The Future

Sometimes I am frightened thinking about the future. I don't want to be done with college. I don't want to be in the real world yet. I am excited to have my own life, support myself, and to be very successful. I know that I will be successful eventually. I know because, when I do something whole hearted and because I love it, it is always a success. It scares me to think of what I might have to go through in order to get there. Advertising is a very unpredictable world. People get fired and hired right and left. With the drop of a hat, I could go from having a life and a great job, to having to pick up and go somewhere else. I have my doubts about the career decisions I am making. I know I will do good work and continue to evolve in my creativity, but even people that are pretty good when they start get canned right and left. Sometimes I wish I had chose a career path that was a little more reliable and steady. I wouldn't be doing something that I loved, but at least I would know I would always be safe. I'm glad these thoughts only creep in to my mind on occasion because I am so excited about what I will be doing with my life and in my career. I totally see myself as an account planner. It is exactly what I want to do. I have never had the feeling of knowing what I wanted to do until recently. Planning is going to be perfect for me.

Yogans

I've been lucky to take part in many different types of yoga, and variations of yoga/pilates fusion classes. When I want a good workout, the best of these classes is Core Fusion at Exhale spa in Dallas. Unfortunately, its not the same experience as genuine, Eastern, traditional Yoga. You feel a little bit of zen in these types of classes, but it is nothing like the traditional teaching. I went to Heat Yoga a few days ago, and it was a great experience. I felt so great after the class was finished, I plan on becoming a member of the studio. Its not only a physical sensation, but a relaxed mental state that goes along with it. Heat yoga is the class where they put you in a heated room, and you do ninety minutes of traditional yoga poses that originated all over in Asia. There isn't music playing in this class and the lights are on. This doesn't turn off the type of people who value genuine yoga. The people in there are all shapes and sizes. They are avid students and aren't just in the class for yoga. They are people who have found a form of inner peace because of this part of their life. I would love to become a real part of this community and plan on doing so.

Dating Older

Dating older is the way to go. Older guys just simply have more experience. They treat you better, they know where to go and what to do, and they don't make the amateur mistakes. When I go on a date with an older guy, they tell me what time they are picking me up, where we are going, and they make sure that I have a good time. Younger guys, especially college guys, will say something like "Wanna meet up at a party?" That's cool if you don't' know the person well and you literally want to meet them there. But if you know them and are expecting the next step to be a cute date night or something, it sucks. When a guy asks if I want to meet up at some event or party, I initially think he is saying "Want to sleep with me tonight?" Speaking of that, older guys are so much more experienced in the bedroom. Contrary to popular belief, I think that older guys are less pushy and nicer intimately. I think they have less expectations and care more about me then themselves.

lawnmowers

I can't understand why lawmowers all over the country have decided that the best time to do their job is at eight o'clock in the morning. Granted, they have to get to a lot of houses so that they can finish their day earlier but it just so happens that where I am living is always their desired starting point. I can't wear ear plugs because there is a chance I won't wake up to my alarm clock. I don't think I am the only person that has noticed this whole conspiracy. I can't understand why someone hasn't come up with an electric lawnmower, or a silent engine of some sort. So, I'm stuck in the tragedy of waking up to a loud, annoying hum. It kills my morning everytime one. I am instantly annoyed and that is how my day starts. I hate lawnmowers in the morning.

Spring Break Skanks

This video is one of the cleanest that I have found of their kind. These women are disgraces. It makes me sick that girls can act this way in front of disgusting slimy men with their tongues out. They get a thrill out of being wild. I don’t even think its wild. It is just dirty and filthy. To me, these women scream of disease. If they will act this way to get attention in front of hundreds of strangers, they are bound to have slept with thousands of strangers. I am totally for some dirty dancing, wearing short dresses, and getting frisky. But this is the most distasteful thing I’ve ever seen. I was watching the “E” Wildest Spring Break Moments and there were hundreds of videos like this. There was actually a dancing game called “Sexual Position Dancing.” Why don’t they have a private orgy or keep their sexual talents in the bedroom. Women even screamed for attention while they wrestled (I don’t even think they know what wresting is) in chocolate sauce. Ew. These women simply make it right for men to look at women as objects. It makes if right for them to expect filthy performances by slutty girls.

UPS Whiteboard - International Shipping

After seeing some inspiration on introtocreativity.com I wanted to share about my experience with the UPS website. A couple weeks ago, after seeing one of the commercials, I decided to see what the website was all about. So I went to http://whiteboard.ups.com/. I actually had a ton of fun just checking it all out. There was a lot to it. I had the most fun in the area called "The Break Room." In the link called "create your own whiteboard" I actually got to send an Email to my roommate. It portrayed the guy physically writing my note on a whiteboard to her. It was pretty funny. In the directions of the game, it tells you you can't write anything inappropriate to send. I thought that was kind of funny and attempted to send something a little inappropriate anyways. When I first typed it, it literally highlighted the inappropriate word and the guy popped up and told me he wouldn't write the word on the whiteboard. It was so realistic, I actually felt a little guilty. It was really smart too because it discourages negativity on the website. The "Delivery Intercept Game" was pretty entertaining as well. The whole experience made me feel connected to UPS and more excited about the brand.

Heineken: Share The Good!!!!

When I first saw this video, I didn’t think much into it. I thought the visuals were good, the concept was cute, and it wasn’t like every other beer commercial. After reading Bob Garfield’s article in Ad Age, I was a little irritated and mad at him.
Bob Garfield’s article on Adage states this:

This is 2008. We're not in an "It's a Small World After All" era; we're in a "World of Warcraft" era. Pollyanna fantasies don't much scan, especially with the presumed target audience of young men. Not to stereotype or anything, but by and large, men don't drink beer to make the world a better place. They drink beer to cruise women, escape women, wash down nachos and get stinking blotto.

I really couldn’t disagree with him more. I don’t see why he feels the need to by so cynical. In our day and age we are aiming to produce ethical advertising that promotes a better world. I think aiming for “It’s a small World After All” is positive and promotes better life for everyone. Should we instead make a commercial that has men chugging beer and then trying to get into women’s pants because that’s more realistic? I think that this is promoting the good side of beer. That beer can be used as something that brings people together by paying it forward. It’s not promoting over consuming, irresponsible partying, or anything negative. It really is showing the better sides of the product.

Deals Deals Deals

The List on "My Faves" got me pumped about recommending things I love.
I value quality in my clothes above all else. I am the last person to step foot in Forever 21, Charlotte Rousse, or any stores along those lines. I love well made, name brand, cute clothing. The only thing is, It is very difficult for me to buy something full price. I have found so many places with AMAZING sales that I just can't fork over the money to buy something at retail. I have gotten to the point where a 15 or 20 percent off sale isn't even always good enough. The only things that I will buy at full price are bra's, makeup, and nice jewelry. So I put together a list of the best places to find the greatest deals. These are seriously the best ever.

1. Loehmann's (Its in California but is so

damn good that it had to be on the list)

2. Arden B

3. Bloomingdales

4. Buffalo Exchange

5. Guess

6. Dillard's

7. Neiman's Last Call

8. Cache

and online...

9. Victoria'sSecret.com

10. Overstock.com

My Faves

I love food more than anything. I love trying new things and new places to eat. My roommate's eating habits are very boring. She wakes up every morning and eats a bowl of cereal and a yogurt. Every afternoon she will have either a turkey burger or a subway sandwich. She never tries new places and if someone from out of town comes to visit her she immediately comes to me and asks me where to go. I realized that, because of my love for a variety food, I can make the best recommendations. I decided to make a list of my tops in Dallas.

Steak and Live Music- Sambuca
Less fancy steak- Kirby's
Uppity sushi and cocktails- Kenichi
Classic sushi- Nandina
Pizza and Wine- Coal Vines
Tapas and Pitchers of Sangria- Sangria's
Best hot dog- Big D's
Greek food- Fadi's
Italian- Maggiano's
Tex Mex and margs- Mi Cocina
Queso and cheap margs- Blue Goose Cantina
Subs- Jersey Mikes
Hamburger- The Porch
Brunch with Bloody Marys and Mimosas- Penne Pomodoro
Country Breakfast- Oasis
BBQ- Dickey's

"Diet" Coke

Diet coke is one of the most popular soda orders that I serve. It follows right behind Coke and Dr. Pepper. It is a big joke at work to guess what people are going to order Diet Coke. The people who tend to order it are very similar. I have found that the heavier a person is, the more likely they are to order diet Coke. people who order regular coke or Dr. Pepper are usually much thinner or in shape. Many of the people who chose Diet, will order that to start, but then request something extremely unhealthy to go along with it. For example, they will be watching their weight by starting with D.C. but then will order a beef chimichanga for dinner and devour the whole thing. The chimichanga is a huge fried burrito filled with re fried beans, cheese, and ground beef, covered in chili con queso. Or they will stuff their faces with the biggest portions on the menu. I just don't understand what they are thinking. Its not like all of these people just simply love Diet Coke. Its a strong trend. Our staff has even come to the point where we take bets on who will be ordering Diet Coke. Except recently, the success rate of guessing that the obese people will order it is so great that nobody will take the bet. The irony is funny.
I decided to do a little researching on the topic and this is a little of what I found:

STUNNING new research from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research has linked dementia to mid-life waist size. This means that if you are 40 and fat you’re three times more likely to suffer from dementia related mental decline as you age.
This is not a severe shock to any of us who have watched a fatty order three burgers and then opt for a “Diet” Coke. If you think the Diet Coke is going to counter act your mountain of food, you are most certainly delusional. Talk about Sin of Gluttony.

Kissing

A kiss can make or break a relationship. I think it is the true showing of how a person can get along with you and relate to you. Kissing a new person is somewhat difficult. Everyone has their own way of doing it. If it's a first kiss, both parties should take it slow and be willing to adapt to the other. Otherwise it makes for an awful one. The worst is the ultimate tongue make out. Don't try to stick your fat tongue down my throat and get slobber all over my face. Or when the guy just goes at it with the tongue already out. Ew. I don't even want that kind of kiss in the heat of the moment. The ultimate turnoff is a first kiss that I expect to be gentle, sweet, and a bit shy, and I end up with spit all over my mouth and I feel like I'm about to gag from having that slimy tongue headed down my esophagus. That guy is automatically cut. On the same note, I don't understand what is so amazing about making out all of the time. When you are in the heat of the moment it can be hot. It can be a huge turn on. But the whole "Hello Make out" and "Goodbye Make out" is really unnecessary. What about a sweet goodbye embrace and a peck on the cheek. It is so much more relevant.

Discriminating

The other day I asked a good friend, who happens to be a volleyball player, where she was living next year. She is a freshman so she was deciding where to go from the dorms. She told me that her father wanted to buy her a condominium but that she wasn't going to accept it. She went on about how she didn't want her dad to have a say in who comes in and out of her living space. She is already paying for school because of her scholarship and could easily pay for an apartment with the rest of her stipend. I was a little confused because, if it were me, I would have taken advantage of the situation. It turns out that my friend's dad has a big problem with the guy she is dating. He is a tall, kind, good looking guy who treats my friend very well. My confusion was put to rest when she told me her father doesn't believe in interracial relationships. Wow. I was shocked. I was shocked when I heard that her father doesn't give her boyfriend any respect and won't even go to dinner with the boy. Her boyfriend is half German and half Korean. I would have never even considered their relationship interracial. It is mind blowing to me that people can act this way. I could almost understand if the boy treated his daughter poorly and he made an immature assumption that it was because of the mix of race. The fact that he can just turn away and be so unsporting is really sad. I just didn't know that people were blatantly like this. People never cease to surprise me.

Facebook Anthem

I spend a ton of time on facebook. Every day I spend at least 15 minutes on there. I love it. It is the best way to stay in touch with friends when you have a busy life, especially friends that you don't go to school with. Although it's not nearly as personal as calling them or being with them, it is a great tool. I usually check my messages, upload pictures, look at pictures that other people have added recently, and see how my friends from home are doing. My time on facebook would be cut so much shorter if I didn't have to get rid of so much shit. The requests, tests, pokes, sticky notes, horoscopes, and the 800 other million applications you can use on your page are sooooo annoying. Somebody sent me this anthem and I couldn't stop laughing. I don't know why humor that points out the obvious is so funny to me. But somebody must have felt pretty strongly that applications on facebook are a pain to create this song and video.

There Can Only Be One

This video is so inspiring! It is the single thing that got me pumped up for the playoffs. I love this because it is great for everyone. You don't even have to know who these players are or anything about basketball to love it. Anyone can relate to this kind of battle. In this video, they turn the game into a one on one competition. It makes you want to tune in and be a part of it just because you know that feeling and pressure of one on one. It is saying that one of those two men is going to stand out and be the greatest of their time. People who new nothing about the playoffs now know about them. They are filled in on two crutial players who both have similar characteristics. Lastly, the video leaves you wanting more, wanting to know how it is going to finish. So people who see this will be watching the battle.

Even Bigger

Like any other company, Starbucks can only strive to sell more. Starbucks, like many other brands, is trying to bring people back to the roots of it all. Their target market for their recent campaign men. These are men that aren't drawn into the stores for the Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte. These are the men who like brewed coffee for all that it is.
There has been hearsay about Starbucks' new tactic being too strange. Some people think that it is wierd that Starbucks is going back to a more traditional way of advertising because they have their advertising techniques have been so non traditional in the past. I think it couldn't be smarter. Currently, they are having prolonged giveaways, where every Wednesday, people can come into the stores and get a free cup of coffee. I think it's great because a lot of people miss out when giveaways are only one day. The coupons are a great idea too because what better way to get men into Starbucks then to give them a free sample of exactly what they want. Many of the people who make comments on the company website have offered ideas to have some kind of reward for loyalty system. Essentially, loyalty is exactly what Starbucks is looking for and I wouldn't be surprised in the least if, sometime soon, Starbucks starts using something similar to this Brewed Coffee Card. Customers want to be rewarded for loyalty. I would love this!

The left right project - adidas originals

The left right project was created by 180. This video is awesome. It connects two sides of the country that vary greatly in their styles, attitudes, and beliefs. This ad promotes the bringing together of the two coasts and forming unity. It is a viral video and is being talked about on hundreds of blogs. Looking over the comments, tere isn't one negative one, which is great for Adidas. Everyone loves their Adidas now. I wish I had created this ad, or come up with the idea. Those huge shoes are great and seeing the process of the artistic work is fun too. All around great show!

Infamous 5 Dollar Foot Long

Subway's Five Dollar Foot Long is amazing. Subway says that this campaign is going to bring Subway back to it's roots. They were originally known and celebrated for their foot long sandwiches and in recent years, the value meals have taken over in popularity. They want to get back to what Subway is all about. And I guess that is by selling for 12 inchers. Besides their whole look on the matter, the five dollar foot long is great news for me and I'm taking advantage while it lasts. Subway was already a great place to get a quick lunch and it was already cheap. I go to Subway religiously every Wednesday for the sub of the day. It is under three dollars for a 6 inch sub of the day and on that day the special is the turkey breast sandwich. Now, I can go and get a 12 inch sub for only five bucks. Places like Jersey Mikes, Jimmy Johns, and others that are similar in nature would cost me a little less then 10 dollars for essentially the same sandwich. When it seems like everything is getting more and more expensive, great deals come along and continue to surprise me! I'm pumped for Subway!

UNSEXY

First, Maxim is putting these women in the same category...
And Sarah Jessica is rated the lesser sexy...

I think it is alright for a publication to call a spade a spade or to call a foot a foot. But that is not what Maxim has managed to accomplish. Maxim’s list of most unsexy celebrities was purely for attention. There is no way that these few women were strategically picked or voted as THE MOST unsexy. Out of all of the women in Hollywood, these are really the people who came to mind as the unsexiest? I would understand if they titled it something like “The Most Overrated Sexy Women” or something along those lines. Then at least it would have an ounce of truth. With their title, they are comparing all celebrities, from Charlize Theron to Rosie O'Donnell They only person that might actually belong on the list is Amy Winehouse because her teeth are terrible, she wears God awful makeup, and she dresses like a drug addict. Not to mention she is one. Sandra Oh isn’t even trying to be sexy. And do we really need to drag Britney into another article. I think they could get a little more creative. Sarah Jessica Parker is not stunning. But she definitely has a sexy body and a pretty good looking face. I think that getting criticism comes with being super famous and I’m one to call a foot a foot, she just isn’t one. It is frustrating to see this kind of article because it makes me distrust the magazine. It heightens my belief that all magazines are just trying to stir things up, without any integrity.

THIS is unsexy.

Attention Salesmen! I'm your best target!

My car desperately needed a car wash. I took it to the wave wash, planning on spending the $6.99 for an exterior wash only. As soon as I pulled up to the drive thru, I found myself being talked into spending $35 on an exterior/interior special they had. I had no idea what the huge difference was between any of the specials, but somehow I was being manipulated into spending the most possible money. He just kept rattling off things he would add to my package free of charge. It sounded great, I was in.
The same day, I was at Grapevine mills looking at jewelry at one of the stands. I wanted to buy one pair of earrings that I had been needing. The next thing I knew, I was out of the shop with eight new pairs of earrings that all looked about the same, and I had spent way more than I wanted to.
A little while later I was buying looking to buy three pairs of shoes that I was planning to use at work. Like I needed one new pair of work shoes, let alone THREE. Every time I go shopping, I get the more than I planned for. Even in the grocery store I will get the "10 for $10" canned soups. I don't even like soup very much. That's when it finally hit me. I am the ultimate target for any salesman or sale in general. I'm easy. Unfortunately, if someone makes something sound a little better than what I already know, I'm sold.

Rethinking Working Out

I have been working out religiously since I was about 13 years old. It is a huge part of my life. I have the habit as a result of being on competitive sports teams. Now, if I skip more than a day of it, I feel dissatisfied and unhealthy. It is so strange to me that some people just flat out don't work out. I have a good friend back home who never works out. I don't even think I have ever seen her in athletic gear period. she seems healthy, looks great, and has a lot of energy. you would never know that instead of spending her time at a gym, she sits motionless, watching her favorite shows like Ellen everyday. We had a long phone conversation last night and she was telling me about her life and how she parties all the time, has a great time, but never works out. It makes me think, would my life be all that different if I stopped working out. Well, obviously it would be different because I would have much more time but would my appearance, the way I feel, or my general outlook on life be change a lot? I could invest all of that time into something else that I love to do. I don't have the option of testing it out because of volleyball, but I think I'm going to try the nonworkout plan in the future.

FedEx Kinkos

I just saw this ad online for the first time. It is everything I’ve learned about cliché Super Bowl ads. It’s hysterical. I don’t if I could have truly understood the irony and humor had I not studied advertising at all. BBDO has done an excellent job for FedEx, which at first, would seem like a company that would not be all that exciting to work for.

Bush booed at 2008 Nationals home opener

I am so disgusted and angry that this happened. I can’t believe the lack of pride and rude behavior of these fans. They should be ashamed. The president of the United States is a person that we chose to lead us. The majority of the people in our country wanted him as our chief. It doesn’t matter if we all don’t agree with him. There should be a national pride and affect for the man. He is just a man. A lot of my disgust comes from the thought of how Bush felt while this was going on. Imagine being honored to come out and throw a baseball for a game, and having the people of your country boo at you. Baseball is supposed to be the great American sport. The fans and people there are supposed to represent great American people who are fans of this American past time. But they go and show complete disrespect and humiliation of our president. I can’t believe the nerve. It was completely rude and unnecessary in all respects. Most of those people wouldn’t have booed if they knew the president could see them doing it.

Final Four is Here and Money is on The Line.

March madness is coming to an end and the final four have made it to the semifinals. American basketball fans and players live for this time of the year. Many of my friends have put money on their favorite teams. I don’t understand the fun in the betting process. The men that I have been around who have money on the games have to sit through the whole game wondering whether they will ever see their money again. The people that have placed bets are not necessarily the wealthiest people. They can’t afford to put a few grand on the line, but they do it anyways. The only justification for the madness is the possibility that they might win big in the end. The problem is, the chance of predicting who will win the whole tournament is really unlikely. Teams are prone to upsets in the playoffs. For this, it is way too stressful and risky for me. I will never be a gambler. Watching money being taken from me with the chance of no return is all around frightening.

Showering is Wasting away my Life

I work out just about every day. I feel gross after my workouts so I shower. I still shower every day when I haven't worked out because I'm so used to doing it most days, it doesn't feel right to skip a day. Sometimes the last thing I want to do is get in the shower. I hate it because it takes so long and it would just be easier if I could instantly be fresh and clean. I figured out how much of my life showering is really taking.

On average, a shower takes me about 18 minutes. This includes shampooing, sometimes conditioning, soaping, shaving, and washing my face. This doesn't include the time it takes to dry off, apply lotion, and clean ears. This means that I spend 540 minutes a month, or 9 hours a month in the tub. With this, I figured out that I spend 6480 minutes, or 108 hours, or 4.5 days a year in the shower. Four and a half days of every year of my life have been in the shower. 90 days!

Not to mention, most of the time I blow dry my hair right after my shower. It turns out that blow drying takes up at least 2.5 days of my year. I could be making substantial changes in the world during this time.

The Closest Ones to Me

I've realized in the past couple weeks that the people that truly love me always will. I have gotten in the habit of taking this all for granted. I find myself taking out all my frustration, anger, stress or pain out on the people who care about me the most. I have caught myself being outright mean to my mom and my boyfriend. It may not have even been them that got me in the bad mood. I know that I am doing it and I can't stop. I will start picking them apart and I will turn into a negative little witch. I'll bitch and complain about anything. I don't know how they can be around me when I am being that way. It's really just a matter of loving me for all of me. There aren't that many people that I can say have put up with all of me. I am thankful that they still love me but I hope this habit doesn't turn against me before I can fix it.

Where is Everyone Going?

Whethere it is 2:00 in the afternoon or 4:00 in the morning people are always going somewhere. The other day, on a Monday, I had fallen asleep at a friends house. I had to get up and drive home at 3:45 in the morning (Tuesday). I could not believe the amount of people driving along side me and on the freeway. What are people really doing up that late and where could they possibly all be going? Nothing is open, flights don't leave that early, work doesn't usually go that late. I could understand seeing one or two cars but I probably saw more than fifty cars in a six block drive. Did they all fall asleep at their friends house?

The Cruise

My brother's Godfather, a man my father went to high school with was diagnosed with leukemia. He was recently told that he had 2 to 4 months to live. His wife decided to get a group of their closest family members and friends and to take a cruise down to Mexico starting today. My parents are on the boat as I'm typing. Although any cruise to Mexico sounds fun, I can't imagine this being a blast. I guess it is what they make it. This will be the last time that my parents will see this man before he passes away. It's fact, he doesn't have very long to live. All of this has made me think of whether or not I would want to know when my life was going to be taken from me. I came to the conclusion that I would only want to know if it were within the last month of my life. Within a month would give me enough time to say goodbye to everyone I needed to say goodbye to and would be enough time so spend with the people I loved. Knowing that I would die any sooner and it would just be a prolonged sadness for me and prolonged grief by everyone around me. I can't image what it is going to be like getting off of the ship and saying goodbye.

Nike Soccer Commercial - Brasil vs Portugal

This commercial is one of the best soccer commercials I have seen. It encompasses the true nature of sports. It shows the passion that the players have for the game and the national pride that the countries have in their teams. It has a playful but competitive vibe. It shows how everyone is a part of the game whether they are the team, the crowd, the referees, or the guy walking into the stadium. It presents so much excitement and energy that it could only get people excited about their teams and the sport. Not only that, but it ties in humor. The ad also plays a fun song that went along great. It keeps you watching the screen and wanting more. I think this ad is nothing short of great.

Texting

is such a an easy way out. Texting is the way to say what you want to say without having to really say it. Its an escape. It is so much easier to just send off a text then to call someone and tell them how you really feel. I guess because its almost like you aren't really saying it when it is in text, because its not coming out of your own mouth. Because I know that texting is the easy way out, I almost feel guilty doing it. But I could never live without it. Its just so much easier.

Waiting

Waiting here for my ride... There are lot of other ways to wait.
Waiting the movie.
Waiters.
Waders.
Wait a minute.
Wait right here.
"Wait" by the Beatles.
W8.
Jimmy Wait.(ice hockey player)

SMU is presenting Crum Gymnasium

Tomorrow is the first day that SMU will officially be presenting the Crum Center. We have been practicing in there for a couple weeks now and it is Amazing. The locker rooms look so presidential that its intimidating. There are huge dark amber lockers and giant flat screen TVs. I used to play vollelyball for The University of Oregon and have seen some of the nicest facilities there are, thanks to Phil Knight. The new locker rooms in the Crum Center might outdue the facilities set up by Phil, the glamorized founder of Nike, up in Eugene, Oregon. I can't believe that, in such a small school, we have such awesome facilities and privelages. Well I guess I can, considering tuition. Crum is great nonetheless.

Intertextuality (Nike)

This TV commercial made me think of many previous events I had seen and experienced. It first reminded me of the movie Remember the Titans and the resolution of racial tension. Along with that football movie, it reminded me of the battling and hardships that the men had to fight through in Any Given Sunday and Varsity Blues. Ironically, it reminded me of Forrest Gump because of the way the player keeps going and going and seems to just get by everyone. Last, it made me feel a little as if I was watching an automobile commercial because of the changes of weather, and the way that the player held composure through all of the different conditions. Its wierd how many different things popped into my head when I took the time to think about it.

Soccer-Volleyball

I've played sports my entire life. All sports, every sport. I currently play for the SMU volleyball team. Volleyball is one of the most difficult sports to pick up. I mean, little kids cannot just keep a volleyball alive and older people have to put in a lot of time and practice to be a decent player. The sport is original in the way that you are using a completely different body motion and body parts to play the game. In my position I am required to be one of the most ball controlled people on the court. This video puts my ball control to shame.
This Soccer/Volleyball is played mostly in Brazil. The type of skill that a person has to have to do this is unbelievable. These are some real athletes. There are some Brazilians on the SMU soccer team that attempt to play this down at Dedman but aren't great.

Energizer Japanese Hand

This is hilarious. One of the best and most outrageous commercials I have seen. I don't think that there is anyone who can't relate to this. By the way, why do Japanese people love taking so many pictures? I've traveled a lot and the Japanese are by far the most into their photos.

I wish I had created this ad but I don't think this would have flown in the US.

My friend the Athiest

Discussing Kantian beliefs in a philosophy class, my friend raises her hand to give her input and out of nowhere makes the statement, "I am atheist because every other religion is based on fear of something." How can someone sum up their entire belief system, or lack there of, in that sort of sentence? Here's what I'm thinking:
1)She wants to be original
2)She wants to be the girl with the "dark side" or careless attitude
3)She thinks she is too "tough" to fear something greater
4)She wants someone to challenge her because she is really searching for something to passionately believe in.
5)She is so superficial, she hasn't given any thought to her religion or deeper reasoning, so she came up with this one statement so that she would have something to tell people on the topic.
6) She truly has no belief in God after putting true thought into it and she just presented her thoughts distastefully.

Strict Parenting

It is a wierd emotional phenomenon when you can finally appreciate and accept your parents for every aspect of who they are. Growing up, my parents were the strict ones, the sticlers, the almost scary ones. Sometimes my friends would tell me they were scared of my mom or dad because they knew they weren't lenient. When I was getting older, there were times when I hated my parents. I would curse at them, lie to them, and could not understand them. They usually tried to explain their reasons for my punishment, rules, curfew, etc. but I couldn't accept them.
It is the wierdest feeling looking back to my adolescence and realizing that they are exactly the type of parents that I will strive to become and the parent I will become. I was allowed enough freedom to grow and experience life, but still had rules and restrictions that were appropriate for my maturity level. They knew exactly what type of person I was. I had strong character, addictive personality, and a dare devil mentality. The boundaries they set for me were exactly what I needed. Hopefully I will be a mother one day. If I am struggling, deciding how to handle or raise my child, the first people I will resort to for advice are my parents.
I was so lucky to have such strong, good parents who had, for the most part, the same beliefs for raising children. The majority of families aren't that lucky.

Kill Them With Kindness

There are some people in the world that are just hit with the mean stick. They are just unhappy and don't care about showing it.
I have gotten to know a lot about people working in restaurants and there are some people that just aren't fun to wait on. The unhappy ones are the worst. They have the most complex, specific orders, want them right away, and ask you for something new every time they see you facing them. They are the worst type of customer to piss off. They are the kind that go straight to the manager when you bring them flour tortillas instead of corn.
The best way to handle these people is with over the top, over exaggerated kindness. When they sit at the table searching for something to ream you about, you just smile and bring them extra of everything before they can ask for it. You find a way to put together their specific, detailed orders and you bring them two drinks instead of one, just incase. You have to stay really focused and attentive. When they realize they have nothing to complain about, it's like you won. They almost back down and give in. It is the best feeling ever.

Breakups are tough

I can't hold onto relationships. The only thing is, I still hold onto them longer than I should. I can tell right when a relationship isn't going to work for me but I still stay in it for some sort of verification. Just to make sure.
I hate breaking up. I hate causing that kind of pain. Emotional pain is worse than any type of physical pain. It is worse because emotional pain takes over your brain. Everything you do and everything you see is swamped by the thoughts of the pain and hurt you feel. It kills me to think about causing that sort of pain to another person. Plus, the feeling of rejection is painful enough. It is a blow to the gut knowing that somebody you care so much doesn't have the same feelings. It rips me up and makes me cry just thinking about it. I'm going to be more sure before getting involved in a relationship.

How do we know

If you think about it, how much do we really know about outer space? nothing. we call it Space?? Like there is just nothing out there and it goes on forever and ever? Is it infinate?
Here is my new theory:
I learned in chemistry an atom is the smallest piece of existance known to man. It cannot be split, sliced, or even sevvered. Maybe our entire world is simply an "atom" to an enormous, different type of creation. We would be so minute to this other creation that we wouldn't be able to see or perceive this greater thing we were a part of. We could never know for sure.

Love it

This is empowering to say the least. I can sense exactly when I'm being categorized and judged. We have all felt ourselves being judged yet we continue to do the same to everyone else. I'm guilty of judging constantly. Even though I know that "you can't judge a book by its cover" and all that that implies, I still find myself putting people in their places in my head. It is harsh and hurtful. My goal for the week is to look past appearances or first impressions and make an effort to see what people are really all about.

Dating Stinks

Dating would be a lot easier if we gave off odors that smelled the way that we were feeling. Like if I wanted someone to leave me alone, I could give them the "Back Off" scent. Then I wouldn't have to say anything or be kept in an awkward situation. They would just know to leave. Or, if I was interested in someone, it would be nice if they gave off an "I want you too" scent just so I could be sure. I'm sure that many men would prefer it this way. Everything would just be so much easier. A lot of these ideas come to mind now that I am single.

Feminism is the Notion that Women are Men

I want there to be fair chance for women to be a part of anything that men can be a part of. There needs to be a fair chance given. If a woman can't make it on her own, after given a fair chance, they shouldn't be there. But as far as having every aspect of life equal to men, it is not necessary or realistic. Men were put on this earth to fight, protect, and provide. Hence, they have a different make-up and genetic balance. This can be seen in the SMU athletetic weightroom. Go in there in the middle of the day, look at all of the teams, female and male, and tell me if we are even remotely similar. There is no need to get all defensive and say that women and men should be considered exactly the same. We are pretty much two different species.

The Enchanting Foreign Accent

Accents make a male a thousand times more attractive. It can make an average looking man hot, and already hot man drop dead gorgeous. When I hear an Aussie accent, for example, it makes me melt. If they are a decent person with a little bit of looks, and an accent, I'm theirs. I could never figure out really why this was. Now I am aware. I am picky and get bored easy. It's not the way they sound that seduces me, its the underlying fact that they are from a totally different culture and world than me. I don't' know anything about their life and experiences. It intrigues me so much that it subconsciously sparks my curiosity and makes me want more. Accents are provocative and sexy.

I Hate Half-Assing

5) In group projects. I hate when people don't give as much as they should.
4) Commiting. I hate when people talk about doing something and then flake.
3) In workouts. I hate when people cut corners or don't finish their reps and sets
2) In competition. I HATE when a teammate doesn't give all they have for the sake of the team.
1) More than anything, I hate when I do something half-assed.

WTF

Some people are actually trying to ban cussing. In other words, they want to make the act of swearing illegal. This is absolute ludicrous. The fact that these people actually think this is a possibility is hilarious. Words are simply expressions of our emotions. When you are extremely happy you might yell WOOHOOO!!!! at the top our your lungs, and when you are extremely pissed you might yell FUCKKKK! If you took out these words, it would almost by like taking away the emotion. I don't know who decided to make some words "inappropriate" and other words appropriate, but they are all important to have. Sometimes people need to be yelled at or offended. And sometimes people need to let that emotion out with a few "inappropriate" words. . Some words may be hurtful and perceived as rude, but some people ARE just hurtful and rude. The words just compliment who they are. Plus, if we were ever to actually try to ban cussing, where would we draw the line as to what words were good or bad? "Damn" is okay, but "Shit" is illegal? haha.

Being in between

I hate having few passionate opinions. I'm too laid back. I wish I was more opinionated. It would make me feel stronger. I have opinions about our contemporary moral issues but none of them really support each other. I am for abortion because if I got pregnant, I would probably get one, but I don't believe in capital punishment. I am for religious tolerance, but I don't think we should take "God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance. I have no strong feelings for or against euthanasia or pornography. I envy the people who know exactly what they want all of the time. The people that know exactly what food they want to eat tonight, the people who know exactly who they are voting for, the people who's values and opinions all coincide, and who are strong enough not to care about what anyone else thinks.

Soul Mate: No such thing

Soul mates do not exist. There are plenty of people in the world that you could spend your life with and be happy. Saying that there is only one is ignorant. There are people that can make you happier than others. So search for them. Not the soul mate.

An Epidemic

This calorie counting world is driving me crazy. Can we not all eat balanced meals and stop worrying. I have been sucked into this counting world and can't seem to stop. It has gotten to the point where I can't purchase a single item at the grocery store without checking nutritional information for the evil little calories. So what exactly am I putting into my when I purchase the items with no calories or very few? What exactly is in my Diet Coke or the Sweet and Low that I put in my coffee every morning? Could these be even worse for my overall health? I am almost scared to find out. I hope this intense calorie counting trend ends soon so I can stop worrying.

A Different Way of Life

I am happy that the direction life has taken me hasn't been a direction with all arrows pointing toward bull riding. I saw my first rodeo this past weekend and I now know that a person has to be possessed with an odd gene to want to ride a bull. I will never understand what type of person would want to strap on a rope to the testicles of a bull, and hop on its back while it is in a full rage. I can't comprehend who would have even thought of that. Nearly every rider curls up in a ball after falling off, fearing that the huge beast might just step on them. I consider myself a risk taker but this is a whole other form. To enjoy this way of life, a person would have to be nuts. These people are adrenaline junkies. I'm glad this different way of life hasn't attracted me.

The Kingdom

The movie The Kingdom left me squirming, sad, and terrified of the world we live in. The movie was based on a group of Americans who traveled to The Middle East to help with some of the problems there. Their common goal was to find a group of terrorists who had recently bombed a camp. At the beginning, the film had me thinking, "Wow, Americans are such great people trying to help over there and this war will have a peaceful ending." In the end of the movie, both groups of people, the Arabs and the Americans, still had passionate hate and aggression toward the other. It concluded by showing the two cultures never learning to accept each other, and even growing more hateful toward each other in the end. I normally think very optimistically and, therefore, have always thought that the war would end soon, America would "win," and I would live my life in comfort. The movie made me more insecure, scared and sickened then I have ever felt in my life. Our cultures may never learn to get along and live peacefully. They live in a culture that may not seem right to us but who are we to go into their world and tell them that they are wrong and doing unjust things? On the other hand, their culture may be putting ours in danger. So what the hell do we do? What are we going to do when there is another surprise attack, but with nuclear weapons? Are we supposed to fight back and nuke them? Our next world war could actually end our existence. I am now living in discomfort and fear. When will there be a solution? In order to go on with my life I will have to go back to feeling secure. I will once again live my life knowing that I will live to be 100 and not thinking about what is too hard for me to think about.