.

Rachel & I. We've been together for going on 3 1/2 years. I've never been happier! =)

Another things is not going to or graduating college. I’m 26 years old and just decided to come back to school. I’ve had a great career for over 10 years in the beauty industry but I felt a lot was missing. I enjoy what I do very much. I enjoy helping people and making people feel good and feel beautiful; hence why I chose a profession that continues to help others.  My parents and fiancé thought I was crazy when I said I wanted to go back to school. They all had the same reaction, telling me I’m amazing at what I do and I shouldn’t stop. I quote my father; “Well, you know you’re not very good at school” ha-ha, he means well. SO I was going out of the “norm” as far as deciding to say, “screw you” and make this decision for myself.

 Owlperdue.com will be my best friend when writing in MLA format.  Remembering all of the rules when writing and citing will be hard but it is a must. 

As far as my every day life, I’ll continue to bend and break the mold. =)