Fictive memoir

I have always wanted to visit New York City. My dream came true in December when I won a trip from an internet essay contest. Having never traveled to a big city like this, I bought lots of travel guides and did extensive research on the "must see" spots of the city. I read tips on how to protect myself from muggers, panhandlers and rapists and purchased a special travel purse that stayed close to your body making it more difficult for a purse snatcher to snatch my purse.

I boarded my flight with butterflies in my stomach ready for an adventure of a lifetime. As soon as I checked into my hotel, within walking distance to so many places that I wanted to visit, I dropped off my bags and set out to see the sights. To my surprise, no one tried to mug me or scam me out of a dollar. It was an exciting experience being immersed in a place that was so different to what I was used to. Before the days end, I knew I wanted to see Central Park. Boy was I surprised when a waitress who saw me checking out my guidebooks told me of a rabies outbreak in Central Park.

At first I thought she was pulling my leg, trying to trick the tourist. But as she told me that there were infected raccoons in the park causing an outbreak I knew immediately that I better listen. I took her advice to be on the lookout for any raccoon that may show itself to me during the day. She explained that since raccoons were nocturnal creatures, usually only sick raccoons made themselves visible to people during the day.

I made it through my trip unscathed. I saw the sights and experienced the city as much as I could on a 3 day trip. I went to Central Park every day of the trip, never seeing a rabid, or any other type for that matter, raccoon. I saw many other things that surprised me, but nothing rabid.

When I returned home, I did research on the problem of this outbreak. It seems that the start of the outbreak is unclear, but the problem is being taken very seriously. I am so grateful to not have had a run in with one of these infected creatures.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/29/central.park.rabies/index.html?hpt=Sbin

The experience of writing a memoir

Writing a memoir seems like something only those that are important would do. Successful executive describing what it takes to succeed, a Hollywood actress telling secrets of her past, or even a mother who raised 5 children on her own are the usual suspects for writing down their memoirs. I never considered being one of those people. I was apprehensive about an assignment that asked me to commit a memory to paper. Being a private person who has plenty of skeletons that I would like to keep hidden, I worried as I sat down to begin the assignment. After plenty of reflection, I started with a simple memory that did not divulge too much personal information, but one that has stuck with me.
Of course, the memory that I wrote about was not the first choice for a topic. It seemed dull and without life. As I began, though, it really took me back to a different time in my life. It is strange to think back to a time when I was a very different person. Younger and more idealistic, I remember at the time thinking that I had it made. Life was simple and I was on top of the world. The event that I wrote about was the beginning of me seeing how other people’s views and reactions were so different than mine and that people were living such a different life than me.
Writing down memories seems to be therapeutic. I may continue to do this outside of my assignments to help me remember who I was and how I became who I am today. I am sure that this will not be without a rainbow of emotions. Sadness, happiness and even astonishment will be just the tip of the iceberg as I recall the events that shaped my life and brought me to where I am today, a 32 year old college freshman in the second year of marriage.

More later,

KTW

Introductions.

Hi all. My name is Kara and I am new to the "blogosphere." I am starting this blog as a class assignment, but anticipate that I will like it so much that I will continue as long as anyone wants to hear what I have to say. I have been married a little over 1 year and still consider myself a newlywed! My husband, Patrick, is great. We have two cats and two pugs. All of our animals are rescued and am passionate about animal rescues. I am obsessed with my pugs. Many find it hard to understand, but when I look into their eyes and see how much they just want to be loved I melt. Maybe they just want food, but I like to believe they are looking at me with love in their eyes!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you stop in again soon.

More exciting posts to come!

KTW