I know this rant isn't really anything, but these questions have been on my mind for quite some time now. If anyone has an answer, or thoughts, or comments, please leave them. Got a question on life? Ask it. We can all learn from each other. We like to think we are so much better than ants, now lets prove it!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
No damn cat, no damn cradle
So, there is something that has bothered me since the end of 11th grade honors english. Why do the ants know what to do in times of crisis? Why do humans think they are so wonderfully high and mighty when something/someone as small as an ant can figure out how to use body heat to survive the aftermath of an Ice Nine world and humans can't? Now I know this book isn't real, but it brings up an interesting point. We really aren't as incredibly smart as we think we are. I have teachers (well one teacher really) who thinks their word is the be-all and end-all of all things worth writing or talking about. To me, this professor is the most ridiculous human being on this wonderful blue planet. If a person doesn't have the time or energy to listen and really consider other people's thoughts, what kind of person are they? How can someone who teaches as a living not learn from his or her students? I believe humans were given those big beautiful brains to think and learn, and then share everything they have thought and learned about through however many years of their existence with as many of the other billions of people in the world as possible. So why don't people do this? Why do some people try to close themselves off from the world and hide away the secrets of life they have picked up from living?
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Dancing the Boogie with the Company B
Some places are great for people watching. The mall, busy restaurants, and parks are hot spots for sure, but I never knew how great a Valentine's Day Swing Dance could be. Trust me, they are wonderful. You can watch couples and single old men with no hair go crazy.
At this dance, I had the privilege of seeing one old man being one of the cutest people while he danced all alone in his pale green shirt. You could totally tell he was one of those white haired men who look in the mirror every morning thinking "how did I get this old?". He definitely pictures himself as a young soldier from World War II or something when he wakes up, and the reflection in his mirror never meets these expectations. I could just imagine him seeing some girl with bright red lipstick and soft curls singing in front of a big band with one of those big circle microphones and knowing that one day, after the war, he would marry her. You know, one of those classic 40s love stories that have so much cheese you'd think you're a mouse. Well, anyways, seeing him dancing all alone I knew (well not really, but I did) that he was thinking about dancing with his girl, the singer from the war who he proposed to and married the minute the bombs stopped dropping and the guns stopped firing. He clearly missed her very much, but since their first dance together as a married couple was swing, and they danced together every Valentine's Day after, he had to come to The League in his dancing shoes to spend the night thinking of her in the best way he knew how, and I loved him for that.
Now I know this story is probably far from the truth, but the best way to people watch is to make up their stories. Well so this old man, with the white hair and the green button down, spurred story after story in my brain while he silently danced the night away all alone. I could probably write a whole book about this old man, he was that inspiring, and again, I don't even know his name. I never danced with him. I only ever smiled once, and then continued to do my own thing, too nervous to approach him and ask for a dance like my more brave friends. Although every time you go to a new place you can find a mess of characters to fill your brain with stories, this one, this old man, was definitely my favorite. He had so much history to make up and so much future to fulfill. Thanks old man for rocking it out at the Valentine's Dance! If you haven't done this, try it, it's super rewarding.
Also, totally random yet totally important side note: Sporks were made for Ramen Noodle Soup. If you have not discovered this, you're welcome. If you have, share the knowledge because seriously, it has revolutionized my life.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
What's in a name?
What's in a name? We've all heard it. Whether it was in Merlin, or the Princess Diaries, or maybe even its original use in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, we know that phrase. But how important is a name really?
In some cultures, having a few names to share is extremely important; you have a special connection with your namesake. In others, there are so many names that sharing a name is almost impossible, or at least unlikely. Some name after the living, other the dead. Some after saints and some are all made up. So what do these names really mean?
Talking to someone for a few seconds and not knowing their name after the limited conversation seems acceptable, but at what point does that stop being true? At what point is it unacceptable to not know the person whom you are talking to's name? A minute? Five? A half hour? An hour? What about over the span of a few days? What happens when you talk and talk and realize days, or even months, later that you don't know your friend's name?! You have passed that acceptable time window of asking, but really you should know, then what do you do? Who are you? Surely not a friend, not even an acquaintance, if you can't say their name.
This has happened to everyone (I hope), but the other day I realized a person who is very important in my life held no name in my mind. She was just a caring face that I could always count on. I have talked to her numerous times since September and she always has something nice to say. I see her everyday walking to and from Spanish Lunch Tables and she is the most adorable person ever. She has told me on countless occasions that she keeps me, and all the other students she meets, in her prayers and she knows she will be okay as long as she can remember to do that. She prays for our success and for our happiness. She is incredibly kind and an altogether amazing human being, but she just revealed to my friend and me that she plans on retiring at the end of the school year. I am sad about this, but she told us she wants to do something with her life, to travel, to do more than just sit and swipe kids cards into the cafeteria, but that she will always, always keep us in her prayers. I know! What an amazing person! But until three days ago, I did not even know her name! I realized that I had been too consumed in my own inability to carry a tray of food from one room to another without spilling while also converting my thoughts from English to Spanish to actually ask this kind lady's name! How could I be so self-absorbed? The second I realized I asked all of my friends and only one knew. Only one. And I'm glad she did.
Mary. Mary is her name. And thank you Mary for always being there and for keeping us in your prayers. I know you will probably never read this, but I hope you know that you are a ray of sun and I will be sad to see you leave but oh so happy for you to have all the adventures life has in store for you. Please enjoy them to the fullest.
Thank you. Mary.
In some cultures, having a few names to share is extremely important; you have a special connection with your namesake. In others, there are so many names that sharing a name is almost impossible, or at least unlikely. Some name after the living, other the dead. Some after saints and some are all made up. So what do these names really mean?
Talking to someone for a few seconds and not knowing their name after the limited conversation seems acceptable, but at what point does that stop being true? At what point is it unacceptable to not know the person whom you are talking to's name? A minute? Five? A half hour? An hour? What about over the span of a few days? What happens when you talk and talk and realize days, or even months, later that you don't know your friend's name?! You have passed that acceptable time window of asking, but really you should know, then what do you do? Who are you? Surely not a friend, not even an acquaintance, if you can't say their name.
This has happened to everyone (I hope), but the other day I realized a person who is very important in my life held no name in my mind. She was just a caring face that I could always count on. I have talked to her numerous times since September and she always has something nice to say. I see her everyday walking to and from Spanish Lunch Tables and she is the most adorable person ever. She has told me on countless occasions that she keeps me, and all the other students she meets, in her prayers and she knows she will be okay as long as she can remember to do that. She prays for our success and for our happiness. She is incredibly kind and an altogether amazing human being, but she just revealed to my friend and me that she plans on retiring at the end of the school year. I am sad about this, but she told us she wants to do something with her life, to travel, to do more than just sit and swipe kids cards into the cafeteria, but that she will always, always keep us in her prayers. I know! What an amazing person! But until three days ago, I did not even know her name! I realized that I had been too consumed in my own inability to carry a tray of food from one room to another without spilling while also converting my thoughts from English to Spanish to actually ask this kind lady's name! How could I be so self-absorbed? The second I realized I asked all of my friends and only one knew. Only one. And I'm glad she did.
Mary. Mary is her name. And thank you Mary for always being there and for keeping us in your prayers. I know you will probably never read this, but I hope you know that you are a ray of sun and I will be sad to see you leave but oh so happy for you to have all the adventures life has in store for you. Please enjoy them to the fullest.
Thank you. Mary.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A List of Essential Amino Acids and Oils for College, or Not
Before my cousin Faye went to college a year and a half ago I gave her a gift basket full of everything I thought was absolutely essential in attending college. It had, among other things, ear plugs, an eye mask, and lemonade. Of course, I had never actually been to college, so I had no clue what every Freshman needed, but I tried my best. When it was my turn to venture out into the world of practicing adults and sleep in a twin xl bed next to some stranger I would be calling my roommate, my cousin gave me a similar present. Hers was a little better, with shampoo, vitamins, and gum, since she knew what a college student actually needed, but she definitely liked my gift just as much as I liked hers. I've since then learned exactly what every student needs from my own experiences, and the experiences of my friends and family.
So here are some college essentials I believe are absolutely necessary in heading off to semi-adulthood. This won't be a complete list, but it will be a start. Plus it is absolutely wonderful, trust me.
1. Something to remember your favorite high school teachers. I, along with a lot of my high school friends, have chosen the memoir written by the best english teacher ever. I also have an illustrated picture from the Todd Project and an environmental club pin of a little green tree. Absolutely essential if you want to survive having new and crazy professors that you might not like, and that might not like you, or even know who you are.
2. Flip flops. It is really gross when you shower in those nasty community showers without flip flops. There is a whole mess of infections on those tile floors and you wouldn't want those. Or warts. Warts are gross.
3. Microwaveable food that actually tastes good and is easy to store. I have chosen a variety of pastas from healthy companies as well as soups and desserts. Everyone needs a brownie on days of heavy homework and little sleep.
4. Other yummy food and drinks that you like. Especially Nutella and Peanut Butter. Bread. Crackers. Cheese. Popcorn. Milk. Cereal. Chocolate. Tea. You can figure this one out on your own.
5. Blankets. You're probably going to get cold, it'll be super nice to have a few of these to snuggle up in.
6. An arm pillow (or "husband" if your a weirdo and think that's what they are called.) They are comfy. That's it.
7. Organization stuff. Boxes, pullouts, command hooks. All of these will be your saviors. Just trust me on this. And have a few extra lying around in an organized fashion too!
8. A supply of over-the-counter meds and cough drops (or other medications you are on) that you think you won't need but will. Remember, college is like pre-school. Everyone around you is sick and you will be too. It's guaranteed. College Plague is a real thing! I promise!
9. Lights. The overhead light won't be sufficient when your mornings start at 8:17 and your roommate doesn't have class until 11. Getting dressed without lights on is like living in the dark ages. Literally.
10. Stamps and envelopes. You might want to send a letter and having to leave your building just to get supplies is ridiculous. Remember, you're in college now. You're lazy!
11. A sense of humor. People are funny here.
12.. Anything else you can think of that I forgot to mention or thought was too obvious or something like that. Get it if you don't think you'll need it because odds are, you probably will. You can always return or sell things if you're wrong!
That should be super helpful! Good luck on the whole college thing! Remember to clean and frequently Febreeze your room!
So here are some college essentials I believe are absolutely necessary in heading off to semi-adulthood. This won't be a complete list, but it will be a start. Plus it is absolutely wonderful, trust me.
1. Something to remember your favorite high school teachers. I, along with a lot of my high school friends, have chosen the memoir written by the best english teacher ever. I also have an illustrated picture from the Todd Project and an environmental club pin of a little green tree. Absolutely essential if you want to survive having new and crazy professors that you might not like, and that might not like you, or even know who you are.
2. Flip flops. It is really gross when you shower in those nasty community showers without flip flops. There is a whole mess of infections on those tile floors and you wouldn't want those. Or warts. Warts are gross.
3. Microwaveable food that actually tastes good and is easy to store. I have chosen a variety of pastas from healthy companies as well as soups and desserts. Everyone needs a brownie on days of heavy homework and little sleep.
4. Other yummy food and drinks that you like. Especially Nutella and Peanut Butter. Bread. Crackers. Cheese. Popcorn. Milk. Cereal. Chocolate. Tea. You can figure this one out on your own.
5. Blankets. You're probably going to get cold, it'll be super nice to have a few of these to snuggle up in.
6. An arm pillow (or "husband" if your a weirdo and think that's what they are called.) They are comfy. That's it.
7. Organization stuff. Boxes, pullouts, command hooks. All of these will be your saviors. Just trust me on this. And have a few extra lying around in an organized fashion too!
8. A supply of over-the-counter meds and cough drops (or other medications you are on) that you think you won't need but will. Remember, college is like pre-school. Everyone around you is sick and you will be too. It's guaranteed. College Plague is a real thing! I promise!
9. Lights. The overhead light won't be sufficient when your mornings start at 8:17 and your roommate doesn't have class until 11. Getting dressed without lights on is like living in the dark ages. Literally.
10. Stamps and envelopes. You might want to send a letter and having to leave your building just to get supplies is ridiculous. Remember, you're in college now. You're lazy!
11. A sense of humor. People are funny here.
12.. Anything else you can think of that I forgot to mention or thought was too obvious or something like that. Get it if you don't think you'll need it because odds are, you probably will. You can always return or sell things if you're wrong!
That should be super helpful! Good luck on the whole college thing! Remember to clean and frequently Febreeze your room!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
iWrite Mini
Hello blog readers of the world! Hope you all had excellent respective holidays!
I'm writing today because I kind of just felt like it. Writing. And Reading (I need more books people. Please comment with suggestions. Only good ones allowed). Like, it's been a while. So I took a quiz-like thing on the internet to see what famous writer I write like for inspiration. My friend had taken it and she was lucky enough to write like Vonnegut. Jealous, and curious, I took the test and it told me I wrote like J.D. Salinger. At first I was actually upset. I mean, Catcher in the Rye is extremely controversial, and Salinger has a pretty big nose (wouldn't want to be associated with that). People say only crazies and axe murderers have Catcher in their homes, or like it, or whatever, but I for sure disagree. I loved that book and I'm probably one of the least crazy people in my family, at least I hope... Anyways, it got me thinking about what I wanted to do with my life.
I want to write. Like be all awesome and cool and famous for writing a story from a dream (even if the story sucked), or start writing on a napkin on a train and become richer than the Queen (That's what happened to J.K. right?). No, it's not about the money, I just like to write is all. And I'd like to do something that I genuinely enjoy if I have to do it for the next few decades. Well but so here is the problem. A writing major, or an English major, doesn't usually get you a job. And although I'm not basing all my life choices on the fact that I need to make bank and have some smokin' career, I still like having a place to live. And food. (My sister is reading this thinking, I was an Lit major! You can totally get a job! But get this, she is also a doctor. So that isn't exactly the general course for a Lit major. Lez be honest.)
Blog readers of the world! Help me out! What can I do where I can write and be as happy as a nerdfighter at Comi-con while still being able to live in a place with running water? This is actually important, seeing as I'll have to make grown-up decisions while I play pretend adult at college, and I've got time to really decide, but I also need some time to change my mind. We all know that usually happens in university anyways. Comment with ideas and suggestions for careers and majors that don't stink please, who knows, maybe I'll actually take them.
Also, Happy New Year! You know, if you follow the Gregorian Calendar and celebrate that and all. See you when the 21st century hits the teenage years. Hold on to your hats, that is bound to be a crazy time full of pimples and hormones for the planet.
I'm writing today because I kind of just felt like it. Writing. And Reading (I need more books people. Please comment with suggestions. Only good ones allowed). Like, it's been a while. So I took a quiz-like thing on the internet to see what famous writer I write like for inspiration. My friend had taken it and she was lucky enough to write like Vonnegut. Jealous, and curious, I took the test and it told me I wrote like J.D. Salinger. At first I was actually upset. I mean, Catcher in the Rye is extremely controversial, and Salinger has a pretty big nose (wouldn't want to be associated with that). People say only crazies and axe murderers have Catcher in their homes, or like it, or whatever, but I for sure disagree. I loved that book and I'm probably one of the least crazy people in my family, at least I hope... Anyways, it got me thinking about what I wanted to do with my life.
I want to write. Like be all awesome and cool and famous for writing a story from a dream (even if the story sucked), or start writing on a napkin on a train and become richer than the Queen (That's what happened to J.K. right?). No, it's not about the money, I just like to write is all. And I'd like to do something that I genuinely enjoy if I have to do it for the next few decades. Well but so here is the problem. A writing major, or an English major, doesn't usually get you a job. And although I'm not basing all my life choices on the fact that I need to make bank and have some smokin' career, I still like having a place to live. And food. (My sister is reading this thinking, I was an Lit major! You can totally get a job! But get this, she is also a doctor. So that isn't exactly the general course for a Lit major. Lez be honest.)
Blog readers of the world! Help me out! What can I do where I can write and be as happy as a nerdfighter at Comi-con while still being able to live in a place with running water? This is actually important, seeing as I'll have to make grown-up decisions while I play pretend adult at college, and I've got time to really decide, but I also need some time to change my mind. We all know that usually happens in university anyways. Comment with ideas and suggestions for careers and majors that don't stink please, who knows, maybe I'll actually take them.
Also, Happy New Year! You know, if you follow the Gregorian Calendar and celebrate that and all. See you when the 21st century hits the teenage years. Hold on to your hats, that is bound to be a crazy time full of pimples and hormones for the planet.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
You Just Won The Award for Never Forgetting to be Awesome! Enjoy a Trip to Vidcon!
So blog readers of the world, I am incredibly sorry for abandoning you. That was unfair of me, and I truly didn't mean to be such a jerk. It's time to forgive and forget, so let's move past that. This leads me to the topic of my post for the day. YouTube.
The most recent vlog I became completely and utterly absorbed in, was the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. It was so extremely entertaining to watch this girl's life, and although I constantly thought, wow, this is kind of exactly like Pride and Prejudice (which I haven't even read), I didn't realize until just now that that was actually the goal, the point, the entire reason for creating that blog. Granted, I watched the first 53 episodes between the hours of 12am and 2am last night, but still, I was disappointed with my utter lack of ability to pick up on that. How am I supposed to be a famous YouTuber if I don't even realize what a famous YouTuber's point on YouTube is until the story is practically finished? What does that say about me?
Well, considering my impending fame on YouTube is slowly dwindling away, I'm thinking it means this: I will never be famous on YouTube, the only people that watch my class project are the people in my class... and my parents, and no, I will never win the award for never forgetting to be awesome. So no, I will not enjoy a trip to Vidcon. Maybe there is a "con" for average bloggers who barely blog? Probably not.
In case you care, here is the link to my final project: Shakespeare Final Project (English 140)
I recently had to create a video for a class project. Well I didn't have to create a video, but being me, I decided to be creative and ambitious and immediately hated myself after actually starting the video. It took me hours and hours to create, but I was strangely satisfied when I was finally, finally finished. I had a weird craving for more videos, and a new goal of becoming a famous YouTuber. I also fell in love with about a zillion vlogs, so this could have also been a contributor. Really, I just want to go to Vidcon for being awesome. Is that so bad?
The most recent vlog I became completely and utterly absorbed in, was the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. It was so extremely entertaining to watch this girl's life, and although I constantly thought, wow, this is kind of exactly like Pride and Prejudice (which I haven't even read), I didn't realize until just now that that was actually the goal, the point, the entire reason for creating that blog. Granted, I watched the first 53 episodes between the hours of 12am and 2am last night, but still, I was disappointed with my utter lack of ability to pick up on that. How am I supposed to be a famous YouTuber if I don't even realize what a famous YouTuber's point on YouTube is until the story is practically finished? What does that say about me?
Well, considering my impending fame on YouTube is slowly dwindling away, I'm thinking it means this: I will never be famous on YouTube, the only people that watch my class project are the people in my class... and my parents, and no, I will never win the award for never forgetting to be awesome. So no, I will not enjoy a trip to Vidcon. Maybe there is a "con" for average bloggers who barely blog? Probably not.
In case you care, here is the link to my final project: Shakespeare Final Project (English 140)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Day Comes But Once a Year
In my opinion, Thanksgiving Day is the best day of November.
Right off the bat, you don't have school, or work. So automatically you're thankful for something. You sleep in, wake up, and either head down to Detroit to run the Turkey Trot so you don't feel bad about pigging out tonight, or you act like a lazy person like myself and watch The Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit at the parade route or on television with cinnamon pumpkin waffles or pancakes and Santa to look forward to. Not gonna lie, I never understood why the mayor gives Santa the key to Detroit, but I kinda like it.
Then you spend the day cooking and setting up and feeling happy and thankful while the smell of turkey and pie fills the house. As your mouth waters, you count down the hours, minutes, seconds until you'll be able to take the first bite of succulent white or dark meat and mound of potatoes with volcanic gravy rushing to all of the peas and corn waiting in terror below. You finish helping upon helping of Thanksgiving yummy-ness and eagerly await the pumpkin pie and whipped cream you know will soon be on your plate. Some of you will sit and watch the Lions lose, or whoever your team is otherwise win, and you'll rub your belly until morning.
Then, some of you will go to sleep and set your alarms for some absurd time like three in the morning to go stand in long lines with cocoa and coffee. You'll run into packed stores and grab whatever you can reach because it has big yellow sign with "30% off" written on it. You'll stomp on feet and pull hair so you can reach the biggest discount. You'll have some fun, maybe, and be really happy with the $54 you saved. Congrats to you.
I'd now like to take a moment to say happy birthday to my uncle's younger wife. Happy birthday!
Now, I'd like to say that I am thankful for so much. Too much to list on a silly blog post, but don't worry, there's a lot.
I hope you have everything in the world to be thankful for! Have a happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading! Enjoy!
Right off the bat, you don't have school, or work. So automatically you're thankful for something. You sleep in, wake up, and either head down to Detroit to run the Turkey Trot so you don't feel bad about pigging out tonight, or you act like a lazy person like myself and watch The Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit at the parade route or on television with cinnamon pumpkin waffles or pancakes and Santa to look forward to. Not gonna lie, I never understood why the mayor gives Santa the key to Detroit, but I kinda like it.
Then you spend the day cooking and setting up and feeling happy and thankful while the smell of turkey and pie fills the house. As your mouth waters, you count down the hours, minutes, seconds until you'll be able to take the first bite of succulent white or dark meat and mound of potatoes with volcanic gravy rushing to all of the peas and corn waiting in terror below. You finish helping upon helping of Thanksgiving yummy-ness and eagerly await the pumpkin pie and whipped cream you know will soon be on your plate. Some of you will sit and watch the Lions lose, or whoever your team is otherwise win, and you'll rub your belly until morning.
Then, some of you will go to sleep and set your alarms for some absurd time like three in the morning to go stand in long lines with cocoa and coffee. You'll run into packed stores and grab whatever you can reach because it has big yellow sign with "30% off" written on it. You'll stomp on feet and pull hair so you can reach the biggest discount. You'll have some fun, maybe, and be really happy with the $54 you saved. Congrats to you.
I'd now like to take a moment to say happy birthday to my uncle's younger wife. Happy birthday!
Now, I'd like to say that I am thankful for so much. Too much to list on a silly blog post, but don't worry, there's a lot.
I hope you have everything in the world to be thankful for! Have a happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading! Enjoy!
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