About Me

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Texas
An attempt to put my jumbled thoughts into words.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

I wish...

...people looked up at the sky more often, instead of worrying so much about where they're going

...Americans would realize what an amazing life we lead here compared to third world countries where people literally have nothing.

...my female counterparts took education more seriously, enabling them to take care of themselves.

...my friends realized how much there is to life, and would never settle for anything but the best!

...everyone could dream big, and know that nothing is impossible.

...there were less hate in the world, it takes too much effort to hate.

...bookstores and libraries were the places young people could be found spending time on weekends, instead of malls and bars.

...God played a more prevalent part in society.

...people would realize what they're capable of and had more confidence in their abilities.

...the phrase 'It only takes one person to change the world' inspired more people to take action.

I wish for a lot of things, and I hope you do too.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Obsession

I did it.

I fed my unhealthy addiction, I dressed as a groupie and went to the midnight showing of the much anticipated 'Twilight' move. Now let me preface all of this by explaining exactly how I first became acquainted with the book, so you don't discredit me by thinking I jumped on the bandwagon. I LOVE to read, and frequent Barnes and Noble (my place of worship) quite often. I usually peruse the books that are on sale because I always love to find a good deal. While sifting through the books, Twilight caught my eye instantaneously, the cover pulled me in and beckoned me to read the back to get an idea of what it was all about. The back read as follows; "About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him- and I didn't know how dominant that part might be- that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."..... by this point I was laughing. What a cliche plot for a book, falling in love with a vampire?? But it did say that it was a New York Times bestseller (as most books do nowadays.. funny) so I bought it.

Twilight then set on my shelf for several weeks as I finished reading books that I thought were much more interesting at the time. But once I opened it, and continued to read on, I began to fall in love. I fell in love not only with the book, but with the characters. I had not felt this way about a book since (yes I'm sad to say) Harry Potter. I'm a loser, and I fully acknowledge it, so it's OK. I had no idea at the time what a paramount book I was holding. I had at first believed that I was so lucky to have come across this treasure in written form, it was then that I discovered how this book had entranced thousands of others. And when I learned that they were making it into a movie?? Well I almost passed out with excitement!

After stepping back and viewing this Twilight frenzy in a more analytical way, I believe I have unearthed why this book/movie is such a mega hit among young girls. First of all, everyone loves a good romance story, and that's exactly what Twilight is. Not only is it a lovey-dovey book, but the main character just so happens to be an extremely dangerous vampire; and every girl likes a bad guy. Stephanie Meyer also did an amazing job with the way she wrote the book, she took this overused vampire theme and twisted it. She made the vampires into the good guys, the heroes if you will. I believe her writing style also had a lot to do with its success. She cleverly wrote the book in a personal manner, sucking the audience in. It's as if the reader is Bella Swan, and we can hear what she's thinkging. Her personal thoughts are splattered right across the page, so how can you not be pulled in and fall in love with this man that she is so obsessed with. He (Edward) begins to become all you think about; this impossibly perfect man laid right in front of you.

This book is about true love, something that EVERY girl seeks. And I fully believe in true love. I think there is someone out there for everyone, someone who will sweep them off there feet mustering this Edward-Bella obsession. But for now I'm going to continue to brood over the fact that Edward isn't real.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Bus ride

While traveling around campus via bus today, the strangest thing happened. I was sitting on one side of the bus, minding my own business, when a girl straight across from me caught my eye. She looked quite plain in her t-shirt and jeans which she paired with masculine brown work boots. I could tell she felt slightly uncomfortable by the way she held herself and looked from side to side at the mass of people surrounding her. But there was something strangely remarkable about her. It was when she turned her head to the side, and I caught a glimpse of her profile, that I realized why I was so drawn to her. Her features were not of super model quality, but much more simple with the slightly protruding nose and set back chin, the lips pulled tight over her teeth, yet somehow looking like the most innocent and loveliest of people. She looked exactly like my grandmother did in her younger years. I love my grandma with every fiber of my being and revere her with the greatest of respect. If you were to ask either me or my brother we would both agree that God has blessed our family so incredibly much because of the faith in God my grandmother holds. I've never met anyone so unyielding in her beliefs as she is. Her constant positive outlook brings me such a joy in life. I frequently find myself wondering if the actions I am taking in life would meet her approval. As Cato says 'Patience is the greatest of all virtues', and no one embodies this virtue more than my grandma.
I felt such a great comfort today on the bus, watching this young girl, wondering if my grandma has always been such an amazing individual or if perhaps she was more like me when she was younger. I wondered what her dreams had been when she was as young as this girl, what she wanted most out of life. I believe she turned out to be just the person she was always meant to be, and for me she is one of my biggest role models. I will admit that I briefly teared up while watching this girl and envisioning my grandma as her younger self. It's funny sometimes how something so random will remind you how truly blessed you are by the people in your life.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Things that made me smile this week


Our first LEAF (Leadership & Empowerment of Aggie Females) event was a success!



The beautiful 'hand-painted' picture frame! Thank you PF, you always make me smile!



Me (looking exhausted after thirteen hours of being at the Woman's Leadership Conference!) standing next to the stunning Fox News anchor Mrs. E.D. Hill.




Listening to the gracious Former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Bush at the WFSN luncheon.


Me with my wonderful LEAF girls!


I finally ventured into our local art gallery to find Kristy Deetz's collection properly named "Earth Text". It consists of chunks of wood that she has cleverly designed to represent metaphors and what not relating to books. The above picture is called Table of Contents.



I put up a 3' Christmas tree in my room... I'm excited!


I thoroughly cleaned my room.... finally