Today, Katri and I drove to Michaels to pick up supplies to make posters and tshirts for the TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT zomg. Anyway, not the point. The point is that today is Halloween. We drove through West U, and we saw lots of trick-or-treaters. There were little kids dressed up as pumpkins, cats, princesses, witches, and everything imaginable. It made me really miss being a kid, being able to put on a new identity for a night and eat as much candy as my parents would allow. Kids are so careless on Halloween. Why should they have worries? It's basically the perfect night. But there comes a point when you're too old for that kind of thing. Unfortunately, that time has come. This is the first year I haven't done anything for Halloween, haven't had a costume. I feel like childhood has completely ended now. But I have to remind myself that it hasn't. I can always be a kid at heart, right?...
I wish I'd never grown up. <3
I've heard that it's possible to grow up - I've just never met anyone who's actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don't go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope...
Meredith Grey
Monday, October 31, 2011
Day thirty-two: Making History
This brought tears to my eyes. I'm so proud of you guys. Y'all have worked so hard, not only this year, but for many, many years, to get to this point. Knock 'em dead at State. :)
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.
G.B. Shaw, Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.
G.B. Shaw, Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893
Day thirty-one: Magic
As you all know, these are two things I love: Harry Potter and Taylor Swift. I never thought about combining them. Until recently. One of my favorite songs on the Speak Now CD is called Long Live. It's about Taylor's connection with her fans and everything that her fans have given her. It can also be interpreted as a graduation song of sorts, which is how I thought of it when I first heard it. Honestly, it's hard to get through that song without tearing up a little. One, I love Taylor because she's living her dream, and this song just really shows how happy she is that all of her wildest dreams have come true. I can live vicariously through her. :D Two, well...graduation. I miss my high school friends, I miss fighting dragons with y'all. But anyway, this was about Harry Potter...
I've been addicted to tumblr lately, and I found some things that COMBINED Long Live and Harry Potter. Now why didn't I think of that? That song could sum up the midnight showing of the last movie. It sums up my childhood. It sums up the whole Harry Potter story. When I saw these, I got teary eyed again. GOSH DARN IT! I will always be teary eyed. Harry was my childhood. But even though the movie will come out on DVD soon and it will officially be over, I'll always have Harry within me. Long live Harry Potter.
It was the end of a decade
but the start of an age
(sorry, I couldn't get them to upload onto the blog. Hope you can see them!)
Long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming long live all the magic we made
And bring on all the pretenders
One day we will be remembered
~Taylor Swift
I've been addicted to tumblr lately, and I found some things that COMBINED Long Live and Harry Potter. Now why didn't I think of that? That song could sum up the midnight showing of the last movie. It sums up my childhood. It sums up the whole Harry Potter story. When I saw these, I got teary eyed again. GOSH DARN IT! I will always be teary eyed. Harry was my childhood. But even though the movie will come out on DVD soon and it will officially be over, I'll always have Harry within me. Long live Harry Potter.
It was the end of a decade
but the start of an age
(sorry, I couldn't get them to upload onto the blog. Hope you can see them!)
Long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming long live all the magic we made
And bring on all the pretenders
One day we will be remembered
~Taylor Swift
Day thirty: Oh my my my
I just have to post this because one, it's an adorable song, and two, the little girl in the video is adorable. She was in another "music video" featuring a TSwift song. Her dedicated father made a video of her and her friend to Today was a Fairytale, which was adorable!!! This one is great too. It's a beautiful story. :)
When I'll be 87 you'll be 89
I'll still look at you like the stars that shine
In the sky, oh, my, my, my.
Taylor Swift
When I'll be 87 you'll be 89
I'll still look at you like the stars that shine
In the sky, oh, my, my, my.
Taylor Swift
Day twenty-nine: The Best Day
I didn't know if you knew, but I'm taking this chance to say, that I had the best day with you today. <3
Day twenty-eight: Never
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to do this. Honestly, the last couple of weeks have been so incredibly crazy and insane, I just didn't have the time. It started to pile up and I started to *gasp* dread blogging. I don't like that. So I'm going to try to keep up with it from now on. Unfortunately, most of my catch up posts will be just random things, and not necessarily about my life. Sorry. I never promised I'd blog about my life every day. Basically, I think I'll just talk about some beautiful people, or events, or pictures, or anything I happen to find in the next few hours. :)
First off is someone that I've wanted to post about for a while, but haven't done it yet. This person is a true hero. She's the definition of determination and fearlessness. She experienced a horrible trauma in her life, and instead of letting it define her life, she overcame it, becoming an even better person in the process. Her name is Bethany Hamilton, and she is my hero.
On Halloween eight years ago, Bethany went out for a normal day of surfing, not knowing that that day would forever change her life. She was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark and lost her arm. She was only thirteen. Less than a month later, just in time for Thanksgiving, she got right back in the water and started surfing again. She was determined to become a pro surfer, even with just one arm. In one of my favorite interviews, when asked if she thought she would ever surf again, she responded, "Think? I know." A year after the shark attack, she won her first surfing National Title. She's now a pro surfer, an inspiration, heck, she was a movie! I follow her on Twitter and Facebook, and she posted pictures of some kids who wanted to dress up as her for Halloween. Bethany has been my hero since I read her biography, oh... probably in middle school? She's an inspiration, and I hope she just keeps living her dream.
If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.
Samuel Johnson
First off is someone that I've wanted to post about for a while, but haven't done it yet. This person is a true hero. She's the definition of determination and fearlessness. She experienced a horrible trauma in her life, and instead of letting it define her life, she overcame it, becoming an even better person in the process. Her name is Bethany Hamilton, and she is my hero.
On Halloween eight years ago, Bethany went out for a normal day of surfing, not knowing that that day would forever change her life. She was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark and lost her arm. She was only thirteen. Less than a month later, just in time for Thanksgiving, she got right back in the water and started surfing again. She was determined to become a pro surfer, even with just one arm. In one of my favorite interviews, when asked if she thought she would ever surf again, she responded, "Think? I know." A year after the shark attack, she won her first surfing National Title. She's now a pro surfer, an inspiration, heck, she was a movie! I follow her on Twitter and Facebook, and she posted pictures of some kids who wanted to dress up as her for Halloween. Bethany has been my hero since I read her biography, oh... probably in middle school? She's an inspiration, and I hope she just keeps living her dream.
If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.
Samuel Johnson
Day twenty-seven: Homecoming
This is one of those posts where no words are needed but these:
grab a box of tissues
grab a box of tissues
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Day twenty-six: Insanity?
Am I too crazy? Tell me. I spent a good majority of today repeatedly entering to win backstage passes to meet Taylor Swift. I didn't get as much done as I wanted to, but I have a very good chance of meeting her with the number of times I've entered this silly contest (well, I don't think it's so silly). I just think it would be SO COOL to meet Taylor Swift. She's just adorable, and I want to personally thank her for being so awesome. So, maybe I am crazy. Go ahead. Call me crazy. I don't care. Cause someday, I'll be livin in a big ol' city. And all you're ever gonna be is mean. :D It'll pay off when I get to meet her. You'll be getting a post from me (probably Friday cause I won't have time to blog hahaha) about how I met Taylor and how amazing she is. JUST WAIT. Positive thinking. :)
I did watch a whole bunch of her videos today. She made a shout out to me! Hahah not really but it was still cool. And I watched her reaction to getting nominated for CMA's entertainer of the year. It was adorable! Rock on, Taylor. Rock on. :)
Fans are my favorite thing in the world. I've never been the type of artist who has that line drawn between their friends and their fans. The line's always been really blurred for me. I'll hang out with them after the show. I'll hang out with them before the show. If I see them in the mall, I'll stand there and talk to them for 10 minutes.
Taylor Swift
I did watch a whole bunch of her videos today. She made a shout out to me! Hahah not really but it was still cool. And I watched her reaction to getting nominated for CMA's entertainer of the year. It was adorable! Rock on, Taylor. Rock on. :)
Fans are my favorite thing in the world. I've never been the type of artist who has that line drawn between their friends and their fans. The line's always been really blurred for me. I'll hang out with them after the show. I'll hang out with them before the show. If I see them in the mall, I'll stand there and talk to them for 10 minutes.
Taylor Swift
Day twenty-five: Make New Friends, but Keep the Old
Today was WONDERFULLLLLL because I got to see my friends from NSU, Christina and Elliott! It was wonderful catching up with them and I'm glad that I was able to provide them with a place to stay for the night. Cause what are friends for? :D It's really cool that even though we're far apart from each other now, we can still stay in touch. Friendships are wonderful things like that. Once you have a bond with a person, it takes a lot for it to disappear. That's something I observed this summer. I got to hang out with all of my friends from high school, and it was wonderful. :) Even though we had all been apart for a year, having a blast at college and building new lives, we were able to come back together. We even had a bible study. It was definitely a great part of the summer.
Sorry this is short. It's been a busy and hectic weekend (and it's going to be a hectic and AMAZING week too!) and there's almost too much to write about. I have to contain myself otherwise I'll spend way too long on this. :D
A circle's round, it has no end. That's how long I want to be your friend. :)
Girl Scout Song
Sorry this is short. It's been a busy and hectic weekend (and it's going to be a hectic and AMAZING week too!) and there's almost too much to write about. I have to contain myself otherwise I'll spend way too long on this. :D
A circle's round, it has no end. That's how long I want to be your friend. :)
Girl Scout Song
Friday, October 21, 2011
Day twenty-four: Improvement
I have quidditch practice on Tuesdays and Fridays. I love quidditch. It's amazing. But I wasn't very good at it to begin with. It's been a while since I've done any serious running, and so I was really out of shape. But it's been a couple of weeks, and even though I still suck at running, I'm getting better! We've been playing this snitch game where everyone has a sock in the back of their pants and everyone has to try to pull the sock out off of everyone. When we first started playing last week, I was always the last one out. But today when we played, two times in a row, I was the second to last!!! It made me so proud. :) And when we played actual quidditch today, I did pretty well! I scored more goals than I can remember, and I had a great time with some great plays! I think the biggest thing that's helping me is confidence. When I see myself doing well, it just makes me do even better! I'm just happy. I love quidditch.
Self-improvement is the name of the game, and your primary objective is to strengthen yourself, not to destroy an opponent.
Maxwell Maltz
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Day twenty-three: Sunshine
Ah, I'm on a romantic kick. Maybe it's because I've been listening to Taylor Swift pretty much nonstop for the past week. :D Anyway, I have an adorable couple to share with you today. I was watching a particular show today, and it just made me happy, so I thought I'd write about this. I think these two are awesome because they've kept their relationship private for FIVE YEARS. It's kind of intense. Both are actors (working on the same show) and I just think they're adorable together. I really respect the fact that they haven't let their relationship 1) get in the way of working and 2) get out in the limelight. There are some stars who just flaunt the fact that they're in a relationship, and it's annoying. But these two... most people don't even know they're together. In fact, there was a radio interview from a few years ago where the host was making fun of the guy and didn't believe he was dating his costar. It was stupid, and that's the reason I'm not posting that interview. It's seriously one of three interviews I've found where they talk about their relationship, with one being super short and the other being about two hours. XD Which is why I'm posting a video, so you all can hear the adorable thing that the guy said about the girl. :)
DISCLAIMER! PLEASE READ! I apologize for the one curse word in this. It's a bad one, but....bah, the song is adorable, and I couldn't find another video that was A) short, B) not annoying and C) had the particular clip I was talking about above. SO IF YOU WOULD BE OFFENDED BY THIS, PLEASE DON'T WATCH. I will transcribe the important part below so you don't miss anything. Or you could just skip to the 12 second mark and not be offended. AND you won't miss the best part. Your choice. :)
So here you go! James Roday and Maggie Lawson, everyone. :)
She's made of sunshine.
James Roday (about Maggie Lawson)
You are one of the best things that's ever happened to me. You're my love and my best friend. And every day that goes by, it seems like I discover something new about you to love. It's incredible to me how one person can make such a big difference in my life. You touch my heart in a way I never knew before. I discover something new about you to love. It's incredible to me how one person can make such a big difference in my life.
Anonymous
DISCLAIMER! PLEASE READ! I apologize for the one curse word in this. It's a bad one, but....bah, the song is adorable, and I couldn't find another video that was A) short, B) not annoying and C) had the particular clip I was talking about above. SO IF YOU WOULD BE OFFENDED BY THIS, PLEASE DON'T WATCH. I will transcribe the important part below so you don't miss anything. Or you could just skip to the 12 second mark and not be offended. AND you won't miss the best part. Your choice. :)
So here you go! James Roday and Maggie Lawson, everyone. :)
She's made of sunshine.
James Roday (about Maggie Lawson)
You are one of the best things that's ever happened to me. You're my love and my best friend. And every day that goes by, it seems like I discover something new about you to love. It's incredible to me how one person can make such a big difference in my life. You touch my heart in a way I never knew before. I discover something new about you to love. It's incredible to me how one person can make such a big difference in my life.
Anonymous
Day twenty-two: Connection
This post will also be short, because I'm posting an article. I think it does enough justice. Sometime a writer has to know when to just leave something be. This is one of those times. Enjoy. <3
I only hope that one day, I find this.
I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.
Noah from The Notebook
I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.
Noah from The Notebook
Day twenty-one: Playfulness
Today was wonderful. The temperature was nice and cool, and I got to go to the zoo! I had to observe primates for my physical anthropology class. I went with my friend Joyce and we observed the chimps!!! At first, I wasn't sure how it was going to be, but it turned out great! The chimps were really active, and there was plenty to observe. But today's post is about one chimp in particular. His name is Willie, and he's six years old. :D
Isn't he cute? He was our favorite, partly because he just loved to get into trouble. He would try to steal towels from the other chimpanzees and make them mad. He also liked to carry around long sticks and whack others with it, so that they would chase after him. They'd playfully bite him and grab his back legs. It was so cute! Pretty much the whole time, he was trying to get into trouble. Except for in this picture. He was chewing some bark. :D
Sorry this post is short, but I had to put a mention about Willie. He was just too adorable. Especially with his stick. Oh, to be young and playful. :)
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw
Sorry this post is short, but I had to put a mention about Willie. He was just too adorable. Especially with his stick. Oh, to be young and playful. :)
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw
Monday, October 17, 2011
Day twenty: Tolerance
Wow, twenty days already? I'm so proud of myself! :D
Anyway, the theme of today, brought to you by Kaitlyn, is tolerance! We talked a little about tolerance in my discipleship lunch today. Basically, in discipleship, we talk about some hard topics of Christianity and work through them so that we're comfortable and can even explain our views to others if the opportunity arises. Anyway, today our main topic was sin, but we got a little sidetracked because apparently Richard Dawkins (a hardcore atheist) came to Rice sometime last week. We got to talking about how people can still be friends but hold different viewpoints, and that sat in the back of my mind for a while.
Okay, well, after telling you all of that, this post isn't really all that serious. I have an awesome friend named Olivia who is a Justin Bieber fan. I, really, am not a Justin Bieber fan. It's just not my kind of music, and I'm not a huge fan of his voice. Also, the pictures of him with Selena Gomez during their vacation in Hawaii was a bit too much for me (he's seventeen, for goodness sakes). I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift (duh, you should know this by now :D). Olivia does not like T Swift. We can agree to disagree, right?
Well, we got into a discussion about both artists, and Olivia started sending me videos of the Biebs. I was like, yeah yeah, I've heard all this before, whatever. But then she sent me this one.
In the first thirty seconds, I was like ugh, come on. She's four. Let's not be Twihards, please. But then, when she was asked why she loved Justin Bieber and she responded "because I know he loves me back," I lost it. I'm sorry. It was so sweet! So I gave the video a chance, and I have to give some props to J Biebs. I love Taylor Swift because she's so real and comfortable with herself, and she takes the time to thank her fans. So, why then do I dislike Justin Bieber? Good question. Upon further thinking, I realized that maybe I didn't give him a great chance. Yeah, I know that Taylor Swift isn't the greatest singer in the world. Neither is Justin Bieber. But should I dislike him because of some preconceived notions I had of him? No. I'm not saying that I'm in love with him. I have most certainly not caught the "Bieber Fever." I am, however, going to be more respectful and tolerant of him. After all, he's just living his dream, just as I said Taylor Swift was doing.
I'm going to swallow my pride now: Good job, Justin. Good job.
Tolerance and celebration of individual differences is the fire that fuels lasting love.
Tom Hannah
Anyway, the theme of today, brought to you by Kaitlyn, is tolerance! We talked a little about tolerance in my discipleship lunch today. Basically, in discipleship, we talk about some hard topics of Christianity and work through them so that we're comfortable and can even explain our views to others if the opportunity arises. Anyway, today our main topic was sin, but we got a little sidetracked because apparently Richard Dawkins (a hardcore atheist) came to Rice sometime last week. We got to talking about how people can still be friends but hold different viewpoints, and that sat in the back of my mind for a while.
Okay, well, after telling you all of that, this post isn't really all that serious. I have an awesome friend named Olivia who is a Justin Bieber fan. I, really, am not a Justin Bieber fan. It's just not my kind of music, and I'm not a huge fan of his voice. Also, the pictures of him with Selena Gomez during their vacation in Hawaii was a bit too much for me (he's seventeen, for goodness sakes). I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift (duh, you should know this by now :D). Olivia does not like T Swift. We can agree to disagree, right?
Well, we got into a discussion about both artists, and Olivia started sending me videos of the Biebs. I was like, yeah yeah, I've heard all this before, whatever. But then she sent me this one.
In the first thirty seconds, I was like ugh, come on. She's four. Let's not be Twihards, please. But then, when she was asked why she loved Justin Bieber and she responded "because I know he loves me back," I lost it. I'm sorry. It was so sweet! So I gave the video a chance, and I have to give some props to J Biebs. I love Taylor Swift because she's so real and comfortable with herself, and she takes the time to thank her fans. So, why then do I dislike Justin Bieber? Good question. Upon further thinking, I realized that maybe I didn't give him a great chance. Yeah, I know that Taylor Swift isn't the greatest singer in the world. Neither is Justin Bieber. But should I dislike him because of some preconceived notions I had of him? No. I'm not saying that I'm in love with him. I have most certainly not caught the "Bieber Fever." I am, however, going to be more respectful and tolerant of him. After all, he's just living his dream, just as I said Taylor Swift was doing.
I'm going to swallow my pride now: Good job, Justin. Good job.
Tolerance and celebration of individual differences is the fire that fuels lasting love.
Tom Hannah
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Day nineteen: Talent
Tonight, my besties Ellie and Jessica and I got into a conversation (okay, well it was more of a string of youtube videos) of talented children. Elliot believes that most of them are just trained monkeys, but hey. They can sing better than me, so I have to appreciate that. So I thought I would post a few on here. Some of them are really inspirational, like Rhema, who sings gospel music. Her mother died of ovarian cancer when she was six. She's eight now. And, good lord, she can sing.
This is Jackie Evancho. She scares me a little, because there's NO WAY someone that small could sound like that. But she's got some talent, and some heart. :)
And now, roaming out of the "trained monkeys." This is Robin Schlotz, who taught himself how to sing this. He was fourteen when this was recorded.
But this, this is the point of the post. I found this, and I died laughing. It proves that everyone can have a talent. Everyone can bring joy to people in their own special way. You just have to figure out what that way is. :)
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
Henry Van Dyke
P.S. Taylor Swift, please tell me where you're hiding the cameras. You write about my life. Exactly. Kthnxbye. :D
This is Jackie Evancho. She scares me a little, because there's NO WAY someone that small could sound like that. But she's got some talent, and some heart. :)
And now, roaming out of the "trained monkeys." This is Robin Schlotz, who taught himself how to sing this. He was fourteen when this was recorded.
But this, this is the point of the post. I found this, and I died laughing. It proves that everyone can have a talent. Everyone can bring joy to people in their own special way. You just have to figure out what that way is. :)
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
Henry Van Dyke
P.S. Taylor Swift, please tell me where you're hiding the cameras. You write about my life. Exactly. Kthnxbye. :D
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day eighteen: Celebration
I don't follow politics, really. I know I should, but they make me angry. It's like the news. It just makes me lose hope in humanity.
Until you get something like this.
http://vimeo.com/30575828
I literally broke down and cried when I saw this. It's just so amazing that a couple of young guys could go from taking a simple trip to Africa to changing the course of history. This will probably be short, because I'm just speechless. I can't put my thoughts adequately into words. Wow. Wow. What an impact. These guys are just incredible for fighting so hard. It's been a long fight, and there's more to come, but this is a HUGEEEEE step forward in the battle. I'm not a huge fan of Obama. Not saying I don't like him, I'm just saying I don't know enough to make a good decision. But he gets a whole bunch of credit in my book for this. THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT!! You're saving the lives of children in Africa. :)
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
easter egg
Friday, October 14, 2011
Day seventeen: Innocence
Again, so sorry this is late! I'm catching up, I promise! We will be back on track!
Friday night, I babysat an adorable four year old girl named Sydney. You really can't help but love her; she's like a grown up in a little body sometimes. After her parents left, she told me all the things that we could do together, and when she was done, she insisted that I choose instead of her. She also told me that if I needed anything just to ask her. :D At times in the evening, especially while watching Jack and the Beanstalk, I was about to talk to her like I would my friends. For example, one of the characters was played by the same actor who played Vizzini from Princess Bride, and he made a reference to iocane powder. I wanted to say something about it, but then I remembered that Sydney was four and she probably hadn't watched that movie. It was easy to forget how much she hasn't learned of the world.
One of the cooler moments of the night was when we were "learning." We sat with wipe boards and dry erase markers and we drew letters, numbers, and shapes. Sydney started adding, and she was doing a great job with it, so I asked her if she knew how to subtract. She said she didn't know what that was. So I had her put up ten fingers, and I asked her how many fingers she would have left if she put down two. She counted each one, and said eight! It was awesome.
But back to the topic at hand. Although Sydney was a little adult, she was still a kid. And easily tricked. Her parents ran a little late, and about an hour and a half before they got home (when I was trying to get her to lay down and go to sleep) she got really anxious and sad that they weren't there. So I showed her my watch and told her when they'd be home. Well, it started to approach that time and I hadn't heard from them, so I stopped my watch at five til. Every time Sydney would ask, it said the same time, but she kept saying that they would be home soon. It kept her in a state of perpetual happiness, which worked out great for me. I know it sounds bad, but sometimes it's fun to trick little kids. :D
I'm a good babysitter, I swear. :D
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you
Nothing's ever left you scarred
And even though you want to
Just try to never grow up.
~Taylor Swift
Friday night, I babysat an adorable four year old girl named Sydney. You really can't help but love her; she's like a grown up in a little body sometimes. After her parents left, she told me all the things that we could do together, and when she was done, she insisted that I choose instead of her. She also told me that if I needed anything just to ask her. :D At times in the evening, especially while watching Jack and the Beanstalk, I was about to talk to her like I would my friends. For example, one of the characters was played by the same actor who played Vizzini from Princess Bride, and he made a reference to iocane powder. I wanted to say something about it, but then I remembered that Sydney was four and she probably hadn't watched that movie. It was easy to forget how much she hasn't learned of the world.
One of the cooler moments of the night was when we were "learning." We sat with wipe boards and dry erase markers and we drew letters, numbers, and shapes. Sydney started adding, and she was doing a great job with it, so I asked her if she knew how to subtract. She said she didn't know what that was. So I had her put up ten fingers, and I asked her how many fingers she would have left if she put down two. She counted each one, and said eight! It was awesome.
But back to the topic at hand. Although Sydney was a little adult, she was still a kid. And easily tricked. Her parents ran a little late, and about an hour and a half before they got home (when I was trying to get her to lay down and go to sleep) she got really anxious and sad that they weren't there. So I showed her my watch and told her when they'd be home. Well, it started to approach that time and I hadn't heard from them, so I stopped my watch at five til. Every time Sydney would ask, it said the same time, but she kept saying that they would be home soon. It kept her in a state of perpetual happiness, which worked out great for me. I know it sounds bad, but sometimes it's fun to trick little kids. :D
I'm a good babysitter, I swear. :D
Sydney's pretty picture :)
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you
Nothing's ever left you scarred
And even though you want to
Just try to never grow up.
~Taylor Swift
Day sixteen: Belonging
Sorry this is so late. I was studying for a psychology test (which I aced I think!) and then I babysat late, so I didn't get the chance to post. But I am here now, and that's what matters!
As I was walking to my car Thursday night after MOB practice, I just got to thinking. The weather was nice and cool, and the Houston Medical District skyline was incredible. I was struck with a moment of complete awe. I remember the first time I stepped onto the Rice campus. It was just so beautiful, and I really wanted to do everything I could to be there. But, as you know, the story goes that I didn't attend Rice last year. But here's the beautiful part: I'm here now. Even though I might not have made the right choice a year ago, I still got to the place I needed to be. And as I was walking down the path towards west lot, I just felt so at peace (even though I had an impending psychology test that I really hadn't studied for yet :D). I am completely overjoyed to be at Rice, and I feel like this is all part of the ultimate plan God has for me. I've had such a great time so far... I love my classes, I love my friends, and although I have had some obstacles as a transfer student, there's nothing that I can't overcome. I one hundred percent belong here at Rice, and I am so happy for it. :)
As I was walking to my car Thursday night after MOB practice, I just got to thinking. The weather was nice and cool, and the Houston Medical District skyline was incredible. I was struck with a moment of complete awe. I remember the first time I stepped onto the Rice campus. It was just so beautiful, and I really wanted to do everything I could to be there. But, as you know, the story goes that I didn't attend Rice last year. But here's the beautiful part: I'm here now. Even though I might not have made the right choice a year ago, I still got to the place I needed to be. And as I was walking down the path towards west lot, I just felt so at peace (even though I had an impending psychology test that I really hadn't studied for yet :D). I am completely overjoyed to be at Rice, and I feel like this is all part of the ultimate plan God has for me. I've had such a great time so far... I love my classes, I love my friends, and although I have had some obstacles as a transfer student, there's nothing that I can't overcome. I one hundred percent belong here at Rice, and I am so happy for it. :)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Day fifteen: Courtesy
Today was pretty uneventful. I went to school, I came back to the apartment, I did homework, I went to the grocery store, AND I WATCHED PSYCH!!!!
Alas, this post is not about Psych. No, this post is about a short moment today. A fairly insignificant moment, I would say. But the moment intrigued me, so I thought I would reflect.
My roommate and I went to HEB today because we were out of pretty much everything healthy, and that's just not a good existence, is it? Haha. We had loaded everything in the car, so I went to return the cart. This particular HEB didn't have the metal cart returns. These were small, parking space looking places that had been placed as part of the cementing of the grassy areas around the parking lot (I hope that makes sense XD). There was another cart there, haphazardly left almost hanging out of the return. Because I know that shopping carts have a habit of rolling away unexpectedly, and it looked like rain which could bring on wind, I took the extra five seconds to walk the cart to the very end of the return, so it wouldn't roll away. As I turned around, I saw a man walking towards the store. He gave me a funny look, but then he kind of smiled at me and half-nodded. I can only expect that he was commending me for putting in five seconds of extra work so an employee wouldn't have to spend the extra minute hunting down my cart, or so the owner of the car parked near the return wouldn't have to fork out the extra few hundred dollars to fix the dent on their car.
But seriously. The weird look? Doesn't everyone put away their shopping cart properly? And of course, as I ask the question, I know full well the answer. No. Most people don't. 'Murrcans are lazy. We're amazing at half-doing things while still expecting and receiving full credit (come on, college kids. We're pros at this). I don't like to toot my own horn, but I was just doing what my momma taught me by putting away my cart properly. That man's approval was just a happy bonus. It gave me something to write about. It's not very beautiful that at the rate we're going, we'll all look like those giant people from Wall-E who float around in reclining chairs on a space ship. It is beautiful, however, that *hopefully* still put away their shopping carts properly because it's the right thing to do. Even if the numbers are dwindling, at least there are still people who acknowledge good deeds. Perhaps we should all challenge ourselves to, at the least, praise those people who aren't expecting praise.
Just a thought. But I'm really tired right now. So if this post was rambly and incoherent, my apologies.
"Courtesy is a silver lining around the dark clouds of civilization; it is the best part of refinement and in many ways, an art of heroic beauty in the vast gallery of man's cruelty and baseness. "
Bryant H. McGill
Alas, this post is not about Psych. No, this post is about a short moment today. A fairly insignificant moment, I would say. But the moment intrigued me, so I thought I would reflect.
My roommate and I went to HEB today because we were out of pretty much everything healthy, and that's just not a good existence, is it? Haha. We had loaded everything in the car, so I went to return the cart. This particular HEB didn't have the metal cart returns. These were small, parking space looking places that had been placed as part of the cementing of the grassy areas around the parking lot (I hope that makes sense XD). There was another cart there, haphazardly left almost hanging out of the return. Because I know that shopping carts have a habit of rolling away unexpectedly, and it looked like rain which could bring on wind, I took the extra five seconds to walk the cart to the very end of the return, so it wouldn't roll away. As I turned around, I saw a man walking towards the store. He gave me a funny look, but then he kind of smiled at me and half-nodded. I can only expect that he was commending me for putting in five seconds of extra work so an employee wouldn't have to spend the extra minute hunting down my cart, or so the owner of the car parked near the return wouldn't have to fork out the extra few hundred dollars to fix the dent on their car.
But seriously. The weird look? Doesn't everyone put away their shopping cart properly? And of course, as I ask the question, I know full well the answer. No. Most people don't. 'Murrcans are lazy. We're amazing at half-doing things while still expecting and receiving full credit (come on, college kids. We're pros at this). I don't like to toot my own horn, but I was just doing what my momma taught me by putting away my cart properly. That man's approval was just a happy bonus. It gave me something to write about. It's not very beautiful that at the rate we're going, we'll all look like those giant people from Wall-E who float around in reclining chairs on a space ship. It is beautiful, however, that *hopefully* still put away their shopping carts properly because it's the right thing to do. Even if the numbers are dwindling, at least there are still people who acknowledge good deeds. Perhaps we should all challenge ourselves to, at the least, praise those people who aren't expecting praise.
Just a thought. But I'm really tired right now. So if this post was rambly and incoherent, my apologies.
"Courtesy is a silver lining around the dark clouds of civilization; it is the best part of refinement and in many ways, an art of heroic beauty in the vast gallery of man's cruelty and baseness. "
Bryant H. McGill
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Day fourteen: Rebirth
Today, while driving back to my second home, I had to drive through Bastrop, where all the terrible fires were about a month ago. I definitely didn't drive through the worst part of it, but just seeing all the blackened trees and crusty grass was really depressing. The water tower smiled mockingly in the background. Over 34,000 acres burned. 1,600 houses were destroyed. Two people lost their lives. Hundreds of firefighters worked relentlessly to control the fire as the wind kindled it, helping it to engulf the area and land its place as being the most destructive fire in Texas history.
Sucks, right?
But as I drove through this small, blackened area at seventy (okay, seventy four) miles an hour, I saw something: a patch of bright yellow flowers. I smiled. Yes, the flowers were probably a species of those obnoxious weeds that you can never seem to get rid of in your garden, but seeing them on the side of the road, amidst the pallets of seeding grass the city had put down to help the flora start growing again, was inspiring. So maybe the water tower wasn't smiling mockingly after all. Maybe it was beaming upon new life, watching over the area that will someday grow to be beautiful again.
"In nature the life-death-rebirth cycle is clear as we watch flash fires ignited by lightning level the prairies. It may appear that all life is gone, lost to the ravages of flame and smoke, but within days, tiny green shoots begin to poke above the surface of the soil. Mother Earth has cleared the land for new life."
Kathleen A. Brehoney
Monday, October 10, 2011
Day thirteen: Something Beautiful
Sorry that these posts aren't as great. I've been really busy at home, spending all my time with my family. But that in itself is beautiful, isn't it? :)
This is the theme song of my blog, so I felt that it was about time to post it. This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. AND I GET TO SEE THEM IN 16 DAYS!!!!!!! I'm so excited. But to the point of the blog post: I love this song, but I had never watched the music video. I looked it up earlier, and I thought it was so cool. The band had the fans send in their own footage, and they used it to make the video. Some of the clips are of beautiful scenes, some of them are of people singing, and some of them are of people acting silly. But they're all unified by their love for this song. How cool is that? As I'm jamming to it in the car, there could be someone in LA, or London, or wherever listening to the exact same song! Humanity is connected in so many ways. Some people think (me included, sometimes) that modern technology is a horrible thing. But think about it... because of the technologies we have today, humanity is even more connected than it's ever been globally. We may be becoming less connected to the people around us, but we can develop bonds that stretch over miles and miles and miles, something we haven't really been able to do before the 20th century. I don't know if this is a good sacrifice or not, but it is something to consider in the grand scheme of things.
Anyway, here is my blog's theme song. Enjoy!
"In yourocean , I'm ankle deep
I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out
Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will you let me drown, will you let me drown?
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side.
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
In a daydream, I couldn't live like this.
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful.
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need.
Something Beautiful
Hey now this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
Cause I am down on my knees
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful"
Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe
This is the theme song of my blog, so I felt that it was about time to post it. This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. AND I GET TO SEE THEM IN 16 DAYS!!!!!!! I'm so excited. But to the point of the blog post: I love this song, but I had never watched the music video. I looked it up earlier, and I thought it was so cool. The band had the fans send in their own footage, and they used it to make the video. Some of the clips are of beautiful scenes, some of them are of people singing, and some of them are of people acting silly. But they're all unified by their love for this song. How cool is that? As I'm jamming to it in the car, there could be someone in LA, or London, or wherever listening to the exact same song! Humanity is connected in so many ways. Some people think (me included, sometimes) that modern technology is a horrible thing. But think about it... because of the technologies we have today, humanity is even more connected than it's ever been globally. We may be becoming less connected to the people around us, but we can develop bonds that stretch over miles and miles and miles, something we haven't really been able to do before the 20th century. I don't know if this is a good sacrifice or not, but it is something to consider in the grand scheme of things.
Anyway, here is my blog's theme song. Enjoy!
"In your
I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out
Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will you let me drown, will you let me drown?
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side.
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
In a daydream, I couldn't live like this.
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful.
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need.
Something Beautiful
Hey now this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
Cause I am down on my knees
I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful"
Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe
Day twelve: Bonding
I'm just so happy to be home. :)
I know that I didn't post yesterday, but this is my post for that day. Sorry... it'll probably be short, too. I knew what I wanted to post about, but I got home at like 1 so I wasn't really awake enough to write anything. This post is about being home. I spent the day with my mom and brother shopping, and we had a grand time. I miss hanging out with Noah. He's a funny kid, and he can always make me laugh. We went to Schlotzsky's for lunch, and even though we had pancakes for breakfast, he ordered a cinnamon roll. Silly boy. And, of course, I miss hanging with my mommy/best and longest friend. And what better way to do that than shop?
I also got to go to see What's Your Number (ZOMG CHRIS EVANS) with Olivia. We had a grand time getting lost on the way to the theater, drooling for hours over Chris Evans, chilling in her dorm room, and creepily talking in my running car in the church parking lot that you're technically not supposed to park in. I haven't gotten to hang out with her in a long time, so last night was incredible. She's so awesome. :)
Basically, the point of this post is this: even though I spend months away from home, it's beautiful that I can come back and pick up where I left off. I'm so thankful for my awesome family and friends, and I love all the good times we've had together, and the good times to come. But it's also beautiful that I have two homes now: one in Austin, and one in Houston. :)
I know that I didn't post yesterday, but this is my post for that day. Sorry... it'll probably be short, too. I knew what I wanted to post about, but I got home at like 1 so I wasn't really awake enough to write anything. This post is about being home. I spent the day with my mom and brother shopping, and we had a grand time. I miss hanging out with Noah. He's a funny kid, and he can always make me laugh. We went to Schlotzsky's for lunch, and even though we had pancakes for breakfast, he ordered a cinnamon roll. Silly boy. And, of course, I miss hanging with my mommy/best and longest friend. And what better way to do that than shop?
I also got to go to see What's Your Number (ZOMG CHRIS EVANS) with Olivia. We had a grand time getting lost on the way to the theater, drooling for hours over Chris Evans, chilling in her dorm room, and creepily talking in my running car in the church parking lot that you're technically not supposed to park in. I haven't gotten to hang out with her in a long time, so last night was incredible. She's so awesome. :)
Basically, the point of this post is this: even though I spend months away from home, it's beautiful that I can come back and pick up where I left off. I'm so thankful for my awesome family and friends, and I love all the good times we've had together, and the good times to come. But it's also beautiful that I have two homes now: one in Austin, and one in Houston. :)
My awesome family
My awesome Olivia
My awesome second home
"'Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten."
Lilo and Stitch
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Day eleven: Pride
For those of you who know me, this is probably a predictable post.
I spent today at the Westlake Marching competition with the Lake Travis Cavalier Band, the band I was a proud member of for all four years of my high school career. I hadn't been to a contest in over a year... I think the last marching contest I was at, I left crying because we, once again, didn't make it to state. I didn't dream that that would be the last time I marched with that band, and not making state was a blow. Everyone thought we would make it, and it was definitely a hard night for us. But, as always, life went on, and it really wasn't a big deal.
I was a band geek from the beginning. My freshman year, I was crazy for band. I thought we were the best band ever, and we had a great show. Rio was my favorite show, infamous for the "noodle." :) We had a pretty good year that year, but Lake Travis has in the past had a second place curse. We never won first. Ever. Second, all the time. We'd sometimes win caption awards, but we never got first. But I still loved band. And even though it always stressed me out and made my mad, I was still proud of my band. We were a band. A family. One of the best memories I have from band was in my sophomore year, I believe. We got back from a contest that we rocked at, and we were waiting outside the band hall to get in because it was locked. Someone started singing Twist and Shout, and the whole band joined in. We had a blast. All through my four years, we kept getting better and better, and I always thought we were hot stuff. We really did expect to make it to state my senior year. We thought we were so great. In reality, we even got beat by the brand new not-even-technically-a-4A-school's band. We all blamed it on the judges. We said that the judges had it out for us, that they just didn't understand our show, etc etc.
I never realized that we were just wrong. We may have started a legacy of true dedication and determination in the Lake Travis Band, but we just didn't have the right stuff yet. This year, we have the right stuff.
I was so proud of them last week, placing first for the first time ever. But seeing them perform today was just truly awesome. I don't often get chills during high school band performances, but I did during theirs. Wow. It's hard to even describe how impressed I was. I've seen their show at a football game and on youtube, but it's just not the same as a contest. Lake Travis is doing the right stuff. For the most part, I thought we had awesome shows when I was in high school. But I was mistaken. For the first time, Lake Travis has a show. It's entertaining, powerful, clean (although there's always room for improvement ;D), and beautiful. The drill is amazing, the music is amazing, the BDA looks great! I'm so impressed that they've grown so much. It's hard to tell that they don't have guard experience. The pit has grown so much over the past couple of years. And, of course, I'm proud of my widdle bro on the drumline. :) LT's fifth place win today was definitely well deserved. I'm just so impressed that in two years, we went from never making finals at Westlake to being actual competition with the big and talented 5A bands.
Accomplishments aside, though. I kind of rambled about them, but that's just because I'm so proud. Which is kind of the point of this post. Every time, when the drum majors come out onto the field during the awards ceremony, Lake Travis goes crazy and starts chanting. We're always the loudest when they call our name. Even when I was in high school, even when we weren't that great, we did that. If there was an award for pride in one's organization, we would win every year. The fact that alumni come back to contests to cheer the band on, even when they know less than half the band, should be even more proof. Even two years removed, I am overwhelmed with pride for the organization I still have ties in. We succeed because of the pride we have for the organization. I can still see the marks that my class made on the band. The band is where they are today because of us. We were where we were in 2010 because of the previous members. And this year's freshman class will be indebted to this year's graduating class a few years down the row when we win back to back state titles. :) All of us share in the milestones of this year's show because of what we started, whether it was two or ten years ago. It's a beautiful thing.
Lake Travis Cavalier Band's purpose statement is "Pride. Dignity. Professionalism." and I think that it is 100% accurate.
"One man may hit the mark, another blunder; but heed not these distinctions. Only from the alliance of the one, working with and through the other, are great things born."
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Friday, October 7, 2011
Day ten: Steadfastness
What I love most about her is her steadfastness (adjective- firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc). Ten years old and knows without a doubt what she believes in. I talked about this a little in my post about Taylor Swift yesterday, but I always have to give props to someone who is able to remain true and upright in the entertainment industry. It just doesn't happen often. There are plenty of other little child stars who go crazy when they land a pretty large role, regardless of what it is. It's great that her mom is encouraging humility, and that Bailee herself takes it to heart. It really touched me that she turns down roles that are too "grown up" for her or movies that seem to have too many adult themes in them. I think we can all take a lesson from Miss Bailee here: God's first, and everything you do should honor him. She makes it seem so easy.
Darlin', don't you ever grow up. Just keep doing what you're doing. :)
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Day nine: Inspiration
It's getting late... I need to post. This might not be so great, because I waited til the last second. Also, I have literally been procrastinating all day. I have an outline due tomorrow that I haven't really started... hehe?
I suppose today's beautiful thing will be a beautiful person (I'm probably going to get some people complaining about this one). And yeah, she's pretty, but that's not really what I'm talking about. I'm talking about inside. This person is just one of the cutest people I've ever seen, and every time I hear one of her songs, or see her in an interview, it just makes me giddy. She's one of those people who is living her dream and can't believe that she's been this lucky. Her songs are just from the heart, and even though she's not the greatest singer around, she's just got so much heart. And I can't wait to see her in 20 days.
Yep. It's Taylor Swift!!!!
I just love her. Even though she's gaining more and more fame every day, she still seems really down to earth. She has never made me afraid for future generations, like some of her friends in the industry. She's never really had a bad news story or anything. I'm not scared that a lot of little girls idolize her, because she truly is a good role model. She's inspired me to never give up on my dreams, and to just live life out loud. I'm sure she never imagined being where she is today, and I love that she's always amazed when she hears herself on the radio or sees a billboard of herself. But most of all, I love her dedication to her fans. There are plenty of singers who don't do meet and greets with fans. TSwift did a THIRTEEN HOUR meet and greet. She stayed until every one of the people in line met her. Dedication. And her T Party after the show? LOVE! I mean, it's a VERY small percentage of people, but it means sooooo much to those who get chosen. I hope I get chosen, but if I don't, I won't be too upset, because I know that she's got twenty or so people meeting her that really deserve it. :)
TAYLOR SWIFT I LOVE YOU!!!!!
I'm going to bombard this with videos now. Haha
This video is what I made my mom for her birthday a few years ago. It's videos of me from childhood with Tay's "Best Day" in the background. It made for a great gift. :)
This is a video I ran across when researching about the T Party. It made me tear up, it was so cute!!! TSwift fans are the best.
This is my favorite T-Swift music video. :)
And this is my favorite song as of right now. :)
"Long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life
Fighting dragons with you
I was screaming, 'long live the look on your face'
And bring on all the pretenders
One day we will be remembered "
Taylor Swift
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Day eight: Perspective
Isn't it a beautiful thing when you realize that your problems are actually really silly?
Looking back at high school, the things I thought were HUUUUUUGGGEEE problems actually weren't terrible in the long run. Yeah, it kind of sucked while it was happening, but I got over it every time. I moved on with my life. Sometimes, I feel like my life really sucks. Like this week, with all of my stuff due at the same time and the clock ticking away. But then, something comes along and changes my perspective on things. Yeah, I may feel like I'm dying under this workload for the week, but it's nothing compared to that boy from India who is dying from malnutrition. I may stay up really late finishing up my research for my paper, but it's nothing compared to the girl from the bush in Uganda who lies awake at night, afraid that she and her brothers and sisters will get abducted and forced to carry weapons and kill other people. Basically, what I'm saying is...even though I'm having a somewhat tough week, it could be worse, and I should take a look around and see all the good things in my life. Which is why I have this blog. :)
Accompanying music (because it's relevant and a good song)
"It isn't the mountains ahead that wear you out, it's the grain of sand in your shoe."
Author Unknown
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Day seven: Friendship
This week is terrible.
I have two take home midterms to study for that are due Friday, a lab report for my physical anthropology class due Thursday, and all of my research, bibliography, and outline for a paper due on Friday. Death week, meet Kaitlyn. Thankfully, I got one of my midterms out of the way early, but still... just one midterm in a week can be bad! And for some reason, my motivation has been practically zero. Well, that's not entirely true. I've been doing things related to studying, just not studying itself. For example, instead of researching scholarly articles for my paper on the LRA, I went on Invisible Children's website and pondered applying to be an intern or roadie for this summer. Same topic, so it counts, right? :)
Anyway, I was feeling really discouraged, and I went onto facebook, and lo and behold, there are my friends, encouraging me not to give up. A reason I really want to major in anthropology is I just love people. People are so fascinating. My friends and I have known each other for about a month and a half, yet they know exactly how to put a smile on my face and kick my butt back in line when I need it. In my physical anthropology class, we're learning a lot about primate interaction and socialization, and I love applying what I learn to every day life. Humans are very social beings... isolation is just not beneficial for the progression of our species! While we don't pick bugs out of each other's fur when we've had a rough day and we don't rub genitals when we greet each other (totes awk) (yes, there is a species of hominids I believe that does this), we do have our own social codes for making each other feel better. Like posting youtube videos. Thanks, bestie. :) I WILL SURVIVE!!! :D
Here are my horn besties. Love you guys. :)
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. " Albert Schweitzer
I have two take home midterms to study for that are due Friday, a lab report for my physical anthropology class due Thursday, and all of my research, bibliography, and outline for a paper due on Friday. Death week, meet Kaitlyn. Thankfully, I got one of my midterms out of the way early, but still... just one midterm in a week can be bad! And for some reason, my motivation has been practically zero. Well, that's not entirely true. I've been doing things related to studying, just not studying itself. For example, instead of researching scholarly articles for my paper on the LRA, I went on Invisible Children's website and pondered applying to be an intern or roadie for this summer. Same topic, so it counts, right? :)
Anyway, I was feeling really discouraged, and I went onto facebook, and lo and behold, there are my friends, encouraging me not to give up. A reason I really want to major in anthropology is I just love people. People are so fascinating. My friends and I have known each other for about a month and a half, yet they know exactly how to put a smile on my face and kick my butt back in line when I need it. In my physical anthropology class, we're learning a lot about primate interaction and socialization, and I love applying what I learn to every day life. Humans are very social beings... isolation is just not beneficial for the progression of our species! While we don't pick bugs out of each other's fur when we've had a rough day and we don't rub genitals when we greet each other (totes awk) (yes, there is a species of hominids I believe that does this), we do have our own social codes for making each other feel better. Like posting youtube videos. Thanks, bestie. :) I WILL SURVIVE!!! :D
Here are my horn besties. Love you guys. :)
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. " Albert Schweitzer
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day six: Wit
I hope that when I'm old, I'll be vivacious and opinionated. I always love to hear what the elderly have to say about our generation, because who are we to contradict them? They have many years' more experience than we do, and generally, what they say is completely accurate and we just don't want to accept it. It is also great to see today's pop culture through the eyes of someone who isn't directly in the middle of it, like today's beautiful thing. One of my facebook friends posted this earlier, and I about died laughing. It was just so beautifully written, and so original! I love when I read something and I feel like I intimately know the person who wrote it. I had a few other ideas for blog posts today, but ultimately, this won out because I needed a good laugh. :)
A Grandmother's Review of Titanic
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." Rowena Ravenclaw (created by JK Rowling)
Runner up ideas for blog, if you wanted to know :)
- people who were born blind still show the same basic emotive facial expressions as other people, even though they've never seen them (how cool is that?!)
- God's plan and putting people in my life <3
- my fellow mello besties started dating. DAWWWWW!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Day five: Imagination
I know this commercial is old news, but I've been seeing it a lot on TV lately. It never fails to put a smile on my face. Although I didn't grow up with Star Wars, I did grow up with Harry Potter. I remember going around as a kid with my wand, casting spells and brewing potions in the backyard. A child's imagination is truly a beautiful thing. All a child needs is a stick, or a box, or even a Halloween costume, and they have an entire new world to play in for hours. I vividly remember being at my grandparents' beach condo with my cousin, using some decorative jars as cauldrons and brewing sleeping draughts out of the seashells we had found that day. I wish that my imagination had stuck with me more as I grew older, but alas, that is the pain of growing up. Any adult who remembers his inner child and encourages imagination in a little boy gets an A+ in my book. :)
"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral."
Antione de Saint-Exupery
Antione de Saint-Exupery
"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
(I had to put both quotes... the Dr. Seuss one was just too good)
Day four: Adventure
Joining the sailing club is probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I grew up loving the water. Every summer, my family would go down to the beach, and I would spend hours in the water. We’d go swimming and play in the sand, but we’d also go boating a lot. I’ve always enjoyed being on boats. I was very small the first time I went on one. When I was in elementary school, my cousins and I went to sailing camp every summer. I loved it. I always felt comfortable on a sailboat. I love the wind in my hair and the spray of the sea. But as I got older, I went boating and sailing less and less. Naturally, when I heard about the Rice sailing club, I was intrigued. My roommate and I decided to go to the first practice, and boy did we have an adventure (that’s another story for another time). Today, I went out for the second time, and it was far less stressful and crazy than the last time. There was a national regatta going on at the yacht club, so while we were sailing, we got to watch them. It was so cool! My favorite thing to watch was the roll tacks. Instead of doing a normal tack, you purposefully tip the boat really far to the side before tacking, then switch to the other side of the boat and even it out. And dang, they were intense. Every time I saw it, I thought the boat was going to tip, but every time, the sailors executed the tack beautifully and kept going. I really want to learn how to roll tack now. But I should probably get better at skippering first. :D
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain
Day three: Acceptance
There are two important factors to today’s topic of unconventional beauty. 1) To me, one of the most beautiful things in the world is a person who truly knows who they are. She knows her real nature and she’s not ashamed or afraid to show it to people. 2) I am part of the Harry Potter generation. I grew up reading about Harry, Ron, and Hermione, dreaming that one day I’d go to Hogwarts, too.
My dream came true. I’m at Rice University, which is the closest thing you can get to Hogwarts this side of England. The people are amazing, the classes are tough, and there’s eleven residential colleges very similar to houses. Oh, and did I mention the architecture? Our mascot is the owl, and our school colors are blue and gray. I definitely consider Rice a very Ravenclaw-esque school, and, naturally, that was a great fit, seeing as I knew I was in Ravenclaw. I believe myself to be clever, witty, intelligent, and hard working — all the markings of a true Ravenclaw.
Then came the day I was sorted into Hufflepuff on Pottermore.
Now, I know what you’re saying… it’s not a big deal, it’s just a test. But JK Rowling made it, so I feel like it’s pretty official. I answered the questions honestly, so I really am a Hufflepuff. I was devastated. There was no way I was in Hufflepuff! What is a Hufflepuff, anyway? I didn’t really participate on Pottermore very much after that, just because I was so sad (and I didn’t have time for it). Then, I got back on this week. I started considering my fellow Hufflepuffs, and I decided that Tonks was pretty cool. So I started googling characteristics of Hufflepuffs, and I was surprised with what I found.
“You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal. Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil.” It doesn’t sound all that exciting, especially compared to the other houses. But the more I thought about it, and the more I read, that’s exactly what I am. I try my hardest to find equality and justness, and I will never turn my back on a friend. Helga Hufflepuff said that she would teach the lot. While the other founders were selective of who they would teach, Hufflepuff loved them all, regardless of what they were like. Hufflepuffs are those people who silently defend their friends, fight for equality, and generally do good without expecting anyone to give them credit for it. Cedric Diggory was really the only Hufflepuff who got any amount of glory. But the best thing I read about Hufflepuff stated this: Hufflepuffs have the most important characteristics of all the other houses. As soon as I read that, I was sold. I’m a Hufflepuff. JK Rowling could not have described me any better. I am a Hufflepuff through and through, and proud of it. :)
By the way… HONEY BADGER DON’T GIVE A SH*T!
Video references, just in case you didn’t get some of the Hufflepuff jokes.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Maryanne Williamson
Day two: Protection
Another repost from Tumblr (September 29). Eventually I'll actually post on here. :)
Today in my Christianity and Islam in Africa class, we talked a lot about HIV and AIDS in Africa. Many African governments are doing little to help research, provide medication, and spread awareness about AIDS. They spend millions of dollars on armies and weapons, yet they don’t spend equally as much on its dying people. There is a stigma associated with being HIV positive. Many people will not admit to testing positive and therefore do not seek medical help. One thing my teacher said stuck out in particular. He said that the way we respond to the AIDS crisis will define humanity in the future. Of course, I immediately thought of my project, and so I went in search of the beauty in HIV and AIDS. Yes, it makes people suffer, but it is *hopefully* bringing us all together and uniting us as a strong, courageous, and determined people. I found this short video promoting the use of condoms to stop the spread of the virus. I found it hauntingly beautiful and creative, and therefore I present to you day two: protection.
“The recipe for beauty is to have less illusion and more Soul, to retreat from the belief of pain or pleasure in the body into the unchanging calm and glorious freedom of spiritual harmony.” Mary Baker Eddy
Today in my Christianity and Islam in Africa class, we talked a lot about HIV and AIDS in Africa. Many African governments are doing little to help research, provide medication, and spread awareness about AIDS. They spend millions of dollars on armies and weapons, yet they don’t spend equally as much on its dying people. There is a stigma associated with being HIV positive. Many people will not admit to testing positive and therefore do not seek medical help. One thing my teacher said stuck out in particular. He said that the way we respond to the AIDS crisis will define humanity in the future. Of course, I immediately thought of my project, and so I went in search of the beauty in HIV and AIDS. Yes, it makes people suffer, but it is *hopefully* bringing us all together and uniting us as a strong, courageous, and determined people. I found this short video promoting the use of condoms to stop the spread of the virus. I found it hauntingly beautiful and creative, and therefore I present to you day two: protection.
“The recipe for beauty is to have less illusion and more Soul, to retreat from the belief of pain or pleasure in the body into the unchanging calm and glorious freedom of spiritual harmony.” Mary Baker Eddy
Day one: Wonder
Repost from Tumblr before I started an actual blog. :)
I’m not really sure what I plan on using this tumblr for. I originally created it as more of a blog, because I really don’t have a blog I use frequently, and I feel like I should jump on the bandwagon. I love writing, and on occasion I enjoy being philosophical and deep. My idea, as of now, is inspired by a schoolmate from last year. She’s been doing a photojournal, taking pictures of herself every day for a year. I’m not a photographer, nor am I particularly photogenic. However, I harken back to the original title of this account. I’m currently attending Rice University, whose mantra is “Unconventional wisdom.” That’s the life I’m living right now. I’m working alongside the people who will be world-changers. However, I want to take this idea a step further. Our world can seem like a heartless and desolate place at times. Just flip on the news for five seconds, or talk to my dad about those stories that don’t make it on the news. Sometimes, it’s hard to find hope for humanity. For me, I like to look for the unconventional beauty- the old couple walking hand in hand, the parents and friends who unconditionally love the boy who decides he wishes to live life as a girl, the finely crafted features of the human skeletal system. I find hope in these. And so, I wish to share with the world something beautiful or wise every day. It won’t always be something of my own creation. I don’t have the time or creativity for that. But I guarantee that it will lift your heart just a little.
Today’s post is a time lapse of the milky way. To say that it is breathtaking is an understatement. Enjoy!
http://shuttersalt.com/blog/most-amazing-time-lapse-video-milky-way-ever-made-seriously
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
- Rachel Carson
I’m not really sure what I plan on using this tumblr for. I originally created it as more of a blog, because I really don’t have a blog I use frequently, and I feel like I should jump on the bandwagon. I love writing, and on occasion I enjoy being philosophical and deep. My idea, as of now, is inspired by a schoolmate from last year. She’s been doing a photojournal, taking pictures of herself every day for a year. I’m not a photographer, nor am I particularly photogenic. However, I harken back to the original title of this account. I’m currently attending Rice University, whose mantra is “Unconventional wisdom.” That’s the life I’m living right now. I’m working alongside the people who will be world-changers. However, I want to take this idea a step further. Our world can seem like a heartless and desolate place at times. Just flip on the news for five seconds, or talk to my dad about those stories that don’t make it on the news. Sometimes, it’s hard to find hope for humanity. For me, I like to look for the unconventional beauty- the old couple walking hand in hand, the parents and friends who unconditionally love the boy who decides he wishes to live life as a girl, the finely crafted features of the human skeletal system. I find hope in these. And so, I wish to share with the world something beautiful or wise every day. It won’t always be something of my own creation. I don’t have the time or creativity for that. But I guarantee that it will lift your heart just a little.
Today’s post is a time lapse of the milky way. To say that it is breathtaking is an understatement. Enjoy!
http://shuttersalt.com/blog/most-amazing-time-lapse-video-milky-way-ever-made-seriously
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
- Rachel Carson
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