Working at construction publication, I see projects that are currently being planned by the state. There is hundreds of million-dollar future new construction and renovations people don’t know about.
But, what gets me is how the state can afford all these projects, especially when funds are cut from programs and there is a high rate of unemployment.
For instance, there is a multimillion dollar convention center being in Albany. This project seems too extravagant, when Albany already has sufficient hotels and conference spaces available. After all, the city is the crux of state legislation, so I am sure it has a proper number of places to house government makers and organizations.
I see capital improvements on school districts put on hold because there is not enough funding for much-need renovations and alterations. Asbestos is present in buildings and roofs are deteriorating. With the money for the convention center in Albany, you could improve half a dozen school districts.
I even look at my Alma matter. They are building a large sports complex center when current buildings on campus are in dire need of renovations, especially the dorms.
Towns and villages also can’t get funds to improve water and sewer districts. Neighborhoods smell, and people aren’t getting clean water.
Why can’t the state realize there are buildings and other projects that already exist that need a facelift? This will improve the life of New York residents and students, increasing the quality of life and learning. Instead, the state spends millions of dollars to impress non-residents.
It’s disappointing to see the state puts the new construction of a luxurious convention center over the improvements of educational facilities. The focus of the state government should be to work for the best interest of the residents, not what will make New York aesthetically pleasing.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Stuck Between Mud and Sun
Sometimes you are walking in a straight line, and then you suddenly come to a crossroads. Each one is 100 percent different from the other, and each has the potential to make changes in life.
One road looks smooth, and the sun shines on every part of the road, making the path easy to see. There is not a cloud in the azul sky. The path is clear, with no broken branches carelessly askew on the ground and gravel is kept and neat. It looks seemingly perfect and straightforward.
The second road looks rough and mean. Leaves are scattered on ground, and there is mud and muck. You have to jump over fallen trees and the sky is cloudy, with a forecast for rain and thunderstorms. You know your feet will get dirty if you choose this road.
As you are looking at these two roads, sometimes you wish you could go back so you wouldn't have to make a decision. The road you have traveled was familiar and known. There were no questions or uncertainty. But that road has already been walked, so you can't go backward, only forward.
There is hesitancy in the upcoming decision. At times, you want things to be clear and bright, like the smooth road, but sometimes that road has the potential to be gilded. You know that not everything on that road really is perfect. In fact, you know there is the chance for something bad at the end of the road, or good. This road is easy, but you know you are going the easy way because you are afraid of hardship and the unknown. You can deny pain here, and no one will know.
You know the second road is going to be tough by looking at it. There are no questions or hesitancy about the obstacles that will come as you walk forward. But, you question if you have the strength and faith to trudge forward, knowing you will fall on the way. The chief worry is whether you will be able to pick yourself back up after you fall over a branch or become stuck in the mud.
The decision is approaching quickly. You look to the smooth road, then at the rough road. No one else can make this decision, and frankly, you know you are an indecisive person.
As you look to the roads, you are thinking to yourself. You think the rough road is hard, but the pain is real. You know you will scrap your knees when you fall, but you also know that pain will subside eventually. The smooth road will cause no heartache, loss or pain. But you also think that life without suffering is not living. You know you will not grow or "roughen" up with this road, but you are scared of that time when you know you will be hurt.
So, do you choose pain and reality or fantasy and denial?
Choose wisely. You cannot go back.
One road looks smooth, and the sun shines on every part of the road, making the path easy to see. There is not a cloud in the azul sky. The path is clear, with no broken branches carelessly askew on the ground and gravel is kept and neat. It looks seemingly perfect and straightforward.
The second road looks rough and mean. Leaves are scattered on ground, and there is mud and muck. You have to jump over fallen trees and the sky is cloudy, with a forecast for rain and thunderstorms. You know your feet will get dirty if you choose this road.
As you are looking at these two roads, sometimes you wish you could go back so you wouldn't have to make a decision. The road you have traveled was familiar and known. There were no questions or uncertainty. But that road has already been walked, so you can't go backward, only forward.
There is hesitancy in the upcoming decision. At times, you want things to be clear and bright, like the smooth road, but sometimes that road has the potential to be gilded. You know that not everything on that road really is perfect. In fact, you know there is the chance for something bad at the end of the road, or good. This road is easy, but you know you are going the easy way because you are afraid of hardship and the unknown. You can deny pain here, and no one will know.
You know the second road is going to be tough by looking at it. There are no questions or hesitancy about the obstacles that will come as you walk forward. But, you question if you have the strength and faith to trudge forward, knowing you will fall on the way. The chief worry is whether you will be able to pick yourself back up after you fall over a branch or become stuck in the mud.
The decision is approaching quickly. You look to the smooth road, then at the rough road. No one else can make this decision, and frankly, you know you are an indecisive person.
As you look to the roads, you are thinking to yourself. You think the rough road is hard, but the pain is real. You know you will scrap your knees when you fall, but you also know that pain will subside eventually. The smooth road will cause no heartache, loss or pain. But you also think that life without suffering is not living. You know you will not grow or "roughen" up with this road, but you are scared of that time when you know you will be hurt.
So, do you choose pain and reality or fantasy and denial?
Choose wisely. You cannot go back.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cloudy with a chance or rain ... or sun
A country song by George Strait goes like this:
Do you love me, do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do, well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to,
I think this is how love goes, check yes or no.
This is not how love goes today. It’s not as simple as the song goes, but more difficult. There always seems to be some gray area, never strictly black or white.
Yes and no are definite, quick responses. There are no games or confusion with these words because the meaning is clear. This clarity lessens anxiety and excessive over-thinking.
Some people fall effortlessly into relationships. Guy likes girl. Girl likes guy. They end up together, in love and happy. There are no commitment problems or uncertainty.
It can be possible for things to be this easy, but both sides need to be drama-free and open to change and trust. If these things are there, few problems can ensue.
Still, not everything is black or white. There is that hazy, gray area.
It feels like the gray area is a cloud, covering up a brilliant, blue sky. That sky is so bright and vibrant, full of hope and promise, but there is a cloud that lazily hovers beneath the opportunity.
That gray cloud also brings uncertainty: Is it going to rain, or is the going to dissipate and bring sun? There is never a true answer with grayness. There are only guesses and untested theories that can drive even the most sane and clear-headed person crazy.
To put it frankly, gray areas are horrible. Something always seems to keep a person on his or her toes, always wondering what will happen next. There is a horrible gut feeling that one day may bring good things, but the next may bring unhappiness.
It can be horrible not knowing or having stability day to day, but that is something of which must be dealt. It’s the reality we live in today, and there is no chance to avoid it.
But why do some follow grayness? It differs with each person, but usually they are scared or unsure of something.
Despite the gray and haziness, there is always hope in the darkest of days. Hope of something good out of a situation, though there is stress and ache on the journey. And sometimes, a rainbow can come from a dark, violent thunderstorm.
Do you love me, do you wanna be my friend?
And if you do, well then don’t be afraid to take me by the hand
If you want to,
I think this is how love goes, check yes or no.
This is not how love goes today. It’s not as simple as the song goes, but more difficult. There always seems to be some gray area, never strictly black or white.
Yes and no are definite, quick responses. There are no games or confusion with these words because the meaning is clear. This clarity lessens anxiety and excessive over-thinking.
Some people fall effortlessly into relationships. Guy likes girl. Girl likes guy. They end up together, in love and happy. There are no commitment problems or uncertainty.
It can be possible for things to be this easy, but both sides need to be drama-free and open to change and trust. If these things are there, few problems can ensue.
Still, not everything is black or white. There is that hazy, gray area.
It feels like the gray area is a cloud, covering up a brilliant, blue sky. That sky is so bright and vibrant, full of hope and promise, but there is a cloud that lazily hovers beneath the opportunity.
That gray cloud also brings uncertainty: Is it going to rain, or is the going to dissipate and bring sun? There is never a true answer with grayness. There are only guesses and untested theories that can drive even the most sane and clear-headed person crazy.
To put it frankly, gray areas are horrible. Something always seems to keep a person on his or her toes, always wondering what will happen next. There is a horrible gut feeling that one day may bring good things, but the next may bring unhappiness.
It can be horrible not knowing or having stability day to day, but that is something of which must be dealt. It’s the reality we live in today, and there is no chance to avoid it.
But why do some follow grayness? It differs with each person, but usually they are scared or unsure of something.
Despite the gray and haziness, there is always hope in the darkest of days. Hope of something good out of a situation, though there is stress and ache on the journey. And sometimes, a rainbow can come from a dark, violent thunderstorm.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Before Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of millions of young girls across the world. There is something about the fiery redhead that inspires girls to never underestimate the power of imagination and appreciate the power of dreams.
However, readers only know a little bit of Anne’s life before Green Gables in the series. There are almost a dozen unaccounted years of the heroine’s life with which readers are not familiar. Thus, a prequel, Before Green Gables, provides a believable life’s beginning to Anne.
Budge Wilson, a native of Nova Scotia, close to the beloved Prince Edward Island where Anne’s adventures happened, wrote the prequel. It was refreshing to know a Canadian native, who lived and breathed the beauties that Lucy Maud Montgomery delightfully described in her writings, drafted the prequel.
Readers are finally introduced to Anne’s parents, Walter and Bertha Shirley. They are a loving and kind couple that feels they are the luckiest parents in the world when Anne is born. They can’t wait to watch their little girl grow up, but they are taken ill with an epidemic and die when Anne is only three months old.
From infancy, Anne is placed into the care of the Thomas family, where she works as an unpaid servant until she is nine. After the drunk Thomas husband dies, she is again placed as a servant to the Hammond family, who have three sets of twins, among other children. At these places, Anne is constantly minding babies, chopping food for dinner, hauling water, changing diapers and doing laundry.
Still, Anne manages to bring happiness into her hardworking world. She creates friends and uses her imagination to escape to faraway lands with fairies, queens and castles.
At first, people are unsure what to think of the skinny and freckled-face girl, but Anne eventually wins over the most hardened hearts in the novel. People are drawn to her imaginative personality and liveliness.
The only disappointing aspect about the novel was Anne’s lack of temper. In Montgomery’s Anne, we see her capable of great creativity and intelligence, but also prone to temper when her peers tease her, especially poking fun at her red hair. Wilson’s Anne has enormous originality, but there was a significant lack of the temper and impulsiveness that would cause conundrums for Anne.
Throughout the course of the novel, Wilson remained true to the spirit and style of writing that Montgomery exhumed. If a reader wondered what Anne’s beginnings were like, Wilson’s tales would be an accurate and worthy summary.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Post-graduations blues
Brockport didn’t prepare me how to live life after graduation. It gave me job skills, but not skills how to handle job interviews. Sometimes, I feel receiving interviews from jobs can be worse than relationship rejections.
A few days ago, I received a phone call from a managing editor wanting to schedule a phone interview. After she set up a time with me, I was excited. I anticipated the interview and was ready for anything.
I called at 11 a.m., and everything appeared to be going smoothly. Suddenly, the woman asks me if I just graduated from college in May. I said yes. After that answer, she became extremely isolated and conversation did not flow as easily. She then said they were looking for someone with more experience or at least a master’s degree.
I’m sorry, but that was rude. She had enough time to check my resume, and at the top, I clearly stated my graduation date. I’m sorry if she didn’t have enough time to look over a resume, but I am confident in my abilities and am a fast learner. You don’t need a master’s in writing or journalism. You need experience, and I have had four years.
I’m hoping future employers will take a chance on a college graduate.
A few days ago, I received a phone call from a managing editor wanting to schedule a phone interview. After she set up a time with me, I was excited. I anticipated the interview and was ready for anything.
I called at 11 a.m., and everything appeared to be going smoothly. Suddenly, the woman asks me if I just graduated from college in May. I said yes. After that answer, she became extremely isolated and conversation did not flow as easily. She then said they were looking for someone with more experience or at least a master’s degree.
I’m sorry, but that was rude. She had enough time to check my resume, and at the top, I clearly stated my graduation date. I’m sorry if she didn’t have enough time to look over a resume, but I am confident in my abilities and am a fast learner. You don’t need a master’s in writing or journalism. You need experience, and I have had four years.
I’m hoping future employers will take a chance on a college graduate.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Things my mother never told me about guys
I've heard it said that you every guy you date or see, you learn something from him. I think this is true. Each relationship is different, so it is expected you will learn something new from each one. It's also best to treat each relationship as individual, never comparing it to past ones.
I think that is my problem. I have always compared current relationships to past ones, and that's where things always get messed up. Each guy and problem is different. It just sucks I learned this now, not before. I think I could have avoided a lot of mistakes with guys, but then again, doesn't everything happen for a reason? I'm not sure if I believe in that phrase of not.
A guy may not be a good guy for me, but he may be a good guy for someone else. Just because he doesn't think I'm the "one," it doesn't mean he isn't the "one" for someone else. I've always thought a lot of guys were assholes, but we didn't fit well. I'm still having trouble believing there are good guys out there, but I'm slowly converting.
Anyway, here's what I learned from past relationships:
-If there is no fighting in a relationship, I don't have much faith in it. Healthy arguing is needed.
-Good and bad needs to be shared. Period. No hiding emotions or secrets.
-It's not my way or his way. There needs to be compromise.
-Your friends are a reflection of who you are.
-The way you treat your mother and kids are also reflections of who you are.
-People make mistakes. But that doesn't need you have to have name-calling or bring up past mistakes.
-Don't let your friends tell you how to act in a relationship; it's between you and him.
-Let him have time with his guy friends.
-Cuddling is a must.
-No one is perfect. You need to accept the flaws and strengths and never, never try to change someone. Accept him for who he is.
I think that is my problem. I have always compared current relationships to past ones, and that's where things always get messed up. Each guy and problem is different. It just sucks I learned this now, not before. I think I could have avoided a lot of mistakes with guys, but then again, doesn't everything happen for a reason? I'm not sure if I believe in that phrase of not.
A guy may not be a good guy for me, but he may be a good guy for someone else. Just because he doesn't think I'm the "one," it doesn't mean he isn't the "one" for someone else. I've always thought a lot of guys were assholes, but we didn't fit well. I'm still having trouble believing there are good guys out there, but I'm slowly converting.
Anyway, here's what I learned from past relationships:
-If there is no fighting in a relationship, I don't have much faith in it. Healthy arguing is needed.
-Good and bad needs to be shared. Period. No hiding emotions or secrets.
-It's not my way or his way. There needs to be compromise.
-Your friends are a reflection of who you are.
-The way you treat your mother and kids are also reflections of who you are.
-People make mistakes. But that doesn't need you have to have name-calling or bring up past mistakes.
-Don't let your friends tell you how to act in a relationship; it's between you and him.
-Let him have time with his guy friends.
-Cuddling is a must.
-No one is perfect. You need to accept the flaws and strengths and never, never try to change someone. Accept him for who he is.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Avoid tragic blame game
This has been the year of tragedies. Never before in my four years at Brockport has there been a local death or accident nearly every week. For some reason, there has been heartbreak after heartbreak this academic year.
A multitude of misfortune has hit home at Brockport with the accident of Bryan Parslow to the heinous shooting of alumnus Anthony DiPonzio to the unexpected crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence. There were incidents at other schools, like the death of Geneseo student Arman Partamian when he was pledging for the Pigs, an unrecognized off-campus fraternity.
This incident was tragic, as it cost a life. At 19, a person is filled with youthful confidence, and to die the way he did was a sad waste of life and unfulfilled promise.
As I was going through newspapers that covered the tragedy, a number of sources tended to blame the fraternity for Partamian's death. Though they were somewhat responsible for what happened to him, it is not wholly the unrecognized fraternity's fault.
I rarely ever see blame on the victim of an alcohol-related incident, especially in this case.
People need to know the difference between right and wrong. The Pigs had a negative reputation, so why did the victim choose to participate in their activities? I do not think the victim was so na've that he did not know what pledging involved.
Each person is responsible for his or her own actions. Any person can choose to drink or not drink. It can be hard to say no, but it is more than possible to overcome peer pressure.
One thing that caught my attention was the statement released by the president of SUNY Geneseo. His statement blames the Pigs, 100 percent, laying no blame on the victim.
"The Pigs recruited a good student like Arman Partamian and seemed to put him through hazing, which involved binge drinking," the president said.
The statement reads as if the Pigs coerced and forced the victim to partake in the rituals. Perhaps they kidnapped him off the street and forced alcohol down his throat. They may have forced alcohol down his throat, but I highly doubt they threatened the victim to go to the party that night.
In high school, students are educated about the dangers of alcohol abuse. At orientation at Brockport, students are again reinforced about the rights and wrongs of alcohol consumption. No student is in the dark going into college not knowing about the ins and outs of alcohol.
I think the victim was aware of the dangers of alcohol, but when you are with a great number of people at a party with lots of alcohol, matters have the potential to escalate quickly.
It is important for students, especially freshmen, to know their limits. There is a zero-tolerance policy for students under the age of 21. Let's face it - it's college, and students, especially freshmen, are bound to experiment with alcohol away from the watchful eyes of mom and dad. I'm not saying every freshman goes to parties and drinks, but a significant number of students do experiment their first year of college.
These students who experiment must be aware of their surroundings. It is of the utmost importance to know what you can handle if you choose to drink. You are the one who puts alcohol in your mouth; you are your own babysitter. Not your mom, not your friend, not your roommate. Only you can make the decision whether to drink or not.
It would be foolish to say every freshman follows the zero-tolerance policy. Instead of educating about sobriety, colleges should focus alcohol education regarding making good, safe choices. Times are changing, and so should the education these students receive.
If you go out and drink, be careful. Know your limits. If you don't, you may be the next victim of an alcohol-related incident. Don't put your family and friends through the pain and suffering because you did not have the strength to say no.
College should be about having fun and getting an education, not mourning the loss of a friend or classmate.
A multitude of misfortune has hit home at Brockport with the accident of Bryan Parslow to the heinous shooting of alumnus Anthony DiPonzio to the unexpected crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence. There were incidents at other schools, like the death of Geneseo student Arman Partamian when he was pledging for the Pigs, an unrecognized off-campus fraternity.
This incident was tragic, as it cost a life. At 19, a person is filled with youthful confidence, and to die the way he did was a sad waste of life and unfulfilled promise.
As I was going through newspapers that covered the tragedy, a number of sources tended to blame the fraternity for Partamian's death. Though they were somewhat responsible for what happened to him, it is not wholly the unrecognized fraternity's fault.
I rarely ever see blame on the victim of an alcohol-related incident, especially in this case.
People need to know the difference between right and wrong. The Pigs had a negative reputation, so why did the victim choose to participate in their activities? I do not think the victim was so na've that he did not know what pledging involved.
Each person is responsible for his or her own actions. Any person can choose to drink or not drink. It can be hard to say no, but it is more than possible to overcome peer pressure.
One thing that caught my attention was the statement released by the president of SUNY Geneseo. His statement blames the Pigs, 100 percent, laying no blame on the victim.
"The Pigs recruited a good student like Arman Partamian and seemed to put him through hazing, which involved binge drinking," the president said.
The statement reads as if the Pigs coerced and forced the victim to partake in the rituals. Perhaps they kidnapped him off the street and forced alcohol down his throat. They may have forced alcohol down his throat, but I highly doubt they threatened the victim to go to the party that night.
In high school, students are educated about the dangers of alcohol abuse. At orientation at Brockport, students are again reinforced about the rights and wrongs of alcohol consumption. No student is in the dark going into college not knowing about the ins and outs of alcohol.
I think the victim was aware of the dangers of alcohol, but when you are with a great number of people at a party with lots of alcohol, matters have the potential to escalate quickly.
It is important for students, especially freshmen, to know their limits. There is a zero-tolerance policy for students under the age of 21. Let's face it - it's college, and students, especially freshmen, are bound to experiment with alcohol away from the watchful eyes of mom and dad. I'm not saying every freshman goes to parties and drinks, but a significant number of students do experiment their first year of college.
These students who experiment must be aware of their surroundings. It is of the utmost importance to know what you can handle if you choose to drink. You are the one who puts alcohol in your mouth; you are your own babysitter. Not your mom, not your friend, not your roommate. Only you can make the decision whether to drink or not.
It would be foolish to say every freshman follows the zero-tolerance policy. Instead of educating about sobriety, colleges should focus alcohol education regarding making good, safe choices. Times are changing, and so should the education these students receive.
If you go out and drink, be careful. Know your limits. If you don't, you may be the next victim of an alcohol-related incident. Don't put your family and friends through the pain and suffering because you did not have the strength to say no.
College should be about having fun and getting an education, not mourning the loss of a friend or classmate.
Violence in school not a matter of insanity
This Thursday will mark the second anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, where 32 people were killed, and numerous wounded. This will be one of the most memorable tragedies in my college career.
Shootings like this happen too frequently. From as early as middle school to college and universities, no place is safe from the potential of a mass killing spree.
Last Thursday, two teenagers were arrested on suspicion that they planned a shooting aat their high school in New Mexico. One of the suspects told his family about the potential shooting, making the family contact the authorities immediately. Fortunately for this phone call, untold lives were saved from misfortune.
Why these people would want to kill others in the first place? There is the obvious answer of insanity, but there has to be more behind the story than the person is mentally unstable.
Do people really know who the person is behind the shootings? We are so quick to label him or her as crazy we do not take time to figure out why these shootings happen. Perhaps the person is tired from being abused by bullies.
Recently, I read 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. This book is about a shooting at a small-town high school. In the novel, no one imagines a misfortune this big could happen in a small town, as is often the case.
The suspect of the shootings is Peter, a boy who is constantly abused and tormented by his peers. Peter is not athletic, smart or popular. He does not wear the right clothes, nor does he fit in with the right crowd. The only thing Peter is good at is being the butt end of abuse and harassment.
Classmates pants him in the cafeteria, stuff him into lockers and call him fag. Peter believes the only way to end this hurt is to kill the people who hurt him, and he does.
Abuse like this is common in high school. I admit, I was never one of the popular kids, and I was fine with that because I was comfortable and confident with myself. But, I saw things my classmates would do to the uncool kids, which was horrible.
When someone has so much abuse thrown at him or her, there is no way to predict what reactions will take place. Our attitudes toward other people have the potential to have large, blowing effects, and if we are not careful how we treat others, tragic things may happen.
Being a teenager, or even a 21-year-old, is hard. We try to fit in with what we think is the popular crowd, hoping we will be accepted. In my school, the popular kids controlled everything from class council to athletics and the chorus.
But what makes the "popular" kids popular? It is because they wear expensive jeans or have money? No. It's a small group of people who have the talent to make people feel insignificant and unconfident. Image and perfection are everything to these people.
Do you want to know a secret? Life in the popular group isn't as cool as it always appears. People in this group have to keep up with the perfect image, always fearing that if nails aren't perfectly painted or there is an extra piece of flab, they will be rejected and harassed. It's stressful always having to look perfect and worry about what other people think of you. That is too much unwanted stress I would not want to handle.
Want to know what I say? Screw it. The only opinion that matters is yours, and if you care what other people think, you are ruining yourself.
In high school, I knew I wasn't part of that group, and I didn't want to be. I always knew I would find my group, and I found it at college.
Honestly, when I came to college, I did not really see any cliques. Everyone has the chance to have a fresh start, and I took advantage of that, as everyone should. All students are new, and no one knows anything about another.
If you are still waiting to find out where you belong, don't worry. You will find it one day; it'll just take some time until you are ready to let yourself be the leading lady (or man) of your life, not anyone else. Being yourself is the new trend.
Shootings like this happen too frequently. From as early as middle school to college and universities, no place is safe from the potential of a mass killing spree.
Last Thursday, two teenagers were arrested on suspicion that they planned a shooting aat their high school in New Mexico. One of the suspects told his family about the potential shooting, making the family contact the authorities immediately. Fortunately for this phone call, untold lives were saved from misfortune.
Why these people would want to kill others in the first place? There is the obvious answer of insanity, but there has to be more behind the story than the person is mentally unstable.
Do people really know who the person is behind the shootings? We are so quick to label him or her as crazy we do not take time to figure out why these shootings happen. Perhaps the person is tired from being abused by bullies.
Recently, I read 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. This book is about a shooting at a small-town high school. In the novel, no one imagines a misfortune this big could happen in a small town, as is often the case.
The suspect of the shootings is Peter, a boy who is constantly abused and tormented by his peers. Peter is not athletic, smart or popular. He does not wear the right clothes, nor does he fit in with the right crowd. The only thing Peter is good at is being the butt end of abuse and harassment.
Classmates pants him in the cafeteria, stuff him into lockers and call him fag. Peter believes the only way to end this hurt is to kill the people who hurt him, and he does.
Abuse like this is common in high school. I admit, I was never one of the popular kids, and I was fine with that because I was comfortable and confident with myself. But, I saw things my classmates would do to the uncool kids, which was horrible.
When someone has so much abuse thrown at him or her, there is no way to predict what reactions will take place. Our attitudes toward other people have the potential to have large, blowing effects, and if we are not careful how we treat others, tragic things may happen.
Being a teenager, or even a 21-year-old, is hard. We try to fit in with what we think is the popular crowd, hoping we will be accepted. In my school, the popular kids controlled everything from class council to athletics and the chorus.
But what makes the "popular" kids popular? It is because they wear expensive jeans or have money? No. It's a small group of people who have the talent to make people feel insignificant and unconfident. Image and perfection are everything to these people.
Do you want to know a secret? Life in the popular group isn't as cool as it always appears. People in this group have to keep up with the perfect image, always fearing that if nails aren't perfectly painted or there is an extra piece of flab, they will be rejected and harassed. It's stressful always having to look perfect and worry about what other people think of you. That is too much unwanted stress I would not want to handle.
Want to know what I say? Screw it. The only opinion that matters is yours, and if you care what other people think, you are ruining yourself.
In high school, I knew I wasn't part of that group, and I didn't want to be. I always knew I would find my group, and I found it at college.
Honestly, when I came to college, I did not really see any cliques. Everyone has the chance to have a fresh start, and I took advantage of that, as everyone should. All students are new, and no one knows anything about another.
If you are still waiting to find out where you belong, don't worry. You will find it one day; it'll just take some time until you are ready to let yourself be the leading lady (or man) of your life, not anyone else. Being yourself is the new trend.
Living the single, unpredictable life
I’ve forgotten how to be single. I thought it would be like riding a bike: a skill that you never forget. It’s been almost two years since I’m not seeing or dating someone right now. It feels weird knowing my time is my time, and I don’t have to rearrange time for someone else or share it.
I like the idea of not having to let someone know where I am all the time. I’m with my friends and family like crazy. They’ve all changed a lot the past four yours, and I’m enjoying getting to know them again and vice-versa. I wonder if everyone goes through these emotions after graduation. For once, I’m not worried about not having someone. Usually, when I’m looking, nothing happens, but when I’m not looking, someone always comes along. My main thing is getting a job right now.
Part of me thinks if I stayed with Dan, I could be engaged or thinking about it now. But I think if I were, I would end up divorced by 30. My sister’s boyfriend asked her to marry him after college, but she said no because she could see them divorced by 30. Now, she is 31, but she is single, loves her job and friends and has a great apartment. Most of her friends are divorced, but with kids. She is single and happy, while they are divorcees and miserable. With the different times, I think it’s better to wait, not rush into things. Rarely do I see early marriages like that last today. My mom was married at 22, and I can’t picture that right now.
I’m starting to feel a little helpless now with no income, unlike the past four years. I’ve been on a lot of job interviews, but you have to wait a month, then you get called back for a second interview, then you wait another three weeks, then get called back for a third interview. It’s a lot of waiting and not knowing. That has the potential to be fun, but scary.
I like the idea of not having to let someone know where I am all the time. I’m with my friends and family like crazy. They’ve all changed a lot the past four yours, and I’m enjoying getting to know them again and vice-versa. I wonder if everyone goes through these emotions after graduation. For once, I’m not worried about not having someone. Usually, when I’m looking, nothing happens, but when I’m not looking, someone always comes along. My main thing is getting a job right now.
Part of me thinks if I stayed with Dan, I could be engaged or thinking about it now. But I think if I were, I would end up divorced by 30. My sister’s boyfriend asked her to marry him after college, but she said no because she could see them divorced by 30. Now, she is 31, but she is single, loves her job and friends and has a great apartment. Most of her friends are divorced, but with kids. She is single and happy, while they are divorcees and miserable. With the different times, I think it’s better to wait, not rush into things. Rarely do I see early marriages like that last today. My mom was married at 22, and I can’t picture that right now.
I’m starting to feel a little helpless now with no income, unlike the past four years. I’ve been on a lot of job interviews, but you have to wait a month, then you get called back for a second interview, then you wait another three weeks, then get called back for a third interview. It’s a lot of waiting and not knowing. That has the potential to be fun, but scary.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Learning to listen to the self
A lot of people dream about becoming a rock star or living the happily-ever ending. In our dreams, we can be whomever we want, and no one can control our fate or destiny. We have the ability to transform into something opposite from what we are, the leading characters of our own lives.
But, is it possible to make dreams become a reality? I think so. Obviously, everything transcending from dreams to life will not be possible, but core of the dream, the true values of the dream have that ability. It is up to us to become the maker of our destinies.
I feel like I’m finally ready to take control of my life. I am ready to do what I want to do, in order to get what I want and go where I want to go. Go figure, I finally am learning to take my own advice. It took me nearly 22 years.
But, is it possible to make dreams become a reality? I think so. Obviously, everything transcending from dreams to life will not be possible, but core of the dream, the true values of the dream have that ability. It is up to us to become the maker of our destinies.
I feel like I’m finally ready to take control of my life. I am ready to do what I want to do, in order to get what I want and go where I want to go. Go figure, I finally am learning to take my own advice. It took me nearly 22 years.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
FML allows others to laugh at misery
FML. I hear this phrase at least 10 times a day, along with "That's what she said" and "IDK."
When I first heard FML, I had no idea what it was. My friend explained it was a Web site where people post and blog about unfortunate or highly embarrassing stories in daily life.
At first, I thought it was obtuse for people to post humiliating experiences for millions to see. I checked out the site, and I was hooked.
Everyone has had a FML moment where you are the butt end of a joke or embarrassed yourself beyond belief. But guess what: It is OK to have these moments. At the time, you may feel like you will never stop blushing or cursing, but these are the times that will be remembered with friends and laughter days, or years, down the road.
Honestly, whenever I am feeling sad or frustrated, I log onto www.fmylife.com and look at what funny, messed-up misfortunes are happening to people over the country. I laugh, and these stories put me in a better mood. For a second, I realize my life is not as bad as someone else's.
One of the most appealing factors about FML is its ability to make people laugh at others, but does this make FML a bully? We laugh at people for falling down or messing up simple activities in the bedroom. Though we are laughing at complete strangers, I don't think FML is a bully, but a reminder that daily annoyances and mistakes can happen to anyone.
Also, this blog helps people relate to one another. Though everyone has different tastes and personalities, a lot of common mistakes happen to us all. From getting rejected at a bar or discovering an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend is now gay happens to any and all. This time, though, you can relieve your frustration on a Web site, hiding your identity, instead of telling friends and family.
A lot of people admit the FML Web site is a bookmarked favorites on their homepage, checking it almost as frequently as Facebook or e-mail. Every day, I overhear conversations about friends asking other friends, "Hey, did you read about that story where …" The Web site has become part of daily conversation.
In the classroom, the Union or the grocery store, I continually hear people say "FML" when they drop a box or cereal or trip over untied shoelaces. Let's face it: FML could possibly be a candidate for a new word in Webster's dictionary.
There are numerous hilarious FML stories on the Web site, but I thought I would share some FML moments from friends, family and myself. To protect everyone's identities, I'm not using names.
• Today, I was heading back from Smokehouse with my friend, who had driven us. I was getting into the passenger side of the car and fell butt first into a huge, icy snow bank. With a bruised butt and wet pants that make me look like I wet myself, my friend started laughing. Two minutes later, she asks if I'm OK. FML.
• Today, I was driving to Westchester County from Oswego for a job interview. Two miles outside Oswego, the muffler on my car falls off, and I spend $300 for a rented car. I spent $300 dollars and gas money to find out they weren't hiring anymore. FML.
• Today, I went to my friend's house where all his family was having a huge family dinner. I went to the bathroom, and accidently clogged the toilet. I grabbed the plunger, but nothing happened. I called my friend, but he couldn't plunge well, either. He brought his mom to the bathroom, and she took care of the floating problem. At dinner, the whole family kept glancing at me. They knew about my bathroom incident. FML
• Today, I heated up water in the microwave. My co-worker comes into the office and screams, "FIRE!" Apparently, metal will cause a fire if put in a microwave. FML.
• Today, I was at the office and a man with a V for Vendetta mask walks by our door. I was the one the staff voted to sacrifice if he attacked. FML.
When I first heard FML, I had no idea what it was. My friend explained it was a Web site where people post and blog about unfortunate or highly embarrassing stories in daily life.
At first, I thought it was obtuse for people to post humiliating experiences for millions to see. I checked out the site, and I was hooked.
Everyone has had a FML moment where you are the butt end of a joke or embarrassed yourself beyond belief. But guess what: It is OK to have these moments. At the time, you may feel like you will never stop blushing or cursing, but these are the times that will be remembered with friends and laughter days, or years, down the road.
Honestly, whenever I am feeling sad or frustrated, I log onto www.fmylife.com and look at what funny, messed-up misfortunes are happening to people over the country. I laugh, and these stories put me in a better mood. For a second, I realize my life is not as bad as someone else's.
One of the most appealing factors about FML is its ability to make people laugh at others, but does this make FML a bully? We laugh at people for falling down or messing up simple activities in the bedroom. Though we are laughing at complete strangers, I don't think FML is a bully, but a reminder that daily annoyances and mistakes can happen to anyone.
Also, this blog helps people relate to one another. Though everyone has different tastes and personalities, a lot of common mistakes happen to us all. From getting rejected at a bar or discovering an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend is now gay happens to any and all. This time, though, you can relieve your frustration on a Web site, hiding your identity, instead of telling friends and family.
A lot of people admit the FML Web site is a bookmarked favorites on their homepage, checking it almost as frequently as Facebook or e-mail. Every day, I overhear conversations about friends asking other friends, "Hey, did you read about that story where …" The Web site has become part of daily conversation.
In the classroom, the Union or the grocery store, I continually hear people say "FML" when they drop a box or cereal or trip over untied shoelaces. Let's face it: FML could possibly be a candidate for a new word in Webster's dictionary.
There are numerous hilarious FML stories on the Web site, but I thought I would share some FML moments from friends, family and myself. To protect everyone's identities, I'm not using names.
• Today, I was heading back from Smokehouse with my friend, who had driven us. I was getting into the passenger side of the car and fell butt first into a huge, icy snow bank. With a bruised butt and wet pants that make me look like I wet myself, my friend started laughing. Two minutes later, she asks if I'm OK. FML.
• Today, I was driving to Westchester County from Oswego for a job interview. Two miles outside Oswego, the muffler on my car falls off, and I spend $300 for a rented car. I spent $300 dollars and gas money to find out they weren't hiring anymore. FML.
• Today, I went to my friend's house where all his family was having a huge family dinner. I went to the bathroom, and accidently clogged the toilet. I grabbed the plunger, but nothing happened. I called my friend, but he couldn't plunge well, either. He brought his mom to the bathroom, and she took care of the floating problem. At dinner, the whole family kept glancing at me. They knew about my bathroom incident. FML
• Today, I heated up water in the microwave. My co-worker comes into the office and screams, "FIRE!" Apparently, metal will cause a fire if put in a microwave. FML.
• Today, I was at the office and a man with a V for Vendetta mask walks by our door. I was the one the staff voted to sacrifice if he attacked. FML.
Friday Night Knitting Club
ough The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs, has numerous treasures to offer readers, there are just as many drawbacks, as well.
The heroine, Georgia, raises her teenage daughter, Dakota, while running a knitting shop. Georgia has a small, yet close circle of friends who provide moral support, and all share a love of knitting.
The book is an easy read, yet it feels like readers have met the book's characters in other novels since there is no originality or full character development.
Jacobs simply introduces a majority of characters to readers, but she does not tell their full stories or history.
However, one thing Jacobs does well is allowing characters to tell stories from their points of view.
Instead of receiving a third-party narrative, readers are able to see inside character's heads, helping readers understand why the characters act the way they do.
Additionally, the plot is extremely predictable - mom and dad separate, mom relies on friends and daughter for support, mom and dad get back together and when everything seemingly falls into place, tragedy strikes.
Though the plot is unoriginal, the overall novel does provide a nice, simple storyline for readers who are not expecting something out-of-the-ordinary.
Knitting may appear to be a strange and old-fashioned hobby for young women, but the novel proves this is not the case.
Knitting provides time for women to share stories, hardships and life lessons with one another. This companionship and connection between the characters is the saving grace of the novel.
After finishing this book, it is probable readers, young and old, will begin to learn how to knit, trying to create their own knitting club of fun and moral support.
The Friday Night Knitting Club is a book to tuck away for a rainy day, but not one to take precedence on a bookshelf among classic favorites.
Wish
Recently, I read Wish by Melina Gerosa Bellows. I had high expectations for this book, partly because it was about a journalist and because the cover had a little girl in a princess hat. Pinks, purples and sparkles decked out the cover, so of course I would want to read this.
The author introduces us to her heroine, Bella Grandelli, an intelligent girl who always thinks she is never good enough for anything, though she always tries. Bella is constantly trying to improve herself because her twin brother Bobby is autistic; she attempts to pick up his lack of accomplishment because he physically and mentally is unable to.
Readers travel through various stages of Bella’s life, though each part shows Bella in an interesting relationship. I didn’t like how each part revolved around a guy, but it showed how Bella learns a lesson from each guy, never making the same mistake twice.
The book would have had a stronger plot if it showed more interaction between Bella and Bobby. Readers would have been more intrigued if it showed how they were growing up and through separation. Throughout the novel, I often forgot about Bobby until Bella mentioned her brother.
Still, the best thing about the book was its relatability. Every girl is searching for the perfect guy, the perfect outfit or the perfect job. Bella and the author helped me realize things do not need to be perfect; you only need to accept things and be happy. Bella finally realizes her brother does not have to be perfect and he is happy with who he is. Bobby does not need money or power to feel content and fulfilled.
People do not need to perfect themselves; they are fine the way they are, though it takes a long time to realize this. But once a person accepts herself for who she is, great things will follow. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Time to move on to a new-old city
I’ve been home for almost a month now, and things are finally settling into a routine. Before when I was home for vacations, I hated being home, but now I don’t mind it as much. My parents are nonchalant about what I do, and I like that.
Still, it’s weird not being in school, knowing I won’t be back in August. This time last year, I was getting ready for orientation advising, and that was one of my best summers. I met great people who I miss today. I loved meeting the new freshmen, then hanging out with everyone on the weekends. I loved Brockport when classes weren’t in session.
I’m going to miss my roommates, all three of them. We lived together since freshman year, and everyone thought we were weird for not separating all those other years. I’ll miss not going into Laura’s room to talk about nothing, borrowing seasons from Annie or seeing what pet Kelly now has.
I remember Kelly wanted a biosphere for Christmas, but we didn’t have a lot of money to spend, so the three of us grabbed a plastic bag and went outside and gathered twigs, mud, leaves and grass for her. I think there even was an insect in there, as well.
One thing I will miss is the newspaper. We would spend hours upon hours in there. Monday nights to Tuesday mornings were hell though, trying to get final edits and layouts done, but in the end it was worth it. I’m going to miss skipping classes for interviews or whatever the latest crisis was.
I’m going to miss Brockport bars: walking to them and cheap or free drinks from bartenders, especially C and S’s pitcher night.
I’ve lived in Syracuse my whole life, but I feel like I need to start over here. There are new people, and it feels like a different atmosphere going on. I already have some routine-things starting. I go over to one sister’s every Tuesday and she makes dinner, Thursdays are Coleman’s or Inner Harbor for concerts and the gym every day.
Katie is going to stay in Syracuse for a while, and I’m going to love having my best friend from high school around for almost a year. Steve and my sisters are here too, but I feel like I’m getting to know them all over again. They are not what I remember growing up, albeit Krissy swinging me around, making my elbow come out of its socket and Mary disliking me until I was older.
Still, it’s weird not being in school, knowing I won’t be back in August. This time last year, I was getting ready for orientation advising, and that was one of my best summers. I met great people who I miss today. I loved meeting the new freshmen, then hanging out with everyone on the weekends. I loved Brockport when classes weren’t in session.
I’m going to miss my roommates, all three of them. We lived together since freshman year, and everyone thought we were weird for not separating all those other years. I’ll miss not going into Laura’s room to talk about nothing, borrowing seasons from Annie or seeing what pet Kelly now has.
I remember Kelly wanted a biosphere for Christmas, but we didn’t have a lot of money to spend, so the three of us grabbed a plastic bag and went outside and gathered twigs, mud, leaves and grass for her. I think there even was an insect in there, as well.
One thing I will miss is the newspaper. We would spend hours upon hours in there. Monday nights to Tuesday mornings were hell though, trying to get final edits and layouts done, but in the end it was worth it. I’m going to miss skipping classes for interviews or whatever the latest crisis was.
I’m going to miss Brockport bars: walking to them and cheap or free drinks from bartenders, especially C and S’s pitcher night.
I’ve lived in Syracuse my whole life, but I feel like I need to start over here. There are new people, and it feels like a different atmosphere going on. I already have some routine-things starting. I go over to one sister’s every Tuesday and she makes dinner, Thursdays are Coleman’s or Inner Harbor for concerts and the gym every day.
Katie is going to stay in Syracuse for a while, and I’m going to love having my best friend from high school around for almost a year. Steve and my sisters are here too, but I feel like I’m getting to know them all over again. They are not what I remember growing up, albeit Krissy swinging me around, making my elbow come out of its socket and Mary disliking me until I was older.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Marked series
Imagine Harry Potter with vampyres, not vampires. The young-adult series, House of Night, is slowly making its way toward the popular scale. The series blends elements similar to the Harry Potter books and the Twilight saga, making them enjoyable reads.
The first novel in the series, Marked, literally marks the beginning of a new life for Zoey Redbird. The16-year-old girl tries to lead the life of a normalteenager, studying for her algebra test and dealing with a weird family.
One day, Zoey is unexpectedly marked as a vampyre, and she must go to the House of Night to survive. At the House, Zoey learns how to be a vampyre, starting as a fledgling, though she is not guaranteed to survive. Once a person is marked, he or she will either survive the vampyre change, or die.
Zoey stands out from other characters in the books because she has powers other fledglings do not have. Much like Harry Potter, Zoey is special and noticeable from the beginning of her start at the House of Night.
Forming a close circle of friends, Zoey begins to learn the ins and outs of school. She soon learns appearances can be deceiving, and those whom she thought she could trust are now enemies.
In the novel, vampyres characteristics are similar to those in Twilight. They can roam about in the sunlight, though it makes them feel uncomfortable. Vampyres are able to eat pizza and drink Diet Coke. Zoey's favorite food happens to be Count Chocula, ironically.
Co-written by mother-daughter team P.C. t and Kristin Cast, the book has a mixture of youthful vibrancy and adult maturity. Though the book is meant for young adults, college-age students will appreciate the flowing, easy-to-understand language and witty banter. The plot is suspenseful, leaving the reader wanting to know what adventure or conundrum will find Zoey and her friends.
Some may be turned off from the book because it is a mixture of Harry Potter and Twilight, but Marked is able to hold its own against the two rival series. Though the characters and plot have similar characteristics to the best-selling novels, it is still worth reading. Readers will end up always wanting more.
The latest House of Night novel, Hunted, was released in bookstores Tuesday, March 10.
I can be the next Carrie Bradshaw, maybe or maybe not
It’s after 2 a.m., and I can’t sleep. I don’t know why; maybe it’s because I’m restless right now. In fact, I’ve felt restless the past few weeks, waiting for something that doesn’t seem to be happening. I’m putting all my energy into the gym, going through my things and spending time with Leah, but that doesn’t seem to be enough.
I keep thinking about the past year, especially how much I’ve changed. I never used to be that party girl, and this past year has taught me a lot, as well as bringing a lot of embarrassing and hilarious moments. I went to the bars tonight, but I didn’t want to get that wasted. I feel like I’m over that part of my life right now.
I still really haven’t processed a lot of what has happened this past year, especially going from guy to guy. I think the most I have not been dating or talking to a new guy has been less than a few weeks in between each one. I’m over that now, and I’m finally ready to start something serious. Maybe I’m feeling this way because I just graduated and started applying for jobs. Sometimes, I feel like time is running out, and I’m not really sure what to do with the time I have now.
I want to believe in something better, in someone better, than my ex’s. But is that possible? Every guy seems to have some problem with him. He’s not over his old girlfriend, he has commitment/trust issues, doesn’t want to “grow up” yet or is only looking for a “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” thing. Whatever happened to relationships being relatively easy, with some challenges, but for the most part, happy and trusting. There seems to be so many problems these days, it’s impossible for some guys to commit. The simple “I-like-you-you-like-me-let’s-date,” thing is nonexistent anymore. I don’t see why guys are so afraid of commitment, especially college guys. Seniors are afraid of where they will be the next year, so I heard a lot of people not wanting to be in relationships for that reason, but I don’t believe in it.
Things aren’t supposed to be easy, especially relationships. But, if something unexpected and surprising comes along, why are guys so afraid of embracing this? A lot of guys want the unexpected, but when it comes to relationships, it’s the exact opposite. People need to be brave and try something new. We aren’t living unless we jump and take a leap of faith.
I think faith is also nonexistent today. People don’t believe in themselves or other people. Not every person is bad, and not every situation will end up horrible. I know I’ve took a lot of chances this year this guys and a lot of them have ended bad because they are afraid of commitment or didn’t want as much as I wanted in a relationship. But, I’m happy I took these chances though I ended up feeling like crap for a while in the end. It brought me closer to knowing what I want out of a guy and a relationship, but also it helped me test my strengths and weaknesses. I proved to myself I could get out of a rut, though the journey out was hard and painful.
People are afraid of rejection and failure. I am too, but that doesn’t stop me from putting myself out there. It’s all about confidence, and I know I have plenty of that. I don’t like being rejected, but I do it, too. Some people aren’t meant for you, but there are some worth giving a chance to. It’s just finding that confidence, trust and faith in yourself to give someone that chance.
I don’t know where these words came from. Maybe I miss writing my weekly column for the newspaper.
I keep thinking about the past year, especially how much I’ve changed. I never used to be that party girl, and this past year has taught me a lot, as well as bringing a lot of embarrassing and hilarious moments. I went to the bars tonight, but I didn’t want to get that wasted. I feel like I’m over that part of my life right now.
I still really haven’t processed a lot of what has happened this past year, especially going from guy to guy. I think the most I have not been dating or talking to a new guy has been less than a few weeks in between each one. I’m over that now, and I’m finally ready to start something serious. Maybe I’m feeling this way because I just graduated and started applying for jobs. Sometimes, I feel like time is running out, and I’m not really sure what to do with the time I have now.
I want to believe in something better, in someone better, than my ex’s. But is that possible? Every guy seems to have some problem with him. He’s not over his old girlfriend, he has commitment/trust issues, doesn’t want to “grow up” yet or is only looking for a “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” thing. Whatever happened to relationships being relatively easy, with some challenges, but for the most part, happy and trusting. There seems to be so many problems these days, it’s impossible for some guys to commit. The simple “I-like-you-you-like-me-let’s-date,” thing is nonexistent anymore. I don’t see why guys are so afraid of commitment, especially college guys. Seniors are afraid of where they will be the next year, so I heard a lot of people not wanting to be in relationships for that reason, but I don’t believe in it.
Things aren’t supposed to be easy, especially relationships. But, if something unexpected and surprising comes along, why are guys so afraid of embracing this? A lot of guys want the unexpected, but when it comes to relationships, it’s the exact opposite. People need to be brave and try something new. We aren’t living unless we jump and take a leap of faith.
I think faith is also nonexistent today. People don’t believe in themselves or other people. Not every person is bad, and not every situation will end up horrible. I know I’ve took a lot of chances this year this guys and a lot of them have ended bad because they are afraid of commitment or didn’t want as much as I wanted in a relationship. But, I’m happy I took these chances though I ended up feeling like crap for a while in the end. It brought me closer to knowing what I want out of a guy and a relationship, but also it helped me test my strengths and weaknesses. I proved to myself I could get out of a rut, though the journey out was hard and painful.
People are afraid of rejection and failure. I am too, but that doesn’t stop me from putting myself out there. It’s all about confidence, and I know I have plenty of that. I don’t like being rejected, but I do it, too. Some people aren’t meant for you, but there are some worth giving a chance to. It’s just finding that confidence, trust and faith in yourself to give someone that chance.
I don’t know where these words came from. Maybe I miss writing my weekly column for the newspaper.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
There's no place like home
I’ve been home for almost two weeks now, and I’m happy I decided to stay in New York instead of moving to Virginia. The huge factor that made me want to stay was my niece, Leah. This little goober has me wrapped around her finger, and she doesn’t know how much everyone loves her. I see her almost every other day, and she is perfect.
She turned two months old yesterday. Leah can finally smile and laugh and it’s amazing when she does that for you.
Seeing her makes me realize how much I want to have kids one day; maybe I feel like my clock is ticking. I graduated from college, will hopefully have a job at this one place that keeps calling me back for interviews and I am finally ready to settle down with someone.
It feels weird in the adult world, but I still miss the college one.
She turned two months old yesterday. Leah can finally smile and laugh and it’s amazing when she does that for you.
Seeing her makes me realize how much I want to have kids one day; maybe I feel like my clock is ticking. I graduated from college, will hopefully have a job at this one place that keeps calling me back for interviews and I am finally ready to settle down with someone.
It feels weird in the adult world, but I still miss the college one.
Purple Hibiscus
For such a young author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie creates a spectacular first novel, writing with wisdom and creativity beyond her years. Written in 2003, Purple Hibiscus proves to be a page-turner, with the reader always wanting more.
The Nigerian-born author shows readers, Kambili, a 15-year-old girl growing up with her older brother, Jaja, mother and father, Eugene, in chaotic Nigeria. Upon first appearance, the family proves to be perfect: Kambili’s father is an upstanding Catholic citizen, always donating time and money to the less-than-fortunate, while her mother is obedient and lovely. Kambili and Jaja are top-notch students, bringing home near-to-perfect report cards.
However, beneath the perfect exteriors lie troubled, abusive relationships between family members. Eugene is an extremely jealous Catholic, making his family live and breath the Ten Commandments. When wife or children do not follow his, or God’s bidding, he beats and formulates heinous punishments, which often result in hospital visits.
Growing up, Kambili and Jaja are used to their father’s abusive ways, always accepting whippings. Though Kambili desperately wishes to speak her mind, she always silences herself because she is used to being invisible.
But, after spending time with their Father’s sister, they learn to use their voice. Their aunt’s house is loving, intelligent and full of laughter; there is never a dull or sad moment there. Kambili and Jaja grow up here, realizing its OK to laugh and be happy.
Adichie produces a strong protagonist in her debut novel. Kambili has the ability to relate to young adults because she is trying to find her voice — who she is — in the novel.
The author also dips into Nigerian history, where its people have to choose between tradition and modernity. The novel also answers the question that is it OK to have both, not having to pick one of the other.
Purple Hibiscus proves to be an exceptionally imaginative and successful first novel. Adichie beautifully weaves tradition with modernity and duty for family with love and respect for oneself.
Friday, May 22, 2009
New Hamsphire bill fails to pass due to religious fanatics
Recently, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch's request to pass a same-sex marriage bill was denied by the state's Senate. I was appalled to see this bill not passed because it was one of Lynch's promises to voters.
The reason for not passing the bill was due to religious groups, who felt the issue needed to be further examined before put into law. This is absolutely ridiculous. New Hampshire should have been the sixth state to pass the bill, following in the footsteps of Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut. But because of religious fanatics, the bill was put on hold.
These people have absolutely no right to deny people of the same sex to live happy lives together. Religion is supposed to teach tolerance and acceptance, so why is same-sex marriage withheld from these teachings? Because the Bible says so.
If we listened to everything the Bible says there would still be slavery and submission of women to men. It should be taken figuratively, not literally.
And, what ever happened to separation of church and state? Why is New Hampshire refusing to pass a bill to appease religious groups? That does not seem democratic or right to me.
We are well into the 21st century right now, so why can't people accept different things like same-sex marriage. It is only two people who wish to spend their lives together; that does not seem weird to me, but romantic and righteous.
The government has absolutely no right to say who Americans can and cannot marry. What’s next? Telling us what to eat for breakfast or what clothes to wear? If something is different, it should be embraced, or at least tolerated, rather than thrown out like last night’s leftovers.
The reason for not passing the bill was due to religious groups, who felt the issue needed to be further examined before put into law. This is absolutely ridiculous. New Hampshire should have been the sixth state to pass the bill, following in the footsteps of Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut. But because of religious fanatics, the bill was put on hold.
These people have absolutely no right to deny people of the same sex to live happy lives together. Religion is supposed to teach tolerance and acceptance, so why is same-sex marriage withheld from these teachings? Because the Bible says so.
If we listened to everything the Bible says there would still be slavery and submission of women to men. It should be taken figuratively, not literally.
And, what ever happened to separation of church and state? Why is New Hampshire refusing to pass a bill to appease religious groups? That does not seem democratic or right to me.
We are well into the 21st century right now, so why can't people accept different things like same-sex marriage. It is only two people who wish to spend their lives together; that does not seem weird to me, but romantic and righteous.
The government has absolutely no right to say who Americans can and cannot marry. What’s next? Telling us what to eat for breakfast or what clothes to wear? If something is different, it should be embraced, or at least tolerated, rather than thrown out like last night’s leftovers.
Blogging and journalism: worlds apart
Microsoft Word does not recognize the definition of blogging. If the word is typed into a Word document, it is considered misspelled, and alternate spellings are bogging or logging. Blogging becomes more popular every day; however, numerous people rightly do not recognize bloggers as authentic journalists.
Anyone can say he or she is a blogger, but not everyone can say he or she is a journalist. Both groups report facts and write opinions, but there is an immense difference regarding the writing quality between a blogger and a journalist.
Bloggers can be anyone. A priest, a high school student or a single mom with two children. There is no criteria or test to become a blogger. As long as he or she writes on the Web, he or she can earn the title.
They can write about any topic, ranging from entertainment to current political events. True, millions of people do read blogs, but that does not mean the sites are 100 percent truthful and error-free. Bloggers are beginning to call themselves journalists, but bloggers are not journalists. I have read numerous blogs, and a lot of them have continuous ramblings with no point whatsoever.
To be a journalist, there needs to be training and much-needed experience. It takes years of practice and article writing to form cohesive and interesting stories.
Some people are born with a natural talent for writing, but they still need to learn the mechanics of writing. These small details include structure, how to grab the audience's attention and style. You cannot write a sentence and expect it to be flawless.
A journalist goes through training to become a professional. He or she endures endless drafts before producing a quality article, and hours of designing a page that will be aesthetically pleasing. Journalists learn Associated Press style and various computer programs to make graphics and pages.
With an ever-increasing rise in Internet usage, more and more people are looking to the Web for information, as well as blogs. People no longer get news from newspapers' Web sites, but from ordinary citizens. Do these citizens have the full and accurate truth about a topic, or do they merely give an opinion?
The biggest no-no for a journalist is publishing an inaccurate, libelous story; whether bloggers understand this is unclear. Bloggers may write anything they want, without completing any research, while journalists know it is imperative to ask questions and research information for an article before it is published. Journalists understand how important it is to have accurate content and careful research so lawsuits do not occur.
Still, I do not think some people know how hard and challenging the journalism major can be. A lot of people call us "writing majors," saying we only have to write short articles, never taking a calculus or biology class. It is true we do not have to solve page-long math problems or know what chemicals mix well, but it is extremely hard to find a good writer. It is a talent few people have these days, and it takes time and dedication.
My roommates and I had a discussion about who had the hardest major: one is a physical education major with an athletic training concentration, another a double major in biology and environmental science and the last is math and education major. Automatically, most agreed my English and journalism majors were easiest because they simply involved writing, but if you do not know how to write, you are not going to do well.
Sure, some people are decent writers of essays and reports, but journalist writing is completely different. You need to know a little bit about everything and manage to keep writing direct, as well as keep the attention of the audience.
Journalism is an art because you have to know what words work well with others, how to write a creative, attention-grabbing lead (first paragraph) and have the entire article flow smoothly. Journalists create written masterpieces, while bloggers create mediocre finger paintings until they learn the fine art of writing.
If you don't believe me, believe Word since it does not recognize bloggers, as well.
Anyone can say he or she is a blogger, but not everyone can say he or she is a journalist. Both groups report facts and write opinions, but there is an immense difference regarding the writing quality between a blogger and a journalist.
Bloggers can be anyone. A priest, a high school student or a single mom with two children. There is no criteria or test to become a blogger. As long as he or she writes on the Web, he or she can earn the title.
They can write about any topic, ranging from entertainment to current political events. True, millions of people do read blogs, but that does not mean the sites are 100 percent truthful and error-free. Bloggers are beginning to call themselves journalists, but bloggers are not journalists. I have read numerous blogs, and a lot of them have continuous ramblings with no point whatsoever.
To be a journalist, there needs to be training and much-needed experience. It takes years of practice and article writing to form cohesive and interesting stories.
Some people are born with a natural talent for writing, but they still need to learn the mechanics of writing. These small details include structure, how to grab the audience's attention and style. You cannot write a sentence and expect it to be flawless.
A journalist goes through training to become a professional. He or she endures endless drafts before producing a quality article, and hours of designing a page that will be aesthetically pleasing. Journalists learn Associated Press style and various computer programs to make graphics and pages.
With an ever-increasing rise in Internet usage, more and more people are looking to the Web for information, as well as blogs. People no longer get news from newspapers' Web sites, but from ordinary citizens. Do these citizens have the full and accurate truth about a topic, or do they merely give an opinion?
The biggest no-no for a journalist is publishing an inaccurate, libelous story; whether bloggers understand this is unclear. Bloggers may write anything they want, without completing any research, while journalists know it is imperative to ask questions and research information for an article before it is published. Journalists understand how important it is to have accurate content and careful research so lawsuits do not occur.
Still, I do not think some people know how hard and challenging the journalism major can be. A lot of people call us "writing majors," saying we only have to write short articles, never taking a calculus or biology class. It is true we do not have to solve page-long math problems or know what chemicals mix well, but it is extremely hard to find a good writer. It is a talent few people have these days, and it takes time and dedication.
My roommates and I had a discussion about who had the hardest major: one is a physical education major with an athletic training concentration, another a double major in biology and environmental science and the last is math and education major. Automatically, most agreed my English and journalism majors were easiest because they simply involved writing, but if you do not know how to write, you are not going to do well.
Sure, some people are decent writers of essays and reports, but journalist writing is completely different. You need to know a little bit about everything and manage to keep writing direct, as well as keep the attention of the audience.
Journalism is an art because you have to know what words work well with others, how to write a creative, attention-grabbing lead (first paragraph) and have the entire article flow smoothly. Journalists create written masterpieces, while bloggers create mediocre finger paintings until they learn the fine art of writing.
If you don't believe me, believe Word since it does not recognize bloggers, as well.
Confessions of a columnist
When students went to the microphone at the PostSecret event last Wednesday, I was amazed and inspired by their courage to share secrets with complete strangers.
Some of the secrets were lighthearted, but many were heart-wrenching. These people carried their secrets for so long, finally expressing something hidden.
I did not have the nerve to go up to the microphone because I thought it would be weird to share my personal life with complete strangers. The only people who know everything about me are my sisters and best friends.
It takes a lot of guts to share something personal with a stranger, or even a friend. There is that fear of judgment or unwanted advice that slowly creeps its way to the surface.
Sometimes, people do not want advice or judgment; they just want a person to listen and offer only an ear, not a foul mouth or raised eyebrows.
People do not trust others with secrets because they can be judgmental and nosy - what ever happened to someone simply listening? Instead of listening, people want to put their opinions in the mix.
These people will say, "Why did you do something stupid like that?" or "I told you so!" or "This is how you should have handled the situation." People tell secrets to get something off their chest, and the last thing they want is a lecture how to handle a situation or person.
Unfortunately, some think they have the answers to every puzzle, every riddle, so they feel the need to share worldly wisdom with the less fortunate.
Instead of judging, be a person who gives support and lends an ear to listen, and don't give an opinion unless it is asked for by the secret-sharer. When someone tells you something, think how you would want him or her to respond in your situation.
So, in the spirit of those who shared secrets in front of hundreds of Brockport people, I'm going to share a few of mine, and I know a lot of people out there share the same secrets as me.
First of all, I'm turning into my mother. I have tried to deny this fact for years now, but reality has caught up with me. I miss turns all the time in the car, forcing myself to complete a U-turn or three-point turn. And, like my mom, I have to write things down on Post-It notes so I will remember appointments or what I have to do each day.
I have accepted the fact I will be my mother one day, and this does not bother me like it did before. She is one of the most caring and intelligent people I know, although a little unpredictable at times. Most of us admire our mothers, so it is not bad we are turning into them.
Next, I really haven't even seen any friends from high school, and I realized I don't miss them. Each time we see each other, conversation is forced, like we have nothing in common anymore. We all have grown up and apart from one another.
It's weird to think the best friends I had since middle school are merely acquaintances now. Is it because we don't care to keep in touch, or we were only friends during that phase in life? I don't think anyone has the answer to those questions.
This is the deepest secret you will get from me today, and I am 100 percent positive a lot of my fellow students feel this way, too. I'm scared of someday being alone. I do get jealous when I see friends start new relationships, though I do feel happy for them.
Some of my friends say they aren't looking for relationships because they are too busy with school or work, but I think they are afraid of putting themselves out there. We all are, including myself at times.
Still, it is extremely important to take risks and relieve stress because you need to test the waters to see if you can swim. You may tread water for dear life, or just keep swimming. If you are extremely lucky, your listener may be your lifejacket, who keeps you from drowning.
Some of the secrets were lighthearted, but many were heart-wrenching. These people carried their secrets for so long, finally expressing something hidden.
I did not have the nerve to go up to the microphone because I thought it would be weird to share my personal life with complete strangers. The only people who know everything about me are my sisters and best friends.
It takes a lot of guts to share something personal with a stranger, or even a friend. There is that fear of judgment or unwanted advice that slowly creeps its way to the surface.
Sometimes, people do not want advice or judgment; they just want a person to listen and offer only an ear, not a foul mouth or raised eyebrows.
People do not trust others with secrets because they can be judgmental and nosy - what ever happened to someone simply listening? Instead of listening, people want to put their opinions in the mix.
These people will say, "Why did you do something stupid like that?" or "I told you so!" or "This is how you should have handled the situation." People tell secrets to get something off their chest, and the last thing they want is a lecture how to handle a situation or person.
Unfortunately, some think they have the answers to every puzzle, every riddle, so they feel the need to share worldly wisdom with the less fortunate.
Instead of judging, be a person who gives support and lends an ear to listen, and don't give an opinion unless it is asked for by the secret-sharer. When someone tells you something, think how you would want him or her to respond in your situation.
So, in the spirit of those who shared secrets in front of hundreds of Brockport people, I'm going to share a few of mine, and I know a lot of people out there share the same secrets as me.
First of all, I'm turning into my mother. I have tried to deny this fact for years now, but reality has caught up with me. I miss turns all the time in the car, forcing myself to complete a U-turn or three-point turn. And, like my mom, I have to write things down on Post-It notes so I will remember appointments or what I have to do each day.
I have accepted the fact I will be my mother one day, and this does not bother me like it did before. She is one of the most caring and intelligent people I know, although a little unpredictable at times. Most of us admire our mothers, so it is not bad we are turning into them.
Next, I really haven't even seen any friends from high school, and I realized I don't miss them. Each time we see each other, conversation is forced, like we have nothing in common anymore. We all have grown up and apart from one another.
It's weird to think the best friends I had since middle school are merely acquaintances now. Is it because we don't care to keep in touch, or we were only friends during that phase in life? I don't think anyone has the answer to those questions.
This is the deepest secret you will get from me today, and I am 100 percent positive a lot of my fellow students feel this way, too. I'm scared of someday being alone. I do get jealous when I see friends start new relationships, though I do feel happy for them.
Some of my friends say they aren't looking for relationships because they are too busy with school or work, but I think they are afraid of putting themselves out there. We all are, including myself at times.
Still, it is extremely important to take risks and relieve stress because you need to test the waters to see if you can swim. You may tread water for dear life, or just keep swimming. If you are extremely lucky, your listener may be your lifejacket, who keeps you from drowning.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I'm happy being an old foagie
I was reading through Yahoo News today and I came across this advertisement: Dr. Oz will make you look and feel like a teenager again. Honestly, what grown, sane adult would want to be a teenager again?
What feelings were they thinking? Rejection, loneliness, the never-ending battle of puberty.
Personally, those were some terrible years, with puberty, braces and peer pressure. I constantly worried about boys, covering up the latest face blemish and saying no to drugs.
I mean, we were young and invincible as teenagers, but I would rather be a 21-year-old finally able to legally drink alcohol, rather than a 13-year-old who got rejected at the school dance by a boy.
What feelings were they thinking? Rejection, loneliness, the never-ending battle of puberty.
Personally, those were some terrible years, with puberty, braces and peer pressure. I constantly worried about boys, covering up the latest face blemish and saying no to drugs.
I mean, we were young and invincible as teenagers, but I would rather be a 21-year-old finally able to legally drink alcohol, rather than a 13-year-old who got rejected at the school dance by a boy.
Don't let the church's flame go out
Across the United States, the fate of the Roman Catholic Church is rapidly changing. An increasing number of people do not attend mass, and the spirit and enthusiasm that I once found in church as a child is now hard to locate.
Currently, the Roman Catholic Church is having trouble retaining members. Lack of membership is causing churches to close, forcing them to join with other congregations.The linked churches will remain open, but they will not have full-time priests.People from different churches are faced with the challenge of merging styles and personalities, and this is all happening in our backyard.
Churches are also closing because there is a lack of priests, as many are retiring and aging. A priest may not retire until he is in his late 70s to early 80s. However, there are not enough young priests or students in seminary school to replace the retired. If there are no priests available to lead a church, they must close.
The church I attend, St. Augustine's, combined congregations with another church this past summer. There is currently an interim priest and an associate pastor; the churches will receive a full-time pastor later in December.
There will be twice as many duties for the new priest since there are now two parishes: twice as many meetings to attend, more faces and names to remember, additional sermons to write and more stress. It is double the responsibility.
I suppose it is a blessing my church did not close like others, but the priest I grew up with is no longer there, and the soul I love is slowly burning out because less people attend every month. Still, there was a time when my church was alive.
My family transferred to St. Augustine's my sophomore year in high school because of the people and essence it exhumed. My grandparents practiced there, so my family and I would occasionally attend mass with them. Everyone was so friendly and outgoing; if you were a stranger or newcomer to the church, people knew and would introduce themselves after mass. I quickly felt at home there, more than my previous church.
I honestly spent more time at St. Augustine's than at home or school. I was in the choir, so there were rehearsals during the week and singing at weekend masses. I also taught Sunday school for elementary students. This small building with smiling faces became my home-away-from-home in high school, and I was sad to leave it when I came to Brockport in 2005.
When I came back home this summer, I noticed a huge change at St. Augustine's. Because I am always in Brockport and rarely go home, I never noticed the lack of people at mass before. My parents told me some families stopped attending the past three years. When you are away for something for so long, you may not notice any changes or differences.
Many of the people I grew up with and considered family are now gone. I asked one of my friends why she and her family stopped attending mass, and she said her family did not think the linkage of the two parishes would be successful, so they did not bother attending.
Still, there is a solution to every problem, and there are possible solutions to retain parishioners and bring back the spirit. The Roman Catholic Church could allow priests to marry and have children, or better yet, allow women to be priests. Instead of requiring priests to be male, single and celibate, they could open the vocation for both genders who may or may not want families.
However, the Roman Catholic Church is embedded in tradition, therefore it will not allow women to become priests or male priests to marry. I understand it would break tradition to allow this possible solution, but the Church needs to mold into the 21st century and modernize for the sake of the people, who are its heart and soul. If there is no one to attend mass, the success of the Church is fragile, leaving many to straddle on a thin line between heaven and hell.
Though the linkage of churches and membership are challenges, they are something people need to embrace, not fear. There is the opportunity to meet new people and build new relationships with others who are involved in the same struggle. I am still going to attend mass because there are still smiling faces of people I know and love, as well as the anticipation of meeting new people.
Currently, the Roman Catholic Church is having trouble retaining members. Lack of membership is causing churches to close, forcing them to join with other congregations.The linked churches will remain open, but they will not have full-time priests.People from different churches are faced with the challenge of merging styles and personalities, and this is all happening in our backyard.
Churches are also closing because there is a lack of priests, as many are retiring and aging. A priest may not retire until he is in his late 70s to early 80s. However, there are not enough young priests or students in seminary school to replace the retired. If there are no priests available to lead a church, they must close.
The church I attend, St. Augustine's, combined congregations with another church this past summer. There is currently an interim priest and an associate pastor; the churches will receive a full-time pastor later in December.
There will be twice as many duties for the new priest since there are now two parishes: twice as many meetings to attend, more faces and names to remember, additional sermons to write and more stress. It is double the responsibility.
I suppose it is a blessing my church did not close like others, but the priest I grew up with is no longer there, and the soul I love is slowly burning out because less people attend every month. Still, there was a time when my church was alive.
My family transferred to St. Augustine's my sophomore year in high school because of the people and essence it exhumed. My grandparents practiced there, so my family and I would occasionally attend mass with them. Everyone was so friendly and outgoing; if you were a stranger or newcomer to the church, people knew and would introduce themselves after mass. I quickly felt at home there, more than my previous church.
I honestly spent more time at St. Augustine's than at home or school. I was in the choir, so there were rehearsals during the week and singing at weekend masses. I also taught Sunday school for elementary students. This small building with smiling faces became my home-away-from-home in high school, and I was sad to leave it when I came to Brockport in 2005.
When I came back home this summer, I noticed a huge change at St. Augustine's. Because I am always in Brockport and rarely go home, I never noticed the lack of people at mass before. My parents told me some families stopped attending the past three years. When you are away for something for so long, you may not notice any changes or differences.
Many of the people I grew up with and considered family are now gone. I asked one of my friends why she and her family stopped attending mass, and she said her family did not think the linkage of the two parishes would be successful, so they did not bother attending.
Still, there is a solution to every problem, and there are possible solutions to retain parishioners and bring back the spirit. The Roman Catholic Church could allow priests to marry and have children, or better yet, allow women to be priests. Instead of requiring priests to be male, single and celibate, they could open the vocation for both genders who may or may not want families.
However, the Roman Catholic Church is embedded in tradition, therefore it will not allow women to become priests or male priests to marry. I understand it would break tradition to allow this possible solution, but the Church needs to mold into the 21st century and modernize for the sake of the people, who are its heart and soul. If there is no one to attend mass, the success of the Church is fragile, leaving many to straddle on a thin line between heaven and hell.
Though the linkage of churches and membership are challenges, they are something people need to embrace, not fear. There is the opportunity to meet new people and build new relationships with others who are involved in the same struggle. I am still going to attend mass because there are still smiling faces of people I know and love, as well as the anticipation of meeting new people.
Roji Tea Lounge
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Syracuse is Roji Tea Lounge. The only Japanese-inspired tea lounge in the Syracuse area, this small place provides amazing experiences and of course, tea.
Roji introduced Syracusians to bubble tea, a sweetened ice tea, with a plethora of flavors to choose and tapioca balls. Honeydew, taro, strawberry and almond are some flavors for the bubble tea.
The tapioca balls comprise of the “bubble” in bubble tea. Customers are given large, colorful straws of which to eat the balls. Tapioca is a root, but it tastes amazing.
Other favorites include green tea cake and green tea cookies. Though both are literally a nasty green color, don’t let the appearance frighten you; they taste nothing like they look.
The tea lounge also offers a multitude of other tea from lemon grass to oolong. Each is served in a special teapot, with quirky cups.
Another interesting combination is chocolate milk tea, which is mixed of a black tea base and cocoa. This definitely tastes better than chocolate milk or hot chocolate.
When customers enter the tea lounge, there are a variety of places to sit from comfy couches or the traditional table-chair combination. There are also mattresses and cushions where people can sit and eat, and there are large windows to look outside and people watch.
Before I went to Roji, I never liked tea, but now, it’s one of my favorite drinks. All the people who go here are so different, but friendly, and that’s why I love going here as much as I do. It has a warm atmosphere and affordable, tasty tea.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
hough not as hilarious as his novel, Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris' collection of essays is able to stand on its own two feet. Like the rest of his essays, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim portrays the real-life situations and conundrums the author must overcome.
Growing up, Sedaris thought he was different because he was never interested in sports; he received equipment for Christmas, but never used it. He was interested in watching boys, not girls - Sedaris realized he was gay, but did not reveal this fact to his family until he was older. Like any family, each member had varying reactions that verged from acceptance to denial.
Throughout the book, Sedaris writes in an authentic voice. Based upon childhood experiences, there are moments of happiness, sadness, frustration and excitement; every human emotion felt is present in this book. The author narrates not only joyous times in life, but the bad and the ugly, as well.
The best thing about the book is the relatability it possesses. Sedaris writes about his family, several sisters, one brother and two parents,and everyday obstacles the family must overcome. Instead of portraying his family in the best light possible, Sedaris tells the truth. He leaves no embarrassing story untold, no hilarious moment unscathed; he tells it like it is.
When Sedaris writes genuinely, he shows readers that his family is imperfect. He wants readers to know that no family is flawless and there are secrets and humiliating moments in each one. This truthful tonemakes Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim perfect for the reader who wants to be reminded that his or her family is not the only crazy, wacky one out there. Overall, the collection of essays is another notch in Sedaris' belt.
'Happily ever after' not out of reach
very little girl dreams of having the happily-ever-after tale when she is growing up: A prince, galloping on a white horse, saves her from the evil witch or wicked stepmother. My childhood happily-ever-after tale involved my wanting to marry the post-Beast from Beauty and the Beast. The Beast was courageous and brave, and my 5-year-old self wanted to live in the palace that had such an amazing library.
As I grew up, reality hit me, and my expectations of a happily-ever-after have changed, but not so much that I don't believe in great things happening. I know there are no dragons or cruel wizards, but the idea of having a good ending and good times are still present.
Young adults are told to not believe in fairy tales and magic because it is not reality. With a financial crisis in the United States, high divorce rates and a shaky job market, I can see why people need to be practical and sensible, but there needs to be fun and excitement as well. If life is all about rules and regulations, then it would soon become extremely boring.
Who makes the rule that we have to live in reality, never believing in pixie dust or great things just because we are growing up? Maybe I'm getting Peter-Pan syndrome because I'm graduating in May, but there can be satisfying endings. I don't mean the live-happily-ever-after with no obstacles, but a decent ending is possible.
One thing that is scary is how people are afraid of relationships, especially college students, making them not believe in good endings. For example, seniors do not want to become involved with someone because they do not know where they will end up after graduation, but that excuse is unacceptable. It is important to take risks, because there should never be a what-if situation.
People are so cynical and afraid of commitment and relationships. People have to work at relationships; there needs to be compromise and acceptance and understanding of both sides' strengths and weaknesses.
I look at my parents and know there have been rough times in their marriage - every marriage goes through hard times - but they stuck with each other because they have a strong bond. Now, nearing 60, I can see my parents happily growing old together.
Still, in order to acheive a good ending, we have to go through rejection. Rejection is a part of life, and I know everyone has had their fair share of it.
You need to go through rejection and heartache in order to end up with something good. We all know that life isn't easy and rejection is one step closer to figuring out what we want. There is nothing wrong with having a broken heart; if it gets broken, it'll mend. If a guy I'm seeing doesn't want to talk to me anymore because he's just not that into me - next, please.
Time heals all wounds, and when that Band-Aid is ripped off, you will be better, ready to live life and be happy. This may sound unbelievable, but hardships makes a person stronger.
I believe that I will have my version of a happy-ending tale one day, though I know it will not be perfect. That's life. But I am positive I will have a fair share of the bad and the ugly, as well as the good.
Still, to achieve a good ending, a person must work at it. Each person has the ability to do what he or she wants and be who he or she wants to be.
There is no fairy godmother to make the dress for the ball; we have to create our own destinies, and we do have control over our choices and reactions to situations.
This may sound like a glass-full column of cheesy optimism, but if there is nothing to believe in, there is no point to living. So, for now I'm going to continue living the Allison-tale, not a perfect-ending fairy tale.
As I grew up, reality hit me, and my expectations of a happily-ever-after have changed, but not so much that I don't believe in great things happening. I know there are no dragons or cruel wizards, but the idea of having a good ending and good times are still present.
Young adults are told to not believe in fairy tales and magic because it is not reality. With a financial crisis in the United States, high divorce rates and a shaky job market, I can see why people need to be practical and sensible, but there needs to be fun and excitement as well. If life is all about rules and regulations, then it would soon become extremely boring.
Who makes the rule that we have to live in reality, never believing in pixie dust or great things just because we are growing up? Maybe I'm getting Peter-Pan syndrome because I'm graduating in May, but there can be satisfying endings. I don't mean the live-happily-ever-after with no obstacles, but a decent ending is possible.
One thing that is scary is how people are afraid of relationships, especially college students, making them not believe in good endings. For example, seniors do not want to become involved with someone because they do not know where they will end up after graduation, but that excuse is unacceptable. It is important to take risks, because there should never be a what-if situation.
People are so cynical and afraid of commitment and relationships. People have to work at relationships; there needs to be compromise and acceptance and understanding of both sides' strengths and weaknesses.
I look at my parents and know there have been rough times in their marriage - every marriage goes through hard times - but they stuck with each other because they have a strong bond. Now, nearing 60, I can see my parents happily growing old together.
Still, in order to acheive a good ending, we have to go through rejection. Rejection is a part of life, and I know everyone has had their fair share of it.
You need to go through rejection and heartache in order to end up with something good. We all know that life isn't easy and rejection is one step closer to figuring out what we want. There is nothing wrong with having a broken heart; if it gets broken, it'll mend. If a guy I'm seeing doesn't want to talk to me anymore because he's just not that into me - next, please.
Time heals all wounds, and when that Band-Aid is ripped off, you will be better, ready to live life and be happy. This may sound unbelievable, but hardships makes a person stronger.
I believe that I will have my version of a happy-ending tale one day, though I know it will not be perfect. That's life. But I am positive I will have a fair share of the bad and the ugly, as well as the good.
Still, to achieve a good ending, a person must work at it. Each person has the ability to do what he or she wants and be who he or she wants to be.
There is no fairy godmother to make the dress for the ball; we have to create our own destinies, and we do have control over our choices and reactions to situations.
This may sound like a glass-full column of cheesy optimism, but if there is nothing to believe in, there is no point to living. So, for now I'm going to continue living the Allison-tale, not a perfect-ending fairy tale.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Lighten Up on Self Image
"I feel like a piggy - OINK!" one of my friends joked as she wolfed down her favorite food.
Girls are fighting the ever-constant battle of fad diets and body-image problems. If a girl eats as much food a boy in one sitting, she is frowned upon although she may be at a healthy weight and frequently exercise. When people chastise her for eating too much, she becomes anxious about how she presents herself to other people, causing her to lose self-confidence.
Every single day, girls obsessively worry about their appearances. Looking into the mirror, a girl will see bad-hair day after bad-hair day, the latest pimple and thighs in desperate need of more time at the gym. Though the mirror doesn't add 10 extra pounds like cameras, the conscience can add pounds upon pounds, making girls feel worthless and fat.
Not once does the girl find anything positive about her; it's only negative characteristics she sees looking back at her: baggy eyes, frizzy hair and that arm flab that doesn't seem to go away no matter how many weights she lifts.
If the girl sees a useless person sadly looking back in the mirror, the typical outsider sees a normal and healthy-looking girl. If only the girl could see herself through the onlooker's eyes and not her own, she would have self-confidence and accept herself for who she is. Girls have the ability to be their own worst enemy and toughest critic.
Some girls will not believe others who say they are great the way they are. Girls never take the advice of others when it comes to body image since they only focus on their own self-image.
Girls need to realize there is no perfect size or body. Some people will never be a size four, and others will not have the perfect sixpack on their stomachs. I know people want to have these things, sometimes no matter how hard we try, we may be physically unable to change our bodies. It's best to accept and accessorize what we have.
The sad thing is that most girls cannot eat as much as they want or dress how they feel because they are too concerned how people will view them. The girls become too obsessed with body image, so they continually try to lose five more pounds with dozens of diets.
I am not a firm believer in diets like Atkins, a low-carbohydrate diet, or the South Beach, a low-fat diet. Each diet has some restriction: low carbohydrates, low sugar, low fat or all fruits and vegetables. I like food, and I'm not afraid of carbohydrates or sugar.
People need a balanced diet, not one that cuts and crosses out certain foods groups. We need sugar so our insulin levels do not become too low and carbohydrates for energy. If one area of nutrition is lacking, then the body will not function well as a whole.
Each food group is important - yes, even the fatty, sugary food. It's important to eat fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein and meat, but it is important to have some fatty foods, in moderation, as well. Not only because your body needs some healthy fat, but because some fatty foods do taste good.
My favorite fatty foods are peanut butter and snickerdoodles. I don't have these foods all day, every day, but once in a while I will eat a spoonful of peanut butter or make the cookies because they taste good. I'm not afraid for people to know I don't eat salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or I do not get full eating one carrot stick. I do eat in moderation, but there are some times I splurge on another slice of pizza or some cookie dough - there is nothing wrong with the occasional and spontaneous midnight craving.
If girls could learn to accept themselves as they are and not constantly worry about food, self-confidence will boost and body-image problems will slowly vanish. Still, it's that step of acceptance and not looking in the mirror that is the hardest part. I know it's cliché, but look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you are great and it's okay to have your cake and eat it, too.
Girls are fighting the ever-constant battle of fad diets and body-image problems. If a girl eats as much food a boy in one sitting, she is frowned upon although she may be at a healthy weight and frequently exercise. When people chastise her for eating too much, she becomes anxious about how she presents herself to other people, causing her to lose self-confidence.
Every single day, girls obsessively worry about their appearances. Looking into the mirror, a girl will see bad-hair day after bad-hair day, the latest pimple and thighs in desperate need of more time at the gym. Though the mirror doesn't add 10 extra pounds like cameras, the conscience can add pounds upon pounds, making girls feel worthless and fat.
Not once does the girl find anything positive about her; it's only negative characteristics she sees looking back at her: baggy eyes, frizzy hair and that arm flab that doesn't seem to go away no matter how many weights she lifts.
If the girl sees a useless person sadly looking back in the mirror, the typical outsider sees a normal and healthy-looking girl. If only the girl could see herself through the onlooker's eyes and not her own, she would have self-confidence and accept herself for who she is. Girls have the ability to be their own worst enemy and toughest critic.
Some girls will not believe others who say they are great the way they are. Girls never take the advice of others when it comes to body image since they only focus on their own self-image.
Girls need to realize there is no perfect size or body. Some people will never be a size four, and others will not have the perfect sixpack on their stomachs. I know people want to have these things, sometimes no matter how hard we try, we may be physically unable to change our bodies. It's best to accept and accessorize what we have.
The sad thing is that most girls cannot eat as much as they want or dress how they feel because they are too concerned how people will view them. The girls become too obsessed with body image, so they continually try to lose five more pounds with dozens of diets.
I am not a firm believer in diets like Atkins, a low-carbohydrate diet, or the South Beach, a low-fat diet. Each diet has some restriction: low carbohydrates, low sugar, low fat or all fruits and vegetables. I like food, and I'm not afraid of carbohydrates or sugar.
People need a balanced diet, not one that cuts and crosses out certain foods groups. We need sugar so our insulin levels do not become too low and carbohydrates for energy. If one area of nutrition is lacking, then the body will not function well as a whole.
Each food group is important - yes, even the fatty, sugary food. It's important to eat fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein and meat, but it is important to have some fatty foods, in moderation, as well. Not only because your body needs some healthy fat, but because some fatty foods do taste good.
My favorite fatty foods are peanut butter and snickerdoodles. I don't have these foods all day, every day, but once in a while I will eat a spoonful of peanut butter or make the cookies because they taste good. I'm not afraid for people to know I don't eat salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or I do not get full eating one carrot stick. I do eat in moderation, but there are some times I splurge on another slice of pizza or some cookie dough - there is nothing wrong with the occasional and spontaneous midnight craving.
If girls could learn to accept themselves as they are and not constantly worry about food, self-confidence will boost and body-image problems will slowly vanish. Still, it's that step of acceptance and not looking in the mirror that is the hardest part. I know it's cliché, but look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you are great and it's okay to have your cake and eat it, too.
The Interpreter of Maladies
The Interpreter of Maladies is one of the most popular pieces of literature from best-selling author, Jhumpa Lahiri. The collection of short stories provides a magical and entertaining glimpse into Indian lifestyle and culture. From death of a loved one to the arranged marriage of an Indian-American, Lahiri skips no life event.
Most of the main characters emigrate from India to America, and must find a balance between keeping Indian tradition, yet learning to assimilate into American culture. The parents struggle to fit into American culture, while their children appear to effortlessly abandon their history in exchange for rock music and blue jeans.
Lahiri's short stories are hidden treasures because she is able to transform reality into fiction. The author takes her past experiences, and those from friends, to create characters. At the end of the stories, the characters realize that in order to go forward, they must recognize and embrace the past.
Another thing Lahiri masters is providing readers with entertaining characters, who endure all emotions. From sadness to happiness to anxiety, there is no emotion or feeling Lahiri excludes. Because she provides a variety of themes for readers, Lahiri has created something special.
Additionally, Lahiri creates a diverse group of characters that range from a newly-married Indian wife, who was a mail-order bride from India, to the first-person narrative of a young college-bound man.
Overall, The Interpreter of Maladies is a short, yet inspiring piece of fiction, and all the stories are light, crisp and easy to read. Readers of this collection of short stories should find the book thoroughly entertaining and enlightening.
Joe Biden's Multiple Uses
I went to Planet Fitness yesterday. All of a sudden, a guy came up to me and asked me what I thought of Joe Biden's speech at graduation. I gave him the dumbest look I had and said I didn't go to SU, though I had an SU shirt on. He tried to convince me otherwise, and I kept saying I went to Brockport. I ran away.
Today, I go the gym again, but this time wearing a Brockport T-shirt. He said he finally believed I went to Brockport, then asked for my number, but I gave a fake one.
I really, really hope he's not there tomorrow.
I don't think I have heard of Joe Biden's name used in a pickup line before, and I've heard some pretty weird ones.
Today, I go the gym again, but this time wearing a Brockport T-shirt. He said he finally believed I went to Brockport, then asked for my number, but I gave a fake one.
I really, really hope he's not there tomorrow.
I don't think I have heard of Joe Biden's name used in a pickup line before, and I've heard some pretty weird ones.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Where Did Green Eggs and Ham Go?
I think it would be lovely if a boy could grow a pair of balls and use them.
On a lighter note, I am reading this book I got called Wideacre by Phillippa Gregory. I've read a lot of this author's works before, but this book shocks me and makes me ask, "Did that just really happen?" The female protagonist is the reincarnation of the devil and I never realized a person could have that much evil in him or her. I have no idea whether I admire this character for her sense of wanting to have her land or despise her because she causes evil. In the course of more than 600 pages Beatrice has done the following:
- lost her virginity to Ralph
- killed her father
- cut off Ralph's legs so he only has stubs
- sleeps with her brother, creating an incestuous relationship
- had two children by her brother and passed them off as relations
- tricked her husband into marrying her
- poisoned her mother
- encouraged the drunkenness and imprisonment of her husband
- tricked her sister-in-law
- made all of her tenants and formerly-beloved followers hate her
That is the beginning of what she has done. How can an author create so much drama and evil in a person? But she is only reflecting what people do in real life and that can be scary to think there are people out there like this who kill and lie only for power.
On a lighter note, I am reading this book I got called Wideacre by Phillippa Gregory. I've read a lot of this author's works before, but this book shocks me and makes me ask, "Did that just really happen?" The female protagonist is the reincarnation of the devil and I never realized a person could have that much evil in him or her. I have no idea whether I admire this character for her sense of wanting to have her land or despise her because she causes evil. In the course of more than 600 pages Beatrice has done the following:
- lost her virginity to Ralph
- killed her father
- cut off Ralph's legs so he only has stubs
- sleeps with her brother, creating an incestuous relationship
- had two children by her brother and passed them off as relations
- tricked her husband into marrying her
- poisoned her mother
- encouraged the drunkenness and imprisonment of her husband
- tricked her sister-in-law
- made all of her tenants and formerly-beloved followers hate her
That is the beginning of what she has done. How can an author create so much drama and evil in a person? But she is only reflecting what people do in real life and that can be scary to think there are people out there like this who kill and lie only for power.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
I Know I Said No More Venting...
Some think they have control over me and think they have me wrapped around their little finger. This is not true. Some people think they have such strong personalities that they can force you to do anything. I pick and choose my battles carefully. A lot of people I know, no matter if I even got into an argument with them, would never change their minds because they are so stubborn. If I did choose to say my opinion to certain people, they would make it into such a dramatic situation, I do not have the patience to reason with immaturity and dramaticism. What is the point of losing brain cells dealing with unreasonable people? People will insult or tell me their real opinions of myself and my decisions, but I don't care what they say. I do not care what other people think about me and I know my strengths and weaknesses, not anyone else.
Another thing I hate is how people say how much busier or tired they are than me. Some people bring stress upon themselves, wanting to be the best and No. 1, they will pile high in work and activities. I am perfectly happy being just one in a million. Everyone says they are "different" than the average person, but if so many people are saying this, it is not really unique - you are saying what everyone else is. People are always busy, and each person has his or her fair share of stress, exhaustion and work to do. Some people handle stress better than others, so if you can't then it's your fault. You choose how much you want to do in life, and whatever works for you great. Just don't say you are the busiest person you know - there is always someone else worse off than you. Worry about yourself, not bragging how busy and tired you are compared to others.
Another thing I hate is how people say how much busier or tired they are than me. Some people bring stress upon themselves, wanting to be the best and No. 1, they will pile high in work and activities. I am perfectly happy being just one in a million. Everyone says they are "different" than the average person, but if so many people are saying this, it is not really unique - you are saying what everyone else is. People are always busy, and each person has his or her fair share of stress, exhaustion and work to do. Some people handle stress better than others, so if you can't then it's your fault. You choose how much you want to do in life, and whatever works for you great. Just don't say you are the busiest person you know - there is always someone else worse off than you. Worry about yourself, not bragging how busy and tired you are compared to others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)