Semester Ending.

The semester is coming to an end. I feel as if I should be feeling a relief, but for some reason, I feel more pressured than ever. Everything is piling up. I have a ton of papers due, quite a few test to pass, and a load of projects. I think my professor's have teamed up to make my last few weeks as hectic as possible. Of course not. I am amazed at how much needs to be done. But I have started to think of what it will be like when it is all over. I will have plenty of time on my hands, very few responsibilities, and enough hours in the day to enjoy as I please. To be honest, I think it is going to get some getting used to. I am going to miss circle time in my English class, and the movies in my psychology class. However, I know the complaining will begin when the spring semester starts. I will look back and surely say: "What was I thinking?" Well, I believe this is my last posting.

To all of you in my ENC 1101 class:

I wish you the best for the Holidays. It was a pleasure being part of such a diverse group. I wish you the best in life!

Jason M-raz.

I know, lately it seems as if I have been hopping from event to event. I say, that's the way to live life! Today, I am going to see Jason M-raz live in concert. He is an amazing singer. He will have a live band and the show, I am expecting; it will be nothing less than spectacular. I will be posting pictures. Well, I am on my way...

Entertainment.

Entertainment is all around us. Kids are influenced by all types of entertainment such as, television, movies, internet and so on. I strongly believe there is a time for everything. A child will have there time to grow. One day they will see the world in our eyes, where there is no innocence, just right and wrong. Children are born naive. They are sponges. And as they grow, they adopt certain habits/customs. These habits are influenced by their surroundings, but also by what they observe. Such things as violence and sex are factors which break their mentality. For such reasons, I believe there should be a boundary as to what kids can view. Their innocence is stripped as the years pass. One should try to prevent these situations. A child will grow mature enough to understand and comprehend certain things. Until that time, they should be kept away from such influences that will fill their minds with nothing but filth.

WayFest.

This past Saturday, I attended the wayfest festival/concert. It was a lot of fun. I met up with a lot of uncles, aunts, and cousins that I had not seen in a while. The music was great, and the food was overpriced. Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself. I got to see TobyMac, Relient K, Family Force 5, Superchick, and B. Reith. This is my second concert in counting. So far, I still have one more to go to.

Coldplay In Concert.

This past Sunday, I attended the Coldplay concert. They are a well-known British band and they travel often. Only this time they made their appearance in Ft. Lauderdale. I could not let this opportunity pass. Besides the amazing music, the concert was breath-taking.

See for yourself:

Not Enough Time On My Hands.

Lately, I feel as if there are not enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do. Deadlines are showing up left and right, the pressures of school, and family keep rising. I feel the need to get away for a bit. Perhaps a small vacation will do. My anniversary or monthaversary shall I say is coming up, maybe I will take the time to spend a day with my boyfriend. Somewhere not too far, but far enough to allow my thoughts to wander. Everyone needs to separate themselves for a bit here and then.

Party Holiday.

This week, a few classmates and I had to create a holiday. It was nice to work with people I had not really socialized with before. I met the guy that sits in front of me, he is a nice fellow. The other guy I was assigned with, I have known since high school. He is a good friend of mine. At first we did not know what to focus our holiday on. Then we came up with a fun idea. Our holiday is based on partying. That is all it is basically. It would be nice to take a break and just get out every once in a while. There is a time in everyone's life where there is a need to break free and have some fun. With our holiday, that would be possible. Thats all there is to it.

Frustration.

Many people get frustrated from time to time, and many find it to be quite normal. You see, in my case, somehow when I seem to get frustrasted over one thing the world comes crashing down on me. I may be exaggerating just a bit, but it really feels that way. One thing happens, then another, and another. Many times, it is the small things that really irritate me. After a while however, they pile up, and that my friend, is when the war begins. Its really not as bad as I paint it to be. You live and learn. Everyone makes mistakes, and you learn from them. Thats the point! So in the end, you just learn to deal with the circumstance and move on. Its Really Not A Big Deal.

BIG LESSON LEARNED: Take a breather in times of frustration.

Tradition.

In Miami, we have the opportunity to attend the County Fair. This fair travels to many cities throughout the year, and around mid-March they come to visit us. Here there are many rides, shows, and of course a lot of food to indulge in. I have not been to the fair in a while, simply because I do not trust it. It is unstable and not secure. This is my opinion, therefore everyone has their point of view and has every right to disagree with me. However, in the past I have spent much of my time eating their fatty foods, which I will not lie, it is delicious! This is a tradition, where many families choose a special day to hang out together and spend time at this exposition.

There are many foods to choose from. This variety includes: pizza, elephant ears, turkey legs, hot dogs, corn dogs, and caramel covered apples. The secret to preparing these delicious foods is by frying. Although it is not necessarily healthy, it is quite appetizing - for those who are not dieting! This is the opposite from a seat-in restaurant. The trick to eating these types of foods is by simply taking it by the hand and eating it. The only utensils needed are napkins. You must be willing to get dirty. I guess that is the fun in all of it. Its not everyday you don't have to wash dishes you know. Many people enjoy it.

Those who attend The Fair for the first time, would probably find it entertaining. Perhaps, they would consider returning the following year. There is not much to learn about it. You just have to be willing to have a good time. Rides are optional, and the course is an easy path. It is basically a circle, where you walk and pass the time. Many have mixed feelings about it. Some like The Fair, and others do not. Its a tradition where people go every year if they choose, and the only value I see in it would be cherishing those who you share it with.

When it comes to food, calling a dish "traditional" would mean it has an important value to the individual and to those who passed it on. A dish is traditional if it has great importance, such as cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving. Unless, you are American and celebrate this holiday the original way, you would not value the turkey quite as much. Many dishes such as in Latin countries are only served on specific days or are brought out for certain celebrations. This would be considered traditional. Peoples preference in eating is a different idea. This just means they would prefer one type of food over the other. Tradition is carried on, and though it is altered, the main idea or concept will always remain the same.

Saving Lives, One Drop At A Time.

Today was quite an adventure. I donated blood, and although it was not my first time, the excitement did not seem to recede. My whole family took part in donated, along with my boyfriend. A few of my friends were later compelled to join me. I am a strong believer in helping others. This is just a small way of demonstrating my care and appreciation for those who are in critical conditions. My life is extremely blessed in all aspects, and others are not so fortunate, therefore, I find it to be my responsibility to make a difference - a donation at a time.

"Stress Kills"

Oh the pressures of school, family, work, and life! It is really starting to kick in. On Sunday, I was rushed to the hospital due to an episode I had. I fell unconscious and fainted for a little less than two hours. The Doctor's could not explain what had happened to me. My vitals were fine, my blood work came back normal and all tests resulted in negative. Thankfully, I was not diagnosed with any sort of illness, however, it was the most terrifying experience I have yet to face. I saw my walls closing in on me. Everything began to turn black, I lost my sense of direction, and it got to a point where I needed assistance to walk. When I arrived to the Urgent care, I was unaware of where I was. The Doctors, Nurses, and Paramedics tried asking me questions, but I was unresponsive. My eyes were blood-shot red, and my body would only tremble. They say my hands were cold, and my body would tend to lean to one side. Finally after being rushed to Baptist Hospital by an ambulance, I began to regain consciousness. My parents were worried, and my boyfriend was in tears. They did not know what would come of this. It was a great scare. Later to find out, it was all caused by stress. The R.N explained how it was not rare. Many young people do not know how to manage their stress levels, therefore, causing teens to faint, and panic. Slowly, I was able to walk. I was released from the hospital around ten o'clock p.m. and went home. I now have to deal with this on my own. I understand what can come of stress , so it is ultimately up to me to learn to cope with it. Now, I must deal with the consequences of this, such as feeling tired throughout the day, feeling weak when I first wake up, and so on. However, I am determined to keep a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy lifestyle so this will never repeat itself.

Daddy's Little Girl.

My father dedicated a song to me, "Daddy's Little Girl", by Michael Bublé. Our relationship is nothing but genuine. I felt the need to express my love for my dad, because I feel the relationship between daughters and fathers now a days has lost its value. It saddens me to know that many can care less about their relationships with their parents. By this, I do not necessarily mean just a father. They mean the world to me, and without them, there would simply be less of a reason to carry on with my life. I feel that parents, no matter the situation, have been put on this earth to guide and shield their children. This song illustrates the love between my father and I. I hope those who are lacking a strong relationship with their parents, can find it in their hearts to restore a love that only exist between a parent and a child.

Remember, no one is perfect. Everyone has their faults. However, I do believe that love can conquer all hurt, and erase the past.

"Daddy's Little Girl"

You’re the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold.
You're daddy's little girl, to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are;
You're mommy's bright and shining star.

You’re the spirit of Christmas, the star on our tree.
You’re the Easter Bunny to Mommy and me.
You’re sugar, you're spice, and you're everything nice
And You’re Daddy’s Little Girl.

You’re a treasure I cherish, all sparkling and bright.
You were touched by Holy and beautiful light;
Like the angels who sing, a heavenly thing;
And you’re Daddy’s Little Girl.

Lesson Learned.

Last night was perhaps the toughest night I have yet to face. With this, I carry embarrassment, and anguish inside of me. Unexpected turns take place in our life, and sometimes it is hard to comprehend. However, unlike many, I have the strength and the faith to cope with this situation. In every obstacle, there is a lesson learned. Personally, I have gained more than I have lost, and with this I have concluded the following:

1. When life seems almost too good to be true, question it. Priorities may be set incorrectly, bringing one to an extreme point in their life.
2. Everything in this life is known, nothing is a secret, or better said, secrets do not last.
3. Respect those who guide you, such as your parents. They are not here for long, and it is a shame to depreciate the daily sacrifices they face to see their baby smile.
4. Take full responsibility for your own actions. You are not a victim of your own crime.
5. Do not be discouraged when life takes a detour. Sometimes it is through trials and tribulations when you learn the most.
6. Take time to appreciate life as it is. Some are more fortunate then others. However, no problem is ever big enough to resolve.
7. Give thanks for the ups and the downs. Others would kill to be in your shoes. When you realize your life may be a little bit better than your neighbors; you will learn to balance your problems, and give priority to that which actually matters.
8. Never give up. Struggles come, and they go. Life has its twist, but it CAN be unraveled.
9. There is an end to all which is unfavorable.
10. There is such a thing as a NEW BEGINNING!

Identity Part II

On September 15, my fellow classmates and I sat in a circle to discuss what we thought identity was. We reflected on different view points and heard each others opinions. Amongst all of us, sat my professor. She emphasized that identity is made up of many different factors. For example, birth, culture, and choices are not the only components that make up our identity. A girl mentioned how birth defects can make who we are. I stopped to think about it, and I realized just how true this was. Many people are born with something others may consider to be out of the norm. "What is normal?", my professor asked. There is no clear answer to this question, though many of us may think otherwise. Normal to one may be the other extreme to those who come from other cultures and are conditioned in other manners. Is it not the appearance, hair, face, complexion, and defects that allow us to remember a person? These among many other things make up a persons identity. I believe identity can not be left for a person to judge. In my case, for example, many have placed me in all the wrong categories and stereotypes due to misleading assumptions. It is up to the individual to mold their identity to who they feel suited to be. Then and only then, will that person know who they are and feel comfortable with exposing themselves. People will always think they can define a person by what meets their eye, but in reality, I believe, identity is personal. It is how one sees themselves and how one can project their personality to others.

Identity.

What is identity? This is perhaps one of the most complex questions I have yet to be asked. It is said, culture, and choice selections shape ones identity. I cannot say I disagree, but I believe many things factor into making up ones identity. First off, there are the mother, and the father genes. Both of these parents' characteristics make the offspring its own person with its proper make up. Appearance has a lot to do with identity. The way one carries themselves, and dresses plays an important role in what is a persons identity. Culture differentiates many from others. If everyone were the same, the purpose of an identity would be lost. Furthermore, an identity can be malleable. According to ones environment, behaviors, experiences, and conditions, an identity can change. Sometimes it is for the better, and other times, the identity becomes lifeless. All in all, identity is made up by a variety of factors. Each one is different, with its own distinctive feature. This is why, I believe all living organisms are so different, even within their own surroundings and amongst there very own kind.

"Friendships"

So many times, I have found myself in the search for a true friend. I bet we all have. How many times have we not been "stabbed in the back" or even betrayed by those we thought were our "closest" friends? I can honestly say it has taken a while to find that true friend. Through time, I have learned friends come and go, it's a life experience. Many times, my friends were present to party and have a good time, but the minute something went wrong; when I saw my world closing in, no one was capable of showing their face, or extending a helping hand. It hurt to see how quick those friends of mine would disappear when the situation was not convenient for them. As I said, it is a lesson to be learned. My mother always told me "beware of those you call friends." I never understood that until one day when I realized I could count my true friends on one hand. It was not until a year ago when I found that true friend, the one who was willing to stick it out with me through the thick and thin. I am thankful for him. He goes by the name of Jeremy Daccarett; it took many obstacles, fights, and much time to find him. Sometimes life seats you at the front of a rollercoaster ride so when it's over, you learn to appreciate the good and do away with those who are not worth being in your life.

College Experience.

My first experience in college was quite different from what I expected it to be. I was the girl who anticipated for graduation day to come around. I can honestly admit, I detested high school. The environment was not pleasant and everything was taken as a joke. Fear did not face me, nor was I nervous. For some reason, it felt right. I never could consider myself to be the studious type, but I was ready for a change. Everything fell right into place. From my schedule to my professors, I could not complain. It was perfect.

College is what I see as opportunities knocking. It is free, yet disciplined, my kind of place to be!