Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Standing up for something (or someone)...
Unfortunately for myself, there is not one incident I can think of, worth telling, where I stood up for someone... However, my mom was able to supply me with some times that I cant remember, because it was so very long ago (at least it was to me). According to her, she showed up at the kindergarten center I attended, KC DC, and discovered that I had 'rescued' a little girl in the playground from some older boys who had been harassing her, and calling her names. My little five-year-old self decided that this was absolutely not fair! Somebody had to do something! So I did. I yelled at them, and told them what great, big, fat bullies that they were, saving the younger girl from intense humiliation. Woo-Hoo! Go little Becky! Ha. Ha. Another instance that happened so long ago that my brain kicked it out of my memory occurred when I saved my cat from two little boys, their obnoxious tricycles, and small, round pebbles (which they assumed were made to throw at things). My mom's cat, Isaiah, had been on the planet about four years longer then I had; he had been there all my life and I loved him dearly. The neighborhood boys from about three blocks down were known for following the old cat around, throwing pebbles at him, and trying to run him over with their pathetic, plastic, little red 'trikes'. So here comes little Becky, complete with her own stash of pebbles: for throwing at them! "You stop messing with Isaiah!" and "He's older then you are, you jerks!" and "I don't ever wanna see you back here again!" and finally "Yeah, you just run you... you BIG CHICKENS!", could be heard all the way down the street. Again: Go little Becky!!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What makes a Leader a True Leader?
So what does make a leader a 'true' leader? In my opinion it is the way the shape the lives and ideas of the people around them. Many 'leaders' in our government aren't really 'true leaders' because they don't make a huge difference in the lives of those they govern, the American people. But there have been many ordinary people, who have made such a difference, that there is no doubt in my mind that they are 'true' leaders.
Like Marin Luthor King Jr. for example; Marin Luthor King Jr. was able to shape the nation by his ideas and how well he shaped the ideas of others. He led peaceful protests and marches all over the nation, revealing how far one man can go to do what's right. Another example of a 'true' leader may, in fact, be Adolf Hitler. A 'true' leader doesn't necesarrily have to be a noble one, after all. Hitler was able to minipulate many into believing his ideals, and he most definatly shaped the world as we know it, revealing how much damage just one man can create. But even unknown people can have a large impact. Like all the mother's out there. The way the raise their children determines the kind of people thier children will become. And one mother can raise a world changer, which is why they are also 'true' leaders.
Another thing that a true leader could be defined by is the kind of people they influence. Someone who leads a group of people who had already shared his beliefs before he began to lead them, is no more a 'true' leader then an alfa male in a pack of wolves. But if a leader comes into a group and changes all there ideas so that they might follow him, his is a 'true' leader.
Like Marin Luthor King Jr. for example; Marin Luthor King Jr. was able to shape the nation by his ideas and how well he shaped the ideas of others. He led peaceful protests and marches all over the nation, revealing how far one man can go to do what's right. Another example of a 'true' leader may, in fact, be Adolf Hitler. A 'true' leader doesn't necesarrily have to be a noble one, after all. Hitler was able to minipulate many into believing his ideals, and he most definatly shaped the world as we know it, revealing how much damage just one man can create. But even unknown people can have a large impact. Like all the mother's out there. The way the raise their children determines the kind of people thier children will become. And one mother can raise a world changer, which is why they are also 'true' leaders.
Another thing that a true leader could be defined by is the kind of people they influence. Someone who leads a group of people who had already shared his beliefs before he began to lead them, is no more a 'true' leader then an alfa male in a pack of wolves. But if a leader comes into a group and changes all there ideas so that they might follow him, his is a 'true' leader.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Reasons to be Thankful
The Holidays are a great time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Especially around Thanksgiving. Things that I am thankful for include:
- Life: I'M ALIVE!!!! That's a great thing to be thankful for. I can jump, run, and play. To top it all off, I'm not dead! I think that fact is great!
- I am loved: Sure I'm crazy, but I've got friends that love me! And it's true. I find myself surrounded be friends and family that truly care. And it's great to be loved.
- I have talent: Yes, I know that sounds cocky. But God has given me certain gifts and talents, which I plan on developing and using to the best of my ability.
- Freedom: Because I'm under the age of eighteen, I'm technically not free yet. But I'm so close that I can practically taste it! America is a great place to live because of the freedoms we have been given. Like the freedom of speech, and of press, and to go where I want to! (I personally think the last one is the best)
- My upbringing: I'm very grateful for how I was raised. My mother has done a great job in raising me! Even my dad agrees! So I am very thankful to my mom for how she has raised me.
- Education: I have the opportunity to get a great education. I might be able to earn my own scholarship, and have some money saved up for college. With this opportunity I can create a great life for myself.
- Music: Without music, life would be very dull. I am very thankful for artists who create great music, as well as the music they create. I love music, and love the creativity the that flows out of my stereo system.
- SHARPIES!: Yes, it's a strange thing to be thankful for. But what would life be without colorful permanent markers know as sharpies?!?! I love sharpies. The more the better!
- Great food: Gotta love great food! Deserts, salads, meats of all kinds. Seafood, soups, and breads galore! Hungry yet?
- Books: Books are amazing. They are a source of information, entertainment, and a weapon to fight against boredom.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey is a great self-help book for teenagers who, like myself, have a hard time keeping everything under control. With school, family, peer pressure, and the opposite sex, it's no wonder!
The habit I have the hardest time with is the last habit: Sharpening the Saw. This habit deals with taking time out of your hectic life to relax and take care of yourself. I'm usually so busy that this becomes low priority, and because of that I become ill, or too tired to do anything. At all. At that point I am forced to take care of myself and get better.
One of the subjects talked about in The Seven Habits, is Paradigms of Life, aka: Where your focus is. I try to be as well centered as possible. I don't center my life around one object or person. Instead I try to keep it equally distributed between all matters of my life. If I didn't, I would be so confused and unorganized, I'd have an extremely hectic life.
The habit I have the hardest time with is the last habit: Sharpening the Saw. This habit deals with taking time out of your hectic life to relax and take care of yourself. I'm usually so busy that this becomes low priority, and because of that I become ill, or too tired to do anything. At all. At that point I am forced to take care of myself and get better.
One of the subjects talked about in The Seven Habits, is Paradigms of Life, aka: Where your focus is. I try to be as well centered as possible. I don't center my life around one object or person. Instead I try to keep it equally distributed between all matters of my life. If I didn't, I would be so confused and unorganized, I'd have an extremely hectic life.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Really?
I find it interesting how people perceive me. Apparently I am a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, energizer bunny. Or that's how I appear. This is extremely surprising to me. I would never have perceived myself this way... Unless I had Mountain Dew. Ha!
I wonder how many other's appear different then how they really are. I'm not a negative person, but I'm not necessarily a positive person either. According to friends I appear positive. How many people who seem positive, are really negative? Or how many people that appear negative, are really positive?
So now, in my strange series of thoughts, I wonder why it is people hide their true nature? Or if most, like myself, don't realize they are doing so? I can understand why someone such as an evil genius would hide their identity, but hopefully I don't know any of those. Why would a happy person pretend to be negative? And how many people act differently to fit in with their group of friends?
These are just a few of the questions I think of randomly. There are so many. If you think you have some answers to my questions, I'd be glad to hear your theories. :)
I wonder how many other's appear different then how they really are. I'm not a negative person, but I'm not necessarily a positive person either. According to friends I appear positive. How many people who seem positive, are really negative? Or how many people that appear negative, are really positive?
So now, in my strange series of thoughts, I wonder why it is people hide their true nature? Or if most, like myself, don't realize they are doing so? I can understand why someone such as an evil genius would hide their identity, but hopefully I don't know any of those. Why would a happy person pretend to be negative? And how many people act differently to fit in with their group of friends?
These are just a few of the questions I think of randomly. There are so many. If you think you have some answers to my questions, I'd be glad to hear your theories. :)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Art IS Important
For those of you who do not know this, I love art. People ask me if I like art, I say no. I love it. People ask me if it's just a hobby, again I say no. And then they ask if it's something I would like to go into as a career. My reply is usually: It's more then just a hobby, or a career choice, it's a passion! Its my life. Its what I live for. Some people are astounded by this. Why?
1) The world is based on the idea that art has no effect on the way we live. This is wrong. Everything from the shoes you are wearing, to the building you are in, was designed by an artist. Many of the amazing things we own and rely on would not exist without art.
2) Many people do not have the ability to create a work of art. Because of their own lack of creativity, some people see artwork as a waste of time and money. Or perhaps they are jealous of whoever created particular pieces of art and take it out on art as a whole.
3) Society is taught from an early age that the only way to be successful is through Mathematics and Sciences. And indeed the astounding number of starving artist does support this. However many artists have become great, successful people. Such as Leonardo Divinci, and Pablo Picasso. And art has such a great influence on society that the only reason for the staggering amount of starving artist is caused by a lack of financial knowledge or skill on their part.
Perhaps one day this will all change, and art will become recognized as a great impact on society and the world we live in, and gain the respect that it deserves.
1) The world is based on the idea that art has no effect on the way we live. This is wrong. Everything from the shoes you are wearing, to the building you are in, was designed by an artist. Many of the amazing things we own and rely on would not exist without art.
2) Many people do not have the ability to create a work of art. Because of their own lack of creativity, some people see artwork as a waste of time and money. Or perhaps they are jealous of whoever created particular pieces of art and take it out on art as a whole.
3) Society is taught from an early age that the only way to be successful is through Mathematics and Sciences. And indeed the astounding number of starving artist does support this. However many artists have become great, successful people. Such as Leonardo Divinci, and Pablo Picasso. And art has such a great influence on society that the only reason for the staggering amount of starving artist is caused by a lack of financial knowledge or skill on their part.
Perhaps one day this will all change, and art will become recognized as a great impact on society and the world we live in, and gain the respect that it deserves.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Book Report: Sahara
Book Report: Sahara
Clive Cussler’s novel Sahara astounded me with its intense plot, diverse characters, and intriguing settings. As amazing as the Movie Sahara is, the book it’s based on threw it out of the water. Without a doubt, Sahara is one of the best books I have ever read.
One of the things that captured me in Sahara was all of the remarkable settings, one of which was the desert itself. The main characters Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino cross the Sahara many times, once my an old Avion Voison car, and again using an old truck, then again by walking towards the border out of Mali. And once more by UN tactical team war vehicles. Giordino and Pitt also find themselves along the Niger River earlier on in the book, surveying red tide components. Unfortunately they also find them selves in the murderous gold mines of Tabezza, and the secretive waste disposal plant run by Yvez Massarde.
Another thing about Sahara that intrigued me is its mixture of characters. Sahara has every type of character from cruel monsters of people, to beautiful humanitarians who only want to help others. And from incredibly smart individuals to people who seem to have no other use then incredible muscle and endurance. For example: Melika, a character who could be described as a slave overseer, as well as a murderer, is heartless and cruel. Where as Eva Rojas, a biochemist for the WHO, find joy in helping others and is selfless when it comes to her work. The diversity of characters in the book Sahara left me transfixed.
For anyone who likes action packed adventures this book is a must read! I enjoyed Sahara and recommend it to everyone. Clive Cussler’s amazing writing skills left me starving for more!
(568 pgs)
Clive Cussler’s novel Sahara astounded me with its intense plot, diverse characters, and intriguing settings. As amazing as the Movie Sahara is, the book it’s based on threw it out of the water. Without a doubt, Sahara is one of the best books I have ever read.
One of the things that captured me in Sahara was all of the remarkable settings, one of which was the desert itself. The main characters Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino cross the Sahara many times, once my an old Avion Voison car, and again using an old truck, then again by walking towards the border out of Mali. And once more by UN tactical team war vehicles. Giordino and Pitt also find themselves along the Niger River earlier on in the book, surveying red tide components. Unfortunately they also find them selves in the murderous gold mines of Tabezza, and the secretive waste disposal plant run by Yvez Massarde.
Another thing about Sahara that intrigued me is its mixture of characters. Sahara has every type of character from cruel monsters of people, to beautiful humanitarians who only want to help others. And from incredibly smart individuals to people who seem to have no other use then incredible muscle and endurance. For example: Melika, a character who could be described as a slave overseer, as well as a murderer, is heartless and cruel. Where as Eva Rojas, a biochemist for the WHO, find joy in helping others and is selfless when it comes to her work. The diversity of characters in the book Sahara left me transfixed.
For anyone who likes action packed adventures this book is a must read! I enjoyed Sahara and recommend it to everyone. Clive Cussler’s amazing writing skills left me starving for more!
(568 pgs)
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