English 5 – 2/17/21, Wednesday

5-5:10pm:  Intro….  How was your break?  What did you do?

What did you read, write?  Read or write anything for you?

5:10-5:35pm:  Lawson’s book….  What is your opinion?

What did it show you?

What do you wish it had done?

If it did teach you something or connect with you in some unique way, what was it?

What do you think she wants for us?

5:35-6pm:  Writing an opinion essay on her…. Where do you start?

Writing…

Depression….

“Crazy”….

Family…

Self-talk and self-care, self-love…

6-6:20pm:  Your ideas and their structure… where are you starting?  What singular word or thought?  Forget about essays and an English class for a second… say you’re a journalist, an editorialist, one just authoring an opinion.  What do you want to say about Jenny Lawson?  What do you have expertise in?

Returning to her book, did you find anything that gives you more understanding of the title?  Anything that showed you that there are things in life that don’t have to be looked at a certain way?

6:20-6:30pm:  CLOSE…

Start writing your opinion essay….  Please use one of the OUTSIDE sources you found on her to support your idea.  Could be an article on her, a video of her speaking on YouTube, whatever.  Just no Wikipedia….

ASSIGNMENT:  Start writing essay, be prepared to report your progress on Monday.  Essay will be due on March 1st, 2021.  

LENGTH:  4 pages (not including Works Cited Page).

ALSO….  Email me some thoughts from your journal… how you took notes on Lawson, or your day, and what the journal does for you.  Show me that you’re using it, and I’ll award credit.

***For this first essay, and I can’t say this enough… Don’t overthink it.  Worry about structure and editing later.  To start, just WRITE if you haven’t already.  Remember, an opinion… support it.  DON’T SUMMARIZE, and quote only when you have to, to support your idea.

218 Comments Add yours

  1. Paul Poulter's avatar Paul Poulter says:

    Hey professor how was your day?!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Paul Poulter's avatar Paul Poulter says:

        I’m doing pretty alright, wife was confirmed to not have COVID, which definitely took a load of stress off. Excited to talk about the book today and some inspiring stuff I found along the way!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Diego Monjaras's avatar Diego Monjaras says:

    Helloooo

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Chloe Robson's avatar Chloe Robson says:

    Hey!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. roryhinkle's avatar roryhinkle says:

    Hello! The break was a little nerve-wracking. I did start reading Dune though and I’m having an awesome time. I did a lot of writing and painting.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dominic Betti's avatar Dominic Betti says:

    Hey! How’s it going?

    Liked by 1 person

  6. essafayed's avatar essafayed says:

    Hello!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Kannica eggink's avatar Kannica eggink says:

    Hello hello hellooo!

    I had a good break! Started on a anthropology book after finishing furiously happy. Learning and living.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. adamseaifan's avatar adamseaifan says:

    Hey all, it was pretty good, didn’t really feel like a break spent most of it catching up on work and finishing up assignments

    Like

  9. Sebastian Ruvalcaba's avatar Sebastian Ruvalcaba says:

    Hey everybody!

    Like

  10. lizeth morales's avatar lizeth morales says:

    Hi professor. My break was good it gave me time to catch up on myself and school. How was yours?

    Like

  11. essafayed's avatar essafayed says:

    My break was okay, didn’t really do much.

    Like

  12. hello how is everyone doing

    Like

  13. TiffanyFayed's avatar TiffanyFayed says:

    Hey,
    My break consisted of a lot of work.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. levoneral's avatar levoneral says:

    My break was pretty nice. I got to spend more time relaxing, but I couldn’t seem to get all the sleep I needed.

    Like

    1. Daisy Guevara's avatar Daisy Guevara says:

      I’m with you on the lack of sleep. Do you drink coffee?

      Like

  15. Hi Everyone! Hows your day?!

    Like

  16. selenadiaz7's avatar selenadiaz7 says:

    hello! the break was definitely a needed recharge. I simply just relaxed with my family & had long movie days. Between work and school, movie nights/days are completely robbed from me. lol

    Like

  17. Chloe Robson's avatar Chloe Robson says:

    My break as pretty epic, pretty much camped out at the beach and got a few solid days of sunshine and surfing.

    Liked by 3 people

  18. Phoenix Gobbée's avatar Phoenix Gobbée says:

    Hey everyone! This past week I finally got to meet some people from the area since I moved here thanks to my new job which I spent all of last and this week learning. Its a pretty tiring job but I enjoy actually getting out and talking to some people!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. janessagoodwin's avatar janessagoodwin says:

      Getting out and talking to people! I miss that. Congrats on the new job!

      Like

      1. Phoenix Gobbée's avatar Phoenix Gobbée says:

        Thanks!!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. janessagoodwin's avatar janessagoodwin says:

    Hi everyone! I had a good weekend. I recently moved back to the Bay Area so my boyfriend and I spent some time exploring. We ate some great Bahn mis and tried to get outside. I drank a lot of tea! I did spend time reading Furiously Happy along with some others. I journaled and started meditating in the mornings again.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. selenadiaz7's avatar selenadiaz7 says:

      self care at its finest, woohoo! so happy for ya. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  20. laurabewest's avatar laurabewest says:

    Hi! Not much of a break for me… Mostly homework and work though I did get out to the beach yesterday evening.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Diego Monjaras's avatar Diego Monjaras says:

    My break was pretty used for catching up on work that I procrastinated on doing

    Liked by 1 person

    1. selenadiaz7's avatar selenadiaz7 says:

      hey but you got it DONE. good job!

      Like

  22. Lily Backus's avatar Lily Backus says:

    Hi! My break was good, I fed some goats some apples and carrots so that was fun.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. laurabewest's avatar laurabewest says:

    Finished the book and did a lot of school reading, and reading up on some fish I’m painting

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Paul Poulter's avatar Paul Poulter says:

    My break was solid, having the time to secure some extra sleep and take care of some assignments like my first major Biology project was nice.

    Like

  25. My break was pretty good, filled with homework, I finally had a day off today which was needed!

    Like

  26. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    My little break was pretty eventful and crazy. Busiest time at work but couldn’t even work because I got exposed to covid! So I had to get get tested and Im negative thank gosh. But I can’t go back to work until the 27th and can’t go to soccer practice until Monday so I’ve been stuck in the house just chilling which I’m actually very much enjoying!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Makyla Aldana's avatar Makyla Aldana says:

    Hi! my break was good I did homework and napped

    Like

  28. Sebastian Ruvalcaba's avatar Sebastian Ruvalcaba says:

    I spent my time preparing for my midterm for math that I had today. I feel pretty good on my performance on the test.

    Like

  29. AshtonMorales1991's avatar AshtonMorales1991 says:

    I worked on my brake and did home work

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Riley McConnell's avatar Riley McConnell says:

    My break was ok. I didn’t get to do too much other than catch up on my homework

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Daisy Guevara's avatar Daisy Guevara says:

    Howdy! Good afternoon y’all. My “break” was heinously busy. Very little moments to decompress or find equilibrium. Statistics course has picked up its speed, and honestly debating whether its contributions would be more valuable in the future. I wrote nearly 4 pages in our latest assignment, and been reading up on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover which will land tomorrow at noon. Hope everyone had a tranquil weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

  32. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Hey guys… I’m getting attacked by kids… keep the conversation alive… be back in a bit…. Focus on Lawson and your upcoming essays…

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Connor Southerland's avatar Connor Southerland says:

    Hey y’all, the break was great! But my family has decided that a Florida trip is the best idea right now (for some reason). Long story short the flight was delayed and I’m currently in the Orlando airport trying my best to keep up with class

    Liked by 1 person

    1. roryhinkle's avatar roryhinkle says:

      dude be safe!

      Like

      1. connorsoutherland's avatar connorsoutherland says:

        I will do my absolute best!

        Like

  34. Cory Cochran's avatar Cory Cochran says:

    HI! My break was alright. I mostly spent the day playing music with my friends then just read some of Lawson’s book at the end of the day. Overall a fun but mellow break.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. oliver castillo's avatar oliver castillo says:

    hey everyone! This break was well needed. I went over to San Fransisco to hang out with friends that I hadn’t seen in a while. Other than that this week consisted of work and a lot of studying

    Liked by 2 people

  36. I think her book ended perfectly for what her book is. I enjoyed reading it!

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Just for the fact that she says she doesn’t regret writing about her struggle. her contribution the the “Folder of 24” for me sealed it with her reason of writing the book, and helped many people.

        Liked by 1 person

  37. AshtonMorales1991's avatar AshtonMorales1991 says:

    the audio book made the regular book go way faster

    Like

  38. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I feel she wants us to explore our own stories more… and yes, encourage us to write.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. roryhinkle's avatar roryhinkle says:

    Lawson’s book showed me that other people experience mental illness similar to me, and it’s not something I should feel like I always have to justify to people.

    I came into this book with very few expectations, so I do not currently feel a STRONG sense of lacking from Lawson’s writing. I do wish, however, that I was able to delve into Lawson’s stories a bit deeper instead of reading what almost felt like a reddit post.

    I’ve dealt with mental illness my whole life so Lawson’s book was very affirming and comforting.

    I feel Lawson wants us to find a sense of sameness in her writing. She connects to her readers with humor but also with personal, insightful, honest messages throughout her essays that tell the readers that it’s ok.

    Liked by 3 people

  40. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    The book showed me a side of depression that I think needs to be better appreciated… And if someone calls you “crazy”, don’t immediately buy into that label.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. essafayed's avatar essafayed says:

    I really enjoyed her book, as it taught me a lot about mental illness and how she coped with it.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. adamseaifan's avatar adamseaifan says:

    Honestly one of my favorite books never for one second did i lose focus or interest.

    It showed me there more to a person than what’s on the outside. It showed me what it feels like to live with a mental illness, the struggles and the perks.

    I really wish it didn’t end so soon

    It thought me everything I know about mental illnesses. Prior to reading the book, I was so misinformed and unknowledgeable about mental illnesses it’s kind of imbaressing.

    I believe she just wanted us to have a glimpse of what it’s like living her life. It’s like what life would be like if I was in Lawson’s shoes.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. Phoenix Gobbée's avatar Phoenix Gobbée says:

    I was almost sad when I got to the end of Lawson’s book it was such an enjoyable experience, but I did really think it ended well, a powerful final message to really tie up the stories and themes within.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. Paul Poulter's avatar Paul Poulter says:

    In terms of connecting to me in a unique way, this is by far the most influential and personal literature I have had the pleasure of reading in or out of a classroom setting. A passage that truly spoke to me was on page 314, in which Lawson describes he relationship with Victor; “Last month, as Victor drove me home so I could rest, I told him that sometimes I felt like his life would be easier without me. He paused a moment in thought and then said, “It might be easier. But it wouldn’t be better.” I remind myself of that sentence on days”. My wife and I have long battled anxiety and depression, and never have I felt something that resonates with me as much as this passage from Lawson. It can be a struggle at times, but my life would certainly be worse without my wife by my side, regardless of the effects of it potentially being “easier” or not.

    Liked by 3 people

  45. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    This book also teaches you to find your OWN happiness. Don’t wait for that shit to find you…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. laurabewest's avatar laurabewest says:

      yessss! This happened to me this last week

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        That’s awesome!!

        Liked by 1 person

  46. Cory Cochran's avatar Cory Cochran says:

    I have thoroughly enjoyed Lawson’s book. Her creativity and expressiveness keeps the book entertaining and keeps me reading. The book showed me that even through har times in life, there is no reason to get yourself down and there is always something to look forward to. Lawson having all these challenges and still being the comedic creative person she is gives me hope in myself even when I am going through hard times.

    Liked by 1 person

  47. Riley McConnell's avatar Riley McConnell says:

    I think that Lawsons book was phenomenal. Truthfully, I haven’t actually read a book in quite a long time. this is mainly due to the fact that I couldn’t find myself getting invested into any. With Lawson however, I found that I couldn’t put the book down. I think that she showed me how fun reading should be. There were parts of the book where I would literally be laughing out loud. In these times of Covid, I think that this book helped me a lot. I could Truly use it as an escape for the stress of everyday life.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Chloe Robson's avatar Chloe Robson says:

      I 100% agree with you and found myself in the same place!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I agree! it was easy to finish because I couldnt put the book down.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. selenadiaz7's avatar selenadiaz7 says:

    I enjoyed the book from the beginning and felt it ended as it intended to and I have no complaints just very satisfied with the book overall. I believe she wants her readers to take whatever they need from the book but most importantly to encourage her readers to navigate their paths and to be loyal to ourselves no matter how different our own path/happiness looks to others.

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Gianina Mencarini's avatar Gianina Mencarini says:

    I really enjoyed her book. It was crazy in all the right ways but also serious and supportive. It gave me a little perspective into a person life with illnesses like hers and educated me on it. The way she finished it was so sweet and I loved it, it really made me tear up how heart warming she was but also hurt my heart at the same time that so many people feel this way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Phoenix Gobbée's avatar Phoenix Gobbée says:

      Exactly I think that’s the best thing this book does, gets people to open up by opening up herself.

      Liked by 1 person

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