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.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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.
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