Week 4: Famous Last Words

Wow, I can barely believe the weekend is almost over.  I have spent the majority of the weekend studying as I have several projects/exams all at once.  I had my molecular exam on Wednesday, I have microbiology exam on Monday, a formal lab report due that night, and a physiology exam on Tuesday.  Then, my capstone project is due the next week- whew.  At least once all of these things pass, I’ll get to take a breath and slow down for a little bit.  However, this huge series of exams has definitely shown me how I need to stay on top of things better.  However, on Friday evening I got to meet my mentor for Leadership Scholars which was very nice (and a break from studying).  She's an orthopedic PA and I want to be a PA so that's why we got paired together.  There was a big reception with appetizers and drinks, and it was neat to see so many well-accomplished people who attended OU (even some who hadn't) who all want to give back and mentor us.  I remember last year at this time, we had a formal dinner and I sat next to a judge and his wife, and he told me about some of the cases he had which were pretty interesting.  Anyways, I studied Saturday and watched the game as I studied (BOOMER SOONER)- you probably guess it.  Today, I went to Panera and now I'm back at my boyfriend's apartment and more studying.  I know, I'm boring, but just for this weekend.  Next weekend I get to go home, though, so I'm very excited for that!  I leave on Friday and one of the other RAs is going to watch over my floor in case something crazy happens so I don’t have to worry about that while I’m gone.  Also, while I’m there, not only will I get to see my family, but I will get to see my puppy and I'm so excited!

This is my puppy, Spartan (personal photo- March 2014)

Week 4: Storytelling- The Marriage of Rama and Sita

She could hardly sleep the night before as she practically pranced into bed.  Even her servants took notice of her particularly happy demeanor.  Her thoughts swam around in her head as she dreamed of her future husband.  Sita absolutely could not wait to become Rama’s wife.  She did not understand how he was so strong, kind, and simply wonderful.  She was puzzled- she suspected him to be the god of love, but the god of love has no body… However, she didn’t think too much about it because she was so excited.  She wondered what kind of food he liked, if he would be home much, how soon he wanted to have children (she secretly hoped that she’d have a son)… the list went on and on.  Although her mind was very much awake, her body was exhausted from the pre-marital preparations and she eventually fell asleep.  The next morning, as she sun shined softly on her face, she slowly woke up and then realized what day it was- her wedding day! She skipped downstairs where her servants were preparing her a meal.  As soon as she scarfed down breakfast, her maids dressed her in satin as she picked out which jewels she would wear.  Sita could not remember the last time she felt so nervous or so excited.  She had not seen her father that day but knew she would during the ceremony.  The hours flew by and before she knew it, Sita was standing next to her future husband and they joined hands in front of her father and the rest of the on-lookers.  Her father said the vows and the new couple repeated them with smiles on their faces.  Sita’s father was almost as excited as Sita was.  After all, he set up a challenge for any of Sita’s suitors.  The man he would allow his daughter to marry would have to string a bow and arrow.  As more and more suitors failed, Sita’s father grew concerned that the challenge was too difficult and also that Sita was becoming less desirable as she continued to age.  However, when Rama entered the scene, all that changed and for that reason, Sita’s father was one of Rama’s number one fans.  Back to the ceremony- the two finished their vows as they exchanged nervous smiles.  Although both were eager to start their lives together, they had not had the chance to really get to know one another yet and for that reason, they spent the next fourteen years together blissfully, getting to know one another better and better every day.

Rama and Sita's coronation

(source:  Wikipedia)

Author's Note:  I chose to write my story about Rama and Sita's wedding for a couple reasons.  For one, it marked a pivotal event in both of their lives.  Also, I really enjoy love stories and weddings fit right along with that.  Finally, from Buck's description, Sita spent quite a bit of time getting ready (or at least her servants did), so I wanted to describe more fully why and how she did.  I chose to tell the story in third person but placed lots of emphasis on Sita's perspective because as a female, I feel that I can relate to how she would maybe feel leading up to her wedding day.

Bibliography:  Buck, William (1976).  Ramayana:  King Rama's Way

Week 4: Reading Diary B

The day before Rama is made king, I think it’s a nice image to imagine Rama sitting there by his mom at the altar with the other queens.  She’s all dressed up and ready to go- so proud of her son.  I’m sure that must have been a sweet moment for the two of them.  As for the townspeople, it must have been such a wonderful time for them as well.  Not only was Rama such a great person to become king of them, but it was quite a celebration! I like how Rama, before he even became king, would grieve, hope, laugh, and celebrate alongside his people.  Also, it’s so fun that there was music playing, wonderful colors all over the town, and free food for all to share.  It’s also nice that all the sick people got to participate in the festivities as well!  I wonder if Rama’s dad was celebrated as highly whenever he was about to become king.  It is quite remarkable that Rama did not seem to be the least upset that he would be exiled for fourteen years- he was so obedient that he was almost emotion-less.  He was actually more concerned for his father who seemed very distraught. I’m also surprised the king lashed out (basically) on Kaikeyi’s command/wishes.  I don’t know how she doesn’t feel guilty.  It’s unfortunate she was convinced to do this.  Otherwise, I doubt she would have approached the king to use those wishes on her own.   It is so sweet and loyal for Sita to follow her husband into exile.  I don’t know if perhaps she simply doesn’t realize how hard it will be since she’s always been pampered, or if she is simply that loving.  Either way, it is a very nice gesture on her part and I also acknowledge Rama’s attitude in not wanting to put his wife through the danger by having her with him.  That was sweet of him to be prepared to be lonely as to not put his wife in danger.  It was also really neat to see that Sita treated those she left behind very well.  In fact, she ended up giving her servants full-salary until she would return.  Anyways, it’s neat to see (later on) that even people in the forest know and respect Rama (and Lakshmana).  It was very nice that Guha and his friends took in Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and I like the fact that they take the time to engage Sita rather than merely talk to the men.  

Week 4: Reading Diary A

The way the book opens is pretty creative- I like it.  I’ve seen this format before in movies such as “The Princess Bride,” where it is a story within a story, but I haven’t seen it as much in books.  Upon describing Ayodhya, it is very enchanting.  I wonder if it really was supposedly that wonderful or if it was simply exaggerated upon description.  Since it’s a mythical place, it is definitely capable of being “perfect” since it’s not governed by the same natural rules our world is governed by.  When it mentions Sita, all I can think is “poor woman.”  After reading so much about what she went through, it is really sad to see her treated so poorly and see her want to drown both herself and her unborn son.  Rama isn’t as pure and blameless and the story leads on if he exiled her and lets this happen.  Skipping forward, Narayana is in this story?  Isn’t he the author of the last version of “Ramayana” we read?  I wonder if there is another person/supernatural with that name…  Satrughna had dark blue skin?  I feel like that’s a medical problem or maybe he’s just trying to describe with colors his personality?  Anyways, I really like the descriptions of Rama and Lakshmana- I feel as if they are described in great detail and provide a picture into the personalities of both.  In the last version of “Ramayana” we read, I felt as if we knew what Rama did/how strong he was, but I didn’t feel like I necessarily pictured him as a great person until he treated the monkeys so kindly, and then I understood why he was considered to be so great.  Anyways, I feel really bad for Trinavindu- being made pregnant by wandering onto someone’s land.  The story doesn’t mention this, but I wonder if there was a “shun” culture for those who were pregnant out of wedlock or no.  I don’t remember any uber formal marriages being mentioned for other characters besides Rama, but still I wonder.  Her dad seemed a bit shocked (as he should be), but I am not sure whether he is shocked as in disgraced or literally just completely caught off guard.  As for her son, I’m glad he’s so good-natured, but I wonder if the gift of generosity will eventually turn as a curse to him if he becomes a “push-over.”  I hate to think that way, but it seems as if other “blessings” in this book have turned out for the worst.  Anyways, when Ravana was born, is it superstition or something similar to turn left?  I find it interesting that that was the direction the dogs turned when chasing their tails.  Skipping forward, I don’t like that Buck didn’t spend as much time describing Sita and Rama’s first looks at each other and how he strung the bow to marry her.  It was mentioned so briefly that it didn’t describe how much she was infatuated by him.  With that being said, I’m surprised he essentially skipped over that part but chose to describe her in such detail when it describes her appearance on her wedding day.