GA2
Growing up teachers would always say that we would use this math in the long run. As math class got harder technology advanced. As we grew up time became much more limited, we don't have as much time to do harder problems as we did for easier problems. With limited time we can't write down every step and that's when we turn to technology or take shortcuts. The more shortcuts we take the easier it is to forget the knowledge we learned in class. Using technology helps but it doesn't help your learning, when you mess up there is no way of knowing where you messed up and how to fix the problem. If you can't fix a problem you won't be able to learn from what you did wrong causing you to forget a lot of what you learned. The lazier we get the easier it is to not care, like in sports everyone knows what the coach means when they say to give more than 100% percent, we all know it's wrong but we simply don't care because it's very common to say that and not just in sports. The more we stop caring the more illiterate we become in math. Technology has dramatically changed our society, with all this technology the use of math seems irrelevant, why do a math problem on paper when you can type it in to your computer or calculator and get the right answer. The advance of technology has people questioning why we need math, and the answer is without math you wouldn't know how to find the answer to a problem. Sure you can type it into a computer but how do you know what to type if you're illiterate in math, if people realized this they would see how important it is to be literate in math.

GA2
I think this blog is about learning to be open-minded and try new things even if it isn't what you're used to. Fear of the past shouldn't prevent you from trying new things. Just because you thought you weren't able to maintain the flowers it changed your perspective and therefore; decided not to even mess with the flowers. Once you decided to cut the roses with the advice from your neighbor you realized that maybe it was possible for you to maintain all the beautiful flowers; and all because you tried. Throughout the process you even gained a new hobby, making jam. The combination of the smell of roses and jam reminds you of your home in Grand Junction, positive memories of how changing the way you think to try new things can lead to experiences you never thought possible.

Unlike most people math is an enjoyable subject for me. Algebra seems to be easier for me unlike geometry. Geometry isn't as easy as algebra for me, although I do find them both to be challenging, it's more difficult for me to understand it. Like your love for the smell of the roses and peaches, I love when I understand the material. Math has always been one of my stronger subjects and I hope I can keep it that way.