Awkward Family Story

Awkward Family Story

I just saw this online, and died laughing.


This isn't a normal post...that will be happening later on today. But I figured I would share this with everyone =]. It gave me something to laugh at.

Today....is a great day.

So, before I post a poem...I need to talk about today.

For anyone who considers themselves even minutely connected to the world of Harry Potter is well aware of tonight's premiere. THIS will be an epic night....full of wins.
I will, of course, be stationed at a theater approximately two hours before the start of the film to get good seats. I bought my tickets over a week ago.

I am also wearing a striped rugby shirt, not unlike the Ravenclaw Quidditch jersey. AND carrying around my Harry Potter wand....it is an exact replica of the wand used in the films....yes...i know...you can laugh.

Basically, the day is going amazingly well and the weather is strangely nice too.
I am currently at work, sitting with Bekka. =] I was hitting her with a newspaper before, which was entertaining. Now she's staring at a pair of shoes and I'm typing this.

So, please enjoy today's poem.
After the poem I will give a brief explanation of the poem I posted last night.
This poem's description will appear tomorrow....please post your comments on what you feel it's meanings are til then.

The Meaning of the Moment

Mindless-

Indulging in the

Wasteful time

Leisure provides,

Ticking clocks

Show you no sympathy-

Longing for a drawn out

Sunrise,

Hoping the moon can retain

Its stay,

Wishing the setting sun wouldn't

Disappear behind the hills.

Our watches only move forward,

While we remain stagnant

In our thoughts.

_______________________________________________________________

Yesterday's poem was about the importance of perseverance and the motion to carry on. The woods are something we can all connect with as a notion of getting lost. This correlates to losing ourselves and having to find our way out of failure, sadness, a tough spot, etc. I have a thing for folklore, superstitions, legends, and myths so instead of working with simple shadows and darkness to be "upon my back" I chose Daevas. 

Daevas are actually Zoroastrian "wrong gods". They are false gods made of shadow who were accredited to the promotion of disorder and chaos.There is a list of Daevas who stand for multiple ways for devastation, but they all have the common goal- the fall of man. So, they serve as a weight and terror for humankind. The moral standpoint of the poem is to push past these immoralities and road blocks and to make the long journey into a place full of "light". Light being the absence of hardship.

The Weather Sucks

So, I have tons of stuff to do, but I wrote this today and it needs to go up.

 In The Mist

Without a saddle

I've ridden for too long,

The trail's dust ridden

And lined with dead

Crusted oaks-

I've lost my warmth

And my clothes are

Damp and worn.

Brown hat on top.

I can only trudge on,

Mocked by the Daevas

Casting their forms

Upon my back.

This mist wood will

Be my battle match,

But I've got a light to

Search for-

Perseverance will

Prevail.

PLEASE, let me know what you think. 

I have come up with a new idea...I'll post a poem...then the next time I post one I'll talk about what the last one's inner meaning was. What i'd like to happen is for my followers or anyone reading to leave me a comment and tell me your interpretation of what I wrote. I like when the creative juices are flowing. Hobey-ho.

And the posts keep on going!

I've still been dealing with a lot, but I'm really excited today. I'm attaching a poem to express how happy/anxious/crazy excited I am.

Gone Fishing

Before you filled my life

The sun set an hour faster.
The minutes went by-

I watched them

As they floated by

Down the creek.

Like skipping stones

I was living them with no care.

Never did I think about who 

Could cast a net to spend those minutes

With me.

Spend moment to moment

In a euphemistic state.

The sun sets an hour later.

Also, I'm not huge on Glee by any means.

AND- I'm not a fan of Katy Perry at all....at all.

But her song "Teenage Dream" was sung on Glee this past Monday and it was AWESOME.

I'm Posting it here for you all to see.

 

Let me know what you all think! And have a great weekend.

When the World Gets Turned Upside Down

I'm not perfect. I am clearly human, and I don't pretend to be exceptional. I am who I am. We all make mistakes, large and small, and working through those mistakes are what make us stronger people in the end. I'm not trying to sound philosophical either...that's just the truth.
I'm going to be optimistic.

Aviation

We’ve got our baggage,

Hoping the world can handle it

As we pass through the metal detector

And board the plane to our destiny.

Nothing stops us as we pass

People on the way to the waiting area,

Making acquaintances as the crowd rushes on.

The ticket taker is our favorite teacher from school

Moving us onto the path to our future.

Boarding that plane you’ll pass by the faces

Of those close to you.

Up front is your family-

Your parents in first class

And so forth back into the plane.

However,

You make your way to the cockpit-

Where you take the controls

And manage the course to the horizon-

With your true love beside you.

Keeping My Chin Up

A LOT has been going on, and I've developed a concurring headache which has been around for over two weeks. But all through it I've had support and perseverance.

Optimism

    When the night pulls in the day

The sun just hides a while,
It stops and vows to stay,
Making the dark worthwhile..

    The day may have been down,
    Been a total loss.
    But don't let your hopes drown,
    It's not a heavy stone to toss.

 -

It's short and sweet. 

How to Conquer All

I've been massively busy tis past month. A lot has been going on lately, but I've also done a lot of thinking.
When we get stressed and lose control when can never seem to keep ourselves grounded. I have realized that love can ground anyone. Whether it is a relationship, friends, or family, love can keep you sane in a tight situation. Hold tight to those you love, for they will always be there for you, even when the rest of the world seems to rest on your shoulders.

This one's is for you =]

I Love You

Most of the day

I sit and think,

Of ways to show you,

I love you.

The sunset down

Over the water's edge,

I hold your hand in mine because

I love you.

The stars above

A vacant lot,

They shine down because

I love you,

And those ducks

We feed on the bank,

Come near because they know

I love you.

The days turn to months

And months into years,

You're a piece of my whole and

I love you.

This Week In History

This week will probably go down in history as one of the craziest for college campuses.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by loss and tragedy on multiple college campuses. The loss of a loved one is never easy and the level of cruelty in this world is insane.

My birthday may have been on Tuesday but that's not what will be resonating in my mind about the past days. I've done a lot of thinking.

When we show our love for our friends, family, and love interests we should do so wholeheartedly. Never take them for granted because they could be gone in a blink of an eye.

As a student of Seton Hall University I am just shocked that we cannot stop things from happening at college. No one takes the value of human life seriously. No one realizes that every person you see means something deep to someone else. That, no matter what revenge you may take upon someone, you are also harming those who care about them. It is those loved ones you will have to deal with.

Something else I've noticed: this world has so much unnecessary hate that it is ridiculous. People should not have to be afraid of being who they are. Since when is the idea of privacy and respect so hard to understand?

Here are two poems I wrote today based off of these ideas:

 __________________________________________________________

Fireflight

When you shut those eyes

And close off the world

From harming your humanity,

The globe continues to spin.

They'll kick up ash

That sprouts fire

Breeding that darkness 'round you,

Til you just can't win.

Don't lose who you are

To the traps that bind you-

Holding your soul

Beneath the ground.

You are limitless

And skyward sent-

And the universe shall find you

Profound.

 

bEGOne

We are made whole.

Fill us with dreams-

Fill us with love-

Fill us with life-

You are no better than I.

When the world around us

Spits its poison

I hope you stand by my side,

For nature may show no prejudice,

It is the ego of humanity which decides

My fate.

__________________________________________________________

Articles to look at:

Seton Hall Incident

Pace University Incident

Rutgers Incident

University of Texas Incident

California Incident 

__________________________________________________________

Quote of the Day:

 “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

 Maria Robinson 

Posting a Poem to cover the weekend

My birthday is coming and I have a poem I want to post. I found it in an old notebook and want to post it up. Goes out to a special someone haha.

Sleep Well

Like the moon gone asunder,

Wolves scratch at the door

I'll lay here and hold you

Til they scratch no more.

Shadows stretching up the wall,

But I'll love you

Embrace you

And erase them all.

How do you think about situations?

I know we all approach issues differently. We all think in our own ways and deal with issues in our select styles. I've noticed that I am the kind of person who tends to act before thinking. I often let my other stresses cloud my judgment and lash out before ever thinking the situation over. It is a sucky way to be and I am definitely rethinking it. The last thing you want to do is allow emotions to over rule your reason. Emotions are valuable assets that can be super special to share. They are something that let's others know when you are really feeling something, whether it's excitement or even pain. Reason, however, is just as important. When we stand to reason we lay out the pros and cons of a situation in our minds. We don't allow our personal ideals and thoughts clog the interpersonal relationship with someone else. ..or at least we shouldn't.

The way we feel is unavoidable. The way we act on it is avoidable. Everyone has standards of living and hopes that those standards remain kept when in a friendship or a relationship. However, everyone is different in their ideals, and we should always reciprocate how someone lives their lives. You can only hope for so much reciprocation and then it turns to working things out. Everyone cares to an extent, but people want to live how they see is right for them. If you live oppositely then everything comes down to compromise.

If you cannot repspect one another for who they are then there is nothing you can do.

The middle ground is not always black and white, it's often painted grey. What you find uncomfortable may be a different idea for the other person. This is where compromise comes into play but it isn't always easy. You must be willing to take the other person's view into account. If you remain unmoving in your thoughts the other person will only become more and more stressed, thinking their views do not matter. Everything comes down to how willing you are to listen and sympathize--It's how a relationship lives. But, at the same time, you have to let the other person live their own life and make their own mistakes...within reason of course. If you are dead set against something, they should reciprocate. But if it is something grey, even if you feel it isn't good for them, let them make their own mistakes and they'll realize you trust them all at the same time. There is no use in freaking out when it isn't something detrimental. However, if it is something that you are known to be uncomfortable with, then they should know where the limits of your comfort-ability lines lie.

In the end it comes down to this: if you love some one or care about someone- don't be afraid to do so wholeheartedly. Sometimes, it's almost healthy to have a small wall up. If you give all of yourself too quickly then it makes it harder to learn more about that person as you grow together. Leaving a little mystery keeps things fresh and new. Don't doubt the other person and try as hard as you can to eventually let insecurities go...even if your past tends to make you think otherwise.

Things like ex's and your significant other being hit on by others...it shouldn't be an arduous process. As long as they make it clear cut with the person hitting on them that it's uncomfortable for them to say things like that because they are in a relationship then it's fine. If it comes to the point where it is very uncomfortable and just too much, they should just know that hanging out with them may not be the best idea. Same goes for you. Compromise is important and an large element of a relationship.

Just love with all you've got, trust with all you have, but be your own person too and they'll respect you that much more.

First of my Deep Posts- This is me

Sometimes life is just so confusing. We try to be the best we can be and we still find ourselves slipping. No matter what happens we can only stand up and continue on no matter if it hurts to do so. There are times in life when giving up seems to be an easy way out, but consequences will occur no matter what choice is made. Those in our lives always have an idea of how you should be, which tends to be slightly different from reality. No matter what, it is best to be true to yourself and those you love.

I want to address my life from an outsider's perspective-I know this is a different kind of blog than usual but it is necessary. I am an open book and I've always been honest about who I am. Writing things down helps me realize just exactly who I am and come to a conclusion on what I can do better and what are my strong points. I am utterly faithful to my friends, family, and relationships. We can always get into arguments but I am always honest in an argument and will back myself up. I can be self-criticizing to end an argument and give myself the blame for the sake of disagreeing. I tend to put relationships as first priority along side school which actually benefit each other. If I fall for you, I fall hard. If you hurt me, I hurt pretty deep. I often use past experiences in my life to judge how I react to things now, but I'm trying to change that. I can say that I am not someone who is a pass up. I do think I have something to offer and that I can love unconditionally- which I do now. When I'm in a relationship I'm in it for the long haul. I am often naive and can be ignorant to some things but I am generally a happy person. I always look to the positives even when it's hard to see it. My personality is complex- I think to myself A LOT, and think I'm always right, as we all do. I am who I am and I can be spontaneous, loud, exciting, but worrisome. I am always thinking about my morals and how important to me my relationships are. I am very opinionated and hold my ground in conversations. I love attention, and I can become emotionally invested in another person- which also means I'm easily broken. I have a good head on my shoulders and know what I want out of life, even if it takes me a while to get there. I'm tend to be the life of the party and like to show everyone a good time while still thinking about everything semi-logically. I've been broken, I've been down, but I am myself now because of it. I have changed a lot- my friends could tell you how I used to be "just another asshole" and at one point-lost inside myself. I may be the kind of person who needs someone now, but it's who I am and I'm happy with who I've become.

What I need YOU to know is that I love you. You know who you are. I give you 100% of me and nothing less. You are everything I could have hoped for and more-we could fight or anything and I'd never feel any less. It's hard to fight with you of course but I am so willing to work it all out which I think is a decent quality. You have made me realize how happy I can be.

To everyone who has ever been or is close to me- I truly thank you for making me who I am because of you all. Without knowing you I would still be a lost middle school kid who is afraid of being left out.

My life is measured in the people who move me along the way. I tend to think that my aspirations, while still being mine, are never possible without others being a part of my life.

I've been through a lot of loss, gain, and unmoving ground in life- but I wouldn't ask for it to be different.

This is the first of my deeper posts. I hope you enjoyed it.

Taking the Heat

Sometimes, don't you just feel like the heat outside is burning through you rather than onto your skin? The humidity seems to seep inside you and cook you like a microwave. Walking outside of your house has you sweating in just seconds and you feel like you need to change your clothes. Make sure you keep hydrated and wear loose, light colored clothing. the thing is, your body is already warm inside and your body is releasing sweat to maintain body temperature and not overheat. You need to replenish the lost water or you'll dehydrate and get dizzy. Continue this and you could pass out from exhaustion.

A good way to test and see if you are dehydrated is by pulling on the skin on the back of your hand. If it quickly snaps back and becomes smooth you are fine. If it moves slowly or not at all then you are dehydrated and should drink a glass or two of water. The lack of the total of needed water allows your skin to become less elastic. Eight glasses a day is the recommended amount of healthy water intake.

 I'm thirsty now. Haha.

Stressing-Out the Options

When you take hard classes, have detrimental things happen in life, or just have a lot on your shoulders you'll be under stress. Everyone feels it...and you know exactly what I mean.

• You don't want to get out of bed
• You smack the alarm and sleep in late
• Rush because you don't want to be late for school
• Get to class and realize you wish you were able to not be there
• Skip lunch cuz you're too busy
• Hoping you can sleep when you get back but realizing you have meetings to go to and homework to do
• You procrastinate hard core
• Rush to finish everything
• Fall asleep at 2 or 3 to get up at 8
• Cycle begins again
• Now add friends, family, grades, clubs, sports, relationships, etc. And you're ready to explode.

Stress is what becomes the open door to falling into a pit that you have to drag yourself out of. So do something to de-stress! Get up and feel good!

1. Go for a run
2. Write your feelings on paper
3. Watch a funny video
4. Read something you're interested in
5. Always eat breakfast
6. Eat little and often to prevent glucose swings
7. Drink lots of water
8. Limit alcohol intake and caffine intake
9. Punch a pillow
10. Play some music and dance around
11. Have positive people around you
12. ETC....

Let me know what you think is a good way to destress! =]

Makeshift Roof

So, I just guest starred in my friend Amanda's video blog of the day and decided to go on the subject of living on your own. College can end up being a scary or amazing place of opportunity. It is what you make of it.

When you want to live on your own there are definitely things to consider.

1. Make sure those you surround yourself with are compatible in a living situation. (Can't stand them? Are they not trustworthy? Then they probably wont make good roommates.)
2. Realize that money WILL be spent. Even with living situations where the payment is through the school's tuition. Groceries, extras to fill up the apartment space, etc. add up. Make sure you manage money well. (If you have your car you'll also need to pay for gas.)
3. Cooking will become a large part of daily life- so read up.

College is the time of our lives. To experience everything, to learn as much as possible, to be out on our own and become adults. We can begin to grow up into the mature people we always looked up to wen we were younger.

Quote of the Day:

“Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves... for growing up.”

         - The Wonder Years

Article of the Day:
Great article on dorm life!
Living with a Roomate.

Liquid Life

I do a lot of deep thinking on my own time and just contemplate simple and ordinary things that are extraordinary. I've been thinking about the concept and idea of water. It is not only one of the Earth's most precious resources but it is the basis of all living things. Water is important to sustain life and is quickly depleting. Conservation is very important.

Water conservation is a huge project that can be only taken on by everyone collectively.

The ocean has always been one of my favorite places to be. When I was in high school I would sit by the water with a friend, or even alone, and just look out on the horizon and just think about absolutely nothing. Usually I would do this at sunset or night time when the Seaside Pier lights would illuminate the lower beaches. The only noise would be the slow breaking of waves upon the sand as the darkening horizon line would become dotted with tips of sails.

It wasn't hard to feel like my surroundings were somehow part of me. I would become thrashed around in the currents of my mind, just allowing the sounds, smells, and air to fill me up. It is just genuinely peaceful and is quite the element to immerse yourself with in.

I think about how untamed and free the ocean really is. How it's a constant motion for power and dominance of the Earth. How everything within it is a constant battle for life and peace. Everything is a motion for survival. Swirling storms ravage the constant flow of life and the sea is never sleeping.

The next time you see a sunset, jump in the pool, travel to the beach, or even drink a glass of water...think about how much life really resides within that water. How it represents everything we are made of and centralize around. Without water, nothing would be possible. Ever. It's conservation should one of the top priorities of the global community. We can help the sea and fresh water areas across the world remain clean, protected, and full of life, just like it does for us. Our debt to the planet is endless.

Quote of the Day: 

Water is life’s mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.

— Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

 Article of the Day:

Today I am posting an entire website that really sparks interest. Take a look at Water Life.

Ok So I Haven't Been On...

Hey guys, I'm really sorry to my readers for disappearing. Things have been getting really busy around here. I move into school in TWO DAYS. Junior year - here we go. I want to put up three great posts this week (today, tomorrow, and wed) to celebrate the beginning of a great school year. What better way to start it off than with Super people.

Superhuman

Every day people watch movies. We've all done it. We've all also thought about what life would belike if we were to live in the shoes of one of our favorite characters. What about characters like: comic book heroes and superhuman individuals? They don't really exist right? Wrong. 

Real live super humans may not have the full extensive list of abilities that you see in the movies, but they are definitely more advanced then we are.

Daniel Tammit- The Human Computer: Super Memory

Daniel is a high-functioning savant from Britain who has a gift of memory and speedy learning. He was born with epilepsy and experiences Synesthesia. Synesthesia is the experiencing of numbers as colors or sensations, but Daniel's is a bit more extensive. In Daniel's mind every number up to 10,000 has is own shape and feel and that calculations result in unique landscapes that he can see visually. He can also "sense" whether a number is prime or composite. He has described the number 289 as ugly, 333 as particularly attractive, and Pi as beautiful. He has also not only described the experiences with numbers but has painted them as well. 

He can count up to 22,514 digits of Pi in just over 5 hours. He can speak in various languages: English, French, Finnish, German, Spanish, Lithuanian, Romanian, Estonian, Icelandic, Welsh and Esperanto. He not only learns languages quickly but he is creating his own language called Manti. He was challenged to learn Icelandic in a week and appeared on television speaking the language at the end of the week. His Icelandic instructor said that it was "not human".

Ben Underwood- Human Sonar Vision

Ben Underwood had cancer behind his eyes at the age of three. There was no alternative to removing them. However, years after the surgery, Ben still rides a bike, plays basketball, roller blades, and lives an average teen life. How is this possible? Ben taught himself echo location to navigate around his surroundings. He doesn't need a guide dog, or even use his hands: he uses sound. Ben creates a short click sound from his mouth that bounces back from objects and resonates in his ears and allows him to judge the distance of those objects. He is the only person in the world that works like bats, sonar machines, and dolphins. 

Daniel Browning Smith- The Rubberboy

Have you ever seen the Fantastic Four? If you have you would know about Mr. Fantastic who can stretch his body around entire buildings. Daniel may not be able to go that far but he can contort and pop his joints to the point where he moves like rubber. When he was young and played hide-and-go-seek his brother would hide him in the sock drawer- and would win every time. He is a Five Time Guiness Record Holder and can dislocate his arms to fit through a tennis racket. 

Liew Thow Lin- Magnetic Man "Magneto"

In the films Magneto is capable of not only being magnetic but can manipulate anything made of metal around him with his mind. Mr. Lin cannot manipulate metal but it sure does stick to him. He is a 70-year-old retired contractor from Malaysia who is noted for pulling a car twenty meters along a flat surface by an iron chain hooked to an iron plate placed on his midriff. The way he found his ability was a funny coincidence. He had read about a Taiwanese family who possess the same ability and decided to place several iron objects on his abdomen. To his surprise, they all stuck. The "gift" is known to be hereditary since three of his sons and two of his grandchildren also have the ability.

These amazing feats are nothing short of amazing! To think that real live super humans DO live among us is promising. Is it the turning on or off of certain genes? Can we someday turn off genes that can eventually cause us harm, or turn on genes that help us to adapt? There are many others I did not name here but I will list for you in case you are interested.

Rathakrishnan Velu- Mega Teeth

Michel Lotito- Mister Eat-it-all

Thai Ngoc- The Man Who Doesn't Sleep

Tim Cridland- The Torture King

Kevin Richardson- The Lion Whisperer

Claudio Pinto- The Eye-Popping Man

Wim Hof- Ice Man

Rajmohan Nair- Electro Man

Scott Flansburg- The Human Calculator

Dennis Rogers- Super Strength

Derek Paravicin- Music Recorder

Jyothi Rai- Spiderman

Tom Owen- The Human Speed Bump

John Ferraro- Iron Skull

Kenny Muhammad- The Human Orchestra

Bob Munden- Speedslinger (Fastest Gunslinger on Earth)

Timo Kaukonen- The Human Torch

Darren Taylor- "Professor Splash"
Fran Capo- Fastest Speaker (over 650 words a minute)

Quote of the Day:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

Article of the Day:

Mind Over Matter? Or Superhuman?

What's in A Nightmare?

I am a horror movie fanatic and nightmares no longer scare me. However, real life seems to have me on edge constantly. Fear is a basic survival response from within all cognitive animals. It exists to keep the subject aware and alert to keep themselves safe. This is known as the fight or flight technique. Fear is our initial warning sign to a potential danger and then we make the choice to stay and fight or run away. What horror films and practical jokes do as a group is widen the amount of reactants our bodies will show fear for. So, instead of reacting to large animals of prey we begin to show the same fight or flight notions towards dark alleys, the area under our beds, cornfields, and foreign hotels.

Another issue that seems to be prevalent from nightmares are known as Recurring Nightmares. These nightmares are experienced nightly over a period of time. They have been known to occur as long as a number of years. These often indicate an ongoing issue not thought about during the day, or new issues that are similar or related to a past issue.

We can't normally control nightmares unless you have mastered the art of lucid dreams. They aren't going anywhere and you can bet that the list of things you'll be scared of in them can get longer. Depending on what you choose to watch or don't watch, do or don't do, can alter what you are prone to react to. There's nothing like a good scare =].

So let me know, what is your biggest fear? What was your worst nightmare? Have you ever had recurring dreams or recurring nightmares?

Quote of The Day:

Article of the Day:

Understanding Fear

Poem Post

I am on the run today, so I'm doing a poetry post. Let me know what you think and don't forget to choose an answer in the poll. It IS one of the love poems I have written in the past...high school. But I figured I'd re-post it for the fun of it.

Living Dreamscape



Like the first winter’s snow
You’re one of the last perfect things
This world seems to have to offer.

Pins shoved into me
And you help me pull them out,
Bricks strapped to my feet
And you cut me loose.

Nothing set in stone,
Still molding the friendship
Like an incomplete project,
But finding the supplies running thin.


Deepen the reason,
Build on the want,
Skating on thin ice
And we steer each other from the cracks.


Not the obvious love,
But only dreams can tell
Who can produce such a key
And break the shackles I bear.


Hold you while you cry
While I sob on my grief,
And together we withstand
The prolonging sunrise.

Leave me a comment about love in your life.
Who do you love? Who is close to you? Who do you care about?

Quote of the Day:

 “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” - Mother Theresa

Article of the Day:

MARRIED 83 YEARS

Nice to Meet You, Not

When you make a friend, an acquaintance, an enemy, or a love interest, it all starts at the first impression. I believe that first impressions are the most important part of meeting another person. What goes through your mind when meeting someone...the way they look? how they act? how they look at you?

People are always worried about being judged and about being perceived differently when met for the first time. What do we do? Should we act differently? Should we conform to how the other person may want us to seem? We are always hoping everyone accepts us for all that we are, faults and all. But at the same time we are aware there is a common way to act in front of a new person. We are to be friendly, upfront, and honest. However, most of the time honesty doesn't always sine through, but we still keep that hope that we are being loved for everything we represent.

I believe that a lot of how others see us comes from how we see ourselves. We cannot hope for others to like us if we do not like ourselves. Our personal lives with ourselves needs a base before we can ever hope to be loved by others. The outside world can always tell how we really are inside, because we unknowingly broadcast it. We provoke how we are ultimately treated by the outside world.

What do you think?

Balance of the Signs

Do you follow your daily horoscope? Believe that the planets over rule your daily routine or even your future? I was talking with a friend about the subject and decided that there needed to be a time where astrology started. Someone couldn't just choose a day of the year and smack a personality type on it, could they? And everything always seems to fit the individual on the dot...how is that even possible?

I decided to do the history work so you don't have to.

Astrology was actually the first science. Since then others have obviously formed (chemistry, biology, ect.) and astrology has been upstaged by astronomy and set to the side. It originated before almost all great civilizations including the Chinese dynasties which are known for their reputable zodiac. Astrology actually is traced back even past the times of Christ and planted around Aristotle and possibly the Greek empire. The date is roughly 2900 BC when the Sumerians built pyramid temples to study the stars. By 2000 BC the magi of Mesopotamia believed there were no such things as accidents and that the universe itself along with everything in it had direct influence on what occurred on Earth. The positions of stars and planets were thought to have and effect on every person and even the Earth itself. By the 1600s astrology had been taught in universities as the science of choice but suddenly the "rational" sciences began to emerge and push astrology aside. Instead of listening to the heart beats of animals, watching weather patterns for omens, and watching the motion on planets and stars, people began to open up formulas and unlocking some of the most convincing findings ever. However, even though astrology is often regarded as myth many people look to it as a personality guide and daily advocate.

Interesting fact: The reason the first sign of the zodiac Aries begins on March 21st and ends on April 20th is because originally December 25 began the new year and not January 1st. After the Conquest of the Normans, the first day of the year was moved to March 21 and remained that way until 1752. Aries was placed at the beginning of the year, which was marked by the spring equinox. So actually, if you ARE an Aries or Pisces which are on the ends of the signs and belong to the "cusp" of the year, there is a chance you could have either sign. Due to the misinterpretation of the year, you would need to know the exact latitude and longitude of your planet on your birthday to know exactly what your sign is.

What is your sign? And do you fit the characteristics of your birthday personality? Let me know what you think and PLEASE COMMENT. How much weight can we really give the accuracy of astrology?

There is even a study of Colorstrology which gives each birthday a color and matches it to a personality.
Check it out! Colorstrology It is eerily dead on.

Quote of the Day:

Astrology is one of the earliest attempts made by man to find the order hidden behind or within the confusing and apparent chaos that exists in the world.  ~Karen Hamaker-Zondag

 Article of the Day:

Check this out!

Two Springs 

Holding off from "Kicking the Bucket"

The end of each of our lives is something we all try to push off as long as we can, but there are things many people hope to do before this inevitable time arrives. Any way you look at it, it is part of a bucket list. This list can be written, spoken, or mental and is just an idea of things you'd hope to accomplish while you still can. It can be filled with shows you'd like to see, places to visit, things to see, something you want to tell someone, anything at all. As you go you can even continue to add more as the accomplished ones get checked off.

We'd all love to travel to Egypt and run a marathon, right after skydiving and riding the back of a dolphin; but all of these things are part of a bucket list for a reason. Before any of these dreams can be achieved you have to plan it out. Nothing comes spur of the moment unless you have a spare plane or dolphin hanging around. Make sure you have the funds to support each list item and find the correct time to approach them. I don't suggest running away to the rain forest in the middle of your fall semester. Everything takes a little bit of background work and preparation to make sure it all runs smoothly. Another tip is: don't act like it all has to be completed by next week. You have your time, don't go off and be an adventure film character, there's just some things us "non-movie-stars" can't do. So to show the idea of a bucket list, I will share part of mine. It includes some finished items and some still left to be done. Note: this is not all I have on the list.

• Go on a cruise
• Travel a long distance without my family
• Go to Ireland
• Go to Italy and the UK
• Write a book
• Dive off a cliff higher than 15 feet
• Visit the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam
• Visit California
• Visit Spain
• Disney World
• Go to Australia/New Zealand
• Visit China
• Swim with sharks and dolphins at least once each
• Get an internship
• Rock Climb
• Live off campus
• Be a big brother
• Own my own home
• Experience the northern lights
• Scuba Dive
• Advocate against bullying
• ....and the list continues

So, for my readers, please comment me and let me know what types of things you have on your bucket list, even if it isn't a formal list. Tell me things you want to accomplish in life and things you want to experience. Maybe we can all help each other out in completing them.

Quote of the Day:

Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. Doug Larson

Article of the Day:

Try out this article! Might give you some inspiration.
What's on your bucket list?

So, I've been debating on what should be posted today. I thought about it all night at work and threw around some choices. What I have finally settled on is the first of some choice poetry entries. I wont be posting everything I have and what I do post is my work that is unaltered and 100% from me.
This one was said to be the best one I had written at the time. I wrote it to show an image of rebirth. A kind of, peeling away the old you and making something brand new out of yourself. Changing for the better and giving yourself a clean slate to work with.

Reborn


Two A.M. and the sun is still setting,
Streaked red
While singing blue ribbons,
Punctured with gold in its corners.

Ashes to dust in the wind
As we blow away with our confessions,
While we are let down
Blaming no one but ourselves.


Pale decisions
Becoming nothing more than atrophic
As shivering bones
Hit the wall.

The moon strikes the hour of six
And we are the phoenix
Of our undying birthday. 

Let me know what you think. Comment and give me some criticism. I really can get either attached or detached from my work. This was one I got really attached to.

Quote of the Day:

 He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.  

                                      ~Raymond Hull 

Article of the Day: 

Good article on reinventing yourself.

This Is Your Life, Take Two 

The Spin of Chance

How lucky do you think you are?
Going to try your hand on the lottery?
Choose a few choice numbers on the 12 o'clock win ball?
How much does chance play in life?
Or is everything decided upon fate, biological clicks that push you to an ultimate end...

Many obstacles we face cause us to step up to the moment and use our talents to press on in our lives, endeavors, and daily routines. Every person that lives is granted with the promise of a future, how much of that is attributed to luck in the end is up to the individual's opinion.

We can get rich, find true love, become famous, live comfortably, end up in a box, in constant debt, etc. Are all of these attributed to drive and just utter failure? Or, does luck cause us to accidentally trip up or mysteriously succeed?

We are all susceptible to outside influences and the movements and choices of others can cause our personal projected paths can become altered. If we meet the right person, or are offered opportunities, are we blessed with luck or is it a notion of fate and who we are meant to be? Or is it something completely different like a part of our biology. Superstitions and taboos are implemented to push us or deter us from our normal way of life. It seems to be more questionable than factual. So I ask for opinions.

Let me know what you think.

Quote of the Day:

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”                                                 -(Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD)

 Article of the Day:
8 Lottery Winners Lose it All

College or Creation

The topic I pull up today does not reflect upon myself or anyone I know, it is just food for thought.

The idea today is: is college always necessary? How hard is it to make a name for yourself and generate a usable income?

Everyone speaks about college as being not only necessary but an imperative piece of becoming who you are. There is no doubt that college helps propel people into their desired majors and assists them in a good pay, but what happens to those who make it big and get famous without attending college or even dropping out of high school.
Richard Branson dropped out of school at the age of 16 to start a magazine by the name of Student Magazine. He would grow not only to own the Virgin brand but the 360 companies under Virgin as well. He is a success story that people can only dream about, but success without schooling happens more often than people think. People inventing, becoming entrepreneurs, investing, and making a name for themselves regardless of their disadvantage by not going to college.

Now, I am very well aware of the importance of an education, and the opportunities that it brings to each individual but I only like to speculate what the chances are to make a name for yourself without that $170,000 debt.
Leave me a comment, and let me know what you think about self propulsion into a good looking future. Is it possible to make it without college or even high school in instances? Or are we all destined to break it without that base of an education. Also, let me know what you'd like to see me write about in the future. The readers deserve the input.

Quote of the Day:

He who begins many things, finishes but few" - German Proverb

Article of the Day:

Take a look at some of these self made people. Some of them may surprise you.
15 Success Stories  

Big Brother Boom

While everyone else drools over vampire fangs, free falling prizes, 16 year old moms, talents from across America, and bachelors looking for love in all the wrong places, Big Brother 12 proves to be just as good as ever.

The season went off without a hitch and the house guests were ready for war. I can truly say I am hooked on this show, even though reality shows are obviously taking over television. It is one of the first times watching I cannot choose someone who I hope to see win 100%. I definitely know which guests I do not like and which are true players; however I cannot decide which house guest I feel deserves to win in the end.
The games have been tough so far, Rachel and Brenden seemingly have total control over the house. They are finally meeting their match with the rest of the house this week and have an extremely high percentage of going home.
Everyone is in it for themselves, and at the end of the day an alliance will only get you so far. Like in Survivor, alliances are great until the person you are with either finds a better alliance or plays the majority to keep themselves alive.
The theme this year is revolving around a Cabana relaxation and the twist is an obnoxious Saboteur. Unfortunately the saboteur was kicked out the first week, but luckily there is a chance for a new one.
 
If you were on the show, how would your game play be? Would you be up front an honest with everyone? Set up a "showmance"? Make an alliance and then back-stab your partner when the time comes? Leave me a comment and let me know, even if you don't watch the show. If you do watch the show, let me know if you have an idea of who you'd like to see win.

Quote of the Day:

I am so gonna miss sitting in the backyard talking with you about how high waisted Kristen's pants are and how skanky Rachel's dressing everyday and how annoying her laugh is and all the thing's we could do with her hair extensions. - Britney Haynes BB12

 Article of the Day:
  This article is good for anyone who was hoping to see a good cast member being voted back into the house.
First Three, No Sequester 

Bullying Goes Full Circle

Today's post is about a topic that is really important to me.

Throughout the my years I have experienced a lot of ups and downs. When I was in elementary school I had a lot of friends because when everyone is that young no one knows the idea of dislike. We were all friends and just wanted to have a good time being young and naive.

When I went into middle school there were a lot more kids to interact with and I became quiet. I still played soccer, which I love, and for some reason it didn't open me up while I w in school. Due to my quietness I was picked on. Kids would ignore me, call me names, I got punched in the stomach once by a kid on the bus, and my group of friends changed dramatically. I'd be called gay and other derogatory words behind my back, which I of course either overheard or someone made a point to let me know about. When I was in eighth grade I had a small group of friends, all girls, and kept to them and myself. I also went through a lot in middle school, lost 5 different people within my family, four people on my street, and no one asked how I was or seemed to even try to care. No one listened, they only wanted to look cool at my expense.

When high school came around I had the option to switch to private school. I chose catholic school to get away from the same torment to reach me in my town's public school. When I got there I radically changed myself. I became extra open, not afraid to be myself, and willing to be friends with anyone and everyone. However, as much as I loved soccer, I was slowly losing my passion for it. Due to middle school, I was almost afraid to try and talk to the other players and try to become friends. Even so, I made a lot of friends and broke away from my old self, and by junior year I was mildly popular in my own right. Not enough to be called a huge drinker or show up to parties that didn't matter. But I did have a lot of friends.

As a senior in high school I began leading the school's retreats and realized I wanted to include anti-bullying into the mix. I talked with teachers about a show I saw on television "If you really knew me" and had Challenge Day send me a free DVD. Alongside a few teachers we switched the theme of the freshman retreat and made it anti-bullying and implemented one of the activities they do "Cross The Line" but instead call it "Stand Up If". I am happy to say that three years post-graduation it is still being used.
Luckily college doesn't really run on cliques. Everyone seems to finally grow up.

If there are any younger kids that happen to stumble upon this post know something. Bullying doesn't make you cool, make you fit in better, or make you powerful like you think it does. What it does do however is hurt people, make them feel less than themselves, and afraid of the place where they make friends and learn. The things that are said to students can stick with them for the rest of their lives no matter how they end up. They could end up the luckiest people in the world with friends from everywhere and back, but they will never forget what you said or did. You are an impact, and you should decide whether you'd like to be a good or bad one.

For more information on Challenge Day visit the Challenge Day site. Maybe they can help inspire your school. And don't miss "If you really knew me" Tuesdays at 11pm on MTV.

Quote of the Day:

Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.
Benjamin Disraeli

 Article of the Day:

This article is REALLY interesting and also ridiculously sad.
Immagrant Student Gets Harassed.