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Shannon Philpott - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Shannon Philpott is a writer/reporter with 10+ years experience and a college journalism instructor. She maintains a blog about Writing, Reflecting, and Teaching.
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- No More Excuses, Whiners
[Self-Improvement:Time-Management] We are clearly a society of whiners. We whine when life seems unfair and we whine when things don't go our way. We whine to get out of tasks we should do and whine when we are forced to do these tasks out of necessity. Even worse, when our whining loses its touch, we resort to excuses.
- Landscaping Pet Peeves
[Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating] As a child, I never had a pet. Even though we longed for a dog to snuggle up to at night or a bird to chirp to us in the morning, it never happened. My parents did not want the responsibility, the inconvenience, and the added headache of caring for another individual in the house. I guess you could say it was a pet peeve of theirs.
- Clean Up the Mess
[Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating] I don't know about you, but nothing frustrates me more than a mess. After working all day, carting the kids from one activity to another, and trying to fit dinner in at some point, the last thing I want to arrive home to is a mess. I'm not talking about messy living spaces, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. I can deal with crumbs on the counter and dog hair on the rug.
- Bronze is No Longer the Underdog
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The term "underdog" is often misused and overrated. I learned this right away when I sat down to watch the 2007 movie with Jason Lee as the voice of Underdog, an average beagle that acquires superhero powers and continuously saves the day with much appreciation and admiration from his counterparts. As I watched the unrealistic portrayal of an "underdog" flying over a bronze garden statue and extravagant skyscrapers, my thoughts turned to more realistic thoughts - far from the intended message of the popular movie. In society, the underdog is hardly one with superpowers. In fact, the underdog is typically the low man on the totem pole that tries and tries but hardly succeeds as fast and strong as the rest. Realistically, our society does not praise the underdog or even recognize his or her existence.
- Man's Best Friend For Allergy Sufferers
[Pets:Dogs] It is no secret that dogs are considered man's best friend. They hunt and fish together, rub each other's belly, and cuddle on the couch as if neither has a care in the world. Animals are comforting, always have been, always will be. The reason behind this theory is simple. Animals are accepting. They accept you for who you are no matter how bad of a day you've had. They don't mind if you are not on top of your game, if the house is a mess, or if less than desirable food is in the fridge. A dog, a cat, a fish, or a bird - regardless of the type of animal, they are loyal friends that do not talk back, sass, or give us a guilty look. They do not offer constant reminders of our faults. Instead, they are happy to see us, welcoming us into their world at any time of the day.
- Spirituality - A Holiday For the Hopeful
[Self-Improvement:Spirituality] Let's be honest. This year has been tough - tough on bank accounts, tough on employment, and overall, tough on our emotional and spiritual well being. The result? People who have saved a lifetime have lost their hard earned money as Wall Street numbers continue to plummet. People who have devoted their lives to an employer have been laid off without severance or financial security. People who have been able to afford luxury can no longer afford necessities. And, more importantly, people who have devoted their lives to helping others are finding it difficult to survive themselves, much less provide and assist the less fortunate. Unfortunately, when times get tough and people are down and out, morale suffers and hope is lost. Spirituality goes out the window and remorse is a thing of the past. The consequences of this downward spiral are often drastic - crime increases, stress increases, and happiness decreases. What a way to enter the holiday season!
- Guilty Pleasures
[News-and-Society:Religion] Guilt. I try and run from it, but there's no use. It finds me and reminds me of who I am and who I should strive to be. Or, it could be that I was born and raised Catholic. From the time I put on my polyester plaid uniform and matching vest, I felt it - that ping in my stomach and the weight of my conscious. In kindergarten, I felt guilty for wanting to play when it was time to pray. In elementary school, I felt guilty for arguing with my best friend and not forgiving her right away. From the moment I passed the religious statues at the entrance of the school, I felt it. It continued through high school. After a fun filled weekend of getting away with God knows what, I felt the guilt the moment I stepped into the church doors on Sunday morning. It worsened when I would walk past the Catholic statues outside the high school doors.
- Story Scavenger Hunts - Digging For Dirt
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Years ago, I put together a scavenger hunt for my friend's bachelorette party. I couldn't tell you if she had more fun hunting down the goodies or if I had more fun creating the list of outrageous items she needed to collect throughout the night. I can tell you that it was one of the most exciting adventures we have been on throughout our friendship. I'll never forget the look on her face every time she found (or begged) for an item on the list from a complete stranger. Scavenger hunts are often reserved for special occasions and themed parties, but in my opinion, scavenger hunts serve a purpose in the newsroom, too...
- Teen Parties - Big Hair, Tight Jeans and Disco Balls
[Home-and-Family:Parties] I took a stroll down memory lane today. I was dancing underneath a disco ball to Aerosmith's "Angel" while awkwardly trying to stay at arm's length from my dance partner, a boy from one of the "public" schools. Later, I was giggling with my girlfriends about the cute boy that tried to touch my butt and the even cuter boy standing in the corner. We would take a short break for Tombstone pizzas and maybe even a video game or two before heading back to the dance floor - a place where we felt on top of the world and totally rad.
- Grandparents and Chocolate Pudding
[Home-and-Family:Grandparenting] Tossing a baseball around in the yard with your dad, baking cookies with mom, playing dolls with your sisters - all great childhood memories, just not ones I remember. Granted, these events probably took place in my life; however, for some reason or another, I've managed to block out majority of my childhood. From what I remember, I was a normal child living in a two-parent home until my teenage years; however, the memories of "good times" prior to my parent's divorce rarely emerge anymore. Tonight, though, something emerged on its own and for the first time in a long time, I missed being a child...
- Fat Dog in a Little Coat
[Health-and-Fitness:Weight-Loss] As humans, our obsession with weight haunts us every minute of the day. Many of us weigh ourselves incessantly, critique every inch of our bodies and constantly evaluate how "fat" we are in the mirror. We place pictures of skinnier versions of ourselves on the fridge, we buy fat free dressing that tastes like water and low calorie rice cakes that resemble cardboard, and we compare ourselves to other humans, wishing we could just shed 5-10 pounds.
- Social Media Overload
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:Social-Media] I've spent the past few days immersed, overwhelmed, delighted, and frustrated with social media. As participants in the Associated Collegiate Press Summer Journalism Workshops in Minneapolis, Minn. four of my students and I have been bombarded with high-tech options for reinventing and improving the standards for student newspaper publishing.
- Marriage Or Divorce? Which One Will Kill You First?
[Relationships:Divorce] It's no secret that divorce sends couples on an emotional roller coaster. Regardless of how amicable the split is, there are periods of grief, anger, denial, self doubt and sometimes, even malicious behavior toward each other. Aware of the pain, grief, and fear divorce may cause to the couple, children, family, and friends, I have always advocated that staying in an unhealthy marriage or unfitting relationship causes much more pain and grief for all parties involved.
- Those Pesky Deadlines
[Self-Improvement:Time-Management] As a reporter, I'm no stranger to working on deadline. A story comes in, I do my research, conduct the interviews, and then write the story - all usually within a day's time. However, deadlines do not just apply to my freelance work. Deadlines apply to every single aspect of my life. I'm on deadline as a teacher - preparing lesson plans in time for class to start. I'm on deadline as a mom - rushing to get to soccer practices and dance lessons by the time each one starts. I'm on deadline as a home owner - keeping the house clean, the family fed, and the dog away from our valuables. Deadlines are draining and sometimes a royal pain.
- Teaching the Teacher
[Self-Improvement:Coaching] One of the most exciting aspects of teaching is the fact that I don't always have to teach. I'm not referring to the summer breaks but rather those teaching moments where the students teach the teacher.
- Missing Mommy
[Home-and-Family:Motherhood] There's something both rewarding and heart wrenching about missing someone. If you're missed, it makes you feel valued and appreciated. If you're missing someone else, it helps you to appreciate and value that person even more. After five days away from my family last week, I've come to realize that missing mommy is healthy and painful at the same time.
- Feature Stories With Heart
[Writing-and-Speaking] Feature stories have heart. Feature stories have warmth. Most of all, feature stories force a writer/reporter to evaluate the human side of a community - beyond the facts, beyond the opinions - to find the spirit of the story.
- Retaining Employees and Students - Effort Equals Results
[Reference-and-Education:College-University] None of us are strangers to the concept of retention. In academia, it is often viewed as a dirty word signaling the profit portion of higher education. But, nonetheless, every college I have ever taught at has focused on the importance of retaining students, and every employer stressed the need to retain quality employees.
- Age - Not Just Another Number
[Self-Improvement:Personal-Growth] While working on writing assignments for the upcoming English composition class I'm teaching this fall, I came across a writing prompt that I found peculiar, yet intriguing. Former students of mine can attest to the fact that the more peculiar I find something, the more I want to explore it. So, my exploring begins. The prompt read: "How old would you be if you didn't know your real age?"
- Need Therapy? Try Writing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] I'm not a therapist, nor will I ever be. I'm not even the type that gives advice and counsels others well. I can't solve world problems, let alone my own problems. We all have problems that inconvenience our daily lives - problems with work, school, and home.
- Writing From the Grave
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Death is so taboo. People fear it, avoid discussing it, and shudder at the thought of it. In reality, though, death opens up someone's life story. When a person dies, his or her life's story unfolds and then becomes newsworthy.
- Journalism - Procrastination Kills Confidence
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing-Articles] Two weeks ago, I bought a gallon of light brown paint with every intention to paint one living room wall. I had an entire week without distractions; the kids were gone, the dog was taken care of, and my workload was minimal.
- Eating Right - Fatty Choices, Fatty Patterns
[Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] I've fought weight gain since I can remember - my family has taken note of my "Oprah Syndrome," too. One year I'm skinny, the next I'm not. My kids, too, have fluctuated as well as seasons come and go. I'm not a doctor and I don't pretend to be one. But, I am an observer and I do notice trends, habits, and behaviors of people, including myself.
- Moms and Tweens - If the Shoe Fits
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] While working on an article for a parenting magazine - focused on what college freshman and their parents should expect - I talked with a mother-daughter team of authors. Margo Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane spent five years chronicling Steffany's journey from a high school senior to a college graduate, ultimately resulting in a co-authored book entitled I'll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students.
- Tales From the Middle School Carpool
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] A few days a week I drive around with extra kids and gain more insight than most parents receive in a month's time. Even though transporting a car full of 11 and 12 year olds home from school doesn't sound like a joy ride, I am one of the rare parents who actually looks forward to it.
- Money - The Root of All Evil
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] We have a saying in our house when it comes to money - "Mom is 'el broko." It's not necessarily true all the time, but it helps my children understand that mom is not made of money, nor do we have a money tree growing in the backyard. Like most, my kids are expensive. They are not greedy kids, nor do they beg me for something in every store, but they cost me a pretty penny.
- To Be a Kid Again
[Health-and-Fitness:Exercise] The truth hurts. I found this out first hand this week. After four hours chasing three eight-year olds through the City Museum, I realized that I'm not a kid anymore. Even though I kept up and climbed through the tunnels, slid down countless slides, and navigated through mazes, the truth is that I was exhausted, cynical, and feeling like the elder I never wanted to be.
- I'm Late! I'm Late For a Very Important Date
[Self-Improvement:Time-Management] A few years back, I was reading through an interpersonal communications textbook and was shocked to learn that many psychologists claim that people who are chronically late are purposely late to gain attention. It was classified as a "diva" trait, to say the least. While I'm sure there is some "scientific study" that supports this theory, I don't buy it.
- My Dog is a Tween
[Pets:Dogs] We all go through defiant phases in our lives - the terrible twos, the child/adolescent tween years, the roll-your-eyes-at-everything teen stage, and then adulthood, the stage with more categories I can name. This week, I've realized that dogs go through many of these same phases and I've determined that my dog is officially a tween.
- In Death We Find Life
[Home-and-Family:Death-Dying] It's a tragedy to see someone you love in pain, whether it's emotional or physical. It's even more of a tragedy to see someone you love lose a battle to death.
- Pets and Parents - Smiles, Tears, and Dirty Terry
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] As a parent, you will do just about anything to see your child smile. We sit through endless hours of dance lessons, cub scout meetings, soccer practices, and choir concerts. We pick out kid-friendly meals, buy over-priced Hollister shirts, and drive our kids to and from friends' houses every weekend. It's a small price to pay for the smiles that light up our kids' faces.
- Parenting Overload - Just Say No
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] It's no secret that I am a chronic "yes" girl. I can't say no even when I am buried with projects, work, and family life. Another committee? Sure. Come in on my day off? Why not?
- Sweet Dreams of Unicorns and Bologna
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] Dreams have always fascinated me to the point that it irritates me when I can't recall the details of my dreamy sagas. There are times when I wake up agitated knowing that something in my dreams sparked the feeling. There are times when I wake up at peace knowing that something or someone inspired me while I slept. Dreams are mysterious, though, and as much as it bothers me to not know, it's probably best that I don't.
- Teaching - What I Love the Most About My Job
[Reference-and-Education:College-University] Never in a million years did I ever think I would find myself in the teaching field. In third grade, I swore I was going to be a court reporter. In eighth grade, I was going to be the next Joan Jett. In high school, I wanted to pursue a career in music. At the onset of college, it was accounting, then music marketing, then public relations, then business, and ultimately, journalism.
- College Media Advising - Learning to Let Go
[Reference-and-Education:College-University] Advising a student newspaper is very much like teaching a child how to ride a bike. Cautious and slow at first, a parent is right there, guiding, supporting, and coaching. As the child gets the hang of it and gains confidence, you slowly push away and let him or her ride off on his own, watching his every move from a distance and hoping for the best.
- Writing Website Copy - Don't Be a Visual Showroom Only
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] Ever think about what attracts consumers to a website? More often than not, it is photos, multimedia elements such as video, audio, and flash effects, and colorful graphics. But, after the glory of these components wear off in a mere 30 seconds, most consumers move on if the copy doesn't measure up.
- Yep, I Like Hannah Montana
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] I admit it. I like Hannah Montana. Her songs are on my iPod, the car radio is often tuned to Disney Channel, and I know all the words to the theme of her TV show. I tried my hardest not to like her - told others that it was my daughter's music and that as a mom, I was forced to watch her show and listen to the Disney Channel. But, I'm coming clean - I've taken a liking to the pop princess' style, lyrics, and even her alter ego, Miley.
- Has Journalism Been Hit With an Ugly Stick?
[Writing-and-Speaking] Journalists are trained to be objective - trained to report on the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, when it comes to our own profession, we often find it difficult to see anything but the good. The truth is that there are many ugly aspects of the job, and as this industry continues to change rapidly, many ugly trends have evolved.
- Stinky Feet, Whining Kids, and the Awkward Silence
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] The exciting portrayal of road trips is often misleading. In the movies, we see friends bond on that big open highway. We see families laughing, enthusiastic about spending 32 hours in the car together. This portrayal leads us to think that a road trip is a fun journey where everyone sings along to the radio, shares snacks, and engages in deep conversations until they reach their final destination. The Griswalds made it to Wally World in one piece, why can't we?
- Children Fight Like Cats and Dogs
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] I never fully understood the phrase "they fight like cats and dogs." As a child, we didn't have many pets. My younger sister had a bird or two, but no cats or dogs. I couldn't fathom why people assumed that these two types of animals would not get along. From what I knew, most cats were sassy, sly quiet pets while most dogs were all bark and no action - a sensitive, yet lazy breed. Sounds like a perfect match, right? What I've realized as a parent, though, is that we all go through a "cat" and a "dog" phase.
- My Son's Perfect Woman
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] Is there such a thing as the perfect woman? This occurred to me during a bedtime talk with my 9-year old son. He mentioned that he couldn't wait for college because "there is a time and place for everything," he said, "and that's college." Curious by what he thought happened in college, he informed me that he would meet his perfect woman there. What came next is what disturbed me the most.
- Parenting Hurts So Good
[Home-and-Family:Parenting] I always underestimated the challenges of parenting. I thought that the moans and groans of parents were highly exaggerated. The baby sleeps, eats, poops - end of story, right?
- Five Things Every Student Journalist Should Do
[Reference-and-Education:College-University] Student journalists are busy people. Beyond tending to class work, outside jobs, and attempting to have somewhat of a social life, they spend their days brainstorming story ideas, writing stories, gathering video and photos, laying out pages, and managing ethical dilemmas.
- Journalists - The Library is Your Friend
[Reference-and-Education:College-University] I feel sorry for the library. It has truly lost its glory in the past 10 years. Once thought of as the end-all-be-all place for information, it has been replaced by Internet search engines that quickly lead us to websites within seconds, minutes. No one takes the time to browse the library's shelves anymore, leaving dust to settle on our nation's most valued treasures - books.
- Big Wheels Keep on Turnin'
[Self-Improvement:Personal-Growth] As young children, we often live in the shadows of our siblings. As the middle child, clearly suffering from middle child syndrome, I always felt part of the gang but clearly suffered from an identity crisis. I was Dana's younger sister. I was Molly's older sister. I was the middle one, the only one without red hair. In reality, though, I just wanted to be Shannon.
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