Being someone's best friend is a commitment. You agree to be there for your friend through the good, but more importantly through the bad. They accept you for who you are at your worst, so it's important to give them your best as much as possible. They listen to us gripe and complain, so we need to share laughter with them as well.
Unfortunately I think we take advantage of those people who are closest to us. It's not purposefully done, but I think it has to do with the comfort level we've created. We are extremely comfortable with those whom we deem good friends. So we think to ourselves that these people will always be there for us no matter what. So we might step on each other's toes sometimes, or I might do something I know is going to piss her off, but, she's my best friend, so she'll forgive me (so we think). On the other hand, there are those with whom we are only acquaintances and because we don't know them as well and don't quite have that comfort level, we are extremely careful with the way we behave towards them. As opposed to stepping on toes, we tip toe around them, feeling out a situation before we fully commit.
There's nothing worse than when your best friend gets a boyfriend or girlfriend and hangs you out to dry. I often find myself resenting people I don't even know because I know my friend would be putting in the extra effort if it was the his/her latest love interest. After all, if something were to go wrong in a romantic relationship, we count on our friends to be there to pick us up. One can't expect that if they've ditched all their friends to hang out with the "love of their life." So in situations like these, it hurts to be chosen against.
I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm innocent. There is a set of events that sticks out in my mind...
Everyone at school knows me as the the grandma. I go to bed at 10:30 or 11 and I take like a million naps throughout the day. So usually, my friends avoid calling or texting me late at night because they don't think I'll be awake. One night I got a call from one of my friends at like 4 in the morning. I looked at my caller ID and couldn't understand why someone who knew me so well would be calling me that late (or early) on a day there was class (or ever). The next day I found out she was on her way home from work and ran out of gas and needed a ride home. I felt terrible. Fast forward one month: I get a phone call at 1:30 in the morning (it's not 4, but still late enough for me to be sleeping). I look at the caller ID and it's someone I haven't talked to in I don't know, 5 months maybe? Out of curiousity, I answer the phone and listen to this person drunkenly babble on for 15 minutes. What? Instead of me piecing together the fact that something must have been wrong because my friends know I'm sleeping at that time, I just rolled over and went back to sleep, yet i absent mindedly listened to someone I don't even really like babble on for 15 minutes. I couldn't even tell you why...
Recent situations have made me examine times like this when I have been less than exceptional in the friendship category. Although I have made mistakes, I'd like to think there have been just as many times that I have been there in moments of need for the ones I love. But having felt ignored makes me realize how important it is to acknowledge our friends and show them that we appreciate them. Whether it's a silly arts & crafts project, a dinner invitation, or a simple, message saying love you, our friends need to know how much they mean to us. So to all my friends (current and past; you know who you are) thank you for all that you've done. I wouldn't have made it this far, and wouldn't be who I am today without your advice, laughter, and friendship. <3
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Let Others Know You're Thinking of Them
Since I've taken up residence in Midland, visits to Toledo are always a treat. I always look forward to them because they seem to wipe my slate clean and rejuvenate my spirit. I can come back to Midland and start fresh because I feel good.
This last trip home was especially enjoyable. With only two days to spare I managed to spend time with all of those who mean the most to me. Although busy, my days were filled with fun, laughter, memories, AND lots of food ;) It becomes harder and harder to leave Toledo with every visit home.
There was one moment that especially stood out during my visit. When I'm at home I spend a lot of time with my neighbors and their 16 (or however many they're up to) kids. The youngest boy is probably around six and we call him Zay.
While sitting and watching some of the kids play cards, Zay came up and placed a big ball of crinkled paper towel in front of me. My face wrinkled up in confusion and I wondered why he was putting this ball of paper towel on the table and not in the garbage. He then told me to unwrap it, and when I did I found a pile of beautiful shells. Zay told me he got them from Myrtle Beach (which in reality is Luna Pier haha). I looked at the shells and couldn't figure out how they came from Lake Erie because they were so beautiful? So I looked over to Jackie (the mom) and asked her about their trip there. Then she looked at me and told me that she thought Zay had picked most of the shells for me...
At that point I was a bit baffled. I wanted to make sure that that was the case and that he wasn't going to be upset if I took them, so I went into his room and asked him about his trip to "Myrtle Beach". When I was done talking to him I asked him what I should do with the shells and where I should put them. He then looked at me and said "I PICKED THEM FOR YOU!" It was in that moment I just about cried.
It sounds silly to get so emotional over it, but this is the way I think of it. I have been away at school for two years. That means the last time I was consistently around his household he was four years old. Since then, I've come home for periods of time, but never more than a couple of weeks (not including last summer). He has no idea when to expect me coming home, and even when I am home, I try to split my time evenly between a handful of people so am in and out of their household throughout the visit. Kid's are crazy and carefree and don't usually remember people who aren't in their life on a regular basis, so I still have a hard time grasping the fact that he saw those shells and thought to pick them from me. It made my day and touched my heart.
It also made me think a little more. There have been times when I've thought of memories and inside jokes with old friends. I am then curious as to how they're doing. I usually mean to text them and ask or pull the whole "remember when..." But often times I get sidetracked or am busy. Or sometimes I find myself afraid they'll wonder "okay, why is Laura texting me? she hasn't talked to me in forever, what could she want?" But it was with Zay's gesture that I realized it's important to keep in touch with old friends. It's important to let people know we're thinking of them. His act of kindness brought a smile to my face, and I want to put that smile on other's faces as well. I may be busy, they may be busy, and who knows they may never respond, but at least they know I'm thinking of them. Things change and people change. So with many friends, you most likely won't remain as close as you once were. But as a friend, I am always interested in hearing where people are going and what they are doing with their lives. I know people with so many amazing stories, and even if I don't get to hear ALL of them, I am still blessed to hear their brief overview. I want nothing but the best for those I know. Even though I may not have seen or heard from them in awhile, there will always be place for them in my heart that is filled with love and those memories from the past.
It's amazing really, how a little boy's act of kindness can have a ripple effect. As for the pile of shells I have in my room, I am currently scheming up something to show him that I'm thinking of him too :)
This last trip home was especially enjoyable. With only two days to spare I managed to spend time with all of those who mean the most to me. Although busy, my days were filled with fun, laughter, memories, AND lots of food ;) It becomes harder and harder to leave Toledo with every visit home.
There was one moment that especially stood out during my visit. When I'm at home I spend a lot of time with my neighbors and their 16 (or however many they're up to) kids. The youngest boy is probably around six and we call him Zay.
While sitting and watching some of the kids play cards, Zay came up and placed a big ball of crinkled paper towel in front of me. My face wrinkled up in confusion and I wondered why he was putting this ball of paper towel on the table and not in the garbage. He then told me to unwrap it, and when I did I found a pile of beautiful shells. Zay told me he got them from Myrtle Beach (which in reality is Luna Pier haha). I looked at the shells and couldn't figure out how they came from Lake Erie because they were so beautiful? So I looked over to Jackie (the mom) and asked her about their trip there. Then she looked at me and told me that she thought Zay had picked most of the shells for me...
At that point I was a bit baffled. I wanted to make sure that that was the case and that he wasn't going to be upset if I took them, so I went into his room and asked him about his trip to "Myrtle Beach". When I was done talking to him I asked him what I should do with the shells and where I should put them. He then looked at me and said "I PICKED THEM FOR YOU!" It was in that moment I just about cried.
It sounds silly to get so emotional over it, but this is the way I think of it. I have been away at school for two years. That means the last time I was consistently around his household he was four years old. Since then, I've come home for periods of time, but never more than a couple of weeks (not including last summer). He has no idea when to expect me coming home, and even when I am home, I try to split my time evenly between a handful of people so am in and out of their household throughout the visit. Kid's are crazy and carefree and don't usually remember people who aren't in their life on a regular basis, so I still have a hard time grasping the fact that he saw those shells and thought to pick them from me. It made my day and touched my heart.
It also made me think a little more. There have been times when I've thought of memories and inside jokes with old friends. I am then curious as to how they're doing. I usually mean to text them and ask or pull the whole "remember when..." But often times I get sidetracked or am busy. Or sometimes I find myself afraid they'll wonder "okay, why is Laura texting me? she hasn't talked to me in forever, what could she want?" But it was with Zay's gesture that I realized it's important to keep in touch with old friends. It's important to let people know we're thinking of them. His act of kindness brought a smile to my face, and I want to put that smile on other's faces as well. I may be busy, they may be busy, and who knows they may never respond, but at least they know I'm thinking of them. Things change and people change. So with many friends, you most likely won't remain as close as you once were. But as a friend, I am always interested in hearing where people are going and what they are doing with their lives. I know people with so many amazing stories, and even if I don't get to hear ALL of them, I am still blessed to hear their brief overview. I want nothing but the best for those I know. Even though I may not have seen or heard from them in awhile, there will always be place for them in my heart that is filled with love and those memories from the past.
It's amazing really, how a little boy's act of kindness can have a ripple effect. As for the pile of shells I have in my room, I am currently scheming up something to show him that I'm thinking of him too :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Things Aren't Always What They're Cracked up To Be
I used to have my life figured out when I was little. Graduate from college, get a job, get married at age 23, start having kids at age 28, raise a family, and retire. Simple enough. I'm 20 years old now, 3 years away from that married at 23. While my plan was a nice thought, marriage is the farthest thing from my mind.
After watching the movie Blue Valentine, you could say that I've become somewhat of a cynic towards the idea of marriage. Statistically speaking, about half of all first marriages end in a divorce, a percentage that increases for second marriages, etc. Blue Valentine tells the story of a modern day marriage gone wrong. Taking place in the present, it flashes back to highlight how the couple got to where they are today, and times when they used to be happy.
There were two quotes in the movie that really hit me hard. The first came when the main character Cindy was talking to her grandma about falling in love. She said, "how can you trust your feelings when they can just change like that?" Well? It's true, ya know. We live in a society where everything happens so rapidly, we barely have time to think about decisions we're making. If we don't decide right away, we think our world's going to come tumbling down. So we make a decision and we jump, hoping that there's a big cushion to catch our fall. Today we like this boy band, tomorrow we think they're stupid. This year I like the brand new Blackberry I got, but when the latest version of the Iphone comes out, I decide I want that instead, it never ends.
When dealing with people, it's not quite the same. I'd like to think we don't treat people as objects, but I know that's not always the case. But for any matter, the point is that our feelings toward people change. Take high school for instance. How many people do you REALLY make an effort to keep in touch with that you used to be best friends with in high school? Or you room with one of your friends from the first year of college and then decide maybe you're not so compatible to live together after all. Our feelings change. It's just a fact of life. So I think Cindy's right, how can we trust our feelings, love, for instance, when our feelings change constantly. You can't know that the feelings for your spouse won't change, because you can't predict the situations you'll be placed in.
The second quote that got to me what spoken by Dean, the man Cindy falls in love with. He says: " I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, 'cause we're resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think I'd be an idiot if I didn't marry this girl she's so great. But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option... 'Oh he's got a good job.' I mean they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around." Do we just marry for security? Maybe. After looking at the high divorce rate, I personally can't say no. I feel that if a couple really married for love, that things like work, and money problems, etc. wouldn't be able to break them up. Every couple argues, but the couple in love would fight together until things looked up. But then again, love is a feeling, and feelings change, practically making the idea of love obsolete.
Like I said, my views are cynical, but these thoughts have been eating at me for the past week since I've seen the movie. It makes me thankful that I enjoy my time being single, and I know I will enter relationships with caution. Even after all my analyzation, I do believe in love. I have been there before and I know what it feels like. I will continue to believe in love, but these thoughts may just help me understand people and emotions and handle rejection better. I have no idea where life will take my from here, but when I do get married, I can only pray that I will find that one person and stay with him for the rest of my life.
After watching the movie Blue Valentine, you could say that I've become somewhat of a cynic towards the idea of marriage. Statistically speaking, about half of all first marriages end in a divorce, a percentage that increases for second marriages, etc. Blue Valentine tells the story of a modern day marriage gone wrong. Taking place in the present, it flashes back to highlight how the couple got to where they are today, and times when they used to be happy.
There were two quotes in the movie that really hit me hard. The first came when the main character Cindy was talking to her grandma about falling in love. She said, "how can you trust your feelings when they can just change like that?" Well? It's true, ya know. We live in a society where everything happens so rapidly, we barely have time to think about decisions we're making. If we don't decide right away, we think our world's going to come tumbling down. So we make a decision and we jump, hoping that there's a big cushion to catch our fall. Today we like this boy band, tomorrow we think they're stupid. This year I like the brand new Blackberry I got, but when the latest version of the Iphone comes out, I decide I want that instead, it never ends.
When dealing with people, it's not quite the same. I'd like to think we don't treat people as objects, but I know that's not always the case. But for any matter, the point is that our feelings toward people change. Take high school for instance. How many people do you REALLY make an effort to keep in touch with that you used to be best friends with in high school? Or you room with one of your friends from the first year of college and then decide maybe you're not so compatible to live together after all. Our feelings change. It's just a fact of life. So I think Cindy's right, how can we trust our feelings, love, for instance, when our feelings change constantly. You can't know that the feelings for your spouse won't change, because you can't predict the situations you'll be placed in.
The second quote that got to me what spoken by Dean, the man Cindy falls in love with. He says: " I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, 'cause we're resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think I'd be an idiot if I didn't marry this girl she's so great. But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option... 'Oh he's got a good job.' I mean they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around." Do we just marry for security? Maybe. After looking at the high divorce rate, I personally can't say no. I feel that if a couple really married for love, that things like work, and money problems, etc. wouldn't be able to break them up. Every couple argues, but the couple in love would fight together until things looked up. But then again, love is a feeling, and feelings change, practically making the idea of love obsolete.
Like I said, my views are cynical, but these thoughts have been eating at me for the past week since I've seen the movie. It makes me thankful that I enjoy my time being single, and I know I will enter relationships with caution. Even after all my analyzation, I do believe in love. I have been there before and I know what it feels like. I will continue to believe in love, but these thoughts may just help me understand people and emotions and handle rejection better. I have no idea where life will take my from here, but when I do get married, I can only pray that I will find that one person and stay with him for the rest of my life.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sophomore Year Flies By
It seems like just yesterday I was sitting here summarizing my year as a freshman in college. As I sit here today I cannot grasp the concept of time, or more the idea of how quickly it goes by. Where does it go and how do we let it slip by without really appreciating it?
So sophomore year has come and gone...how does one measure the success of it all? Is it measured by the 600+ sticky notes on my dining room wall? Or the 300 hours I served as an intern? Or the thousands of dollars paid in tuition to Northwood University? As I look at this past year I realize that the success of it cannot be quantified or measured in numbers. So where does the success begin?
For me it started in June when I signed the lease to an apartment that would be my very own. With the help of friends, family, and an amazing roommate I have been able to furnish and maintain the appearance of the place I currently call home. More importantly I have been able to maintain myself financially, and have learned a lesson in paying the bills. I have learned that it's actually easy to survive without the material things like cable, and it's much more important to sit down with the ones you love and share a meal, games, and a few good laughs.
I have been able to outgrow my freshman mentality and realize that college is more than just partying. While a night out is always fun and sometimes much needed, I've come to learn that having friends over to watch a movie or play video and board games can be just as much fun, not to mention it is all done without the consequences of waking up in the morning and wondering to yourself "why did I do that?" You don't realize it, but it is nights like these that are the most intimate, learning more about someone by paying attention to their words and actions than you would with drunken secrets spilled.
My eyes were opened when I studied abroad this past winter in London, England. I learned so much culturally, but also learned that I have a passion for theater and have since been able to decide that I want to work in the theater industry after college. I have learned lessons in friendships: gaining some, drifting from others, and rekindling pre-existing ones. I have learned to befriend others, even if it's simply being the girl who smiles and says hello to those you don't know. I have found myself spiritually and cannot explain how big of a feat that is for me. I have gained experience in the business world as an intern at ESPN 100.9 FM and since have received a new job at Family Video.
I have learned the importance of family. Words cannot explain the joy on my face and the warmth I feel in my heart every time I pull into that driveway at home. To be in a place that is familiar, where everyone is excited to see you and willing to rearrange their schedule just to spend a few hours with you. It's these people you miss and take for granted. Knowing that they would do anything for you and love you unconditionally. It's knowing that they're waiting for you, and knowing you'll be able to see them that keeps you going when you get stressed with work or are swamped with homework, projects, and exams.
So would I say this year has been a success? Yea, I would. But like I said, I realize it's about more than the accomplishments or the number of A's on a report card. I have learned some amazing lessons throughout this past year, lessons that I will forever remember and hopefully will be able to share with others some day. And it's these lessons that I believe allow me to say that I have had a successful year. And I hope as others look back on their year, they can say the same.
So sophomore year has come and gone...how does one measure the success of it all? Is it measured by the 600+ sticky notes on my dining room wall? Or the 300 hours I served as an intern? Or the thousands of dollars paid in tuition to Northwood University? As I look at this past year I realize that the success of it cannot be quantified or measured in numbers. So where does the success begin?
For me it started in June when I signed the lease to an apartment that would be my very own. With the help of friends, family, and an amazing roommate I have been able to furnish and maintain the appearance of the place I currently call home. More importantly I have been able to maintain myself financially, and have learned a lesson in paying the bills. I have learned that it's actually easy to survive without the material things like cable, and it's much more important to sit down with the ones you love and share a meal, games, and a few good laughs.
I have been able to outgrow my freshman mentality and realize that college is more than just partying. While a night out is always fun and sometimes much needed, I've come to learn that having friends over to watch a movie or play video and board games can be just as much fun, not to mention it is all done without the consequences of waking up in the morning and wondering to yourself "why did I do that?" You don't realize it, but it is nights like these that are the most intimate, learning more about someone by paying attention to their words and actions than you would with drunken secrets spilled.
My eyes were opened when I studied abroad this past winter in London, England. I learned so much culturally, but also learned that I have a passion for theater and have since been able to decide that I want to work in the theater industry after college. I have learned lessons in friendships: gaining some, drifting from others, and rekindling pre-existing ones. I have learned to befriend others, even if it's simply being the girl who smiles and says hello to those you don't know. I have found myself spiritually and cannot explain how big of a feat that is for me. I have gained experience in the business world as an intern at ESPN 100.9 FM and since have received a new job at Family Video.
I have learned the importance of family. Words cannot explain the joy on my face and the warmth I feel in my heart every time I pull into that driveway at home. To be in a place that is familiar, where everyone is excited to see you and willing to rearrange their schedule just to spend a few hours with you. It's these people you miss and take for granted. Knowing that they would do anything for you and love you unconditionally. It's knowing that they're waiting for you, and knowing you'll be able to see them that keeps you going when you get stressed with work or are swamped with homework, projects, and exams.
So would I say this year has been a success? Yea, I would. But like I said, I realize it's about more than the accomplishments or the number of A's on a report card. I have learned some amazing lessons throughout this past year, lessons that I will forever remember and hopefully will be able to share with others some day. And it's these lessons that I believe allow me to say that I have had a successful year. And I hope as others look back on their year, they can say the same.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Money Makes the World Go 'Round
I can't help but question the motives of colleges and universities these days. The amount of money it costs to take a class or live on campus is absolutely ludacris. I feel as though they are trying to make a quick buck any way possible.
For example: I am an entertainment and sports management major. Part of my cirriculum requires me to complete an internship. This past semester I have been working as an intern at the ESPN 100.9 FM radio in Midland, MI. I took this internship knowing that it was unpaid, simply because I need one in order to graduate. I am required to work at least 300 hours over the given time period, technically all for free. Or is it? I actually have to PAY $1,830 in order to do this internship...what? Since the internship counts as three credit hours, I am required to pay $610 per credit hour. Awesome. So, what is my money going towards? Well, my professors are supposed to visit my on site and see my place of employment and how I work in it. SUPPPOSED TO, being the keywords. I have two weeks left of service and have yet to have a professor visit. They also have to read a manual put together by me at the end of my term. This manual includes my time entry tables and journal entries explaining what my bi-weekly tasks were. Well, if you didn't assign me to put together this manual, you wouldn't have to read it. I cannot describe how unfair I believe this scenario is. I do not understand why a professor should get paid or Northwood University should make any money from MY service of 300 hours.
At the beginning of my college career I was given a completion plan. This plan mapped out my 4 years of college, telling me which classes I am required to take and where I can fit in electives. Today while attempting to schedule for a junior level major class, I was surprised when I was told I had not met the prerequisite. Going back to my plan to see what was required, I noticed right away the class I was missing. Going back through my plan, that class was nowhere listed in my first two years.
I am going to have to take this class over the summer, fine, whatever. The thing that makes me mad is that I'm going to have to pay extra money for this class when I could have worked it into the openings of previous semesters. It is unacceptable for a university to make a mistake like this, especially because I know it happens frequently here. This is a $1,800 mistake they're making, but it's okay because they actually reap the benefits of a student having to take an extra class.
A university is supposed to help students prepare for their future. They are just like any other business out there. They are relying on their students as their source of income. Customer service and satisfaction of a student should be just as important as customer service of any other company. I am truly disappointed and disgusted that one is able to question an educational facility in such a way, but how can I not when provided with such evidence?
For example: I am an entertainment and sports management major. Part of my cirriculum requires me to complete an internship. This past semester I have been working as an intern at the ESPN 100.9 FM radio in Midland, MI. I took this internship knowing that it was unpaid, simply because I need one in order to graduate. I am required to work at least 300 hours over the given time period, technically all for free. Or is it? I actually have to PAY $1,830 in order to do this internship...what? Since the internship counts as three credit hours, I am required to pay $610 per credit hour. Awesome. So, what is my money going towards? Well, my professors are supposed to visit my on site and see my place of employment and how I work in it. SUPPPOSED TO, being the keywords. I have two weeks left of service and have yet to have a professor visit. They also have to read a manual put together by me at the end of my term. This manual includes my time entry tables and journal entries explaining what my bi-weekly tasks were. Well, if you didn't assign me to put together this manual, you wouldn't have to read it. I cannot describe how unfair I believe this scenario is. I do not understand why a professor should get paid or Northwood University should make any money from MY service of 300 hours.
At the beginning of my college career I was given a completion plan. This plan mapped out my 4 years of college, telling me which classes I am required to take and where I can fit in electives. Today while attempting to schedule for a junior level major class, I was surprised when I was told I had not met the prerequisite. Going back to my plan to see what was required, I noticed right away the class I was missing. Going back through my plan, that class was nowhere listed in my first two years.
I am going to have to take this class over the summer, fine, whatever. The thing that makes me mad is that I'm going to have to pay extra money for this class when I could have worked it into the openings of previous semesters. It is unacceptable for a university to make a mistake like this, especially because I know it happens frequently here. This is a $1,800 mistake they're making, but it's okay because they actually reap the benefits of a student having to take an extra class.
A university is supposed to help students prepare for their future. They are just like any other business out there. They are relying on their students as their source of income. Customer service and satisfaction of a student should be just as important as customer service of any other company. I am truly disappointed and disgusted that one is able to question an educational facility in such a way, but how can I not when provided with such evidence?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tomorrow Never Comes
When I think about death, I often imagine the elderly. Someone who's lived a full life, had time to make mistakes and learn from them, and pass their wisdom on to young ones. Unfortunately the reality is that young people die every day. But once again, for me personally, there are usually negative connotations with those who die young. We hear about the drunk driving, substance abuse, domestic violence, so it's easy to forget that sometimes kid's die because they're sick. It's sad to think about.
I've been really bothered since hearing about Wes Leonard, the 16-year-old basketball player who died after his game on Thursday. The junior scored the game-winning shot in over time of his school's basketball game, clinching a perfect season for the Fennville Blackhawks. In a matter of moments he went from being on top of the world to rock bottom. Leonard died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which prevents the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body.
The whole thing bothers me for two main reasons.
1) Timing. From being held up high on your teammates shoulders to lying on the floor in a matter of moments. No sign or signal, nothing. It just happened. In the blink of an eye. Just like that. I can't get over how quickly it happened. To just have scored the game-winning lay-up of a game that sealed the deal on a perfect season...it's just not right.
2) The person. From everything we hear Leonard was not only an outstanding athlete, but an amazing person as well. I'm guessing he impacted the lives of many people in only his short-lived 16 years. Someone so young and influential, it's so unfair that society should be robbed of his presence.
I wish I could do a better job of putting it into words, but there isn't anything to say. I get goosebumps and am overcome with sadness thinking about it. Who's to say that won't be me tomorrow, or you?
We all try to live life the "right" way. But why? Do we do it for ourselves? To know we're the best? Do we do it for others? Satisfy people so we're considered likeable and have more friends? We all make decisions we think will shape the path for our future when the truth is the future isn't even guaranteed. I know I'm totally guilty of living this way, we all are at some point. So I'm gonna start staying out later, taking more chances, expressing the way I really feel. No more putting things off, no more "I'll do it tomorrow" in case tomorrow never comes.
RIP Wes Leonard. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
I've been really bothered since hearing about Wes Leonard, the 16-year-old basketball player who died after his game on Thursday. The junior scored the game-winning shot in over time of his school's basketball game, clinching a perfect season for the Fennville Blackhawks. In a matter of moments he went from being on top of the world to rock bottom. Leonard died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which prevents the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body.
The whole thing bothers me for two main reasons.
1) Timing. From being held up high on your teammates shoulders to lying on the floor in a matter of moments. No sign or signal, nothing. It just happened. In the blink of an eye. Just like that. I can't get over how quickly it happened. To just have scored the game-winning lay-up of a game that sealed the deal on a perfect season...it's just not right.
2) The person. From everything we hear Leonard was not only an outstanding athlete, but an amazing person as well. I'm guessing he impacted the lives of many people in only his short-lived 16 years. Someone so young and influential, it's so unfair that society should be robbed of his presence.
I wish I could do a better job of putting it into words, but there isn't anything to say. I get goosebumps and am overcome with sadness thinking about it. Who's to say that won't be me tomorrow, or you?
We all try to live life the "right" way. But why? Do we do it for ourselves? To know we're the best? Do we do it for others? Satisfy people so we're considered likeable and have more friends? We all make decisions we think will shape the path for our future when the truth is the future isn't even guaranteed. I know I'm totally guilty of living this way, we all are at some point. So I'm gonna start staying out later, taking more chances, expressing the way I really feel. No more putting things off, no more "I'll do it tomorrow" in case tomorrow never comes.
RIP Wes Leonard. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Isn't just a Hallmark Holiday
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Ya know, I think that this day could be one of the most (if not THE most) hated day of the year. And ya know what, I think I hate it too. Because what single person would like a day in which all the "happy couples" around them publicize their affection for the world to see? It's just a reminder that it's another year later and I'm even more single than the year before. Right? WRONG!
I hate Valentine's Day because of all of the people who have that stupid mentality. Do you even know the story of how Valentine's day originated and the st. it was named for?
It started in the 4th century with a type of Roman celebration in which the names of unmarried Roman women were placed in a box. These names were then randomly drawn by men, who would use these women for "entertainment"(we all know what that means). This "lottery" was held at the end of every year and men would receive a new woman for the next, upcoming year. This celebration honored the Roman diety Lupercus, the god of fertility.
The early church hoped to put an end to this practice. They named Valentine a saint, in hopes that he would replace Lupercus. But who is this Valentine?
Valentine was a bishop who was martyred for his practice of marrying couples, even though it was against laws set by the emporer Claudius. Claudius believed that soldiers who were married didn't fight well in battle, and therefore, made the act of becoming married illegal. When Valentine refused to give up his ways and honor the Roman diety of Lupercus, Claudius ordered him to be executed. Valentine was then stoned, clubbed, and beheaded. Romantic, right?
The Pope eventually outlawed the Luperican festival, replacing it with a new type of lottery. Now, names of saints were placed in a box, and both men and women chose a saint's name out of the box. The lucky drawer then had to attempt to emulate the life of the saint's name they had drawn during the upcoming year (sorry fellas).
So, while many people may read the story and say "well yea, this St. Valentine honored marriage," that's not what I see. I look at this legend, or theory, or myth, and see a man who loved people so much, he was willing to risk his freedom/life to marry those in love. So is this day a celebration of marriage? Yes, it is. But I believe it should be more of a celebration of those friends and family we love so much, the ones we say we would give our life for. After all, this Valentine didn't even know the people he was risking his life for.
So stop sulking and go do something nice for someone you love <3
http://www.suite101.com/content/history-behind-valentines-day-a338183
Ya know, I think that this day could be one of the most (if not THE most) hated day of the year. And ya know what, I think I hate it too. Because what single person would like a day in which all the "happy couples" around them publicize their affection for the world to see? It's just a reminder that it's another year later and I'm even more single than the year before. Right? WRONG!
I hate Valentine's Day because of all of the people who have that stupid mentality. Do you even know the story of how Valentine's day originated and the st. it was named for?
It started in the 4th century with a type of Roman celebration in which the names of unmarried Roman women were placed in a box. These names were then randomly drawn by men, who would use these women for "entertainment"(we all know what that means). This "lottery" was held at the end of every year and men would receive a new woman for the next, upcoming year. This celebration honored the Roman diety Lupercus, the god of fertility.
The early church hoped to put an end to this practice. They named Valentine a saint, in hopes that he would replace Lupercus. But who is this Valentine?
Valentine was a bishop who was martyred for his practice of marrying couples, even though it was against laws set by the emporer Claudius. Claudius believed that soldiers who were married didn't fight well in battle, and therefore, made the act of becoming married illegal. When Valentine refused to give up his ways and honor the Roman diety of Lupercus, Claudius ordered him to be executed. Valentine was then stoned, clubbed, and beheaded. Romantic, right?
The Pope eventually outlawed the Luperican festival, replacing it with a new type of lottery. Now, names of saints were placed in a box, and both men and women chose a saint's name out of the box. The lucky drawer then had to attempt to emulate the life of the saint's name they had drawn during the upcoming year (sorry fellas).
So, while many people may read the story and say "well yea, this St. Valentine honored marriage," that's not what I see. I look at this legend, or theory, or myth, and see a man who loved people so much, he was willing to risk his freedom/life to marry those in love. So is this day a celebration of marriage? Yes, it is. But I believe it should be more of a celebration of those friends and family we love so much, the ones we say we would give our life for. After all, this Valentine didn't even know the people he was risking his life for.
So stop sulking and go do something nice for someone you love <3
http://www.suite101.com/content/history-behind-valentines-day-a338183
Monday, January 24, 2011
Knowledge is Power
"Knowledge is power." -Francis Bacon
Coming from a household with two teachers as parents, education has always been an important part of my life. Unlike many kids that go through school, I enjoyed going to classes and I enjoyed learning. I give credit to the Washington Local School District for hiring teachers who made learning fun. I can honestly say that I don't believe I ever had one bad teacher until college. Maybe some weird ones, but they were still good educators.
College is a whole different ball park. Class participation in jr. high and high school was used to gage a student's interest. In college, class partcipation is just a section on a professor's syllabus, but has no real meaning to the class or your final grade. Very rarely does the class participate, and VERY rarely is there any student interest. Can you blame us? How are we supposed to stay interested in class when our professors stand at the front of the room and simply talk or read from the chapters. No visual aids, no group discussion, just, lecture. And it's not just like it's one class a day. Last semester I sat through three classes, from 8-12:30, listening to professors talk at me. Tell me that wouldn't put you to sleep.
What has our education system come to? Let me tell you...
We constantly hear about how education in the US ranks so low compared to that of other countries. In order to make sure kids are learning, we test them, and if they don't pass, we hold them back. While this seems like it would make sense, I personally believe it decreases the quality of education. Many teachers teach because it's what they love to do. While many of my professors are very boring, I can tell by the way they speak that they have a passion for the subject they teach. But by providing required tests in gradschool and high school, the teachers are not teaching students what they believe is important, but they are tailoring their cirriculum to match these tests. As long as the kids have the information to pass the test, their job is done. How does that help?
If I remember correctly, I took standardized tests every year from 3rd grade through 7th. Seriously? As 8 and 9 year olds we are expected to pass standardized tests that determine whether or not we can move to the 4th grade? Talk about pressure. And talk about heart break for those kids who don't pass.
As we move on to high school and college, as I said, we have the problem of boredom by lecture. Many college professors don't even have an education degree, but have a degree in their field of interest, which they then teach. Problem? I think so. These professors have not learned how to relay information and relate to their students. Being a business school, they constantly harp the importance of communication in any company. Well, I think they should take a look in the mirror. If professors learned to communicate with their students and find what motivates us and what makes us go, they might have an easier time keeping us awake in class. Not only would it keep us awake in class, but it would help us absorb and retain that information.
Oh wait, there's more. The rapid technological advances makes it almost impossible to keep current. When Microsoft comes out with new office programs every 3 years, well by the time 2010 comes out, some of the schools have just implemented 2007. It's stupid. How much more can you do in 2010 than you could in 2007. Is it really necessary to make all those changes?
These are just some of the flaws in the system. Hopefully someone will realize this and make a change. They say the children are our future...Well, if that's the case, we could be in a whole lot of trouble if we continue to teach them this way.
Coming from a household with two teachers as parents, education has always been an important part of my life. Unlike many kids that go through school, I enjoyed going to classes and I enjoyed learning. I give credit to the Washington Local School District for hiring teachers who made learning fun. I can honestly say that I don't believe I ever had one bad teacher until college. Maybe some weird ones, but they were still good educators.
College is a whole different ball park. Class participation in jr. high and high school was used to gage a student's interest. In college, class partcipation is just a section on a professor's syllabus, but has no real meaning to the class or your final grade. Very rarely does the class participate, and VERY rarely is there any student interest. Can you blame us? How are we supposed to stay interested in class when our professors stand at the front of the room and simply talk or read from the chapters. No visual aids, no group discussion, just, lecture. And it's not just like it's one class a day. Last semester I sat through three classes, from 8-12:30, listening to professors talk at me. Tell me that wouldn't put you to sleep.
What has our education system come to? Let me tell you...
We constantly hear about how education in the US ranks so low compared to that of other countries. In order to make sure kids are learning, we test them, and if they don't pass, we hold them back. While this seems like it would make sense, I personally believe it decreases the quality of education. Many teachers teach because it's what they love to do. While many of my professors are very boring, I can tell by the way they speak that they have a passion for the subject they teach. But by providing required tests in gradschool and high school, the teachers are not teaching students what they believe is important, but they are tailoring their cirriculum to match these tests. As long as the kids have the information to pass the test, their job is done. How does that help?
If I remember correctly, I took standardized tests every year from 3rd grade through 7th. Seriously? As 8 and 9 year olds we are expected to pass standardized tests that determine whether or not we can move to the 4th grade? Talk about pressure. And talk about heart break for those kids who don't pass.
As we move on to high school and college, as I said, we have the problem of boredom by lecture. Many college professors don't even have an education degree, but have a degree in their field of interest, which they then teach. Problem? I think so. These professors have not learned how to relay information and relate to their students. Being a business school, they constantly harp the importance of communication in any company. Well, I think they should take a look in the mirror. If professors learned to communicate with their students and find what motivates us and what makes us go, they might have an easier time keeping us awake in class. Not only would it keep us awake in class, but it would help us absorb and retain that information.
Oh wait, there's more. The rapid technological advances makes it almost impossible to keep current. When Microsoft comes out with new office programs every 3 years, well by the time 2010 comes out, some of the schools have just implemented 2007. It's stupid. How much more can you do in 2010 than you could in 2007. Is it really necessary to make all those changes?
These are just some of the flaws in the system. Hopefully someone will realize this and make a change. They say the children are our future...Well, if that's the case, we could be in a whole lot of trouble if we continue to teach them this way.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Look on the Bright Side
So, we've been back to school for one week now, and let me tell you, boy has it been one hell of a week.
Last Sunday I made my return journey to school. I sometimes give a friend from high school a ride to and from Midland over holidays because he doesn't have a car. As usual, I dropped him off at the units and turned off the car to help him get his things back into his unit. To my surprise, when we were finished, I went to start my car, only nothing happened. Fantastic! After letting it sit for some time I tried again, but it still wouldn't work.
Someone came to pick me up and we got all of my things to my apartment. I then called AAA to have them tow my car. Unfortunately, the driver was apparently incapable of towing my car to a shop. He managed to get my car started by pushing it with his truck (since I drive stick, it automatically starts once it reaches a certain speed). You're probably all thinking problem solved! Only it wasn't. Although he could start my car my nudging it, my car wouldn't start when I turned the key. When I asked him what I was supposed to do, he told me have someone follow me to the shop so they can pick me up. Wait, did I miss something? I did get a TOW TRUCK sent to my location. I didn't understand why he couldn't TOW my car to a shop? Hmph?!
Monday morning rolls around. Borrow my roommates car to get to work (I have an internship at a radio station by the way). Everything is going as usual. The equipments not working, I'm in panic mode, blah blah blah. At 7:30 the director of sales for the station calls me and wants to know why we're not on the air. I tell him I don't know, everything in the studio is fine, and when he tells me to fix it I'm baffled. I don't know why it's not working, so what should I do? After numerous phone calls to numerous people I find out that I had managed to turn the transmitter off. WOW! I had accidentally pressed the wrong sequence of buttons while taking meter readings at 6:30, so our station wasn't broadcasting for over an hour. Beautiful.
On Tuesday I was finally able to get my car towed to the shop. What I originally thought was a $350 starter fix turned out to be a $1400 steering column problem. Fortunately, Belle Tire was able to find a used steering column in a scrapyard nearby, and that brought my cost down to $500. Better, but still more than what I expected.
Eventful couple of days, right?
While my stress level and anger levels were higher than normal, I was proud of myself because throughout these situations, I was able to take a step back and look on the bright side. For example, when I got back to my apartment on Sunday I was grateful that I had gotten to Midland BEFORE I started having car problems. Fortunately I didn't have any issues driving to school that prevented me from arriving on time or getting into an accident.
After I shut off the transmitter, I was waiting to get chewed out by my boss. He came in though and seemed pretty nonchalant about it. He explained to me what I had done wrong, how to fix it, and how to look to avoid the same mistake in the future. It was ironic because up until that moment I felt lost in the studio. Which is unacceptable considering I've been working there for the past three and a half months. You're probably thinking, "well why didn't you ask?" It's hard to ask questions when it comes to the station. You don't know what can go wrong, so I don't know what questions to ask until the problem arises.
Finally, having a car in the shop for a week has been making it very hard to get to and from class and work. But I have had so many people text me or tell me if I need a ride anywhere to call them and they will come get me. Words can not explain how grateful I am to all of these people and how much I appreciate it.
"Ya find out who your friends are,
Somebody's gonna drop everything,
Run out and crank up their car,
Hit the gas get there fast,
Never stop to think what's in it for me,
Or that's way too far.
They just show on up,
with their big ole hearts <3"
Last Sunday I made my return journey to school. I sometimes give a friend from high school a ride to and from Midland over holidays because he doesn't have a car. As usual, I dropped him off at the units and turned off the car to help him get his things back into his unit. To my surprise, when we were finished, I went to start my car, only nothing happened. Fantastic! After letting it sit for some time I tried again, but it still wouldn't work.
Someone came to pick me up and we got all of my things to my apartment. I then called AAA to have them tow my car. Unfortunately, the driver was apparently incapable of towing my car to a shop. He managed to get my car started by pushing it with his truck (since I drive stick, it automatically starts once it reaches a certain speed). You're probably all thinking problem solved! Only it wasn't. Although he could start my car my nudging it, my car wouldn't start when I turned the key. When I asked him what I was supposed to do, he told me have someone follow me to the shop so they can pick me up. Wait, did I miss something? I did get a TOW TRUCK sent to my location. I didn't understand why he couldn't TOW my car to a shop? Hmph?!
Monday morning rolls around. Borrow my roommates car to get to work (I have an internship at a radio station by the way). Everything is going as usual. The equipments not working, I'm in panic mode, blah blah blah. At 7:30 the director of sales for the station calls me and wants to know why we're not on the air. I tell him I don't know, everything in the studio is fine, and when he tells me to fix it I'm baffled. I don't know why it's not working, so what should I do? After numerous phone calls to numerous people I find out that I had managed to turn the transmitter off. WOW! I had accidentally pressed the wrong sequence of buttons while taking meter readings at 6:30, so our station wasn't broadcasting for over an hour. Beautiful.
On Tuesday I was finally able to get my car towed to the shop. What I originally thought was a $350 starter fix turned out to be a $1400 steering column problem. Fortunately, Belle Tire was able to find a used steering column in a scrapyard nearby, and that brought my cost down to $500. Better, but still more than what I expected.
Eventful couple of days, right?
While my stress level and anger levels were higher than normal, I was proud of myself because throughout these situations, I was able to take a step back and look on the bright side. For example, when I got back to my apartment on Sunday I was grateful that I had gotten to Midland BEFORE I started having car problems. Fortunately I didn't have any issues driving to school that prevented me from arriving on time or getting into an accident.
After I shut off the transmitter, I was waiting to get chewed out by my boss. He came in though and seemed pretty nonchalant about it. He explained to me what I had done wrong, how to fix it, and how to look to avoid the same mistake in the future. It was ironic because up until that moment I felt lost in the studio. Which is unacceptable considering I've been working there for the past three and a half months. You're probably thinking, "well why didn't you ask?" It's hard to ask questions when it comes to the station. You don't know what can go wrong, so I don't know what questions to ask until the problem arises.
Finally, having a car in the shop for a week has been making it very hard to get to and from class and work. But I have had so many people text me or tell me if I need a ride anywhere to call them and they will come get me. Words can not explain how grateful I am to all of these people and how much I appreciate it.
"Ya find out who your friends are,
Somebody's gonna drop everything,
Run out and crank up their car,
Hit the gas get there fast,
Never stop to think what's in it for me,
Or that's way too far.
They just show on up,
with their big ole hearts <3"
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