On a typical day, as an average person–whether going to work, school, or simply to the store–we all run Into many deferent types of signs and symbols. Signs include smells, sounds, or motions which could Indicate food, danger, or the existence of others. A symbol is that which makes us merely think of the object mentioned. From the time I got up until the time I got to English class at Capper College, I encountered numerous signs and symbols that I never would have thought twice about.
The first sign In my day was when the alarm clock went off at 6:00 a. M. This led me to crawl out of bed and peek out the window to get an Idea of what the weather would be Like for the day. Many, Including animals, look to the sky as a sign to determine If the weather will be good or bad. Upon doing my daily weather check, I decided that I had better dress warmer than usual because it looked gloomy out. The sun was not shining and there was snow still on the ground from a previous storm. When 6:30 a. M. Comes around, I am in the shower.
After about fifteen minutes I am UT of the shower and am well on my way to getting dressed, doing makeup, and putting on my jewelry. I am always so indecisive about what to wear. I finally pick out a pair of blue jeans and a multistoried sweater. I find my socks and shoes and put them on. I use very light eyeliner and mascara when I do my makeup. I consider dressing and doing my makeup modest a sign of wanting to be taken seriously in my day ahead. My jewelry that I wear, a wedding ring and necklace, is a symbol of my appreciation and love for my husband.
My wedding ring is made of white gold and as seven diamonds In It. My necklace Is made of turquoise and silver. Wear this jewelry everyday and I think of my husband when I look at my ring or touch my necklace. Time flies by when you can’t find anything to wear. It is now 7:30 a. M. And Chloe, my daughter, is crying. When I pick her up, she feels warm. I see that her nose and eye is runny too. This is a sign to me that she needs her medicine. I give her the recommended dose of Ethylene and a dose of the decongestant that the Doctor prescribed. She is smelly, so this tells me it is time to change her diaper.
She lays still just long enough for me to get a clean diaper on her and change her clothes. Keeping in mind what the weather looked like, I dress her in her purple sweat pant outfit. She is still a little fussy, so I decide it is time to feed her as well. Does Mom know best or what? Chloe Is now happy as can be. Before going to the baby-sitter’s, I have a few things to do. First, I warm up the car because it is chilly outside and I don’t want Chloe to get sicker. When I come back in the house, I rummage through the pantry and find a granola bar that I eat for breakfast.
I see my yellow backpack and it symbolizes the school day ahead. I make sure I have all my books for my classes in it. I get School’s diaper bag ready with diapers, wipes, and food for later. I put her pink winter coat on her and grab the bags It is time to take Chloe to the baby-sitter at 8:30 a. M. The first sign I come across, once in the car, is a stop sign. I read the street sign and want to take a left. I use my blinker as a sign to let others know which way I will be turning. There are at least three more stop signs on the way to the baby-sitter’s and a great many street signs.
The second sign is a stoplight. Stoplights are a sign to go or stop. There are about three more of these on the way. I make it to the baby-sitter’s and drop Chloe off. I have fifteen minutes until English class starts and still more signs and symbols to come. There are only two stoplights until I get to the Administration Building. The next sign I see is the yellow curb. This tells me that I can’t park here. So, I find a spot without any yellow and I park. I see Colleen’s car and wonder where she is. Her car is a symbol of her.
One of the last signs I see before getting to class is the crosswalk. As I enter the Administration Building, I go upstairs. I see my last sign, Room 284. Wow! So many signs and symbols in such a short period of time. It could be a sign of weather or danger or the symbol of someone you know. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are doing on a typical day. You will always come across a vast variety of signs and symbols. To refresh your memory, a sign is something that causes us to act on the thing indicated. A symbol simply makes us think about the indicated thing.
