Its almost the end of the year and im sitting here looking at the graduating seniors wishing i was them. Starring out the glass window that separates me from complete freedom. I mean, I already have a good job and all the education i need. So why can i not just go to Automotive technical school and get my certificates to show i can do work on cars. I mean, I have all the skills i need, I just need the certificate to say I actually do. At this point i just want to get everything over and done with and get out of high school. Sure some of the stuff they teach us is worth learning and it does keep us doing something five days a week, but to me some of its just a big waste of time. I could be doing a lot more productive things than learning about atoms and quadratic roots and whatnot. Kids should be able to pick what they want and not have to take useless classes about stuff they dont really need to know about. I want to lean more about engines and the mathematics needed for transmissions and differential gear ratios. or the size bolts needed for certain parts for the headers and exhaust and the amount of stress each size bolt can take before breaking.
Most Senioritis is caused by the feelings they get because they finally get to go out and party in college without parental restriction. I obviously want to do the same but im eager to leave because im ready to work my ass off to be a successful auto mechanic and have my own shop. I want to go out and live my dream and the earlier you start to learn, the better. I want to have my own cars that i can say "I built that from the ground up, literally". I want to pass down my knowledge to younger kin and fortunate people ready to wirk on cars just as hard as me. I want to be known as the car oracle. The guru of all things with engines. I just want to be happy and thats what would just about do it.
Many others may not be ready yet. Some may be nervous, as am I to make it big in the world of millions of people. I just feel that if i were to leave now and get all the knowledge i could that i could excel much greater tan someone who were to wait few years to get started because of the sheer amount of knowledge i can gain in the earlier years. I'm ready to graduate because i have a plan, not because i want to party. I have a chance at making my own future bright because there is no real model for me to pave the way or to send me off to a million dollar college and that makes me want to be better than anyone else could with all the money at their finger tips. It makes me want to be that great role model for other great mechanics in the making. It causes my severe case of Junioritis.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Dream Do Come True
Have you ever had dream that you never thought could come true? Well, I had a dream that I never thought could come true, and it did. Let me tell you more.
About a year and a half ago, the school consolers were coming into our humanities classes to educate us on the big, sometimes daunting, journey for the college. I began early with searches and made impressive lists of all the qualities and values I wanted in my future educators.
I found that I expected much more than the average Joe college could offer me. As I made appointments to tour schools and attend college fairs, I realized I wanted a professional and well organized liberal arts school where I could excel in the subjects I was strong in. I also discovered that physical surroundings of nature, beauty, and peace were also important to me. I needed a college that was not too close, but not too far, not too rich and not too poor. Not too big, but not too small. Not too smart, and not too dumb. I needed a school where I could grow, learn, develop, and enjoy. And so, the search for the impossible, perfect college began.
My Mom and I started in Maine, right on a beautiful lake. We had five colleges and universities lined up from Maine to Rhode Island, and they all looked pretty hopeful. St. Josephs College in Maine was the first one. It was everything I could've dreamed and hoped for, but I didn't like it. Don't know why, I'm not sure. My Mom started to understand that, after that first college, if it didn't feel right, it was a no go. I am sometimes a complicated person, and if it didn't fit right and I couldn't see myself enjoying college there, it wasn't the school for me.
So we visited another in Maine that left the same impression, so off to RI we went. There was one school in particular that I was excited about, Salve Regina University. It was a beautiful, Catholic school right on the ocean, and I was very hopeful. And so, our next day rolled around and we strolled through New Port, RI to Salve Regina. Guess what happened? Yep, I didn't feel it. So far we had seen three out of five, and I didn't like any of them! I started to worry and my Mom had gotten used continuing on, so we cramped in a swing look at a school 20 minutes away.
It was the kinda school that just appeared on my list. It wasn't one I had my sights on, I had never really heard of it. So, Roger Williams University we stopped at and now guess what? I LOVED IT. Crazy for me. We had a scheduled tour the following morning and we proceeded with much excitement. I loved everything about it, the size, the distance, the quality, the location, the campus, the academics, EVERYTHING. But, everything that seems like a dream, and a little too good to be true, was. This school costed money that I didn't have.
Applying season came around and I had three schools, one was Roger Williams. I applied to two, in such hope that I would qualify for enough financial assistance so I could attend. When I was accepted, I didn't receive as much money as I was hoping, but it's okay. I never thought I could go anyway. So, for the last five months, I've been weighing my options. And some how, some way, my dream came true. I will be attending Roger Williams University this 2014-2015 academic season as a freshman, class of 2018. Dreams really do come true.
About a year and a half ago, the school consolers were coming into our humanities classes to educate us on the big, sometimes daunting, journey for the college. I began early with searches and made impressive lists of all the qualities and values I wanted in my future educators.
I found that I expected much more than the average Joe college could offer me. As I made appointments to tour schools and attend college fairs, I realized I wanted a professional and well organized liberal arts school where I could excel in the subjects I was strong in. I also discovered that physical surroundings of nature, beauty, and peace were also important to me. I needed a college that was not too close, but not too far, not too rich and not too poor. Not too big, but not too small. Not too smart, and not too dumb. I needed a school where I could grow, learn, develop, and enjoy. And so, the search for the impossible, perfect college began.
My Mom and I started in Maine, right on a beautiful lake. We had five colleges and universities lined up from Maine to Rhode Island, and they all looked pretty hopeful. St. Josephs College in Maine was the first one. It was everything I could've dreamed and hoped for, but I didn't like it. Don't know why, I'm not sure. My Mom started to understand that, after that first college, if it didn't feel right, it was a no go. I am sometimes a complicated person, and if it didn't fit right and I couldn't see myself enjoying college there, it wasn't the school for me.
So we visited another in Maine that left the same impression, so off to RI we went. There was one school in particular that I was excited about, Salve Regina University. It was a beautiful, Catholic school right on the ocean, and I was very hopeful. And so, our next day rolled around and we strolled through New Port, RI to Salve Regina. Guess what happened? Yep, I didn't feel it. So far we had seen three out of five, and I didn't like any of them! I started to worry and my Mom had gotten used continuing on, so we cramped in a swing look at a school 20 minutes away.
It was the kinda school that just appeared on my list. It wasn't one I had my sights on, I had never really heard of it. So, Roger Williams University we stopped at and now guess what? I LOVED IT. Crazy for me. We had a scheduled tour the following morning and we proceeded with much excitement. I loved everything about it, the size, the distance, the quality, the location, the campus, the academics, EVERYTHING. But, everything that seems like a dream, and a little too good to be true, was. This school costed money that I didn't have.
Applying season came around and I had three schools, one was Roger Williams. I applied to two, in such hope that I would qualify for enough financial assistance so I could attend. When I was accepted, I didn't receive as much money as I was hoping, but it's okay. I never thought I could go anyway. So, for the last five months, I've been weighing my options. And some how, some way, my dream came true. I will be attending Roger Williams University this 2014-2015 academic season as a freshman, class of 2018. Dreams really do come true.
First World Problems
To be honest, I have plenty of them. I have lots of large projects to complete, a Senior Project to finish, a graduation party to plan, a summer pre-calculus to sign up for, and a once dislocated and now healing knee that needs to be drained of whatever gross fluids accumulate after a dislocation injury. Ugh.
I think the one thing I hate more than having all of these problems in the first place is the fact that I have myself riled up over them. I am certain that I am a lot better off than almost anyone living in a third world country, and better off than at least half of the people living in first world countries. Nonetheless, this fact really doesn't make me feel any better.
Even though I certainly feel like all of these things are a pain, deep down I know these are simple and even silly things. Sure, senior projects are stressful, but graduation parties are supposed to be fun. Signing up for a pre-calc class shouldn't be too difficult and my knee will definitely heal with some rest and rigorous physical therapy. What I am trying to say is that there is a far greater reason as to why I am stressed out over such trivial things.
My reasoning behind this kind of anxiety and fatigue is that with great success there comes expectations. Why on earth am I talking about this? Because I believe that everything I get done in the present greatly effects how my future plays out. If I don't finish my senior project, I will most certainly fail, and then I won't graduate, which means I wouldn't be able to go to an amazing college this fall, which would be incredibly embarrassing. When you are as well off as I am (and you want to remain well off), you can't afford to be an embarrassment. If I don't help my mom plan that graduation party, she would be upset with me and the party wouldn't be any fun for me, which would suck because you only get one high school graduation party. With all of the stress you feel every single day during school, you need a nice party to blow off steam. If I don't sign up for a pre-calc class, I won't be taking a pre-calc class, so I would be very much behind when I get to college, which means I might be set back by a whole semester, which would make for a very stressful 4 years of my life. Another four years of stressful catch up and high demands would be terrible. As for my knee, it's just a complete pain. No one likes to dislocate anything.
I know it sound like I'm saying "it's hard being smart and fortunate," but no matter where you are in life, there will always be challenges to overcome and plenty of stress. I do recognize that the fact that I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of perks with my situation, but sometimes life gets a little overwhelming and you just want to let out a cry of frustration.
I guess what I'm saying is that I have a right to complain about my first world problems and at the same time, I don't. We all do, all of us first-world natives. I guess the best we can do is go easy on ourselves and try to be thankful for what we have. Life is stressful and fun.
Cheers to life in a first-world country!
I think the one thing I hate more than having all of these problems in the first place is the fact that I have myself riled up over them. I am certain that I am a lot better off than almost anyone living in a third world country, and better off than at least half of the people living in first world countries. Nonetheless, this fact really doesn't make me feel any better.
Even though I certainly feel like all of these things are a pain, deep down I know these are simple and even silly things. Sure, senior projects are stressful, but graduation parties are supposed to be fun. Signing up for a pre-calc class shouldn't be too difficult and my knee will definitely heal with some rest and rigorous physical therapy. What I am trying to say is that there is a far greater reason as to why I am stressed out over such trivial things.
My reasoning behind this kind of anxiety and fatigue is that with great success there comes expectations. Why on earth am I talking about this? Because I believe that everything I get done in the present greatly effects how my future plays out. If I don't finish my senior project, I will most certainly fail, and then I won't graduate, which means I wouldn't be able to go to an amazing college this fall, which would be incredibly embarrassing. When you are as well off as I am (and you want to remain well off), you can't afford to be an embarrassment. If I don't help my mom plan that graduation party, she would be upset with me and the party wouldn't be any fun for me, which would suck because you only get one high school graduation party. With all of the stress you feel every single day during school, you need a nice party to blow off steam. If I don't sign up for a pre-calc class, I won't be taking a pre-calc class, so I would be very much behind when I get to college, which means I might be set back by a whole semester, which would make for a very stressful 4 years of my life. Another four years of stressful catch up and high demands would be terrible. As for my knee, it's just a complete pain. No one likes to dislocate anything.
I know it sound like I'm saying "it's hard being smart and fortunate," but no matter where you are in life, there will always be challenges to overcome and plenty of stress. I do recognize that the fact that I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of perks with my situation, but sometimes life gets a little overwhelming and you just want to let out a cry of frustration.
I guess what I'm saying is that I have a right to complain about my first world problems and at the same time, I don't. We all do, all of us first-world natives. I guess the best we can do is go easy on ourselves and try to be thankful for what we have. Life is stressful and fun.
Cheers to life in a first-world country!
The Day Before I, Sweeney Todd, Take the Stage
"It's time. It's time." A comment spoken by Sweeney Todd after he gets his new barber chair and is invigorated to get back on his goal of revenge. Those two words are spoken by me as an actor, but as a human I currently feel a similar way about this comment. It has been four months of intense practicing to get to this point; the day before my performance. Four months of pushing my voice to the limit and beyond because I knew that I could do it. Four months of memorization alongside school work because I accepted the challenge and I knew that in the end I would succeed at both.
Though I've come so far, it's still frightening when I think about messing up. for the past two weeks the only thing on my mind has been the fear of forgetting a line or falling flat on a note. It's like a pin is being pressed through my belly-button through to my spine and my throat throbs as though I have an air bubble stuck that I can't quit burp up. Even with this fear I still know, I know that when I take to that stage my nerves will calm and the routine of going over lines and repeatedly singing the songs will carry me through the show. With the pin finally removed I know I'll feel steady, instead of feeling as though my legs decided to fall asleep.
I know everyone has worked very hard on this, and I have too. This is one of the few things that I can feel completely proud of myself for carrying through to the end and trying every step of the way. I'm amazed when I think back and realize that I have never gone to rehearsals bummed out or tired of doing what I do; entertaining.
With my throat cleared and my diaphragm clenched I will sing out to the world my achievement: "I have done it! I have conquered a goal, no, a DREAM of mine! I have risen above my fears!" I have risen above my own walls to take destiny by her soft, forgiving hands and look into her eyes to thank her for all the help and chances she has given.
I will remember this for the rest of my life, it will motivate me to do better as well as remind me that I do have the ability. I CAN DO IT!!!
Though I've come so far, it's still frightening when I think about messing up. for the past two weeks the only thing on my mind has been the fear of forgetting a line or falling flat on a note. It's like a pin is being pressed through my belly-button through to my spine and my throat throbs as though I have an air bubble stuck that I can't quit burp up. Even with this fear I still know, I know that when I take to that stage my nerves will calm and the routine of going over lines and repeatedly singing the songs will carry me through the show. With the pin finally removed I know I'll feel steady, instead of feeling as though my legs decided to fall asleep.
I know everyone has worked very hard on this, and I have too. This is one of the few things that I can feel completely proud of myself for carrying through to the end and trying every step of the way. I'm amazed when I think back and realize that I have never gone to rehearsals bummed out or tired of doing what I do; entertaining.
With my throat cleared and my diaphragm clenched I will sing out to the world my achievement: "I have done it! I have conquered a goal, no, a DREAM of mine! I have risen above my fears!" I have risen above my own walls to take destiny by her soft, forgiving hands and look into her eyes to thank her for all the help and chances she has given.
I will remember this for the rest of my life, it will motivate me to do better as well as remind me that I do have the ability. I CAN DO IT!!!
NCAA Tournament
Its the march madness season and for me it's the most exciting national sports event. In my opinion, college athletics is much better than that of professional sports for one reason. College athletes do not get paid which means they have a lot more to play for than that of professionals. They are playing their hardest all the time and the game is never slow because of it. The up beat pace throughout, the constant roars from the crowd, players diving for loose balls, consistent hustle plays and seeing the fire of all the players true competitive nature come out and it really has you out of your seat for the entirety of the games. The NBA can't match the intensity of a the NCAA for the simple reason that they have it all. They have so much money they could pay college athletes on a salary and still have millions for themselves. The excitement the March Madness tournament gives me and millions of americans is not to be compared with. Yes, there are millions of devoted and enthusiastic NBA fans but without question the Nation Basketball League has changed significantly from it's glory days. There is more money in the NBA and the players have a salary, a hefty one at that. These college kids are striving for that paycheck at the professional level, therefore they have a lot more to play for and it certainly shows. Post- Jordan era the NBA has become a flashy league and the intensity has deflated. But the level of college sports has heightened and athletes are getting better. The level of competition has heated up because there is more which translates to more of higher level of play. March Madness is the essential time of the year where all eyes are on these young kids determined to fulfill there dreams of the next level. During this period of the tournament two of the great things that happen and that you can watch are players making a name for themselves and schools making their names heard. You find yourself wrapped up in these games rooting for these kids and these schools, maybe they're underdogs, maybe they;re the favorites but regardless the thrill that you receive from cheering them on is unlike any other sporting spectacle. Yes, these things can happen for a lot of sports and the NBA but knowing that these kids are working their way to make it, like actually make it, makes it all the better. Things like the upsets from the underdogs, scrums for the ball and buzzer-beaters are just some of the elements that make March Madness truly, mad.
Graduation
Walking the halls of BHS the past few days has been bittersweet. I really can't wait to get out of here, don't get me wrong, but it is crazy how time flies. I'm finally graduating after what feels like an eternity. I'll never have to go to Mr. Dempsey's office again, and that is a great feeling. I feel like I have been waiting for this forever, and now that it's finally here it doesn't feel real. I will miss a lot of the teaching staff here at BHS for certain, but I will not miss the administration. I also feel like I didn't exactly get the classic high school experience. I feel like BHS is a school thats different than most high schools. The education I got here was valuable for the most part, and I got to partake in many classes that really interested me, that I know other school's do not offer. I will definitely remember all the good and bad times I have had here. I've laughed really hard, and cried really hard, and hopefully, I'm prepared enough for college next year.
Bob Marley:The Legend
Bob Marley and the Wailers' album Exodus is an inspirational album for the people of Jamaica. On December 3, 1976 Bob Marley was struck by a bullet in his arm. This was an attempted assassination which grazed his chest causing him to survive this incident. After this incident Bob left Jamaica and was exiled to London where he recorded Exodus. Him leaving Jamaica is Why I think the album is named Exodus. This was one of the first albums that propelled Bob Marley and the Wailers to international stardom. One of Bob's most inspirational song form the album is Exodus. This was Bob's response to the ongoing elections that were occurring in Jamaica during this time. “Open your eyes and look within, are you satisfied with the life you’re living?" He was telling the people to not forget their roots and were they came from. After the release of Exodus the album Exodus peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and at number 15 on the Black Album chart, as well as remaining in the UK charts for 56 consecutive weeks, where it peaked at number 8. Today Bob has passed and the Wailers are still touring to share their music with others. Last summer my friend Eric and I went to The Wailers concert at the Casino Ballroom at Hampton beach. As the may have aged their music still sounds young!
Long Distance Relationships
Sometimes things aren't meant to work out. Sometimes distance kills love. Sometimes long distance relationships just don't work. For a little over a year I have been in a long distance relationship with a college freshman. For about a year everything was extraordinarily good, we never had any issues, never a fight, and nothing I could truly complain about. During this last home stretch however, we have been separated for two and a half months and the distance started eating away at both of us. I had a bad combination of many things, friends telling me it isn't worth it, sports and school consuming most of my time, finals and school controlling her time. Overall we were on a highway to relationship hell and we couldn't find the exit. What I realized is, if it is truly meant to be then we have to MAKE the time, we have to work together in order to make everything fall into place. Next year I am attending a college 40 minutes from her school and we will be much closer, not to mention, she comes home 3 days from the time I am writing this. Long Distance Relationships are hard, they are time consuming, but they can be worth it. If you trust, love, and work then the rumors of terror that comes with long distance can be put to rest and happiness can be put forth. Overall I am proud of what I have accomplished, staying in a relationship separated by hundreds and hundreds of miles because not many people can. If you truly commit to the relationship then it will work. Hopefully if your struggling with a relationship right now, you read this, and you realize that it can be done because I promise, it only gets better from the bottom up.
Taking AP Exam
On the 14th of May I had the misfortune of taking the AP European History official AP exam. Throughout my entire academic career, I would have to say that was the worst exam I have ever had the pleasure of taking. It was about 4 hours long, and throughout the entire duration of the exam, we had a total of ten minutes for a break. The room the test was taking place in was a little room that had three cameras all pointed at the students, two windows, and wooden desks that had for what ever reason a wooden plank at the bottom making it rather difficult to sit comfortably. All of these three factors were hard enough, now adding the content of the test made it about thirty times worse.
The exam had a lot of questions that were extremely detailed. Asking what a quote means from a passage that my class read at the beginning of the year was a question that I simply was not ready for. Not to mention their were other multiple choice questions asking me who painted this piece of art and the next question that I was always so eager to answer would ask: who is being painted. Now we had some tough questions on exams we took in class, but not a single one of them were able to compete with these. These types of questions would go on sixty more time before I had the pleasure of writing one DBQ and two essay questions. Anyone in that room could feel how eager all the students including myself were, to leaving.
I do think that I did alright on writing the DBQ and the two essay questions I had to respond to. It just became more and more difficult to write each word as time progressed. Finding myself losing motivation as I realized that I had to write five more paragraphs. I can not say that I am upset with the length of the exam. The AP test givers must do what they have to in order to ensure the student earns their grade, and must fight through thick and thin to earn the college credit. I personally believe that I passed my own personal test to see if I could sit through about five hours of nothing but large amounts of questions pertaining to history. As I said earlier, I got through it, and as a result I left that exam room with my head held high.
The exam had a lot of questions that were extremely detailed. Asking what a quote means from a passage that my class read at the beginning of the year was a question that I simply was not ready for. Not to mention their were other multiple choice questions asking me who painted this piece of art and the next question that I was always so eager to answer would ask: who is being painted. Now we had some tough questions on exams we took in class, but not a single one of them were able to compete with these. These types of questions would go on sixty more time before I had the pleasure of writing one DBQ and two essay questions. Anyone in that room could feel how eager all the students including myself were, to leaving.
I do think that I did alright on writing the DBQ and the two essay questions I had to respond to. It just became more and more difficult to write each word as time progressed. Finding myself losing motivation as I realized that I had to write five more paragraphs. I can not say that I am upset with the length of the exam. The AP test givers must do what they have to in order to ensure the student earns their grade, and must fight through thick and thin to earn the college credit. I personally believe that I passed my own personal test to see if I could sit through about five hours of nothing but large amounts of questions pertaining to history. As I said earlier, I got through it, and as a result I left that exam room with my head held high.
Characteristics I Love About Fordham University
Characteristics I Love About Fordham University
This Spring break, I made the decision to deposit at Fordham University for the upcoming Fall semester. I narrowed down my decision between Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Although Villanova may garner a more academically rigorous reputation, I chose Fordham for reasons that I found more appealing. However, Fordham is duly prestigious, being known as the "Jesuit University of New York" and ranks amongst other Jesuit institutions, such as Georgetown and Boston College.
I first found out about Fordham from my father, who attended the university three times, as he likes to refer to himself as a "Triple Ram." I used to visit Fordham when I was little, and although I do remember enjoying the beautiful campus, I never even questioned going there for my undergraduate degree while growing up. Like buying a new house or a new car, the first model that you look at is usually not the one you purchase. However, during my college searches these past two years, I discovered a lot of attributes that I fell in love with about Fordham University that transcended this theory.
Of course, attending the school that my father, as well as my older brother and best friend, also attended gives me an advanced insight for the school in general. With this, having my best friend there is a really joyful convenience as well. However, I feel that I must make the effort to clarify that those are not the underlying group of reasons why I want to attend Fordham over an institution such as Villanova. Thus, not having a friend or family basis at a school is not a "deal-breaker," but it is rather an extra bonus on the already wonderful experience that embodies Fordham University.
For instance, one of these favorite ideals that I love about Fordham University is the unique aspect of being able to utilize direct transportation from the Bronx to Manhattan via the school's famous "Ram Van." In addition, I could take the New York City Subway, which runs all throughout the city and can be accessed just a block from Fordham itself.
While visiting my friend, Nicole, at Fordham last weekend, I was able to take the Subway from the Bronx to Times Square in Manhattan, and see Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston in "All the Way." At Villanova, I would probably be able to attend a show in Philadelphia; however, it would most likely not be the capacity of star power and acting ability that Broadway has to offer. In my personal opinion, I value this cultural experience higher than Villanova's prestigious academic reputation.
Since my parents are native New Yorkers, it will finally be interesting to be given the opportunity to live there. Having lived in Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, I have already trudged through the many cultural backgrounds of each state has to offer. Although much of my family resides in New York, since I never technically lived in New York, I am extremely enthused to finally draw connections to the experiences similar to my parents.
Overall, I'm glad that I selected to attend a school that was duly academically challenging and culturally engaging. Because of this, I am excited to channel my inlet at Fordham University for a place to discover my home.
This Spring break, I made the decision to deposit at Fordham University for the upcoming Fall semester. I narrowed down my decision between Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Although Villanova may garner a more academically rigorous reputation, I chose Fordham for reasons that I found more appealing. However, Fordham is duly prestigious, being known as the "Jesuit University of New York" and ranks amongst other Jesuit institutions, such as Georgetown and Boston College.
I first found out about Fordham from my father, who attended the university three times, as he likes to refer to himself as a "Triple Ram." I used to visit Fordham when I was little, and although I do remember enjoying the beautiful campus, I never even questioned going there for my undergraduate degree while growing up. Like buying a new house or a new car, the first model that you look at is usually not the one you purchase. However, during my college searches these past two years, I discovered a lot of attributes that I fell in love with about Fordham University that transcended this theory.
Of course, attending the school that my father, as well as my older brother and best friend, also attended gives me an advanced insight for the school in general. With this, having my best friend there is a really joyful convenience as well. However, I feel that I must make the effort to clarify that those are not the underlying group of reasons why I want to attend Fordham over an institution such as Villanova. Thus, not having a friend or family basis at a school is not a "deal-breaker," but it is rather an extra bonus on the already wonderful experience that embodies Fordham University.
For instance, one of these favorite ideals that I love about Fordham University is the unique aspect of being able to utilize direct transportation from the Bronx to Manhattan via the school's famous "Ram Van." In addition, I could take the New York City Subway, which runs all throughout the city and can be accessed just a block from Fordham itself.
While visiting my friend, Nicole, at Fordham last weekend, I was able to take the Subway from the Bronx to Times Square in Manhattan, and see Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston in "All the Way." At Villanova, I would probably be able to attend a show in Philadelphia; however, it would most likely not be the capacity of star power and acting ability that Broadway has to offer. In my personal opinion, I value this cultural experience higher than Villanova's prestigious academic reputation.
Since my parents are native New Yorkers, it will finally be interesting to be given the opportunity to live there. Having lived in Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, I have already trudged through the many cultural backgrounds of each state has to offer. Although much of my family resides in New York, since I never technically lived in New York, I am extremely enthused to finally draw connections to the experiences similar to my parents.
Overall, I'm glad that I selected to attend a school that was duly academically challenging and culturally engaging. Because of this, I am excited to channel my inlet at Fordham University for a place to discover my home.
Work
I've had a job since I was 11. When I moved here to New Hampshire, I decided that I wanted to make some money and I decided to mow lawns. I had caught the money making bug. This mowing business that I created has continued to grow to this day. I started with 4 clients and now I have grown that to have 14 clients, keeping me very busy. Since then I can't remember a summer I spent not working. As I have gotten older I have reached out into other fields of interest. I got a job last year working at one of the local bike shops. Since then I have added 30 hours a week to my schedule.
It seems to be a juggling act, 30 hours of class, 30 hours of work, and almost 20 hours of mowing each week. The summer never seems to come up fast enough.
The best and worst part about having all this work and responsibility is that it keeps me busy. I know that I always have something to do. Usually the tough days aren't the ones that I worked 12 hours, they are the ones that I didn't do anything. What good is a day that you spent not doing anything!
Mowing is an interesting job, it seems like such a simple task that it often gets overlooked. I am in charge of cutting every blade of grass at a uniform height, using a mower thats only 4 feet wide, in an area thats upwards of 5 acres, as fast as I can. Its kinda meditative, if you can look past the extreme noise, to go back and forth.
My job at the bike shop is always interesting and new. I have the title of a sales guy but its only a little part of what I do. As a member of a small business it is vital to assume the role of sales, cleaning, organizing, basic mechanic, and customer service. I have to do what ever is needed to make sure that the small business can stay afloat. The best part about the job that makes it all worthwhile is working with a customer that is excited about bikes. Its cool to work with customers because I know that every person that walks through that door, is interested in bikes. Its like meeting a new friend every day because you share the same passion.
It takes a lot of time to keep these things in the air, but its worth every minute to see that lawn freshly cut and that customer riding the bike of their dreams.
Word Count: 430
It seems to be a juggling act, 30 hours of class, 30 hours of work, and almost 20 hours of mowing each week. The summer never seems to come up fast enough.
The best and worst part about having all this work and responsibility is that it keeps me busy. I know that I always have something to do. Usually the tough days aren't the ones that I worked 12 hours, they are the ones that I didn't do anything. What good is a day that you spent not doing anything!
Mowing is an interesting job, it seems like such a simple task that it often gets overlooked. I am in charge of cutting every blade of grass at a uniform height, using a mower thats only 4 feet wide, in an area thats upwards of 5 acres, as fast as I can. Its kinda meditative, if you can look past the extreme noise, to go back and forth.
My job at the bike shop is always interesting and new. I have the title of a sales guy but its only a little part of what I do. As a member of a small business it is vital to assume the role of sales, cleaning, organizing, basic mechanic, and customer service. I have to do what ever is needed to make sure that the small business can stay afloat. The best part about the job that makes it all worthwhile is working with a customer that is excited about bikes. Its cool to work with customers because I know that every person that walks through that door, is interested in bikes. Its like meeting a new friend every day because you share the same passion.
It takes a lot of time to keep these things in the air, but its worth every minute to see that lawn freshly cut and that customer riding the bike of their dreams.
Word Count: 430
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Feelin them Lake Winni Blues
For almost the entirety of my life my family has owned a little cottage up in the Braun Bay region of Lake Winnipesaukee. It is my family's own little slice of heaven and my favorite place to spend my summers. Ever since I was 4 years old I have met some of my closest friends up there for a summer full of adventure and fun. Whether its playing "Cracken Tag" at the dock or being dragged at what feels like 400 miles per hour in a tube behind my dad's speed boat, my friends and I always seem to have a good time.
Some of my favorite memories I have, have been formulated at my lake house. I remember all the times that my friends and I would go into town and just goof around. When we were little we bought plastic light sabers and pretended that we were jedis and sith masters, I was always a jedi. We would go on my canoe out into the middle of the lake and fish for large mouth bass and perch, bringing back alll that we had caught and having a fish fry with it all. Running around on the beach playing tag, hide and go seek, capture the flag, wiffleball, and football all were on my long to do list while I was enjoying my time at my lake house.
Sadly though these good times are coming to an end. All of my friends, including myself are getting into college and working to pay for college. Because of this there is no time to go to the lake. My lake house will lie dormant along with the soft, sandy beach. My time of having fun at the lake is almost over and I need to accept this. I am growing up. My friends are growing up. We have so much more to do then we have ever had before. No more time for the lake. A piece of my childhood is fading away with my age and I wish that I could still walk along the long, dirt path down to the lake as a 4 year old and jump into the water head first, much to my mother's dismay. I wish I could still swim through the refreshing water with my friends, when my only worries are what am I having for lunch and whose house are we having the bonfire at tonight? But now those times are over and it is time to go back to reality.
Even though not much time will be spent there though, I know that all of the time there will be amazing. Possibly even better then ever before. I know now that my time up at my beloved lake house is limited. So now more then ever I need to go out with a bang. I need to have more fun this year then I ever have had, create more memories that I can share with friends and family and possibly in the future my children. No one can fully understand the significance my lake house holds to me. The best thing I can do to remember it now is to have the best summer of my life up there and hopefully by the end of the summer I won't be feeling them Lake Winni blues.
Some of my favorite memories I have, have been formulated at my lake house. I remember all the times that my friends and I would go into town and just goof around. When we were little we bought plastic light sabers and pretended that we were jedis and sith masters, I was always a jedi. We would go on my canoe out into the middle of the lake and fish for large mouth bass and perch, bringing back alll that we had caught and having a fish fry with it all. Running around on the beach playing tag, hide and go seek, capture the flag, wiffleball, and football all were on my long to do list while I was enjoying my time at my lake house.
Sadly though these good times are coming to an end. All of my friends, including myself are getting into college and working to pay for college. Because of this there is no time to go to the lake. My lake house will lie dormant along with the soft, sandy beach. My time of having fun at the lake is almost over and I need to accept this. I am growing up. My friends are growing up. We have so much more to do then we have ever had before. No more time for the lake. A piece of my childhood is fading away with my age and I wish that I could still walk along the long, dirt path down to the lake as a 4 year old and jump into the water head first, much to my mother's dismay. I wish I could still swim through the refreshing water with my friends, when my only worries are what am I having for lunch and whose house are we having the bonfire at tonight? But now those times are over and it is time to go back to reality.
Even though not much time will be spent there though, I know that all of the time there will be amazing. Possibly even better then ever before. I know now that my time up at my beloved lake house is limited. So now more then ever I need to go out with a bang. I need to have more fun this year then I ever have had, create more memories that I can share with friends and family and possibly in the future my children. No one can fully understand the significance my lake house holds to me. The best thing I can do to remember it now is to have the best summer of my life up there and hopefully by the end of the summer I won't be feeling them Lake Winni blues.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Organized Thoughts
It's very hard to blog when you have a lot on your mind; like school, relationships, just to name a few things. Those aren't what I'm distracted by, no of course not. I was only saying... Now, when you're you're distracted by, whatever, your mind doesn't want to change focuses. Well, by "mind" I mean "you"; YOU don't want to think about something else. It's hard to get through something only to see that the rest of the path ahead is even longer than what you've already walked. I'm already tired of walking. Oh and by "I" I of course mean "you". When YOU are tired of walking, the last thing you wish to see is more walking ahead. Oh, sorry, I'm going off topic, this was supposed to be about blogging while distracted. Maybe some things should be changed, turned around... Maybe they were right, about you. No, you're fine. Now get back to it! But hey, do you see what I mean now? When you blog you need a topic in mind, and if you're flopping all over the place with ideas. It's ridiculous to ask someone to jump when they've been leaping, so why would you... Never mind, that's something completely off topic. Even more off topic than writing a blog about blogging while thinking about something else when you are, in fact, thinking about something else. All well, the situations we find ourselves in are always resolved; keep your conscious clear and your karma in balance and you should never have to be on the worse end of the resolution. I guess that was the point of this blog. To clear my mind and to give you advice. Though, I'm sure that you've heard it all before. So sorry to have run a tangent with no benefit to you.
Getting Ready for College
Its that time of year again, but this time it is completely different. This year I will be getting ready for college and to be honest I don't know how I feel about the whole thing. I am excited yet worried, happy yet sad, and ready yet not. Im excited to go to a new school and meet new people but I am worried that I may not maintain my other friendships. Friendships that I have had for many years if not my whole life. I am happy that I am beginning a future that is more independent then it has ever been for me, but sad because I have to take care of myself now and it means leaving a lot of people that I love and cherish. I am ready for college because I have payed attention in school and I have the academic and social skills I feel are needed to thrive in a college lifestyle, but I am not mature enough and I am worried that will be reflected upon me if my grade slip or if I become antisocial.
Another thing is, as much as it pains me to say it, I will definitely miss high school. When people tell you to cherish your 4 years of high school listen to them because I wish I had cherished it more then I actually had. I will definitely miss the friendships that I have grown with, the sports teams that I have played on, and lastly the area that I have lived in.
I am sad because I will maintain a lot of friendships that I have right now but not all of them. Many of my friends are going to different schools then I am and I know that it will be hard for me to remain in contact with them, while on the other hand there are a lot of my friends going to the same school as me making this whole thing a little bit easier. I worry though that the friends I have that have chosen different career paths then I have will fade away. To look on the bright side though I am social enough that it won't be too hard to find more friends and possibly build better friendships then any other friendships I have ever had.
Enough of me being such a pessimist about the whole college experience though. I may be worried and sad about a lot of things but I am also looking forward to many other things. First of all I get to focus on learning about things that I want to learn about. I get to major in Biology which is my favorite class and now I will be studying it for the entirety of my college career. Not only that but I will be starting my life as an adult. What I mean by this is that I will be becoming a self sufficient member of society that can take care of itself and not need the support of parents to thrive anymore.
Another thing is, as much as it pains me to say it, I will definitely miss high school. When people tell you to cherish your 4 years of high school listen to them because I wish I had cherished it more then I actually had. I will definitely miss the friendships that I have grown with, the sports teams that I have played on, and lastly the area that I have lived in.
I am sad because I will maintain a lot of friendships that I have right now but not all of them. Many of my friends are going to different schools then I am and I know that it will be hard for me to remain in contact with them, while on the other hand there are a lot of my friends going to the same school as me making this whole thing a little bit easier. I worry though that the friends I have that have chosen different career paths then I have will fade away. To look on the bright side though I am social enough that it won't be too hard to find more friends and possibly build better friendships then any other friendships I have ever had.
Enough of me being such a pessimist about the whole college experience though. I may be worried and sad about a lot of things but I am also looking forward to many other things. First of all I get to focus on learning about things that I want to learn about. I get to major in Biology which is my favorite class and now I will be studying it for the entirety of my college career. Not only that but I will be starting my life as an adult. What I mean by this is that I will be becoming a self sufficient member of society that can take care of itself and not need the support of parents to thrive anymore.
LeBron James
Currently the Eastern Semifinals are finished with the Miami Heat winning in 6 games, but their is still much speculation concerning LeBron. As well, the Miami Heat and there solidifying win in the East Semifinal series, and clinching there spot in the Conference Finals, as they continue to move on through the 2014 NBA Playoffs. I feel LeBron James has carried this Miami team all year and past years. As well, he is an outstanding player but I feel his abilities attract too much attention, which causes the announcers to just talk about him, taking away from the team playing atmosphere of the NBA Playoffs. I feel the NBA has forgot what team playing is all about and until they establish winning as an entire team contributions and not just one player, the NBA will continue to be impossible to watch. The Miami Heat are now currently tied in the series versus the Indiana Pacers, 1 to 1. The series is now 3-2 lead by the Miami Heat. LeBron James has been going off this entire playoffs, especially this series. As well, Paul George for the Indiana Pacers went off last night scoring 31 points in just the 2nd half, George finished with a total of 37 points, 6 steals, and 10 rebounds. With the series shifting back to Indiana I honestly believe the Pacers will continue their streak and beat the Heat at home. Game 7 I feel, will be a different story, it will be played in Miami against the raining world champions. In conclusion it will be a tough game if game 7 is an option for the Pacers, but overall, King James has proven himself once again in this series. It will be interesting who wraps up this series and continues to the Championship. We will find out soon, stay tuned.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Flying Away on a Zeppelin of Lead
Lately I've been listening to a lot of Led Zeppelin. Unhealthily so. I haven't obsessively listened an album since eighth grade when I discovered Pearl Jam's music. I listened to their album Alive hundreds of times and I felt this tingle in my stomach, a sort of lifting, even longing, for something else; I'm still unsure of the exact feeling. But now I'm listening to Led Zeppelin, they're a different tone, but I get that same feeling and I lie on my bed with my eyes closed and blast the music in my ears, drowning out everything else. I feel the longing, but now it's different, I know what I want now, I want to do better, to break down my walls and do what I know I can. I'm always stopping myself when I want to do something big because I'm afraid that It won't make it, that it'll fall into mediocrity and I'll be a sham. But I need to stop being afraid of taking the fall, I need to take a leap of faith and just do what I set out to. This is the same for assignments at school. I don't do them in because I feel like they're not 100%, they need to be perfect for me to turn it in. So I do it a little and don't turn it in: sometimes I turn them in late and rushed which makes no sense because then they're definitely less than one hundred percent!
Anyways, back to the point... I've been listening to Led Zeppelin and I have been getting the same feeling in my gut, but now it turns into anger at myself. I have no idea why I don't do these things, but I need to just do them! I'm already too late to make up past mistakes, but I seriously need to stop myself from not graduating high school just because I was unmotivated to change my habits!
Anyways, back to the point... I've been listening to Led Zeppelin and I have been getting the same feeling in my gut, but now it turns into anger at myself. I have no idea why I don't do these things, but I need to just do them! I'm already too late to make up past mistakes, but I seriously need to stop myself from not graduating high school just because I was unmotivated to change my habits!
Intersession Reflection
First off, my intersession was not very good and especially not worth the 200 dollars I paid to join. It was extremely cold and windy pretty much through the entire 3 days and it got consistently worse each day. It was really boring and I feel like it was not planned out very well by the high school, considering every place we went was surrounded by 5-7 year olds. It was really frustrating and the bus rides were the worst, everyone was screaming like idiots and acting like 2 year olds. I am glad intersession is over with and I will not ever have to do it again.
Boston Marathon
This blog talks about the Boston Marathon and last years tragedy. As well as a brief description of this years race and who will be running it and the expectations that go along with running this race. Next, it discusses the new regulations on what you're allowed to bring to the race this year based on the events that occurred last April. Also, this goes over the race route this year, based on last years tragedy, they have decided to make a some what different route this year going a different direction but finishing in the same place Boylston Street. Next, considering this event is widely known and is very popular in the sports world, I feel I have gained some important information from this event. This years race will include many more public officials but at the same time trying to keep the same competitive traditional atmosphere without the feeling of being inside a military base. It will be hard to keep an equal running atmosphere and balance security, but I feel that it will be done in the best possible fashion. Finally, the fact that some man was arrested for having a hoax device in a backpack is so disrespectful considering and was so idiotic and honestly ridiculous. Overall, this has made me aware of some of this years race regulations and new rules based on last years tragic events, as well as more security protocol will be involved. Finally, I feel this years race is a huge event for people and those who were affected by last years bombing. Lastly, this race is more than a race to everyone running it, especially for those who could not finish last year. In conclusion, the Boston Marathon this year I feel, will be a success in the eyes of everyone. Boston Strong!
Honor Code:
I pledge my honor that I have not violated the honor code during the completion of this work. X_____________________.
Honor Code:
I pledge my honor that I have not violated the honor code during the completion of this work. X_____________________.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Tough
I've never been the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest. Thats why I think I didn't do well in main stream sports. I always got crushed in football, never threw the fastest in baseball, and didn't place well in track. But that is why I succeeded.
For my senior project here at Bedford High School, I decided that I was going to row a Marathon on an indoor rowing machine(an Erg). I also realized that there is a national ranking for 13-18 year old athletes that row marathons and feeling ambitious I said "it can't be that hard, I'll try beating the national record". Not really knowing much about marathons and not having any experience with marathon distance events I felt a bit in over my head. That same feeling of fear also felt exciting because I knew that I was opening a door to something new. What was going to be on the other side?
Knowing that I am not the biggest nor the strongest and not even the fastest person I know, I had to find something that I could be the best at. I knew I had to be Tough. Being tough, isn't something that anyone can give you, but it is something that you can earn. If I wanted to set the national record for rowing a marathon I had to get Tough, real Tough.
My training plan became rather unorthodox after that revelation. Before that my priority was to be as fit as possible but what I really needed to do was be tough so that I would never quit. A fit person will work well while they are feeling good but when they get tired they will want to stop. A tough fit person will continue on no matter what.
Mental toughness was my goal. I started researching mental toughness and wanted to learn how I could attain it. The thing I realized during my research though was that it is something you have to teach yourself. It couldn't be taught to me by someone else. At that point I started making the most progress.
During all of this I had an extremely small field of view, I was thinking in the short run. I was thinking about how I could be mentally tough to finish my marathon but the big picture of what I was making possible was how this could roll over into my everyday life. Being mentally tough would allow me to focus in and get my work done no matter how much I wanted to quite. The want to quite while suffering on the Erg was the same as the want to stop doing homework or stop the task I am doing because there are easier things to do. Without realizing it, I have created the most influential lesson I could ever teach myself. I taught myself how to be tough.
From here every time something starts to suck, I think "I was tough enough to sit on an erg for 3 hours 7 minutes and 45 seconds in pain and agony to complete a goal, I can finish this" and then everything seems relatively easy.
For my senior project here at Bedford High School, I decided that I was going to row a Marathon on an indoor rowing machine(an Erg). I also realized that there is a national ranking for 13-18 year old athletes that row marathons and feeling ambitious I said "it can't be that hard, I'll try beating the national record". Not really knowing much about marathons and not having any experience with marathon distance events I felt a bit in over my head. That same feeling of fear also felt exciting because I knew that I was opening a door to something new. What was going to be on the other side?
Knowing that I am not the biggest nor the strongest and not even the fastest person I know, I had to find something that I could be the best at. I knew I had to be Tough. Being tough, isn't something that anyone can give you, but it is something that you can earn. If I wanted to set the national record for rowing a marathon I had to get Tough, real Tough.
My training plan became rather unorthodox after that revelation. Before that my priority was to be as fit as possible but what I really needed to do was be tough so that I would never quit. A fit person will work well while they are feeling good but when they get tired they will want to stop. A tough fit person will continue on no matter what.
Mental toughness was my goal. I started researching mental toughness and wanted to learn how I could attain it. The thing I realized during my research though was that it is something you have to teach yourself. It couldn't be taught to me by someone else. At that point I started making the most progress.
During all of this I had an extremely small field of view, I was thinking in the short run. I was thinking about how I could be mentally tough to finish my marathon but the big picture of what I was making possible was how this could roll over into my everyday life. Being mentally tough would allow me to focus in and get my work done no matter how much I wanted to quite. The want to quite while suffering on the Erg was the same as the want to stop doing homework or stop the task I am doing because there are easier things to do. Without realizing it, I have created the most influential lesson I could ever teach myself. I taught myself how to be tough.
From here every time something starts to suck, I think "I was tough enough to sit on an erg for 3 hours 7 minutes and 45 seconds in pain and agony to complete a goal, I can finish this" and then everything seems relatively easy.
Home by the River
A note found in a shack by the river. It's old and yellowed, must be from the ancient times.
The sound of the nearby river is calming, it helps me sleep through the gnawing feeling in my gut. My make-shift hut of scraps of wood hammered together does little to make me feel safe. I haven't seen another person in months but I still feel like I'm not alone... The river, just listen to the river. It's therapeutic in a way. It's actually the only reason I set up my "camp" here. I use camp loosely because It's just my "house" and a small dirt pit for a fire. I'm am both calmed and unnerved by this babbling brooke, the sound at night does, in fact, help me sleep; but on the colder nights, the ones where the wind bellows profusely, I swear I can hear a woman singing. The song is familiar, but I can't place it in my mind, and the voice feels like home, but I don't know any home other than this one and my last. It sets my teeth on edge and makes my skin crawl upon my flesh.
Speaking of my other home, it's where I awoke and where I stayed for months until an accident caused the end of that place. I remember being extremely dazed and thirsty as I looked about the large barn I was holed up in. I had a noticeable beard on my face and my nails needed a trimming; most memorably though was the smell of my clothes. It amazes me still how it was almost as pungent as the permeating smell of the decayed flesh on unfed farm animals. But, that's neither here nor there, trust me, I bathed as soon as possible. I accidentally fell asleep next to the fire and awoke to the smell of my left arm cooking in a fire that was as well cooking the barn. My arm is fine now, a little scarred, but hey, isn't that what the ladies like?
Lady... That singing woman's voice disturbs me on a profound level. I've sat out there, over by the river, on a sizable rock, waiting for her, numerous times to no avail. But when I'm just about to fall asleep I hear her, singing gayly like the world is still fine. It's almost like a lullaby, but the tune is a little more cheery, as though it was a bar song that was slowed down just enough to become creepy. The world isn't fine by the way. I've traveled miles, searched every home and shop, yelled out at the highest peaks I found, but there is no life anywhere. Even the animals are hiding from me. The shops and homes look as though everyone just got up and left. The food is rotten and the furniture is dusty, but everything looks frozen where it was meant to be. No rush to leave, not even a messy teenage room, everything was perfectly placed, a long time ago.
I don't remember anything before the barn when I woke up. It irritates me beyond measure. Maybe, just maybe, I'll remember soon. I hope it's soon because I'm surprised I haven't lost my marbles yet, and I'm terrified it will start to happen soon.
Tonight I'm going to search for her again, by the river. The water has looked enticing lately, maybe I'll take a dip.
The sound of the nearby river is calming, it helps me sleep through the gnawing feeling in my gut. My make-shift hut of scraps of wood hammered together does little to make me feel safe. I haven't seen another person in months but I still feel like I'm not alone... The river, just listen to the river. It's therapeutic in a way. It's actually the only reason I set up my "camp" here. I use camp loosely because It's just my "house" and a small dirt pit for a fire. I'm am both calmed and unnerved by this babbling brooke, the sound at night does, in fact, help me sleep; but on the colder nights, the ones where the wind bellows profusely, I swear I can hear a woman singing. The song is familiar, but I can't place it in my mind, and the voice feels like home, but I don't know any home other than this one and my last. It sets my teeth on edge and makes my skin crawl upon my flesh.
Speaking of my other home, it's where I awoke and where I stayed for months until an accident caused the end of that place. I remember being extremely dazed and thirsty as I looked about the large barn I was holed up in. I had a noticeable beard on my face and my nails needed a trimming; most memorably though was the smell of my clothes. It amazes me still how it was almost as pungent as the permeating smell of the decayed flesh on unfed farm animals. But, that's neither here nor there, trust me, I bathed as soon as possible. I accidentally fell asleep next to the fire and awoke to the smell of my left arm cooking in a fire that was as well cooking the barn. My arm is fine now, a little scarred, but hey, isn't that what the ladies like?
Lady... That singing woman's voice disturbs me on a profound level. I've sat out there, over by the river, on a sizable rock, waiting for her, numerous times to no avail. But when I'm just about to fall asleep I hear her, singing gayly like the world is still fine. It's almost like a lullaby, but the tune is a little more cheery, as though it was a bar song that was slowed down just enough to become creepy. The world isn't fine by the way. I've traveled miles, searched every home and shop, yelled out at the highest peaks I found, but there is no life anywhere. Even the animals are hiding from me. The shops and homes look as though everyone just got up and left. The food is rotten and the furniture is dusty, but everything looks frozen where it was meant to be. No rush to leave, not even a messy teenage room, everything was perfectly placed, a long time ago.
I don't remember anything before the barn when I woke up. It irritates me beyond measure. Maybe, just maybe, I'll remember soon. I hope it's soon because I'm surprised I haven't lost my marbles yet, and I'm terrified it will start to happen soon.
Tonight I'm going to search for her again, by the river. The water has looked enticing lately, maybe I'll take a dip.
What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?
What do you want to be when you grow up? I have often pondered this question, and have yet to discover an answer. As a senior in high school, figuring out where to go and what to do is the priority.
When my sister was little, she always wanted to be a writer. When my older brother was little, he wanted to be a business man. When my younger brother was little, he always wanted to be everything, he still wants to do everything. My youngest brother is little, and he wants to be an architect, engineer, plumber, and an electrician.
When I was little, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. One day I was reading a book about the ocean, with rainbow-colored fish, sparking water, and florescent coral reefs. Nothing intriges me like the mystery of the ocean and it's beauty. I remember being on vacation in Cape Cod and I was sitting relaxed and comfy in a big chair inside. I read through the book all about coral and fish, and there were so many pictures of the most wonderful pictures.
I loved to read ocean books and just gaze at the moments underwater photographers captured to show readers like me whats underneath the big, blue ocean. My mom got me a deck of cards with all sorts of ocean creatures on them. Instead of play cards, I used them to study the creatures of the ocean, because I just loved everything about marine life so much. Watching the National Geographic movies on ocean life was one of my most favorite past times to participate in.
Back in Cape Cod, the little girl who wanted to be one with the ocean came to the last page of the book about marine life. That page was the page that showed me what the real world looked like. To be a marine biologist, extensive knowledge on science, math, and engineering are required. Studying, analyzing, hypothesizing, drawing conclusions from data and research, lots of writing and thinking are essential to a successful career in marine biology. As my eyes fell on the final page of that children's ocean book, I understood that marine biology could never be for me, because I am not scientifically engineered to grasp such concepts and information.
Today, as a young person headed off into the world of college and careers, what I want to be when I grow up is a pressing question weighing upon my mind. What am I good at? What do I love to do? What kind of lifestyle do I want? Whatever I do, I want to be happy and help others with the gift I will have to give. I want to go to work simply loving what I'm doing with my life.
My love for the ocean has turned into a S.C.U.B.A. license and a dream of building my own, beautiful beach house. Even though I will never be a marine biologist, one can be sure that what I am going to do with my life will be whatever helps me achieve the best-version-of-myself, even if I grow up and never know what I want to be.
When my sister was little, she always wanted to be a writer. When my older brother was little, he wanted to be a business man. When my younger brother was little, he always wanted to be everything, he still wants to do everything. My youngest brother is little, and he wants to be an architect, engineer, plumber, and an electrician.
When I was little, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. One day I was reading a book about the ocean, with rainbow-colored fish, sparking water, and florescent coral reefs. Nothing intriges me like the mystery of the ocean and it's beauty. I remember being on vacation in Cape Cod and I was sitting relaxed and comfy in a big chair inside. I read through the book all about coral and fish, and there were so many pictures of the most wonderful pictures.
I loved to read ocean books and just gaze at the moments underwater photographers captured to show readers like me whats underneath the big, blue ocean. My mom got me a deck of cards with all sorts of ocean creatures on them. Instead of play cards, I used them to study the creatures of the ocean, because I just loved everything about marine life so much. Watching the National Geographic movies on ocean life was one of my most favorite past times to participate in.
Back in Cape Cod, the little girl who wanted to be one with the ocean came to the last page of the book about marine life. That page was the page that showed me what the real world looked like. To be a marine biologist, extensive knowledge on science, math, and engineering are required. Studying, analyzing, hypothesizing, drawing conclusions from data and research, lots of writing and thinking are essential to a successful career in marine biology. As my eyes fell on the final page of that children's ocean book, I understood that marine biology could never be for me, because I am not scientifically engineered to grasp such concepts and information.
Today, as a young person headed off into the world of college and careers, what I want to be when I grow up is a pressing question weighing upon my mind. What am I good at? What do I love to do? What kind of lifestyle do I want? Whatever I do, I want to be happy and help others with the gift I will have to give. I want to go to work simply loving what I'm doing with my life.
My love for the ocean has turned into a S.C.U.B.A. license and a dream of building my own, beautiful beach house. Even though I will never be a marine biologist, one can be sure that what I am going to do with my life will be whatever helps me achieve the best-version-of-myself, even if I grow up and never know what I want to be.
An Ideal Cast for the Film Adaptation of Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle"
An Ideal Cast for the Film Adaptation of Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle
Just recently, I finished the 2005 memoir of the life of writer and journalist Jeannette Walls. The memoir, entitled The Glass Castle, serves as a bildungsroman, which traces Walls' life from her "dysfunctional, yet vibrant" childhood to her successful departure into the business world.
After doing some research, I have discovered that the story is rumored to be in the talks of adapting onto the big screen later this year. Thus, movie-lovers, as well as those who appreciate the book, have already begun to think of the ultimate "dream cast" to fill the roles of Jeannette, Rex, and Rose Mary Walls, who lead The Glass Castle through all its bizarre misery.
Several news articles have already reported that Jennifer Lawrence, who is currently in the midst of "Hunger Games" and "X-Men" success, has committed to producing and possibly starring in the film. Reports have claimed she will play the older version of Jeannette Walls. Ironically, before these articles were released, my number one pick to play the older Jeannette was Lawrence herself. I find Lawrence to not only have an unbelievably accelerated acting capacity, but also a knack for embodying the spirit of her character.
Even more so, Jennifer Lawrence is definitely the sort of image that comes to mind when I try to envision Jeannette's character. Her physical appearance has a certain aura that captures Walls' ruggedness, while demanding an emotional integrity that Walls carries with her throughout the novel. This sense of independence and motivational drive correlates to Lawrence's own desire to fight for roles and work her way up into the film industry.
Parallel to Lawrence's career, her breakthrough performance in the movie "Winter's Bone," a novel which was recently adapted in 2010 into an independent feature film, shares great similarities to Jeannette in "The Glass Castle." I find Walls' character in comparison with Lawrence's portrayal of Ree Dolly to be both moving and successful journeys that end in triumph, yet still have dark edges that are difficult to grasp. Both films center around a rural, country girl who comes to realize her family's misfortune and are desperate to do anything in order to survive.
Jeannette's mother, Rose Mary Walls, has been rumored to be played by Emmy award-winner Claire Danes. Claire Danes has appeared in the television drama "Homeland" and HBO movie "Temple Grandin." In my opinion, I believe that Danes is an excellent actress with a wide range of versatility; however, my first choice would be Academy Award-winner Frances McDormand.
Frances McDormand has proved herself multiple times that she is by far capable of carrying roles that have characters with dark, complex minds. Her skills include, but are certainly not limited to, the realm of character acting. Her roles in "Fargo" and "Almost Famous" involve the theme of motherhood as well, which is crucial to the part of Rose Mary Walls. Additionally, she played Glory Dodge in the 2005 film "North Country." Her character portrays the essence of a country woman, which duly highlights the center of Rose Mary Walls.
Finally, for Rex Walls, rumors have been circulating that he will be played by Academy Award-nominee Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo has been mainly appearing in superhero movies, such as "The Avengers;" however, his premiere acting abilities were demonstrated in the 2010 film, "The Kids Are All Right." I believe that Ruffalo does have the capacity to pull off a role as important as Rex Walls in "The Glass Castle."
My first choice to play the part would most likely be Bruce Dern. Dern has most recently proved himself to be a great fit for the role while starring in the recent independent motion picture "Nebraska." However, Rex is not present in the novel as much as Jeannette or Rose Mary, so I have not placed as much thought into the ideal fit for this role, as age is duly an important factor in casting decisions. Perhaps an older actor might have been a wiser selection for the role, although I think it is a great opportunity for someone of Ruffalo's stature and place in his career to take on Rex.
Amidst the casting decisions in Hollywood, anything may happen in response to the finished product of "The Glass Castle." What I do know, however, is that whoever fills these roles must have the determination and dedication to capture the lunacy in "The Glass Castle" in order for it to be a successful film.
Just recently, I finished the 2005 memoir of the life of writer and journalist Jeannette Walls. The memoir, entitled The Glass Castle, serves as a bildungsroman, which traces Walls' life from her "dysfunctional, yet vibrant" childhood to her successful departure into the business world.
After doing some research, I have discovered that the story is rumored to be in the talks of adapting onto the big screen later this year. Thus, movie-lovers, as well as those who appreciate the book, have already begun to think of the ultimate "dream cast" to fill the roles of Jeannette, Rex, and Rose Mary Walls, who lead The Glass Castle through all its bizarre misery.
Several news articles have already reported that Jennifer Lawrence, who is currently in the midst of "Hunger Games" and "X-Men" success, has committed to producing and possibly starring in the film. Reports have claimed she will play the older version of Jeannette Walls. Ironically, before these articles were released, my number one pick to play the older Jeannette was Lawrence herself. I find Lawrence to not only have an unbelievably accelerated acting capacity, but also a knack for embodying the spirit of her character.
Even more so, Jennifer Lawrence is definitely the sort of image that comes to mind when I try to envision Jeannette's character. Her physical appearance has a certain aura that captures Walls' ruggedness, while demanding an emotional integrity that Walls carries with her throughout the novel. This sense of independence and motivational drive correlates to Lawrence's own desire to fight for roles and work her way up into the film industry.
Parallel to Lawrence's career, her breakthrough performance in the movie "Winter's Bone," a novel which was recently adapted in 2010 into an independent feature film, shares great similarities to Jeannette in "The Glass Castle." I find Walls' character in comparison with Lawrence's portrayal of Ree Dolly to be both moving and successful journeys that end in triumph, yet still have dark edges that are difficult to grasp. Both films center around a rural, country girl who comes to realize her family's misfortune and are desperate to do anything in order to survive.
Jeannette's mother, Rose Mary Walls, has been rumored to be played by Emmy award-winner Claire Danes. Claire Danes has appeared in the television drama "Homeland" and HBO movie "Temple Grandin." In my opinion, I believe that Danes is an excellent actress with a wide range of versatility; however, my first choice would be Academy Award-winner Frances McDormand.
Frances McDormand has proved herself multiple times that she is by far capable of carrying roles that have characters with dark, complex minds. Her skills include, but are certainly not limited to, the realm of character acting. Her roles in "Fargo" and "Almost Famous" involve the theme of motherhood as well, which is crucial to the part of Rose Mary Walls. Additionally, she played Glory Dodge in the 2005 film "North Country." Her character portrays the essence of a country woman, which duly highlights the center of Rose Mary Walls.
Finally, for Rex Walls, rumors have been circulating that he will be played by Academy Award-nominee Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo has been mainly appearing in superhero movies, such as "The Avengers;" however, his premiere acting abilities were demonstrated in the 2010 film, "The Kids Are All Right." I believe that Ruffalo does have the capacity to pull off a role as important as Rex Walls in "The Glass Castle."
My first choice to play the part would most likely be Bruce Dern. Dern has most recently proved himself to be a great fit for the role while starring in the recent independent motion picture "Nebraska." However, Rex is not present in the novel as much as Jeannette or Rose Mary, so I have not placed as much thought into the ideal fit for this role, as age is duly an important factor in casting decisions. Perhaps an older actor might have been a wiser selection for the role, although I think it is a great opportunity for someone of Ruffalo's stature and place in his career to take on Rex.
Amidst the casting decisions in Hollywood, anything may happen in response to the finished product of "The Glass Castle." What I do know, however, is that whoever fills these roles must have the determination and dedication to capture the lunacy in "The Glass Castle" in order for it to be a successful film.
College Choice
It's coming down to that point where I need to make my decision any day now. It doesn't even feel real. I keep going back and fourth on where I should go. I feel like every other day I'm certain of the opposite choice. Both directions seem like they would be a good fit, which makes it even harder to decide.
I really want to go to Plymouth State. I'm just scared to make the wrong decision. Everyone I talk to about school says to definitely go away, but I'm scared to leave some parts of my life behind, like my big cozy bed and bubble bath and peacefulness. But I also love to go out, and love the wilderness, so Plymouth seems like a good fit for me. The other option I was looking at going to a community college and living at home. It sounds like no fun, but it would be faster and there wouldn't be any distractions. I would get to keep my car, my bed, and my job.
I have until may 1st to make the first deposit. I know in the end I'll make the right choice, but right now it still seems like a huge blur.
I really want to go to Plymouth State. I'm just scared to make the wrong decision. Everyone I talk to about school says to definitely go away, but I'm scared to leave some parts of my life behind, like my big cozy bed and bubble bath and peacefulness. But I also love to go out, and love the wilderness, so Plymouth seems like a good fit for me. The other option I was looking at going to a community college and living at home. It sounds like no fun, but it would be faster and there wouldn't be any distractions. I would get to keep my car, my bed, and my job.
I have until may 1st to make the first deposit. I know in the end I'll make the right choice, but right now it still seems like a huge blur.
Difference between training and over doing it
What determines how hard someone should train? Results? Coaches? Parents? Level of Play? Recently I committed to Molloy College where I will be playing division 2 baseball for the next four years. Since I was in my Junior year of high school I have been training for college baseball. When I found out where I was going, a spark was ignited inside me. Since then I have made huge strides in weight gain, muscle mass, and endurance. The problem however, am I over doing it. Last week was a slow week for me due to the schedule that I had at school. I tracked the number of hours I spent at baseball, in the gym, and during endurance training, the results I received we're astonishing. I spent 40 hours outside of school working on improving myself for baseball and overall physical well-being. That means that I am spending an average person's work week, bettering myself as a player. So I began to ask myself if I was pushing it to hard, if maybe I needed a break. High school athletes going to college to play their sport are expected to exert all excess energy outside of school to their sport, but my question is, where is the line drawn and when should an athlete not only want to stop, but be forced to stop for their own well being? The peak physical shape for a male human is 28 years old and at that age it is crucial to better yourself physically because most likely, the body type that you have at around that age is the one that you'll have for the majority of your life. An 18 year old however, a SENIOR in high school, is TEN YEARS away from that peak point, most however push themselves harder and see maybe half of the results. Should we limit our children's energy exertion or should they manage it themselves? Where is the line drawn.
Formula Drift Season
It's now spring time and its the start of all the outdoors sports seasons. It's my favorite season because i'm all hyped up to finally be outdoors 24/7. One of my most anticipated sports is competition drifting. It is one of the most adrenaline filling sports and is filled with beautiful cars and women. How can you argue with that? It's a competition that starts out with any driver that is qualified to race in this pro series and as many drivers that want to be in the hot seat. The season is divided into rounds and the winner is determined by a bracket system. One of my all time favorite drifters is Ryan Turek because he is an avid drifter and is so nice to his fans by releasing videos and free SWAG! I plan to eventually participate in this adrenaline junkie job and either drive the cars or fix the cars. Spring is my favorite season because thats when i get to let out my inner adrenaline junkie out and go hill bombing on my long board, do some drag racing, go mudding, and go fishing. Spring and summer are the main event for me.
Senior year ending-
As the school year is coming to a close, it seems that most of my teachers just don't care. In my math class, instead of less homework being assigned, she decided that it would be best for the class that, which is mostly made up of seniors, to begin collecting the homework and have it graded. Not only that, she made sure that new system will be in place till the last couple days of my pre-calc class.
Now for my AP European teacher, I do not feel that it is his fault for giving out so much work at the end of the year. But instead it is my fault. For some reason, I felt that it would make sense, college level or not, that a class would respect the idea that as the year comes to an end the work load would become lighter. Well, sadly enough, it was a disturbing realization when the teacher told the class that from the beginning of April till May 14th, because that is when we take the AP exam, the class work load will be at its peak. But luckily, for those that are takign the AP exam on the 14th, that will essentially conclude our class. Even the teacher said that we will most likely just be watching movies and doing fun activities up until the end of the school year.
I understand the concept that no matter what date it is, we still have to learn in class. Although myself and I am sure many other students would greatly appreciate it if the teachers of this school would help lower the amount of work that is be assigned at the end of the year. Due to it getting much warmer outside, no one wants to be inside a class room. A classroom that has no air-conditioning and that is simply uncomfortable. But of course, these are just my thoughts, and here at BHS, unless you are part the part of the student council, and even then it matters very little, your voice is simply not heard. All I can do is hope that the rest of the year simply goes by fast.
I understand the concept that no matter what date it is, we still have to learn in class. Although myself and I am sure many other students would greatly appreciate it if the teachers of this school would help lower the amount of work that is be assigned at the end of the year. Due to it getting much warmer outside, no one wants to be inside a class room. A classroom that has no air-conditioning and that is simply uncomfortable. But of course, these are just my thoughts, and here at BHS, unless you are part the part of the student council, and even then it matters very little, your voice is simply not heard. All I can do is hope that the rest of the year simply goes by fast.
Lacrosse Season is in Full Swing
Lacrosse season has just started and it is one of my favorite times of the year, besides hockey season of course. Being outside in the beautiful, yet always changing, New England weather puts me in the best mood. I day dream of being on the field while I am in class, running down the field with the ball in my stick, dodging defenders and making my way towards the goal.
The feeling of being part of a team is incredible and knowing that someone has your back if things get bad is a great feeling. Lacrosse brings people together that normally would never talk. I know for a fact that I would never talk to half of the kids on the team but for some reason during the lacrosse season I can have long in depth conversations with them.
The Bedford High School lacrosse team is going for a national record this year of 47 wins in a row. This would not only bring national spotlight to the high school but bring the utmost pride to all that have played for or currently play for the team. Along with that brings the idea of a third straight title as well. Playing for the hockey team I had the pleasure of winning a state championship with them which was the third straight state title.
The feeling of accomplishment that you get from this is addicting and I have been craving it ever since that game. Now I have a chance to feed my cravings with the lacrosse team this year and I have a great deal of confidence in the fact that we will win again this year.
Our coach is probably one of the bet coaches in the state and our talent is only matched by the like of Bishop Guertin, who recruits all of their players. With one game in the book, a 14 to 4 win over Merrimack High School, I know that this year will be no different then the others, we will dominate. We also recently beat a top tier division 1 team 8 to 5, even though we dominated the entire game, bringing up the topic of Bedford going all the way agin this year. I look forward to see what this season brings and know that we will do the same thing that we have done the past few years. Go undefeated and win another state championship.
The feeling of being part of a team is incredible and knowing that someone has your back if things get bad is a great feeling. Lacrosse brings people together that normally would never talk. I know for a fact that I would never talk to half of the kids on the team but for some reason during the lacrosse season I can have long in depth conversations with them.
The Bedford High School lacrosse team is going for a national record this year of 47 wins in a row. This would not only bring national spotlight to the high school but bring the utmost pride to all that have played for or currently play for the team. Along with that brings the idea of a third straight title as well. Playing for the hockey team I had the pleasure of winning a state championship with them which was the third straight state title.
The feeling of accomplishment that you get from this is addicting and I have been craving it ever since that game. Now I have a chance to feed my cravings with the lacrosse team this year and I have a great deal of confidence in the fact that we will win again this year.
Our coach is probably one of the bet coaches in the state and our talent is only matched by the like of Bishop Guertin, who recruits all of their players. With one game in the book, a 14 to 4 win over Merrimack High School, I know that this year will be no different then the others, we will dominate. We also recently beat a top tier division 1 team 8 to 5, even though we dominated the entire game, bringing up the topic of Bedford going all the way agin this year. I look forward to see what this season brings and know that we will do the same thing that we have done the past few years. Go undefeated and win another state championship.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Forced vacations
Have you ever been so deep in important work that any vacation you had planned to take before the work is due doesn't feel worth it (by a long shot)? That's kind of where I'm at right now in life. I have to decide between two great colleges, finish and practice my presentations for my senior project AOK (Application of Knowledge), and catch up with french class (curse you subjunctive!) all before I go on 10 days worth of vacation. That leaves me with only 14 days before the vacation wave hits. This is going to suck.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a vacation every now and again and I love them when it's in a location that's actually desirable. However, I certainly don't like vacations when I could be spending that time getting done the things that need to be done, especially when those things that need to get done ensure my graduating on time. If I could put off the april school vacation to Costa Rica with my family in order to finish and practice for my three motivational speaking presentations, that would be great.
However, as I'm sure you all know, that's not how life works sometimes. On the 23rd (a Wednesday) I will leave for the Kripalu retreat for my (forced and graded) yoga intersession, and then right when I get home on the 25th I will be shuttled to Costa Rica on a 11 hour flight for a whole week. I shall then return to good old BHS sunburnt and dazed and hardly prepared for my senior project Application of Knowledge.
I'm not sure where to go from here, but I think a possible solution might be just moving my AOK to the following week. My presentation dates aren't completely set in stone and I can simply change wherever I have written in that my presentations will be during the first full week of May to the second full week. I think that might be my best option at this stage of the game, especially since I really want to be as prepared as possible for my presentations and I also want to enjoy my stupid vacations.
Welp, heres hoping all goes well.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a vacation every now and again and I love them when it's in a location that's actually desirable. However, I certainly don't like vacations when I could be spending that time getting done the things that need to be done, especially when those things that need to get done ensure my graduating on time. If I could put off the april school vacation to Costa Rica with my family in order to finish and practice for my three motivational speaking presentations, that would be great.
However, as I'm sure you all know, that's not how life works sometimes. On the 23rd (a Wednesday) I will leave for the Kripalu retreat for my (forced and graded) yoga intersession, and then right when I get home on the 25th I will be shuttled to Costa Rica on a 11 hour flight for a whole week. I shall then return to good old BHS sunburnt and dazed and hardly prepared for my senior project Application of Knowledge.
I'm not sure where to go from here, but I think a possible solution might be just moving my AOK to the following week. My presentation dates aren't completely set in stone and I can simply change wherever I have written in that my presentations will be during the first full week of May to the second full week. I think that might be my best option at this stage of the game, especially since I really want to be as prepared as possible for my presentations and I also want to enjoy my stupid vacations.
Welp, heres hoping all goes well.
Intercession 2014 Boston
For my Intercession this year, I will be attending the Boston intercession trips. Next, this will include going whale watching in the Boston Harbor, Boston Museum and lastly the Boston Aquarium. I am really excited for intercession, more specifically the whale watching event.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Last page in a blood covered journal found in Alaska.
The cold, tugging sensation caused by hairs rising on the back of your neck is what accompanies me now. The beast is always watching me now, though its eyes are empty voids and bereft of life I can feel it staring at me; through me. I encountered it during a freak snowstorm just today. My dog ran towards the large dark figure standing in the forceful wind and snow. It was all the fault of that damned dog!
He was as good a companion as any man could want, but that day when the snow came harder and wetter and colder than even death could comprehend, the dog lost his mind. He took off, sprinting in full speed through the snow, I yelled to him but the push of wind shoved my voice back into my throat and froze my neck solid. My eyes began to tear up from the harsh weather but through the water building up in my eyes I could see it; black and massive, lumbering towards me. I was unable to move a muscle in my body. The dog's barking broke my trance and what I witnessed next chills me to the bone. The creature rose up, like a bear standing on it's hind legs to become more intimidating, it swung a gigantic arm at the dog, causing a blood-curdling yelp to emit from the dog.
I had fallen backwards from fear for my life. The beast lowered to all fours again and began to slowly back up, I could feel it staring at me as it did. My heart jumped into my throat and back down again when I realized that the creature was gone, vanished in the white frenzy that blew around me. The snow stopped then, as quick as it began. My legs were shaky as I slowly rose to my feet, I stared forward, waiting to see it again, but it didn't appear. I looked down and saw the dog's blood on the snow. I must've searched for an hour and I couldn't find the dog.
My entire being wanted to be back with the dirt than to spend another second in that frozen hell. I began to retrace my steps to find refuge in the last shack I slept in, but my foots steps were gone, the damned blizzard filled them. The rat didn't escape the cat to find refuge, the rat escaped one discomfort to discover that he was now trapped in the home of a hawk.
Out of the corners of my eyes I swear I see him watching me. My eyes feel as though they're beginning to freeze solid and I can't tell what im' writing anymore. I think I can see lt, lumbering closer.
BHS problems
Barra Taal
March Blog
Parking Frenzy
There may seem to be be quite any problems at BHS but I believe the biggest problem is the parking situation. At the beginning of the year BHS offerson campus parking to only juniors and seniors for a fee of $110. The passes are also limited de to the small amount of parking spaces. This causes other students to have to park at tennis courts and the baseball field down the road. This is a reat inconvenience for students. Students have to plan ahead an extra 7-10 minutes to walk from the baseball field to the school. There are two ways of getting from the baseball field to the school. One way is to walk along the road up to the school. This is dangerous for the students because the students have to walk on the side of the road without a sidewalk. The other way is there is a path tat goes through the woods. This is more dangerous because it is steep and ca get slippery and icy at times. I myself had slipped and fell going own to my car.
There are many solutions for this problem. The school could cut down all the trees that are in the L shape of the parking lot. This will make the shape more into a square shape. This will allow many more on campus parking and would minimize the danger of the students getting to school. The school could also make it so the students dont have to purchase parking passes to park in the lower lot. This would make the lower lot who ever gets there first in the morning gets a spot. They could use the top lot to sell passes to the juniors and seniors who dont want to walk from the bottom lot.
Into the City
I should probably start off with the fact that I am looking very forward to running away to college to start my "real" career preparation and education. I have been accepted to 5 fantastic colleges and now I must choose which one is the most worthy of my time and money. If I had to make he decision right now, I would say that I'd like to go to Simmons. Simmons is a wonderful all-women college that has a strong focus on student education, good facilities, and a safe campus, but one of the things I like abut Simmons the most is that its in Boston, the best college town and one of the best cities.
Boston... a place I'd like to explore and get to know better, the place where you can find the best specialty restaurants and delis, a place where the liberal run free without being ridiculed, a place of opportunity for educations, meetings, connections, jobs and career paths, a place to meet new people and have new adventure.
The city... the kind of place my mom was always worried about visiting. The kind of place my mom always warned me about where there were evil people waiting around every corner that want to use you, abuse you, and terrorize you. The kind of place where every road leads to a new labyrinth of dark allies and streets. Cities appear to be the targets for terrorism and crime and the land of over priced anything.
Needless to say, I am feeling really conflicted about joining the 250,000+ college students in Boston for a solid education and new adventures. I am excited and terrified at the same time. For one thing, have to understand that I am incredibly sheltered. For at least 10 years of my life, all I have known is the overly secluded suburbia that is the town of Bedford. Also, my mom gets paranoid when an older man looks at me for more than a second and if we ever visited Nashua there would be no chance of me getting out of a car with locked doors and rolled up windows. My family almost never visits cities anyway, so I have no real street smarts because I have never had the opportunity to develop any. It's no wonder why I'm so nervous.
In short... I don't know. I really look forward to living in the city of Boston but I am also terrified that the city of Boston is going to kill me.
Boston... a place I'd like to explore and get to know better, the place where you can find the best specialty restaurants and delis, a place where the liberal run free without being ridiculed, a place of opportunity for educations, meetings, connections, jobs and career paths, a place to meet new people and have new adventure.
The city... the kind of place my mom was always worried about visiting. The kind of place my mom always warned me about where there were evil people waiting around every corner that want to use you, abuse you, and terrorize you. The kind of place where every road leads to a new labyrinth of dark allies and streets. Cities appear to be the targets for terrorism and crime and the land of over priced anything.
Needless to say, I am feeling really conflicted about joining the 250,000+ college students in Boston for a solid education and new adventures. I am excited and terrified at the same time. For one thing, have to understand that I am incredibly sheltered. For at least 10 years of my life, all I have known is the overly secluded suburbia that is the town of Bedford. Also, my mom gets paranoid when an older man looks at me for more than a second and if we ever visited Nashua there would be no chance of me getting out of a car with locked doors and rolled up windows. My family almost never visits cities anyway, so I have no real street smarts because I have never had the opportunity to develop any. It's no wonder why I'm so nervous.
In short... I don't know. I really look forward to living in the city of Boston but I am also terrified that the city of Boston is going to kill me.
Fatigue
Training has continued, and so has the fatigue. My current training schedule has me training with the team Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday but to meet my goals I need to be training 6 days a week with one day of active recovery. I have within the last two weeks hit a bit of a wall, with this training, my body has not been able to recover from workouts fast enough leading to residual fatigue. Residual fatigue can be anything from your body not recovering glycogen stores to the level before the workout, structural break down and/or lack of Neuro-endocrine recovery. The fatigue will lead to stress in the three main body functions to perform.
During exercise, your body has three systems that it uses to create energy, the Phosphogen system, the anaerobic system and the aerobic system. Muscles need Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the bodies energy compound, to function and after it uses it whats left is Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP). So for example, you are walking down the hall way and out of nowhere a pterodactyl starts running at you. Your body goes oh crap, and you start running away from it. Your body during the first 10 seconds of seeing the pterodactyl will use the Phosphogen system to give you a burst to get away, to most people, this is the fight or flight response. After those 10 seconds of amazing speed your body will slow down a bit as you start working into the anaerobic system which will help you get even further. This system is not inexhaustible though, and its really easy to tell that it is the anaerobic system because you will feel the unmistakable burn on the lactic acid byproduct. Then after you do hit that "burn" your body will work its way into the sustainable aerobic system that will get you away and hopefully to safety. This system works as long as your body can take in enough oxygen to fuel it.
The hard part about training at a high intensity is the amount of glycogen stores that are burned. Glycogen is the fuel that is stored in my body as Fat and without that Fat, I have no fuel. The structural breakdown is from my muscles and bones not fixing the micro tears and breaks that happen from the stress of jumping and pushing and pulling. Every time you take a step your bone gets lots of tiny cracks that are quickly fixed leading to a stronger bone. The activities that we do literally shape our bodies and make them stronger, given that they have ample time to repair themselves.
The fatigue that I have reached is just another step in my training. It was something that I did not expect and I will need to properly correct for. Its just another stroke in the row to finish a marathon.
During exercise, your body has three systems that it uses to create energy, the Phosphogen system, the anaerobic system and the aerobic system. Muscles need Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the bodies energy compound, to function and after it uses it whats left is Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP). So for example, you are walking down the hall way and out of nowhere a pterodactyl starts running at you. Your body goes oh crap, and you start running away from it. Your body during the first 10 seconds of seeing the pterodactyl will use the Phosphogen system to give you a burst to get away, to most people, this is the fight or flight response. After those 10 seconds of amazing speed your body will slow down a bit as you start working into the anaerobic system which will help you get even further. This system is not inexhaustible though, and its really easy to tell that it is the anaerobic system because you will feel the unmistakable burn on the lactic acid byproduct. Then after you do hit that "burn" your body will work its way into the sustainable aerobic system that will get you away and hopefully to safety. This system works as long as your body can take in enough oxygen to fuel it.
The hard part about training at a high intensity is the amount of glycogen stores that are burned. Glycogen is the fuel that is stored in my body as Fat and without that Fat, I have no fuel. The structural breakdown is from my muscles and bones not fixing the micro tears and breaks that happen from the stress of jumping and pushing and pulling. Every time you take a step your bone gets lots of tiny cracks that are quickly fixed leading to a stronger bone. The activities that we do literally shape our bodies and make them stronger, given that they have ample time to repair themselves.
The fatigue that I have reached is just another step in my training. It was something that I did not expect and I will need to properly correct for. Its just another stroke in the row to finish a marathon.
Senior Year
Senior year, how different I thought it would be. Mostly when I thought of senior year, I thought of fun, easy classes that I would get to chose, sleeping in late and leaving school early, relaxing not worrying because I knew what I was gonna do with the next year of my life, and truly enjoying my last year in high school as "a kid." Well let me tell you, I was wrong, I don't think I could be more wrong.
When it came to choosing classes for my senior year, I was going to chose what I wanted to do, in topics I was interested in, to explore different career options, and be stress-free. But in choosing classes with my councilor, she strongly suggested taking the next math course to show colleges that I am "college bound" and serious about learning things pertaining to the real world. Although, I must tell you that math is my very worst subject along with science, and that signing up for pre-calculus was one of the worst decisions for me to have made. Bye-bye math free school year.
Then came science. For as long as I could remember, I have loved the stars and the ocean, two classes offered here as half year courses, astronomy and marine biology. Since this was the first year I got to choose my own sciences, I was very excited to choose these courses. But based on the previous information, do you think I got to take these classes? If you guessed no, you were right. Since I transfered half way through my freshman year, I did not take the physical science course that all my peers were taking. At the time, I was taking biology, and was put in the sophomore classes that took biology. As senior year came around, I found that the physical science course I missed, was required for me to graduate, and I ended up taking physics and daily struggle to pass every single quarter. Bye-bye science free school year.
Long story short, I have a full, thriving, and stressful schedule with no 'sleep in lates' and one leave early. And I am not relaxing. In truth, this whole college thing during senior year, stinks. It's stressful and time consuming looking for a good school, touring those schools, deciding whether to apply or not. Than to apply; request the recommendations and transcripts, write thee college essay, and then all those extra writing supplements for each college on the list. Then, the waiting. I was suppose to receive my news on my acceptance the week before December and didn't get it till the very end of January. Then there is figuring out where you want to go! There is the money, the experience, this campus, and then this other campus and their great program, money again. Parents being the devils advocate, helping me truly to chose whats best for me. Then the scholarships and more about the money.
Then, I got two jobs. On in fall and one in winter, and that tends to be tiring. I am a waitress at one job and a host at my other job. Over my February break, I worked 49.15 hours and going to school the next week was like my real break. On average, I work over twenty hours a week. Where do I find time to do my homework, have time alone, and spend quality time with my loved ones? That's why I'm so ragged.
That's why senior year is continuing to be not what I expected it to be.
When it came to choosing classes for my senior year, I was going to chose what I wanted to do, in topics I was interested in, to explore different career options, and be stress-free. But in choosing classes with my councilor, she strongly suggested taking the next math course to show colleges that I am "college bound" and serious about learning things pertaining to the real world. Although, I must tell you that math is my very worst subject along with science, and that signing up for pre-calculus was one of the worst decisions for me to have made. Bye-bye math free school year.
Then came science. For as long as I could remember, I have loved the stars and the ocean, two classes offered here as half year courses, astronomy and marine biology. Since this was the first year I got to choose my own sciences, I was very excited to choose these courses. But based on the previous information, do you think I got to take these classes? If you guessed no, you were right. Since I transfered half way through my freshman year, I did not take the physical science course that all my peers were taking. At the time, I was taking biology, and was put in the sophomore classes that took biology. As senior year came around, I found that the physical science course I missed, was required for me to graduate, and I ended up taking physics and daily struggle to pass every single quarter. Bye-bye science free school year.
Long story short, I have a full, thriving, and stressful schedule with no 'sleep in lates' and one leave early. And I am not relaxing. In truth, this whole college thing during senior year, stinks. It's stressful and time consuming looking for a good school, touring those schools, deciding whether to apply or not. Than to apply; request the recommendations and transcripts, write thee college essay, and then all those extra writing supplements for each college on the list. Then, the waiting. I was suppose to receive my news on my acceptance the week before December and didn't get it till the very end of January. Then there is figuring out where you want to go! There is the money, the experience, this campus, and then this other campus and their great program, money again. Parents being the devils advocate, helping me truly to chose whats best for me. Then the scholarships and more about the money.
Then, I got two jobs. On in fall and one in winter, and that tends to be tiring. I am a waitress at one job and a host at my other job. Over my February break, I worked 49.15 hours and going to school the next week was like my real break. On average, I work over twenty hours a week. Where do I find time to do my homework, have time alone, and spend quality time with my loved ones? That's why I'm so ragged.
That's why senior year is continuing to be not what I expected it to be.
Best Supporting Actress Oscar: Was Lupita Nyong'o Really Deserving?
At the 86th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, many were not surprised with the outcomes of the four major acting categories. Arguably the most competitive race for Oscar gold was in the "Best Supporting Actress" category, where newcomer Lupita Nyong'o won for her portrayal of Patsey, a female slave who is brutally tormented on a southern plantation. Although Nyong'o had been a longtime favorite throughout the many predictions in the awards process, many eyebrows have been raised as to the caliber of acting when compared to the other four starlets in her category.
In my opinion, I am quite shocked as to how Nyong'o managed to even garner a nomination, let alone a win. Having seen all the Oscar-nominated major motion pictures this year, I was delighted to see performances from first-time nominees Sally Hawkins and June Squibb receive recognition; Hawkins as a woman struggling to make a living in San Francisco, let alone accommodating living arrangements for her sister, and Squibb as a sharp-tongued, snarky elderly woman who is quick to crack a joke. Although the performances were well-delivered, the roles were mainly utilized for comic relief in the film, and unfortunately both were nothing unbelievably groundbreaking or transcendental in cinema.
The bigger competition came from bigger names in the media, such as Julia Roberts in "August: Osage County." However, it was not Roberts' Hollywood A-list name that garnered her fourth Oscar nomination. Rather, it was her dark, black-comedic portrayal of Barbara Weston, who copes with the loss of her father and must deal with the family struggles of her drug-addicted mother, Violet Weston, played by acting mastermind Meryl Streep. Roberts' ability to not only keep up with Streep's acting capacity, but to combat it with her own fury and rage, left audiences overwhelmingly impressed.
But of all the nominees, what I, as well as many others, was most bewildered by, was how Nyong'o managed to beat arguably the most sought-after and talented young actress in Hollywood, Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence's ability to establish herself in the film industry is ultimately quite astonishing, as she has built herself up from acting in independent film projects, such as "Winter's Bone," which garnered her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, to blockbuster roles such as Mystique in the "X-Men" series, and the more prominent Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" series.
Still, 23-year-old Lawrence manages to collaborate with director David O. Russell to produce original films such as "Silver Linings Playbook," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and "American Hustle," for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress this year. In "American Hustle," Lawrence delivered a wrath and fury different from "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Winter's Bone." She played Rosalyn Rosenfeld, a Long Island housewife married to an aloof criminal, Irving, played by Christian Bale.
Like Hawkins and Squibb, her deliverance of lines hints at a comedic performance; however, her ability to relate as a character suffering from lack of attention by her husband and the temptation to engage in extramarital affairs is both accurate and convincing, illuminating a highly developed character that both Hawkins and Squibb lack. Furthermore, it comes as no surprise that Lawrence's inspiration for Rosalyn derives from the hit reality television series "The Real Housewives." Her brilliance in utilizing a media-based, attention-seeking reality television show to be incorporated as part of her transformation into the fierce Rosalyn Rosenfeld is quite remarkable.
In one of her final scenes, Irving barges into their bedroom, as Rosalyn flicks out a cigarette and a verbal fight ensues. Her dramatic rush of confused and bitter emotion highlights Lawrence's successful effort in feeling sympathy for Rosalyn. For a few brief seconds, Lawrence allows viewers to empathize with her character, as they are able to understand that the root of Rosalyn's lunacy comes from her oppressed, damaged relationship with Irving. Her portrayal of Rosalyn in this scene is so brilliant, in fact, that Irving enters the fight wanting vengeance and an opportunity to prove her wrong, and in the end, he leaves sharing the same guilt and sympathy that the audience grasps.
Other well-executed scenes, involving Rosalyn defeating Irving's plans by flirting with disastrous criminals, dancing around her living room wearing yellow rubber gloves while listening to the Rolling Stone's "Live or Let Die," arguing with Irving about a "science oven," and fighting with Sydney Prosser, played by Amy Adams, ending in a toxic kiss, outlines her unpredictable nature and spontaneity. And perhaps the most impressive acting bit comes from a scene with her lover, where she whispers the words "I don't like change," through Lawrence's self-generated tears.
Perhaps winning the Oscar last year hurt her chances, since the Academy enjoys awarding as many people possible, and therefore felt that they would be favoring Lawrence, had they awarded her two years in a row. However, such a notion defeats the purpose of the award, as the title describes that it is the "best supporting actress" of 2013 in cinema. Thus, the question is posed as to why the Academy chose Nyong'o's brief scene, where she pleads for the permission to use a bar of soap. But even putting screen time aside, it is difficult to understand the Academy's motive in granting Nyong'o the Oscar, as Lawrence has proved she is well-beyond her years in the acting realm.
In my opinion, I am quite shocked as to how Nyong'o managed to even garner a nomination, let alone a win. Having seen all the Oscar-nominated major motion pictures this year, I was delighted to see performances from first-time nominees Sally Hawkins and June Squibb receive recognition; Hawkins as a woman struggling to make a living in San Francisco, let alone accommodating living arrangements for her sister, and Squibb as a sharp-tongued, snarky elderly woman who is quick to crack a joke. Although the performances were well-delivered, the roles were mainly utilized for comic relief in the film, and unfortunately both were nothing unbelievably groundbreaking or transcendental in cinema.
The bigger competition came from bigger names in the media, such as Julia Roberts in "August: Osage County." However, it was not Roberts' Hollywood A-list name that garnered her fourth Oscar nomination. Rather, it was her dark, black-comedic portrayal of Barbara Weston, who copes with the loss of her father and must deal with the family struggles of her drug-addicted mother, Violet Weston, played by acting mastermind Meryl Streep. Roberts' ability to not only keep up with Streep's acting capacity, but to combat it with her own fury and rage, left audiences overwhelmingly impressed.
But of all the nominees, what I, as well as many others, was most bewildered by, was how Nyong'o managed to beat arguably the most sought-after and talented young actress in Hollywood, Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence's ability to establish herself in the film industry is ultimately quite astonishing, as she has built herself up from acting in independent film projects, such as "Winter's Bone," which garnered her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, to blockbuster roles such as Mystique in the "X-Men" series, and the more prominent Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" series.
Still, 23-year-old Lawrence manages to collaborate with director David O. Russell to produce original films such as "Silver Linings Playbook," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and "American Hustle," for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress this year. In "American Hustle," Lawrence delivered a wrath and fury different from "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Winter's Bone." She played Rosalyn Rosenfeld, a Long Island housewife married to an aloof criminal, Irving, played by Christian Bale.
Like Hawkins and Squibb, her deliverance of lines hints at a comedic performance; however, her ability to relate as a character suffering from lack of attention by her husband and the temptation to engage in extramarital affairs is both accurate and convincing, illuminating a highly developed character that both Hawkins and Squibb lack. Furthermore, it comes as no surprise that Lawrence's inspiration for Rosalyn derives from the hit reality television series "The Real Housewives." Her brilliance in utilizing a media-based, attention-seeking reality television show to be incorporated as part of her transformation into the fierce Rosalyn Rosenfeld is quite remarkable.
In one of her final scenes, Irving barges into their bedroom, as Rosalyn flicks out a cigarette and a verbal fight ensues. Her dramatic rush of confused and bitter emotion highlights Lawrence's successful effort in feeling sympathy for Rosalyn. For a few brief seconds, Lawrence allows viewers to empathize with her character, as they are able to understand that the root of Rosalyn's lunacy comes from her oppressed, damaged relationship with Irving. Her portrayal of Rosalyn in this scene is so brilliant, in fact, that Irving enters the fight wanting vengeance and an opportunity to prove her wrong, and in the end, he leaves sharing the same guilt and sympathy that the audience grasps.
Other well-executed scenes, involving Rosalyn defeating Irving's plans by flirting with disastrous criminals, dancing around her living room wearing yellow rubber gloves while listening to the Rolling Stone's "Live or Let Die," arguing with Irving about a "science oven," and fighting with Sydney Prosser, played by Amy Adams, ending in a toxic kiss, outlines her unpredictable nature and spontaneity. And perhaps the most impressive acting bit comes from a scene with her lover, where she whispers the words "I don't like change," through Lawrence's self-generated tears.
Perhaps winning the Oscar last year hurt her chances, since the Academy enjoys awarding as many people possible, and therefore felt that they would be favoring Lawrence, had they awarded her two years in a row. However, such a notion defeats the purpose of the award, as the title describes that it is the "best supporting actress" of 2013 in cinema. Thus, the question is posed as to why the Academy chose Nyong'o's brief scene, where she pleads for the permission to use a bar of soap. But even putting screen time aside, it is difficult to understand the Academy's motive in granting Nyong'o the Oscar, as Lawrence has proved she is well-beyond her years in the acting realm.
Snowboarding March post
It is now March and sadly the snowboarding season is coming to an end. Since i just moved to the New England area i thought i might pick up a winter sport that would be fun and could keep me in shape during the wake boarding off season. Since i've been wake boarding in Texas for 4 years now i picked up snowboarding naturally. The only differences in snowboarding than wake boarding is that when you fall it hurts a little more than falling into malleable water and you dont need to be pulled around by a boat. There are a few minimal differences like having to be completely bundled up rather than just in shorts. Snowboards are a lot closer to the height of the rider in length and have round ends. Wake boards are shorter and have flat ends.
I've only gone snowboarding a total of four times in my entire life and i love doing it. Getting on top of the enormous mountain and being able to see past the horizon makes you feel small. It makes you appreciate nature for what it is. With the minimal time i've had on the mountain i've still gotten to get pretty good at doing it. I've gotten the easiest part down, which is riding without falling. but i've got airs down, grabs, and 360's which is great considering i've only been out 3 times.
I'm glad i've been able to find something i love to do and it involve snow since New Hampshire is covered in it 5 months out of the year. I've learned from all these boarding sports that picking yourself up is a daily thing and you just always have to have enough energy to pick yourself up because you wont ever stop falling. Falling down is inevitable.
I've only gone snowboarding a total of four times in my entire life and i love doing it. Getting on top of the enormous mountain and being able to see past the horizon makes you feel small. It makes you appreciate nature for what it is. With the minimal time i've had on the mountain i've still gotten to get pretty good at doing it. I've gotten the easiest part down, which is riding without falling. but i've got airs down, grabs, and 360's which is great considering i've only been out 3 times.
I'm glad i've been able to find something i love to do and it involve snow since New Hampshire is covered in it 5 months out of the year. I've learned from all these boarding sports that picking yourself up is a daily thing and you just always have to have enough energy to pick yourself up because you wont ever stop falling. Falling down is inevitable.
One of the Worst Movies ever created. ALEC
After watching the first 300 movie that came out a couple years earlier, I was not expecting the sequel, 300 Rise of a Empire, to be any better than the original. As I was watching the movie about the war that I knew very little about, I still found numerous amount of problems with the film. By the end of the film, it was if the movie not only took my money, but at the same time wasted three hours of my life. As a viewer, I felt that the goal of this film, was to show the viewer how amazing the Athenians were at naval warfare, and how much smarter they were than their foes, the Persians. But it was the way they conducted this film, how unrealistic it truly was and how they portrayed the Greeks as if they had some super human strength, which would eventually anger me tremendously more.
As I watched the movie, I noticed film makers constantly had the Athenians doing things that just did not make sense. At one point, one of he Athenians had the ability to shoot a arrow about 500 hundred yards, in a storm, where the wind was intense, and rain was coming down hard. He still managed to hit its target, looking like it took little to none effort. Now, Hollywood tends to change the story line in order to make it more interesting for the viewer, but when they begin defying physics and gravity in general, that is when I get a little annoyed. Similar to later on in the film, when a Athenian jumped off a large cliff, and landed on a ship that one would perceive to be twenty or thirty feet below him, but of course, the film makers made it very clear that would not change how he landed; that he landed perfectly, after which he then went on to slay more of his Persian foes with little acknowledgement that he would have at least broke his ankle or leg, instead of landing perfectly, and sprinting around like he had in the scene.
Throughout the battles, it was very clear that the film makers wanted to show as much blood shed as possible. Showing the viewers that when two armies come together to fight, there is going to be a lot of blood and death. But of course they felt more special affects needed to be added and that they really needed to wow the viewer, they made sure to make the blood in the film, look incredibly unrealistic. Also in the usual 300 style, they made anything they possibly could, whether it be a swing of a sword or just a single step of a individual walking to the bathroom, the film makers made sure that it was in slow motion.
As I watched the movie, I noticed film makers constantly had the Athenians doing things that just did not make sense. At one point, one of he Athenians had the ability to shoot a arrow about 500 hundred yards, in a storm, where the wind was intense, and rain was coming down hard. He still managed to hit its target, looking like it took little to none effort. Now, Hollywood tends to change the story line in order to make it more interesting for the viewer, but when they begin defying physics and gravity in general, that is when I get a little annoyed. Similar to later on in the film, when a Athenian jumped off a large cliff, and landed on a ship that one would perceive to be twenty or thirty feet below him, but of course, the film makers made it very clear that would not change how he landed; that he landed perfectly, after which he then went on to slay more of his Persian foes with little acknowledgement that he would have at least broke his ankle or leg, instead of landing perfectly, and sprinting around like he had in the scene.
Throughout the battles, it was very clear that the film makers wanted to show as much blood shed as possible. Showing the viewers that when two armies come together to fight, there is going to be a lot of blood and death. But of course they felt more special affects needed to be added and that they really needed to wow the viewer, they made sure to make the blood in the film, look incredibly unrealistic. Also in the usual 300 style, they made anything they possibly could, whether it be a swing of a sword or just a single step of a individual walking to the bathroom, the film makers made sure that it was in slow motion.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Committing to play a College Sport
The process is painstaking, the hours are long, and the money put in you can only hope to get back out. I am talking about college recruiting process for a high school athlete and the final moments of committing to a college that you know is the one. I started the process as a Junior in high school and it was not a pretty start. I went to my first camp in Connecticut and to be honest it was abismal. I was disappointed in myself and I was disappointed in my performance. I kept my spirits up though because I know that there isn't anyone who out works me and I take pride in knowing that. All together I traveled into 7 states and my parents, bless their hearts, spent thousands of dollars just to help me get into a good college with a baseball team that I felt comfortable with. Turns out that after everything I was given an 85% scholarship to Molloy College in Rockville Center New York and after one year the money spent by my parents pays itself back with the incredible scholarship that I received and it's all because of the work that I put in. Yesterday was the date of my official commitment, and to be honest I am so glad that it is all over.
Molloy College is a Division II NCAA college located ten minutes from Long Beach where I hope to spend my last three years of college. The business program is also an up and coming program who I think may be one of the best business programs on the east coast in the next ten years. I am so excited to spend the next four years of my life at Molloy, its a great school, a great team, and its got a beautiful location. Two days ago I was a Bull Dog and today, I am a LION!
Molloy College is a Division II NCAA college located ten minutes from Long Beach where I hope to spend my last three years of college. The business program is also an up and coming program who I think may be one of the best business programs on the east coast in the next ten years. I am so excited to spend the next four years of my life at Molloy, its a great school, a great team, and its got a beautiful location. Two days ago I was a Bull Dog and today, I am a LION!
Friday, March 14, 2014
Dropkick Murphy's show
Today, I walk into class with a smile on my face. Last night and also this morning, were really unbelievable. I went to a dropkick murphy's concert last night, which if you don't know, is a band from Ireland that loves Boston. The atmosphere was so warming. I currently have family in Ireland, and a mother who grew up there, so being able to celebrate my Irish pride, while being at a concert, was truly an experience.
It felt like hours before dropkick finally came on stage. The anticipation was still fun though, there were other opening bands that weren't too bad. But when they finally came on, everyone was going crazy. Spilled beer, and green were all I could really see. I love being with groups of people that love music just as much as I do. We danced the entire concert and had the time of our lives. I danced with people that I didn't even know, that was just the style. Nobody cared.
When I came home that night, (around one o clock on a school night).. my ears were still ringing. I layed in bed thinking about what I had just witnessed and how much I don't want to go to school tomorrow. And then I remembered, I have court in the morning. There's no excuse for that, nothing I could do. But I wouldn't have traded the concert for a good night's sleep, especially because that traffic violation didn't actually happen! That cop was out to get me, and It was pre-determined that I would not be paying that 84$ fine. Nothing was stopping me from going to that concert, and nothing could've stopped me from going to that court-house and fighting that ticket.
Inspiration for Snowboarding
I have this relationship with my mom, where it seems that she really know's me better than I do myself. And this frustrates me to no end. Our dynamic consists of her telling me I should do or not do something, or gives me advice, or something of that sort, and I will disagree with her and usually do the complete opposite of what she says (my inner teenager at it's finest). And then in the end it turns out she was right, and I should have listened to her in the first place. And this always pisses me off to no end. Because she is right and I am not when it comes to my life. However, I think I am coming to realize that even though I don't like listening to her, I really should. Because though I don't want to admit it, she actually has some good ideas. And they might even make my life better, or inspire me to do something. Like for example, how she got me to know Mark Mcmorris.
Since I live in a lovely northern state where for half of the year it is either freezing cold, snowing, or both, I have to have some kind of winter sport to do. Otherwise I would be bored as hell from November to late March/ early April. I have been skiing all my life, and I love it. Blissful weekends up north in a lodge, full of skiing all day, and relaxing in the evening in front of a warm fireplace with hot chocolate and a good book. Some of my best memories are from weekends like that. And I have also recently just gotten into snowmobiling, something that is very fun, however I do not own a sled so I can't do that too often. I just have to rely on friends who have some that I can go with. Which sucks because then I am once again sitting at home doing nothing really. But between those two things, my winters are not entirely boring, and I can involve myself in at least one of them to pass the time.
But no, this new thing I have decided to take on what I feel will be a challenge, yet pretty awesome at the same time. Snowboarding! Skiing has always been my thing; my sister and my dad both ski, and it's something I have grown up with, never really considering trying what the other half of the people on the mountain are doing. But let me tell you what my inspiration was that suddenly made me want to really try this.
As we all know, the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics just ended, and as a person who watches them all the time, this year was very motivating for me. I watched the figure skating, and all the skiing, like I always do, admiring these incredible athletes who work day and night for the thing they love. It has always fascinated me. However, I have to say I have never really paid much attention to the snowboarders. Sure I knew who Shaun White was. But besides him, I really didn't know all too much about the events, or the people, or what they did at the Olympics.
Then one night at dinner, I was talking to my mom about skiing, and she said, "Oh that reminds me, you should watch all the snowboard cuties who competed in the Slope Style event the other night." Me, not really knowing or caring too much at that time, agreed but really had no intention to do so. I mean, cmon Mom, do you know me at all? I'm a skier! But later when we were watching TV, and there was really nothing good on, she suggested we watch it. So I agreed, not really knowing the reaction that would follow.
As we watched them compete, I was really struck at what an amazing sport this was. They would launch into the air and do incredible twists and turns, and land them all. I was amazed, to say the least. Not to mention, that there seems to be a gene that latches onto snowboarders and makes them stereotypically cute. Like not just one or two, it seems to be a common theme throughout these athletes. And as I watched Canadian Mark Mcmorris win the bronze, I was suddenly struck with the strong motivation to do this as well. I wanted to be like Mark Mcmorris. Which yes, is ridiculous considering he has been training for years and knows what he's doing and I have never done this before and I do not know what I'm doing whatsoever, but I have the inspiration and I think that is enough to at least give it my best shot. And it will give me something to do instead of staring out my window waiting for summer.
So really, I guess I have my mom to thank for this. Had she not recommended that I watch this, I probably never would have. She really seems to know me better than I know myself. And maybe I should start listening to her more often... Actually now that I think about it, I probably won't.
Since I live in a lovely northern state where for half of the year it is either freezing cold, snowing, or both, I have to have some kind of winter sport to do. Otherwise I would be bored as hell from November to late March/ early April. I have been skiing all my life, and I love it. Blissful weekends up north in a lodge, full of skiing all day, and relaxing in the evening in front of a warm fireplace with hot chocolate and a good book. Some of my best memories are from weekends like that. And I have also recently just gotten into snowmobiling, something that is very fun, however I do not own a sled so I can't do that too often. I just have to rely on friends who have some that I can go with. Which sucks because then I am once again sitting at home doing nothing really. But between those two things, my winters are not entirely boring, and I can involve myself in at least one of them to pass the time.
But no, this new thing I have decided to take on what I feel will be a challenge, yet pretty awesome at the same time. Snowboarding! Skiing has always been my thing; my sister and my dad both ski, and it's something I have grown up with, never really considering trying what the other half of the people on the mountain are doing. But let me tell you what my inspiration was that suddenly made me want to really try this.
As we all know, the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics just ended, and as a person who watches them all the time, this year was very motivating for me. I watched the figure skating, and all the skiing, like I always do, admiring these incredible athletes who work day and night for the thing they love. It has always fascinated me. However, I have to say I have never really paid much attention to the snowboarders. Sure I knew who Shaun White was. But besides him, I really didn't know all too much about the events, or the people, or what they did at the Olympics.
Then one night at dinner, I was talking to my mom about skiing, and she said, "Oh that reminds me, you should watch all the snowboard cuties who competed in the Slope Style event the other night." Me, not really knowing or caring too much at that time, agreed but really had no intention to do so. I mean, cmon Mom, do you know me at all? I'm a skier! But later when we were watching TV, and there was really nothing good on, she suggested we watch it. So I agreed, not really knowing the reaction that would follow.
As we watched them compete, I was really struck at what an amazing sport this was. They would launch into the air and do incredible twists and turns, and land them all. I was amazed, to say the least. Not to mention, that there seems to be a gene that latches onto snowboarders and makes them stereotypically cute. Like not just one or two, it seems to be a common theme throughout these athletes. And as I watched Canadian Mark Mcmorris win the bronze, I was suddenly struck with the strong motivation to do this as well. I wanted to be like Mark Mcmorris. Which yes, is ridiculous considering he has been training for years and knows what he's doing and I have never done this before and I do not know what I'm doing whatsoever, but I have the inspiration and I think that is enough to at least give it my best shot. And it will give me something to do instead of staring out my window waiting for summer.
So really, I guess I have my mom to thank for this. Had she not recommended that I watch this, I probably never would have. She really seems to know me better than I know myself. And maybe I should start listening to her more often... Actually now that I think about it, I probably won't.
Darrelle Revis
My blog is about Darrelle Revis and his signing with the New England Patriot, this past Thursday. The significance of his signing, is huge for the Patriots defense, more specifically, there secondary, which has been needing a player like Revis for a very longtime. Also, the Patriots just let their best Cornerback, who played the same position as Revis, last season for the pats, leave and test the market and just yesterday signed with another team. Next, I feel this signing was in the best interest of the patriots, because considering that your going to end up having to pay one of these players about 10 million dollars either way, your going to be writing a very big check. Next, I feel you might as well go out and spend the money on the best corner back on the market. At the end of the day the Patriots made the right decision signing Revis. Finally, the team and fans will notice the difference next season, when the pats secondary is significally better than the prior year. Lastly, I feel this is huge for the pats, because the last 4 years they have had a lot of trouble defensively speaking, which is the one aspect of their team that is keeping them from winning a championship. Now with Revis, I feel they have a huge advantage and may even win the Super Bowl this year. The patriots made another acquisition this past week, boosting their offense even more and strengthening there receiving core. They signed former panthers wide out Brandon Lafell. He is a major deep threat and scoring machine.
I pledge my honor that I have not violated the honor code during the completion of this work. X____________________.
I pledge my honor that I have not violated the honor code during the completion of this work. X____________________.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Senior Project Woes
In all honesty, I really did have it planned out. A few details were missing, such as the exact dates and times of my motivational speeches, but I knew that I wanted to have three 11/2 hour presentations and therefore had my topics all mapped out. I understood that my project topic was a little broad, but I was fully prepared to take on the implications. Let me give you some of the back story.
My senior project essential question is "How does one overcome a deficient social situation and become the person they've always wanted to be." My plan was to present to my audience the complex outline of how to address one's shortcomings that are preventing personal growth, how to create personal goals, and how to stick with those goals and accomplish them. Although this outline is complex, it can be used for almost any difficult social situation. However, it looks like my aspirations for my senior project journey are going to get cut down to size.
Mrs. Rush, my current outside expert, was the first one to recommend that I "narrow down my search" or pick a more specific topic from within my current topic. Then I spoke to my guidance counselor this week about what I wanted to do for my senior project, and she too had told me that my project just too great an undertaking. She told me that I needed to choose a more specific topic within the topic that I had chosen. I was pretty upset to say the least.
I really had my heart set on doing my senior project on the massive topic that was overall self-improvement. The enormity of that topic was one of the very reasons why I had my heart set on that topic; it almost seemed like an impossible feat trying to simplify the topic enough to get all of the main points down.
My new topic involves human relationships and how to improve them. This topic actually has a lot to do with my previous topic and I hardly have to change my essential question, but I am not satisfied with this topic. One can have many healthy relationships but lack the motivation to achieve their personal goals and lack the motivation to create a better life for themselves.
I'm not sure what to do about my project at this stage of the game. I really want to use those massive topics I started out with, but I also want the help and support from my councilor and outside expert. This is frustrating.
.
My senior project essential question is "How does one overcome a deficient social situation and become the person they've always wanted to be." My plan was to present to my audience the complex outline of how to address one's shortcomings that are preventing personal growth, how to create personal goals, and how to stick with those goals and accomplish them. Although this outline is complex, it can be used for almost any difficult social situation. However, it looks like my aspirations for my senior project journey are going to get cut down to size.
Mrs. Rush, my current outside expert, was the first one to recommend that I "narrow down my search" or pick a more specific topic from within my current topic. Then I spoke to my guidance counselor this week about what I wanted to do for my senior project, and she too had told me that my project just too great an undertaking. She told me that I needed to choose a more specific topic within the topic that I had chosen. I was pretty upset to say the least.
I really had my heart set on doing my senior project on the massive topic that was overall self-improvement. The enormity of that topic was one of the very reasons why I had my heart set on that topic; it almost seemed like an impossible feat trying to simplify the topic enough to get all of the main points down.
My new topic involves human relationships and how to improve them. This topic actually has a lot to do with my previous topic and I hardly have to change my essential question, but I am not satisfied with this topic. One can have many healthy relationships but lack the motivation to achieve their personal goals and lack the motivation to create a better life for themselves.
I'm not sure what to do about my project at this stage of the game. I really want to use those massive topics I started out with, but I also want the help and support from my councilor and outside expert. This is frustrating.
.
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