SC ED 353- Cultural Diorama

Gospel, Games, and Family Gatherings: A Utah Girl's Culture



I was given the assignment to pick three artifacts in my home that represent me socially, culturally, and ethnically. It's hard to pick just three things to try and define who I am as a person. I don't think anyone necessarily likes to be restricted and labeled that way. However, after I sorted through my priorities and thought about how I want others to perceive me, I then found ease narrowing it down to these three items.




I'm not one that likes to be categorized or labeled, but when it comes to my faith and religion, I have no problem being branded Mormon. More than anything in my life, this book and this gospel has shaped me into the person that I am. It has guided my values, my morals, and my general attitudes towards everything around me. I've grown to love the pages between these covers. This book represents my beliefs, and I hope I do it justice and can represent it well by the way I live my life.

This picture not only represents patriotic delight, but it was also chosen to express my tight knit relationship with my family. My family plays an integral part of my life. My parents have instilled in me the desire to be proud of who I am and where I come from. Just like my longing to represent the church well, I yearn to represent my family. Playing that role has become more important to me now that next generation Dorais' (pictured: nephew Kyler, 4) are learning what it means to carry the family name.


My entire life I have been called a Tom Boy. I hated it growing up, but the older I get the more I agree and the more I relish the fact that I have that crazy, deeply embedded love for sports. Outside of religion and family, sports, and basketball in particular, define who I am as a person. I don't get passionate about many hobbies. Cooking isn't my strength; I can make some pretty mean pancakes and not much else. I hate to sew with all my heart. Scrapbooking gives me bad feelings. But I can watch and read about sports with the best of them.

ABC Family

I basically still have the same taste in television as an eleven year old. So my joy was overwhelming when I saw this lineup on ABC Family today. Parent Trap. Love it. The Princess Diaries. Love it. Step Up. Oh my gosh Love it, and Step Up 3 was genius. Mean Girls. Love it. 4 for 4. I am so proud of ABC Family. DVR is getting paid overtime today.

sad face...

Alright people. I'm feeling kind of bitter right now, so I will only leave you with this little nugget of wisdom. If you ever feel like stealing something, especially from me, don't be retarded. And especially don't make purchases over $1200 using the stolen item. It makes me have a sad face.

Grandfather?

This may or may not be my long lost grandfather. Can't you see the family resemblance?

Miller Time

Today, I made a purchase that I am sure I will be mocked for many, many times. But before I share what this purchase is, allow me to share the emotional background for wanting it.

I've watched lots and lots and lots of different types of sporting events in my life. I've cried watching two. Starting with the most recent going back:

August 11, 2008: Beijing Olympics. Michael Phelps. 8 potential gold medals. At this point, the medal count was 1 down, 7 to go. Gold number 2 would come in the form of the 4x100 freestyle. Long story short, Jason Lezak becomes an American Hero, Michael Phelps looks likes this...



May 19, 2005: The first eleven years of my life consisted of me being a tomboy in the glory state that is Indiana. That meant grades K-5 were spent on the playground with the boys playing basketball. That meant my love for Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers started early in life. So on this sad day in history, the one where Reggie Miller played his last NBA basketball game, I cried for the first time watching a sport.

(No, I didn't add those words... but they do ring true)

So anyways, my purchase. I was sitting on my couch tonight watching (re-watching if I'm going to be completely honest, and if you were smart, you would probably hit the record button the next time you see it listed) ESPN's 30 for 30 Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks. Push comes to shove, I end up throwing down the best $9.99 I have ever spent on this little baby.


Don't judge. Goofy ears and all, I love him.

Ky's Words of Wisdom?

I'm a girl. I love sports. I shouldn't find this funny. But I do. I took Kyler to basketball with me at the high school today. As we were walking in, he saw the football field. Here is our conversation about it.

K: "What's that?"
A: "The football field."
K: "Why is there a football field?"
A: "For the boys to play football."
K: "Do girls play football?"
A: "Nope. Just boys."
K: "Because the girls aren't any good at it."

I make no apologies for finding that statement absolutely hilarious.

Cowboy Camp

5 Favorite Things of the Day

1. Cowboy Camp. I don't think Kyler has ever seen a real cowboy (which is clearly the case after his impersonation of a cowboy). And he certainly has never been to a camp. So I'm not quite sure how the creation of Cowboy Camp came to be. But lo and behold, here it is.
2. Sara Lee's Dutch Apple Pie. Sure was a detour in the "let's start eating healthier" game. But so stinking delicious.

3. "The Woody Park". Took Kyler to Discovery Park this morning. He walked up to each kid and said, "What's your name?" When he heard the answer, he could not have cared less. He looked at the kid blankly and just walked away.... every time.

4. Carlos Boozer Trade. Maybe now I can start to become a Jazz fan.... maybe.

5. NBA Summer League Games. Lame I know. But any basketball in July has got to be a favorite, right? Heaven bless NBA TV.