Learning Challenge: Desk Stretching

For those of you who spend all day on a computer or sitting down for work it is easy to forget to stretch or get up to walk around. I have been doing desk work for a multitude of years and have been there. After doing some research I learned of some stretches that you can do while you are sitting at your workstation or desk. They are actually yoga exercises which, as some know involve stretching. This article is the one I really enjoyed the most and all 6 of the exercises (shoulder rolls, open chest stretch, neck stretch, chair twist, reverse prayer pose and twisted arms) I do on a daily basis, either at home or work. My body does not feel as stiff as it did before doing these.

Software: Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 (Macintosh)

Photographed at: Apr 21, 2017 Source

Growth Mindset: Talking to a Teenager

Recently I sat down with my teenage son to explain certain problem solving techniques. Sometimes he is referred to as "blond" when it comes to a lot of common sense issues but I know he just has not been taught the ways to deal with life events. We talked about how he would see something as complicated and I would show him how to come up with a way to find a solution in a few steps. Things in life are only as hard as you make them and if you open your eyes up to more ways to accomplish goals than what you are accustomed to than things have become that much easier. So don't always try to rush through things the same way, take a step back and think of other ways to solve something and it might be easier in the long run.

(Image Information: personal photo of my son Markis;
photo from March 2017.)

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

Canvas notifications is a must have as a student. It has helped me in many classes with deadlines and seeing when someone replies to a question or discussion topic. If you are not using it, I suggest you start.

Week 3 Story: Always a King.

The Current Version

Week 3 Story: Always a King

The mightiest of all in the animal kingdom, the lion, king of the jungle lays at the mouth of his home, a mighty cave, dying from sickness. Animals from far and wide come to witness their king dying and as some show respect from fear, others take out frustration and revenge on the lion. Boars rammed him with their tusks, Bulls attacked with horns, eagles with claws. The lion just laid there, taking the punishment as he did not have the strength to take them on. Finally, a Mule came from the back of the crowd, one of the weakest animals in the kingdom, to take his turn on the dying lion. As the mule turned to kick the lion with his hind feet, the lion growled and said “This will be a double death” and he sprung to his feet, grabbed the shocked mule by the neck with his powerful jaws and slammed back down to the ground. 

The crowd of the lions’ subjects just sat in silence and watched as they could see the life leaving the lions glorious eyes as the mule took its last breath and lay lifeless in the mighty jaws of his king. The king of the jungle released the mule and let out one more mighty roar, reminding the jungle that even in his dying moments, you must still respect a king. There is a difference between respect and cowards. The lion had respect for the animals that attacked him before the mule, that is why he did not attack them because they had stood and fought before. As with the mule, the lion believed him to be a coward, as he would run and hide every time the lion would come around. As he was the king of the jungle, he would not let a coward have the satisfaction of besting him, even in his final moments of life.

Author's Note. The original story was a lot shorter and just included the boar, bull and ass attacking the lion to settle grudges. The lion did growl "This will be a double death" but that is where the original ends. In my mind I was envisioning myself as the lion and what I would do to that type of insult and to what example should be made of the mule.

Bibliography. This story is based on the Fable "The Sick Lion" in The Fables, by Aesop, Jacobs, Joseph.

Image taken by Fuchsia Anna, Deutsch. Source Pixabay

Reading Notes Westervelt. Hawaiian Historical Legends

Reading Notes Westervelt. Hawaiian Historical Legends

Recently the movie Moana was released and it gave some insight into Hawaiian mythology, particularly about the demi-god Maui.  Being half Hawaiian I know a little about my culture and thanks to our professor have been given access to more about Hawaiian mythology. Maui was not only a demi-god in Hawaiian culture, but also all across the pacific. The comparisons from different cultures is good and they coincide with each other.

A lot of people know of Maui being a trickster but in all fairness he did it for the mortal humans. He was always looking of ways to advance and make life better for humans. That is how he gave his life, trying to gain immortality for humans. The writing is short but it gives a base to go off of. 

Maui Link to Maui Seeking Immortality

Illustration from the book "Twenty years before the mast" 

by Charles Erskine. Page 226. Source Wikimedia

Reading Notes: Adam and Eve Part B

Reading Notes Adam and Eve Part B

Adam and Eve Part B was a story I never knew about. Showing what happens when Adam and Eve are cast from the Garden of Eden. Things that we are so used to such as night time, heat, having to drink water, to be aware of our surroundings etc. neither Eve or Adam had to experience until being cast from the garden. The both killed themselves multiple times and were constantly weeping about the situation they had put themselves in by defying the word of God. The Lord made a promise to them that after 5 and a half days had passed he would let them and their seed back into the garden but that is more like 5500 years, after the end of days.

This gives me the idea that for the story Adam and Eve need to come from a well off or royal family and be cast out into poverty. It could show that they are not prepared for the struggles of an average life such as not knowing where to sleep at night, how to get money for food, knowing when a shower is gonna happen and other things of that nature. Bring some humility to them and humble them to show compassion for the world and not just themselves.

The Forgotten Books of Eden, edited by Rutherford H. Platt, Jr.  Link to Reading Guide B. 

Oil on Panel Board by Arhitectdanielheller

2013. Source Wikimedia