The U.S. Postal Service

No, I don't mean the band The Postal Service, but the actual physical letters that we get every day. Personally, I love getting mail. However, is the mail really necessary in this day and age with all of the great technology that we have? I mean, the mail is killing more and more trees because that is what is used to make the paper necessary to have mail, however I know at our house, maybe 50% of the mail received is spam mail that we don't even look at, but instead just toss into the trash can. It's a HUGE waste of trees, ink, and time.

I know that I for one enjoy mail, but I only get fun mail and college stuff, and no bills yet. Once I get bills then I will probably be dreading the mail, but until then I have always thought of getting mail as a big and exciting deal. It was like Christmas to my sisters and I when we received letters from friends and family. I wonder why though we don't just do everything electronically? Is it because some of the world does not have computers and can't afford them? Or are the companies sending the spam mail worried that they will lose profit or that the changeover is way too expensive? I feel that by switching over to electronic mail, it just won’t be the same and by doing so will signal the beginning of a LARGE technological advancement, and I feel comfortable where we are. Plus, if the advancement continues then the machines could take over!! *gasp* I don’t know if I would go that far yet, but it’s not impossible. I want to keep using the postal service though, and if my previous reasons were not good enough then just for the sentimental values of getting mail from a mail box. 

My Cliché Hero

     I remember back when I  was in middle school and elementary school, we would always have to write those really awful essays about our personal heroes and why they were our heroes. To me, I always disliked them because I felt that it was just too personal and it was always hard for me to find someone to look up to that I wouldn't mind talking about in an essay that the teacher would read. However, I can now honestly say that my true hero is my mom. Granted that is a little bit cliché, because a lot of kids always look up to their parents but I feel more than pure admiration for my mom. My mom does a lot for my sisters and I in different situations that often end up humiliating her. I feel like she has been through hell and back because of how my family is, yet she still keeps on moving forward. No matter the opposition, she is still standing and fighting for the rights that should be automatically given. I feel that she does way too much at times, but I am happy that she believes in my sisters and I enough to fight for us. I guess I just feel really proud of her and I hope that someday I can be someone that she can be proud to call her daughter as well as someone who can pay her back and make her happy to make up for the lost time. 

The Jonas Brothers Rant (Yep, Unfortunately, You Read This Right!)

Okay, I was typing my previous blog out because this is a form of procrastination. For example instead of writing blogs I should be typing either my English or TOK essay/final thing. Nope. Here I am instead. I’m not sure why, but anyway let’s get to the point. I was typing my previous blog (almost done with it!), and my stereo was playing random songs off of my iPod. The song “Year 3000” by The Jonas Brothers comes on. I am not a fan of the Jonas Brothers, but since in my household we don’t download songs illegally, meaning all of the music on my iPod come from my sisters because they always have money for ITunes. Obviously my iPod has not been updated. I think I still have Hannah Montana on it, from when they were obsessed with her. But the fact that I chose not to get up and change the Jonas Brothers song nor the country one after it displays I think, my laziness or how hypocritical human nature is. I mean, I am not a fan of them at all, but the fact that I don’t get up to change the song shows that I guess that they are not as bad as I / society portray them to be.

I thought that I would share this moment with the couple of people who read these blogs, because I thought that it was interesting that I refused to get up. I thought that it would be interesting to share because the fact that all of this dreadful music is on my iPod is embarrassing, but Katie’s blog was really sweet. It was sweet because it mentioned how these blogs are personal but only really personal between the nine of us and Mr.Wilcox, so if we tell each other anything it stays within our group. So I guess, it’s a good time to tell you guys that I have the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana on my iPod, along with Innerpartysystem, Florence and The Machines, The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Disturbed, and bunches of other stuff. Now that I think about it though, I don’t know how the good bands (the bands mentioned last) could possibly stand to be on the same device as the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana. It’s actually quite like the fact that my Aeropostle gift card of five years was incapable of sitting next to my Hot Topic membership card any longer so I got rid of the Aeropostle one. I guess it’s time to grow up and seize control of my own iPod and get rid of the disliked bands. 

Languages

Okay, so today in TOK we were discussing different languages and whether or not it would be better to have one major language (Esperanto, correct?) or the bunches of little languages that we have now. I can definitely see the advantages to having one major language, like for example English. If everyone in the whole world knew English, everything could just be translated into English for products and their labels and everyone would know what everyone was talking about. I don't know how I feel about that. I like the concept that everyone would be able to know what everyone is talking about; however I feel like things just would not be the same and not in a good way. I feel that without different languages we would miss out on a whole bunch of culture. I mean, yes the pieces of literature and what not could be translated into English, but it wouldn't be the same thing. I know that with learning Spanish, I feel excited that I can now understand more people around the world because I can speak their language now. I feel happy that I have become the progressed as a human to learn multiple languages.

Without all of the languages that identity as that type of person I feel would slip away too. I mean, if all the people in Spain were to convert to just English, then first off the translations from their language to ours would be different, plus they would become more "American" and think more "American-like". By doing so, I kind feel that that would be a bad thing because they lose their history, culture, and traditions, as well as their "Spain" way of thinking. The advantages are great, but right now I think that it is interesting in how different everyone is, even if it means harder work for us to figure it out. Now everyone gets to be themselves throughout the world. 

A Late Personal Christmas Blog

     Alright, I wrote this blog a little bit ago, but I was scared of posting it because it's really critical and kind of personal but I was convinced to do so, so here it is, and I'm sorry if you don't like it: 

Christmas has come and past. What little kid would not enjoy Christmas, Santa Claus, and getting presents, right? Yet, I’m not a big fan of it. I like that we get time off from school because of it and New Year’s, but I feel like Christmas hurts more then it helps. What Christmas stands for is great because of how it is supposed to unite families and bring friends and family closer, but I feel like I don’t see that as much in the present. I know that it brings joy to a lot of people all over the world, but it brings stress to the parents that can’t afford what their kids would like, or stress in what to get people like different friends or boyfriend/girlfriend. Kids just seem to expect more from Christmas, like more and more gifts each year that cost more. It’s not as much of a religious holiday because I’m not religious nor is my two families and we celebrate it, and we can’t be the only ones that do so.

For me, Christmas  brings back memories of my parents arguing, because on Christmas Eve in the house that we were at before we  moved here, I remember my mom and dad fighting about us and whether or not we should wear coats to our dad’s house. The police ended up getting involved and I just remember that memory on Christmas Eve, because I was shocked that it was possible to have problems on Christmas Eve, because it was such a sacred thing to my young eyes. Even now, when someone that I know got something that she wanted, and ended up not liking after opening it, she complained about it enough to return it, when it in turn was a great gift but she just wanted the money. I guess I am just really pessimistic when it comes to Christmas. I like the holiday, but drama always seems to unfold because of it, so I try to avoid it. It seems to be human nature to avoid things that we don’t want to confront, which I guess  it is what I’m doing because I’m not comfortable with my past, possibly? I don’t know. More dwelling on the subject is probably needed to realize everything.  

A Review of 2010

     So I was looking at Tori's blog and I saw her recap of 2010 blog and thought that it was so cool that she and Leah had done one. I talked with her and she told me that I should do one so that we can all better get to know each other. I thought it was a great concept and hear it is now. It took me forever to find pictures (I am a VERY visual person so I LOVE PICTURES!), but it was actually really hard at first to remember what took place in the year 2010. I mean there were things that stood out immediately and other important things that I had forgotten. I wonder if that means that I am getting old? I hope not...it probably means that I just get too busy. I tried to take some of the most important events, but I actually really enjoyed this post so it's slightly lengthier. Well here is my version of the year 2010 (it's not in any order, because it was really hard to organize  and I added more stuff as I remembered things)...

1. I started off getting my braces off!!! (Finally!)

2. In January, I went to Ohayocon. For all you non geeks out there, it's basically an anime convention (similar to a Star Trek probably, but Japanese culture). I was pretty into it for a while, so we went down to Columbus and cosplayed (meaning dressed up like characters from an anime, for us it was Death Note), hung around the Convention Center, met some new people, hugged and took pictures with everyone, and PARTIED!

I was Light! It wasn't that bad of a cosplay...

We were all dressed up for this rave, with our characters on our t-shirts!

This was the last day and it was rainbow day, so we were each a color! And a random dude....

3. My family survived my little sister and her episodes, surprisingly enough. I even joined NAMI to help and learn more, took some classes, and did NAMI Walk with a lot of my friends (Meaning Kandi, Noah, Katie, Tori, Lexi, Sam, and my family)

4. I went to California over the summer to visit my relatives with my dad and my two sisters

5. I volunteered at Aurora Manor (Rehabilitation and Elderly home). I love it because they are always so happy to see kids there and they are really interesting to talk to!

6. Started IB! Lost any chance that I had at a normal high school experience and instead gained a lot of homework!

7. Started looking at colleges. Case Western Reserve University is my dream school! Other than that I am not sure where to go for Pre-Med/Forensics. I am excited though for college, but the task of finding the perfect one is daunting!

8. Went through the summer math program to get into IB. That was a major pain in the butt, but at least we all suffered together! =D

9. I worked on ACT's Zombie Prom over the summer, and it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life! The people were great! Although by the time school came back around, I felt like I had never left!

10. I took the APUSH exam in May...it sucked! I loved the subject and aced the class, but I got a 3 on the exam! I blame the Puritans and the irritating multiple choice question involving the Campbell's soup can! 

11. For my sixteenth birthday, over the summer, my mom somehow scrounged up enough money for the two of us to go to London! It was the best trip ever! I loved visiting England! 

Waiting for the Tube at Charing Cross Station (There was so much cool artwork in the Tube)

YAY CASTLE!! 

You can't go to London without participating in tea time! 

Noah, I don't know if you read these...but I found a picture of the food and thought of you so it's up here now! =D

And of course the classic guards that are so entertaining! ^.^

12. I joined a bunch of school clubs this year, like SADD club (Haven't gone to a meeting in a while though...), French Club, Science Olympiad (2nd year), Drama Club, Improv Club, Quizbowl, Stage Crew (My favorite!), officially a Tech Crew member, FMP, and I think that's it...yay business! 

13. I worked on the fall play Noises Off as the Assistant Stage Manager. 

14. Harry Potter came out!! I was so excited! Go Gryfindor! 

15. Went to some awesome parties, saw some old buddies that graduated, and stayed out late! Yay for getting older! =D

16. Dealt with some legal stuff between my family. 

17. Played some epic PSP games, but I'm scared to finish Final Fantasy's Crisis Core, because of the INEVITABLE TEARS! ='(

HE'S GOING TO DIE! 

18. I worked on Crazy for You, in March...here's a pretty good picture of Noah. Suffer Noah! :-P

Here's Noah...Tee-Hee-Hee 

19. Went to my first real concert, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus's concert with some friends and it was great!!! The crowd was really into the music and rhythm, and I wanted to go into the mosh pit, but I didn't want to risk getting hurt by the crowd. =(  

20. I was the Props Mistress and Crew Manager for the Wizard of Oz play for Harmon Middle Schoolers. It was definitely an experience...little kids are hyperactive and destructive. 

21. I had fun modeling for different friend's art projects and this one company...

22. I went to homecoming and had muchos amount of fun! 

23. I went to Tori's Sweet Sixteen Party as Lexi's date! (Shout out to Tori!) 

24. We all lost Kara to Georgia because she had to move! =(

25. I learned how to belly dance (thanks Suz!) and how to shoot a gun (thanks Nancy!). Both are great and belly dancing is a surprising workout, and shooting a gun is actually pretty exciting! 

26. Many funny epic moments occurred and I grew so much closer to all of my friends! It was a great year! 

     Wow! That was a lot longer then I thought that it would be! Sorry, just there was so many things that I had to include! I guess it's just a looksie on my life. I have high hopes for this year, but I am worried because of college stuff, SAT/ACT testing, and our Extended Essays. I do regret last year that I didn't get my temps...time passes to fast! I hope that this year will be just as great as last year and everyone who reads this enjoyed some of the embarrassing pictures!

Hallmark Holidays

While I was at my dad’s house, his girlfriend Catherine and I went out shopping at a Pat Catan’s with my little sister Colleen, and Catherine’s ten year old daughter Maddy. As soon as we entered the store, we were bombarded by all of the Christmas clearance items. However in the far corner, you could see that the takeover of the stuff for the next holiday was occurring. I personally had no idea that there was another holiday until Easter, but Colleen so nicely pointed out, “Look Emma, Valentine’s Day stuff are already out!”. My first thought was “Oh poo I might have to celebrate that holiday this year”. I don’t mind holidays, and for right now I have a boyfriend but its Valentine’s Day. I mean, come on, it’s so cliché and definitely one of the most awkward holidays out there.

Most girls LOVE Valentine’s Day, while I on the other hand usually forget about it. I mean it’s a Hallmark Cards created holiday created for people to spend more money on the people that they like and love, when in reality ever y moment should just be cherished, every day. I’m not saying that every day girls and guys should give each other chocolates and what not, but isn’t it better to celebrate the fact that you have every day together, and those memories that you have with that person, then to celebrate one specific day. Plus, guys, at least all of the guys that I know, stress over what to get their girlfriends. If it’s stressful, then how is it fun commemoration of your relationship? To me, it’s just another day, and should not be obsessed over.  

Being Impersonal and Private

Supposedly my blogs aren’t personal enough, which I hadn’t realized as much as before. I always have hated writing assignments given by teachers that involved telling a personal story from my past, and so I tend to avoid doing them when I don’t have to. I’m a pretty logical and analytical person, because I feel that a lot of the time emotions just end up in the way a lot of the time. So what I had decided to do for these blogs was to find random subjects and write about them. I would rather do that then try to dramatize my life to make the blogs interesting, or make myself seem pathetic. I apologize for the dryness and the harshness in my blogs, but I can think like that a lot. Even though nobody reads these but occasionally Tori and Katie, and then Mr.Wilcox when he grades them, I still feel bad. However unlike Facebook and Myspace, I would rather keep my personal issues and problems private. It’s not to be rude, but a lot of people already interfere with my family and I’s daily life enough that I don’t need others doing so as well. Although, then again, in this day and age the popularly accepted normal IS to interfere in everyone’s personal life, via media connections. Yet, I don’t understand why people should because they usually seem to do more harming than helping.

I remember when I was little I used to think that I was being spied on by some other people that would then inform my parents and others about what I was doing. I used to get a little freaked out by it because I felt like my privacy was being violated. Which is what is called normal today. Yet, if we call that normal, then how do we classify stalking because they are both so similar and it’s hard to differentiate. Both involve knowing a lot about someone, but they use slightly different ways to figure out the knowledge, I guess? I don’t like it. Especially because we are so technologically savvy, but I wonder if there’s a limit to how technological we can be before we get set all the way back to the beginning.