An epithet is short descriptive phrase that accompanies a name. For example in Homer’s Illiad such epithets include “swift-footed Achilles” or “grey-eyed Athena.” So if Homer had written an epic about my life (not quite as exciting as the Illiad or the Odyssey I’ll admit!) what epithets would he have given me? Here’s what I think:
Melyssa the Texan
I wasn’t born in Texas, but as the saying goes “I got there as fast as I could.” I love Texas. I love the old pecan trees. I love how in my hometown everyone is at the local high school football game on Friday night and at church Sunday morning. I love the hospitality of the people and the drawls of “Oh darling, bless your heart!” No matter where I go, Texas will be my home.
Melyssa, wife of Thomas
Melyssa, wife of Thomas
While reading parts of the Illiad I always thought the epithets that were something like “wife of …”
or “son of …” were pretty boring, but then I starting thinking about it. This epiphet really does describe me in a lot of ways if you know my husband. For example I spend most of my free time I spend doing things that we like to do together like watch movies, go on walks and visit family. Because of his medical school I’m moving to Dallas in August and will be starting graduate school at UT Dallas. Even some of his personality has rubbed off on me and I think that because of him I’m more patient and kind.
or “son of …” were pretty boring, but then I starting thinking about it. This epiphet really does describe me in a lot of ways if you know my husband. For example I spend most of my free time I spend doing things that we like to do together like watch movies, go on walks and visit family. Because of his medical school I’m moving to Dallas in August and will be starting graduate school at UT Dallas. Even some of his personality has rubbed off on me and I think that because of him I’m more patient and kind.
Melyssa, Conquerer of Computers
Okay, so maybe I got a little carried away with the epic poetry on this one, but a lot of what I do involves computers. My major is computer engineering and so I spend a lot of time on a computer trying to get it to do what I want. I also work as programmer for BYU--currently I’m working on the iPhone app for BYU. So between school and work (and fun) I spend a lot of time on computers.
Melyssa, Disciple of Christ
I don't feel like I live up to this one fully but it is the most important to me. I am trying to make Him the center of all I say, do and think. Everyday I try to become a little bit more like Him and invite you to do so as well.
So those are my epithets, what do you think?
Very nice work! I love the cat picture. Also, your final epithet should have been the first one that came to my mind.
ReplyDeleteI love the way your worded them! I also love the way you described "wife of". It's very true. Being happily married I don't think you can help that your spouse influences you, whether intentionally or not!
ReplyDeleteI want to go to Texas! Seriously love the accents and, like you said, the "oh darlin bless your hearts". I talk to a lot of people from the south on the phone where I work and I just love it! And props to you for being a computer whiz.
ReplyDeleteI love that even though you weren't born in Texas, you still love it there. It gives me hope. My husband is from Texas and is determined to move back there as soon as we are done with school. I'm hoping my Alaskan grown body won't melt in the Texas heat, haha.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in TX! One of favorite teachers from high school grew up in AK and is now a true blue Texan.
DeleteFist off, I think your husband was my TA once upon a time for one of my science classes, but I loved your epithets. The last one was especially good just because I think we forget a lot that really should be all of ours. I think it's awesome that you are going to graduate school! Way to be!
ReplyDeleteHe probably was... he TA'd for PDBio 120 for a few different profs.
DeleteI really liked how you described how important of a descriptor "Wife of..." is for you. I feel the same way about the relationship I have with my husband. I can also relate to the medical school part. My husband is applying next June. I wish you luck! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a friend from Texas, and all he talks about is how much better Texas is compared to Utah. Is that how you feel? I think it's great that you are making an app, and I hope it is a great success.
ReplyDeleteMaster of computers, that's pretty cool! I just started going here at byu and i'm doing computer engineering. And I also didn't know byu had an iphone app. Hope you have fun in texas!
ReplyDeleteI really like your "Disciple of Christ" epithet. One of my favorite scriptures is in 3rd Nephi 5:13 where Mormon says "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ." It's so powerful.
ReplyDeleteI spent some time in Grapevine, Texas last summer. I absolutely loved it! The scenery is beautiful and the people are so friendly!
ReplyDeleteNice blog! That's interesting that you said that your husband's personality has rubbed off on you and I loved the picture you had of the kitten!
ReplyDeleteYou are right about your husband, he is such a good guy! I am glad to have this class with you. Good luck to you guys in med school. If I have any computer problems, I know who to come to now.
ReplyDeleteIts nice to have another Texan in this class. I grew up in San Antonio, but have lived in many differnt parts of the state. I have only been in Utah for two weeks and I am alrerady craving some good Texas brisket.
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool that your work with computers. I really like when you said that you're trying get the computers to do what you want them to do, rather than allowing for a computer to be non-manipulative. I guess that why you're majoring in computer engineering.
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