Pens, Paper and Bleeding Ink:

Feelings. Both a blessing and a curse, to be cliché. It is painful sometimes, feeling something you wish you did not or would be better off without. But, it is not that simple. You cannot always change the way you feel. Occasionally, I run head first into a brick wall with this one... at least it serves for some grand songwriting.

My least favorite lack of control revolves around my feelings toward others. Although this can be a broad topic, let's stick to the ever overly discussed... Relationships. I am quite opinionated and, furthermore, rather blunt about it. I don't usually put my heart out there, but it is completely yours once you receive it.

"Soul mate: two little words, one big concept. A belief that someone, somewhere, is holding the key to your heart." - Sex and the City

Luckily, you can make copies of keys: for emergencies, for backup, for loved ones. Apparently, I have made a few copies... or maybe there were a handful of original copies that landed in the right hands. I have the best friends in the entire world. If they were action figures, they would come equipped with hot glue guns, Ben & Jerry's and the keys to my heart.

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with." - Sex and the City

So, with all the ups & downs... bumps & bruises... tears & heart breaks... I know I will have them. My own personal brand of superheroes. The Justice League to my Batman. And, when the pens run out of ink... when the paper is all used up... when the songs play their last note... I'll still have them. To make it better. To fix the cracks or share the smiles.

Lenses of Limitation:

I hate being told that I cannot do something or that my expectations are unrealistic. Why do those with limitations impose them on others? The dreams of the world are destroyed by them.

What if Einstein was handed limitations? What about Steve Jobs, Bill Gates? Stephen Hawking? Alexander the Great? Benjamin Franklin? The list could extend longer than you can imagine.

Why must one's dream be another's disaster? Is it so wrong to want more than this provincial life? As children, we dream. The little mermaid finds her feet, the beauty gets her adventure, the street-rat becomes as rich as the sultan, a man becomes a god, a female warrior saves her country...

If you see a limit, you will never overcome it. I've been told we filter our lives through lenses created of the things that hold us back. Well, I'm sick of the lenses. I'm sick of being told I can't. Because, I can.

Doing Good... No, you're not.

Just having that title bothers me... Let's (contraction for "Let us") review why:

So, I was sitting in class today and another female student was wearing a shirt that said, "Doing Good since [insert year here]." I severely hope that the shirt implied "doing good deeds," however, I still find it unacceptable.

In high school, an English teacher handed me my report card and stated that I "did good." No, I did not. I did well. I had good grades. Luckily, I was in the honors English class and not a student in this individual's class.

It bothers me how Americans slaughter the ONE language they are supposedly required to master. Is it really that difficult?

Good and Well.

Well - an adverb that describes a verb

Good - an adjective that describes a noun

Now, we should all know the differences between a verb and a noun. However if this concept boggles your mind, PLEASE do yourself (and the English language) a favor and visit the following website:

http://thewritersbag.com/writing-rules/the-wellgood-conundrum

To, Two, Too

To - preposition

Too - adverb

Two - number

For more in-depth definitions and examples, please visit the following websites:

http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000258.htm

http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/totootwo.html

Their, There, They're

Their - denotes possession

There - refers to a place

They're - contraction of "they are"

Again, feel free to learn more at the following websites:

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-There,-Their-and-They're

http://www.better-english.com/easier/theyre.htm

Y'all NOT Ya'll

Y'all - abbreviation for "You all"

Ya'll = abbreviation for "Ya will"

...Why? Because, an apostrophe is a substitute for missing letters.

Some try to argue that "ya'll" stands for "ya all." Well, ya is not a proper word to begin with. Not to mention, that specific contraction would alter the pronunciation.

Please, note the difference between the two and stop blaming your grammatical errors on your region of origin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y'all

Also note, I am not perfect and do not pretend to be. I make mistakes like every other human being on this planet. However, I try to learn from my mistakes. If I have an inquiry about my own grammar, I will research and find the appropriate correction.

I will most likely continue this blog when I am in situations that slaughter our language.

Happy Holidays! ... No, I don't think so:

Someone please explain holidays to me. Please tell me why we must continue to create ways to self-indulge on the materialism of the world. Tell me why Christmas and Valentine's day (among others) mean anything. I'm waiting.

You can't, because they don't. The meanings behind them vaguely exist anymore. Even the "Christ" in Christmas is being replaced with a mere "x"... The result, x-mas. Nice. Anyone can feel free to refute this, but I guarantee your Christmas list isn't blank. You want something from someone, and even I am guilty of that.

I apologize if I seem harsh or heartless... Wait. No, I don't. I am not bitter, either. I have never had an outstanding New Year, regardless of whether midnight was welcomed by a kiss or not. But, am I complaining about that? No. Because, New Years is simply celebrating the upcoming year and reflecting on the past one. It isn't supposed to be dedicated to anything (or one) greater, and I am grateful for the recognition of those years.

My problem is that people are never satisfied. In an attempt to receive gratification, they create holidays to fill their needs. Forget what the holidays may have originally been designed for. Can you honestly say that they still embody those ideals?

Exercise and eating right are great ideas in theory, but if they are not practiced they do nothing for you. Well, society has grown obese.

It Stung Like A Violent Wind That Our Memories Depend On A Faulty Camera In Our Minds:

Change is a hard pill to swallow, especially when we least expect or want it.

We go through changes through out our lives: We develop in the womb, we are birthed, we are taught to walk and speak, we are potty trained, we learn to love, we learn to lose, we learn to move on. All consisting of change.

It would take me this entire blog to list all of the changes and things we experience throughout a lifetime. Some are good (at least, I know that it was a good thing my mother bribed me with a Joker action figure in an attempt to have me use the bathroom independently. No one wants to wear a diaper their entire life), others are not so grand (whether it was your first scraped knee or broken heart, neither are award-winning high points of life). Too bad life is not Monopoly, and we don't have "Get Out of Jail FREE" cards.

Our minds are interesting in their camera likeness. As you get older and watch old family videotapes/recordings/films, you think of how different the experience actually was on the other side of the lens. Just like the memories you hold in your mind, your perception changes. Your memories change.

It's hard when memories fade, especially ones we hold dear to us. Others refuse to be erased, even when we wished they'd go away. But regardless of what we remember or what we lose, we are shaped by it. We are shaped by the change we never wanted. The goal is to take the bad with the good - Making the best out of the worst we are given.

(Death Cab For Cutie : What Sarah Said)

Non Capisco L'Italiano!

Translation: I do not understand Italian!

Languages. They are important, right? They allow us to communicate with each other and teach us about other cultures. So, my frustration is this: What is wrong with the United States of America?

I have European friends who know multiple languages. Their school requirements deemed this necessary early in life. So, why doesn't the US do the same? 

Some argue that it is simply because the radius of our country extends further than European countries or because English speaking people are found throughout the globe. What lame excuses.

Spanish is being incorporated into language requirements because of the increase in the US Spanish population. I hold disdain for this fact: You don't speak English, so we will be expected to speak Spanish. 

No. Everyone should be, at the very least, bilingual. I try to learn basic vocabulary for every country I visit. I should not expect them to know English. If happen to struggle with parts of the language, I can always inquire (in whatever language necessary): "Come si dice ____ in l'italiano?" (How do you say ____ in Italian?) "Che cosa voul dire..." (What does it mean to say...).

I believe that the US should instill multiple foreign languages in our vocabulary at early ages. Parents should also put forth the effort to teach their children other languages. Besides, it has been scientifically proven that music and language assist in brain development.

http://www.parentinginformation.org/braindevelopment.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060920093024.htm

Love is in the... Imagination?

I find it amusing how Spring arrives and relationship statuses being popping up all over facebook. That little heart appears frequently throughout your mini feed. As if that isn't enough public notification, you begin to notice all of the couples wandering around in extremely close proximity, holding hands, etc... in public places.

In my opinion, this only proves the fact that we are nothing but animals. Spring is mating season, so everyone feels this urge to be with another individual that will "complete them" (Please, excuse my cynicism).

This is highly debated under scientific studies. Some believe it is due to human evolution why we do not have a "season." However, some studies show that July, August and September are likely months for conception (followed by October, November and December). Ok, so everyone finds a significant other in the Spring and by late summer, fall and winter they are making babies! Hmm...

Regardless of the studies, you do not need another human being to "complete you." As a friend of mine once told me, "Everyone and everything will eventually let you down." So, don't be surprised when they do. Eventually, we'll be watching many of those little hearts form cracks in them and those relationships will have ended.

(Disclaimer: I am not referring to every relationship, just the flings that occur yearly)

If It's A Sunny Day, LSU Students Will Come Out To Play

So, I love living in various places and seeing the differences in the people who live there.

In Europe, I'm prepared to walk around amazing places in all types of weather. But, whether I am in Northern Germany or Southern Italy, I'm prepared for a lack of air conditioning with an increase of stairs... and lots of great food.

In Memphis, it rains, it snows, the sun shines and the wind blows. We don't really skip a beat. The weather changes frequently, and we just have to go with the flow of things.

In Massachusetts, it starts drizzling and there's either no leaving the house or huge umbrellas (according to Taya). But, they can deal with snow like no other... or at least like any of those far north.

In Baton Rouge, the city will shut down for snow. And, although they know the rain well enough, LSU's students are severely decreased during a day that is depleted of sunshine.

Today however, the sun was out along with the thousands of LSU students. The quad was crowded with Southerns welcoming the summer sun. Personally, I have one kind of favorite day - a sunny day with the perfect breeze. I am indifferent to all other weather, but I prefer Autumn to any other season. I may be a Southern girl, but I love to travel the world :)

Celebrity Lives and Magazine Racks:

So, I am standing in some rather disinclined line at the front of a grocery store - one which is part of a major chain. Naturally, there are racks filled with hopeful "last minute browsing before reaching the register" items. Usually, I would purposefully omit the existence of this clutter, however I chose a different path of, dare I say it, acknowledgement.

So, I am observing these racks and the individuals who are scanning them - so closely that you would think the meaning of their lives lay on the brightly colored magazine covers. 

At first, the images catch my eye - initially one of a sickly man. I then realize that this man is supposedly Patrick Swayze. My eyes then begin to scan the different headlines. "Down to 105lbs," "Living with Grief," "Now it's war," etc... Featuring celebrities Patrick Swayze, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. 

The headlines and photographs go on, but my mind focuses elsewhere. How do these families feel about their personal issues being plastered on the front pages? Patrick Swayze is fatally ill, and I can only imagine how his wife would have her stomach churn at the extra daily reminders. John Travolta and Kelly Preston lost a child, and that in itself is a pain that haunts them daily without needing a feature story. And, I am just glad Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's children cannot read or comprehend the tabloids. Could you imagine reading about your parents' possible split in a headline?

Majoring in Mass Communications: Public Relations exposes me to the world of communication, however journalism is something I frequently struggle with. When is enough ENOUGH? Where do we draw the line? What kind of ethics do we have in today's world? Do we simply disregard the feelings of others for our own personal gain? And, what about the people who purchase such things? Do they enjoy seeing others in pain? Does reading that make them feel any better at the end of the day?

In a visual communication class, I was distraught when I discovered that I could see pictures of my family members, those fighting in a war overseas, dead on the front page of the morning paper. Apparently, the media may not have an obligation to inform me before they print graphic pictures of my loved ones. Is that right? Is that ethical?

Freedom is an amazing, powerful and blessed thing. But, we should not abuse that freedom. We should not maliciously hinder the lives of others. We should respect and give support to those who are experiencing great pain in their lives. Because when it comes right down to it, your feet could end up in their shoes.

Letters, Photographs and Scrapbooks:

I wrote a letter to a friend who is so far away right now. In fact, it's the only way we can communicate. His absence makes me unbelievably empty, but writing him letters replaces that feeling with so many other emotions. We probably know each other's darkest secrets and deepest pains. The other will always be right, and we will always be wrong. He always knows what to say to make me feel better, and I selfishly miss him for that. We haven't always been perfect friends to each other, but I realize now that I could never abandon our friendship. He has proved that, even if I did, he would still be waiting for me to need him again. I have certainly found comfort in that.

Pictures of memories are a double edged sword. They can bring happiness, pain, nostalgia... a longing for the past or a need to erase what remained. Whatever it may be, eventually there will only be pictures. Tangible entities that can be easily dismembered, burned or forgotten. We may forget faces, events or places but every tiny detail in that photograph probably ends up defining us in some way. 

And in years to come, these letters and photographs that makes up scrapbooks will be nothing more than that - books. They will be lives of those who once lived. Their meaning will have died with the deceased and be forgotten. But right now, they are ours. Our memories, decisions, lives... So, consider the next snapshot carefully. 

"Scare tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on."  - Henry Rollins

Fortunes and Cookies:

I save slips from fortune cookies: 

• "Do not be afraid to take that big step" 
• "Working hard will make you live a happy life" 
• "Your happiness is intertwined with your outlook on life" 
• "Your kindness will lead you to happiness" 
• "Your heart is pure, & your mind is clear" 
• "You are capable, competent, creative & careful" 
• "Desire, like the atom, is explosive with creative force" 
• "If your desires are not extravagant, they will be granted" 
• "You will be unusually successful in business" 
• "You will always have good luck in your personal affairs" 
• "You should be able to undertake & complete anything you desire" 
• "The real test in life is not in keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after you are in"
• "Your dearest dream is coming true"
  

These among others... Because, I control all of those. I can take "that big step." I can work hard. I can intertwine my perceptions with my emotions and succeed in whatever tasks I choose to take upon myself. I can be kind, have a pure heart and a clear mind. I know I am "capable, competent, creative and careful." I have desires, drive and the ability to be successful. I know I can deal with all the problems life throws at me, and I will make the most of every second of my life as a building block to every dream I have. So, I keep them to remind me that I can undertake whatever entities challenge me and make an impact like anything that has left a scar on my life.

However, I do not keep those pertaining to love. Love is such an undefinable, irrational thing. An entity that can be given and not received, that can cause joy and pain, that can change the course of your life for better or worse. Love is not something I can decide. I cannot force someone to love me back, just as I could not force myself to love another or attempt to control the constantly changing weather. It is not something you control. It is not a destiny you can plan. It happens or it doesn't. So, I do not hope for it. I do not long for it. I do not rely on it. Because, in the end we may not truly have it. And, who can base their life on that?

Often I wonder how thin the lines are that we walk. If a facade is just that, how can it bring us happiness? But, can we find happiness without it? Do we fool ourselves into believing that we have distaste or lack of necessity for things only because we have a fear of never obtaining them? Possibly. 

Elephant Ears and Little Girls:

When you're little, the world appears to be a beautiful, magical place filled with unicorns, dragons, fairytales and prince charming... Images that all but fade entirely away when you grow up, because your dreams cease or your heart feels its first break. 

I still like to believe in unicorns and dragons, but prince charming was just an ordinary man. Who's to say that he rescued a damsel in distress? Maybe she didn't need rescuing at all. Maybe she could've saved herself or been intelligent enough never to find herself in such a predicament.

Sometimes, the rescuing you need is finding yourself, living your dreams, forgetting that one thing that made you weak... Remembering what defines you and disregarding the ones that sever the pieces. Because, maybe you don't need saving anymore than a fish needs land.

"I used to believe Cinderella got with Prince Charming, but charming wasn't what he was - just a name. Did the Little Mermaid get with that guy on land? No, but Beauty certainly got her beast. And, Sleeping Beauty was eaten by a dragon, I think." (c)

This Blog Thing:

It is not like I have never been an avid blogger - I just never had a blog that produced intrigue, intellect or certain popularity. The sharing of our intricate thought processes can be an entertaining learning experience, so hopefully this will prove to be as such.

I am not a complainer, I am a thinker and a writer. If you perceive this as complaining, you should step outside of your mundane box for a while. If you are going to be judgmental, I recommend you cease your reading here.

Now, if you are an open-minded, original thinker... 

(note: these are not the only requirements, but I hope you observe the hint)

Please proceed...