Out of time (final)

What is it, to be out of time? For many, it is to run against time to get a deadline accomplished. But for others it is, in very real sense, to be completely removed from the normal flow of time, such as incapacitation.

To go by the legally written Oxford Dictionary definition, out of time means to be removed from “the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another”(dictionary.com). Or, to “run” against the natural flow of a short period of perception.

Me, I think that definition does not fully impart what it means to be out of time. To be out of time, in most cases, is to run against the clock to finish something, or to be in the final stages of one's life when you know that the inevitable is only around the corner. Another way of seeing it is to be completely removed from the flow of time itself. Mostly, it is those sedated patients who know no time, or those that are dead that experience this form of being removed from time.

Throughout history, one recurring theme has been restated in almost every religion on the planet. And that is the idea of “limbo,” a spiritual/metaphysical realm where pain, pleasure, time, and even existence do not take form. It is a place removed from the natural, or unnatural, order of the universe as we see it today. Another name for the realm is Purgatory, the underworld in many mythologies, such as the Roman Pantheon, the Viking Asgard, and the western Christian Faith.

One example of a person being “out of time” was that of Nicola Tesla. He was a man that had exemplary visions for the future. Many of which were not suited to the relatively old thinkings of the people that lived when he did. The man also had another experience in being removed from time. As he aged, he began losing cohesion with how time ran and eventually went mad; by the general consensus of the time. Also, much of his later, unfinished works were seized by the United States government before anyone else could lay their eyes on his “masterpieces.”

So, it is not hard to imagine me saying that I had a relative that recently passed away that was also ripped out of time. The person was my grandfather, an intellectual introvert at the best of times. He didn't say much, but he did express his ideas in the form of blueprints and painting. Alas, it was not to last, for he was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors had to administer medication that after removing his pain, had also removed his conscious mind from the order of time. At least I can say he died in a genuinely peaceful fashion by simply falling asleep, to dream the dreams where time is irrelevant and unnecessary.

The only other “times” that I personally have come across being removed from time, is that my family genes make it hard for me to age at the same rate as most others. Also, in meditation and in normal life, my mind leaves the confines of my body and searches itself without the hassle of worrying about time.

How does one deal with being, “out of time?”

Bibliography
"1Time." Def. 7. Webster's New Explorer Dictionary and Thesaurus. 2005. Print.
"Limbo - definition of limbo by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary,
Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .
"Out of time Define Out of time at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .
"Out of time." Online Dictionary: definitions by WordNet, Webster's, etc. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .
"Phase Define Phase at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. .
"What is Nikola Tesla? Definition from WhatIs.com." Computer Glossary, Computer Terms - Technology Definitions and Cheat Sheets from WhatIs.com - The Tech Dictionary and IT Encyclopedia. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .
"What is time?" WHAT IS TIME. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. .

"Out of Time" definition essay (first draft)

What is it, to be out of time? For many, it is to run against time to get a deadline accomplished. But for others it is, in very real sense, to be completely removed from the normal flow of time.
To go by the legally written Oxford Dictionary definition, out of time means to be removed from “the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another”(Dictionary.com). Or, to “run” against the natural flow of a short period of perception.
Me, I think that definition does not fully impart what it means to be out of time. To be out of time, in most cases, is to run against the clock to finish something, or to be in the final stages of one's life when you know that the inevitable is only around the corner. Another way of seeing it is to be completely removed from the flow of time itself. Mostly, it is those sedated patient who know no time, or those that are dead that experience this form of being removed from time.
Throughout history, one recurring theme has been restated in almost every religion on the planet. And that is the idea of “limbo,” a spiritual/metaphysical realm where pain, pleasure, time, and even existence do not take form. It is a place removed from the natural, or unnatural, order of the universe as we see it today. Another name for the realm is Purgatory, the underworld in many mythologies, such as the Roman Pantheon, the Viking Asgard, and the western Christian Faith.
One example of a person being “out of time” was that of Nicola Tesla. He was a man that had exemplary visions for the future. Many of which were not suited to the relatively old thinking ways of the people that lived when he did. The man also had another experience in being removed from time. As he aged, he began losing cohesion with how time ran and eventually went mad; by the general consensus of the time. Also, much of his later, unfinished works were seized by the United States government before anyone else could lay their eyes on his “masterpieces.”
So, it is not hard to imagine me saying that I had a relative that recently passed away that was also ripped out of time. The person was my grandfather, an intellectual introvert at the best of times. He didn't say much, but he did express his ideas in the form of blueprints and painting. Alas, it was not to last, for he was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors had to administer medication that after removing his pain, had also removed his conscious mind from the order of time. At least I can say he died in a relatively peaceful fashion by simply falling asleep, to dream the dreams where time is irrelevant and unnecessary.
The only other “times” that I personally have come across the being removed from time, is that my family genes make it hard for me to age at the same rate as most others. Also, in meditation and in normal life, my mind leaves the confines of my body and searches itself without the hassle of worrying about time.
How does one deal with being, “out of time?”

Alumni Scholarship Essay

Alan Franklin
Mrs. Boresen
Per. 04/Expository Writing
Alumni Scholarship
12 January 2010

As a plant lover, I wish to pursue an extensive study in the field of Botany. I also wish to later, own my own greenhouse, work as a bioengineer, and own my own home. To achieve these goals I plan to go to college and get a Master’s in Botany. Getting to that point will only happen if I first go to community college, earn an Associate’s in Science, and then finishing in a University with a Bachelor’s in Botany, before moving on to my Master’s. I then must find a good paying job with my botanical education and earn enough money to own a greenhouse and a home.

The financial struggles that have consistently plagued my family have left me incapable of paying for college myself. I am expecting no financial aid to come from my parents, seeing as what little income they have they must put towards supporting the rest of my large family, and finding a job in my small town has proved futile. So I must ask the school for their support in my endeavor by awarding me the RHS Alumni Scholarship.

If I am awarded this scholarship I plan to do my best in my field and one day mentor later graduates of RHS who wish to continue their education.

Revision of Final College Essay

Alan Franklin
Mrs. Boresen
Per. 04/Expository Writing
College Essay
12 February 2010

The dark green leaves of the stoic basil bush, bursting forth from the dust-like earth, were full and vibrant. The odor emanating from the stiff, domed leaves was sweet, and intoxicating. Persistent, hungry flies came to drink the sweet nectar and pollinate the already flowering plant.
That was what I noticed just before I harvested the basil plants for drying and preservation. I grew the resilient plants in my cool basement with a grow light continually hanging overhead. The herbs were easily germinated and grown in modest earthen pots filled with a mixture of potting soil and peat. I was growing the plants for a family friend who is an avid fan of cooking with fresh herbs.
Moving upstairs to my converted drying room, I transported the intact stems with leaves attached to a large, open sorting table. The day was bright and sunny with a dry wind blowing in from outside; perfect conditions for drying and curing herbs. I then proceeded to tie off bushels, between 10 and 12 stems apiece, at their bases with twine. Upending the plants, I slipped the bushels into long, brown paper bags. Tying off the bags, making sure to not let the plants touch the bottom of their bags, I made a knotted loop at the top of each bag for hanging. Hanging the bags on hooks in the ceiling, to take full advantage of the warmth of the sun and breeze, I marked a calendar in my room with a big red X to remind me to remove and bottle the dry leaves 11 days later.
This was not the first time I had grown herbs for someone besides myself. Earlier I had experimented with different fertilizers and soil compositions, so as to discern the absolute best growth medium for the various botanical plant life that I grew. After experimentation with soil, I moved on to various methods of composting waste biomaterial and turning it into beneficial fertilizer. I had multiple success results in the process, and used some in my gardens. The gardens I attended brightened up my neighborhood, some neighbors even asked for my help with their gardens. The results of drying my herbs were positive in that they preserved my herbs, many for over a year. My grandmother helped me by just being there, and by letting me help out in her small garden by tilling the soil and testing that the soil had enough water. She is a sweet, but stern woman of mature age, that still loves to encourage me and my siblings in any endeavor that we choose to pursue.
Returning to and seeing the final product was worth all the work in the end. To witness something of value springing up out of the dirt thanks to my dutiful attendance to it and to reap the rewards of my efforts is what gives me a true and lasting joy. Furthering my education and attaining a Master’s in Botany will, above all else, enable me to do what I love and maybe even profit from it. So I will persistently strive to find a way to make that happen. The financial struggles that have consistently plagued my family have left me incapable of paying for college myself. I am expecting no financial aide to come from my parents, seeing as what little income they have they must put towards supporting the rest of my large family, and finding a job in my small town has proved futile. This leaves me to seek alternative ways of funding my necessary college expenditures and experience, such as scholarships, grants, and attending a community college. A bonus of my work was the pleasure my mother’s friend received from my gift of fragrant herbs. She has asked me to continue to supply her from my productive garden.
Student signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: ___________

Final College Essay

Alan Franklin
Mrs. Boresen
Per. 04/Expository Writing
College Essay
04 February 2010

The dark green leaves of the stoic basil bush, bursting forth from the dust-like earth, were full and vibrant. The odor perspiring from the stiff, domed leaves was sweet, and intoxicating. Persistent, hungry flies came to drink the sweet nectar and dutifully pollinate the already flowering plant, while a small family of audacious mice ventured forth to sample the potent herb.
That was what I noticed just before I blatantly harvested the basil plants for drying and preservation. I grew the resilient plants in my cool basement with a grow light continually hanging overhead; even if my mother thinks the indoor garden is a waste of time, and energy. The humble herbs were easily germinated and grown in modest earthen pots filled with a mixture of potting soil and peat. I was tenderly growing the plants for a family friend, whom I only knew in passing, but being an avid fan of cooking with fresh herbs.
Moving upstairs to my converted drying room, I devotedly transported the intact stems with leaves attached to a large, open sorting table. The day was bright and sunny with a dry wind blowing in from outside; perfect conditions for drying and curing herbs. I then proceeded to tie off bushels, between 10 and 12 stems apiece, at their bases with twine. Upending the mouthwatering plants, I slipped the bushels into long, brown paper bags. Tying off the versatile bags, making sure to not let the plants touch the bottom of their bags, I made a knotted loop at the top of each bag for hanging. Hanging the bags on hooks in the ceiling, to take full advantage of the warmth of the sun and breeze, I marked a calendar in my room with a big red X to remind me to remove and bottle the dry leaves 11 lengthy days later.
This was not the first time I had grown lush herbs for someone besides myself. Earlier I had experimented with different profitable fertilizers and advantageous soil composition, so as to discern the absolute best growth medium for the various botanical plant life that I lovingly grew, mostly for my grandmother. After experimentation with soil, I moved on to various methods of composting waste biomaterial and turning it into beneficial fertilizer, this was quite easy because I have lived next to farmers/gardeners for most of my life. I had multiple success results in the process, and used some in my lavish gardens. The gardens I attended brightened up my neighborhood, some even asked for my help with their gardens to help the community’s status. The results of drying my herbs, as I found, were positive in that they preserved many of my herbs, for many over a year at a time. My grandmother helped me by just being there, and by letting me help out in her small garden by tilling the soil and testing that the soil had enough water. She is a sweet, but stern woman of mature age, that still loves to encourage me and my siblings in any endeavor that we choose to pursue, be it horse riding, botany, or explosives.
Returning to and seeing the final product, 11days later, is worth it to me in the end. To witness something of value springing up out of the dirt thanks to my dutiful attendance to it and to reap the rewards of my efforts is what gives me a true and lasting joy. Furthering my education and attaining a Master’s in Botany will, above all else, enable me to do what I love and maybe even profit from it. So I will persistently strive to find a way to make that happen. The financial struggles that have consistently plagued my family have left me incapable of paying for college myself. I am expecting no financial aide to come from my parents, seeing as what little income they have they must put towards supporting the rest of my large family, and that I cannot find a suitable job so far out of the city. And so, this leaves me to seek alternative ways of funding my necessary college expenditures and experience, such as scholarships. Through it all, my mother’s friend was ecstatic to receive such a fragrant and bountiful gift, and asked me to grow for her again in the future.
Student signature:____________________________________________________ Date: ___________