My Critique

The rumors of a bad book can only be confirmed by taking the time and reading it to verify just how horrible the book really is. Quite a few books have made this list, but the one in question was labeled bad from the very beginning of its popular series called “The Twilight Series.” Even though some of the books have received some praise from the literary world, not to mention the outpour of adoring fans who would practically die for this self-proclaimed “saga,” the series fails where it should have had a huge literary finale.

After searching for the words “Stephanie Meyer’s controversy,” several websites, mostly fan-based, reveal what seems to be a controversy that not even the FBI can solve. In her last book, “Breaking Dawn,” we are faced with Bella Swan (the protagonist of the story, if you’re not aware by now) in a difficult situation and hanging in the threads between life and death. She finally marries her vampire sweetheart Edward and head off for a lovely honeymoon on a secluded island in South America. It is there that Bella’s innocence is lost (quite violently, may I add, because after all, he’s a vampire and one of the strongest creatures in this book’s world). It is after this act that we learn of Bella’s predicament.

Let’s examine pregnancy for a moment. Fundamental science tells us that in order for pregnancy to occur, a live ovum has to be fertilized by a live sperm in order for the “magic” to work. Notice how I added the word “live” to emphasize that the couple in question would more than likely be alive. Now, let’s go back to the “Twilight” world. Bella is definitely alive. She’s the human that Edward Cullen can’t live without, however, Edward Cullen is dead. He’s been around for 104 years, 18 of those years as a human, the rest as a walking undead. At first, yes, that doesn’t sound appealing, but to Bella, he is a god-like creature of perfection. However, that doesn’t defeat the fact that he’s dead. Stone dead. Going back to the concept of pregnancy, how is it that a live ovum (Bella’s) is joined by a dead sperm (Edward’s) and create a half-vampire, half-human child? If this review has disappointed you by now, you are welcome to walk away (as I should have done when I first read that). It only gets worse.

The pregnancy is not only real in the story, but it is also accelerated. In a matter of weeks, Bella is already months pregnant, due to her child’s vampiric nature, but Bella’s priority is to save the child from her new family who, aside from the woman who despised Bella, Rosalie, are planning to kill this child to save Bella’s life. Here we enter the second issue. Rosalie has disliked Bella since book one. In book two, she expresses why she wouldn’t like Bella converted into vampirism and her opinion is validated: Rosalie didn’t have a choice to become a vampire. If she did, she would have chosen not to and live a perfectly normal human life cycle (She sounds sane, doesn’t she?) However, the animosity between the two continues to exist, that is, until Bella asks her for help to protect the child. Rosalie becomes Bella’s best friend in “Breaking Dawn” and guards her, even threatening to attack her own family just to protect this half-undead fetus. However, as soon as the child is born and new problems arise, Bella’s new BFF is out of the picture and all we see of her is when she’s hugging Emmet, her beloved, at the end of the novel. Bella completely takes her out of the picture once the little zombie is born.

Other discrepancies that didn’t make sense were: Why didn’t Edward ever tell his daughter that he loved her? Why was it so easy for Bella’s dad to accept her situation? Why did Alice leave so abruptly without explaining? (To which she claims she did so to avoid Bella stressing out so much, therefore, she left the entire family. Such commitment!) What happened to Renee? Bella’s mother was always on her mind, but not once did she bother to reach out to her. Where’s that bond they supposedly shared in book one? Why were the Volturri, the vampire royalty and quite powerful beings, afraid of the Cullens and their “witnesses” if they were indeed as powerful as they claimed? Where’s the battle?

However, to give some credit to this book, there were some parts that were really nice and deserve some acknowledgement. “Breaking Dawn” is divided into three parts. Bella narrates part one and three, but Jacob Black, the Native American “werewolf” narrates part two and it is well narrated. This is the time when Bella is still pregnant and Jacob decides to protect her on his own, breaking away from his wolf pack and creating his own. It is through his eyes that we see the monstrosities of Bella’s pregnancy and the worry that the Cullens have when facing the problem and guard dog Rosalie. It is through Jacob’s eyes that we experience our true human emotions to this absurdity. They’re going to let her give birth? Really? The creature just broke her ribs? And you’re going continue to let it exist? The fetus wants blood and you’re going to give Bella a sippy cup with a straw so she can have gallons of blood that perhaps could have saved lives in Seattle? All the way through the second part, the reader is perplexed with what’s going on along with having unanswered questions, and thanks to Jacob, we don’t feel so alone. However, when the second part ends, so does Jacob’s credibility.  Jacob was quite gung-ho about killing this newborn thing and when he sees it, his world changes. The next time he appears in part three, he’s giving his life for this little leech. Then again, Bella’s telling the story and we don’t get that half-human feel in the story anymore.

The bothersome part of the second part is that the reader comes to understand Leah Clearwater, the only female “werewolf” in the pack. The reader understands her frustrations and even creates a connection with her, feeling sorry for her and loving her free-spirited ways, but once Jacob’s part is over, so is Leah. She only appears here and there, with no importance whatsoever. What will happen to her? What about her menopausal state of being because she’s a werewolf? Is she ruined forever? Why would Stephanie Meyers create an interesting character only to abandon her reader’s interest in her? Leah Clearwater is indeed one of the most interesting characters in the*

A powerful part in the story that deserves merit is toward the end when the vampire Irina is destroyed. She was the one who saw the infant monster (because at several days after birth, she is now a one year old) and was determined to turn the Cullens in for making a vampire baby. The difference between a vampire baby and this creature of lust is that a vampire baby is a child that was intentionally made into a vampire and this Cullen creature was made through love (see the live ovum and undead sperm discussion above). The Volturri arrive to condemn the Cullens and find out that the parasite isn’t an undead baby, but half-human. Irina is apologetic and attempts to clear everyone’s name when the Volturri attack her for wasting their time. That was beautiful. A powerful organization trying to inflict fear in its followers’ undead hearts and simply making an example out of one misguided vampire. Unfortunately, their power crumbles as they run away with their tails between their legs, to avoid conflict, of course. That one moment in the story was enough to make me cheer for the ghost of a well-written book. However, the entire piece doesn’t match that one page at the end.

Finally, the marketing for the book has claimed that this is a saga. A true saga would have generations of Cullens, starting with Bella.  If this were a true saga, the first book would have been about Bella and her new life. The second book would have been a review of the Cullens’ lives and how they came to accept Bella as their new sister. The third book would be “Breaking Dawn.” The fourth book would be the leech child Reneesme and her half-human life. The fifth book (God forbid) would be about any other Cullens that may enter the picture. This would demonstrate how generations of Cullens, focusing on Bella’s generational tree branch, evolved over the years. That is a true saga. The Twilight books are nothing but continuations of the previous book with a separation of several months in between. Young readers are being misled.

The Twilight books are not a gift from the literary world to the people. It is full of plot holes, unanswered questions, and weak characters. One can tell whom Stephanie Meyers adored more in this novel. Those characters that were slightly developed and slightly loved were scratched as soon as Bella walked into the room. Even Edward gets scratched out at the end. This novel series becomes an egotistical Bella ride and if you’re not her, you can’t get on. Overall, however, there are children (and adults) reading this novel who perhaps would never pick up a book on their own and that does deserve some credit. However, in literary merit, this book series is a joke that could have been redeemed if Ms. Meyers wasn’t too eager to get the books out and perhaps spent a little more time rethinking her outlines, especially for “Breaking Dawn,” which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It simply leeches away the reader’s time and all credibility from Meyers’ writing. There is a way to make the incredible believable, but Ms. Meyers was incapable of accomplishing this feat, thus producing a joke of a series.

* This was left intentionally to demonstrate how Leah was cut off abruptly in the book

Never-ending Lesson

A long time ago, I thought that perhaps I could trust a friend with something. I quickly learned that I couldn't.  This continually comes up year after year, but I, as well as many others, continue to trust at least one person and find out that it was a mistake when our secrets go out in the open or they decide to betray us, or accidentally say too much. This lesson is one that we as humans will continue to learn from the hard way, over and over. And it will hurt, but we simply get up and live our lives, only to make that mistake again. And we all say the same thing, "That's the last time I tell anyone anything!" Two minutes later, we share our secret with someone else. Actions speak louder than words. Yeah, some may say "I'll keep your secrets" but then backstab us in the end.

We want to trust others, but it's hard when we know the possibilities of our secrets and desires being spread around like jelly. Besides, how many times have we promised not to say a thing and then let the cat out of the bag?

True Heroes

In a time when heroes are few and amazing people are hard to find, these two people are the true definition of what hard work and kindness will get you. They are truly heroes and absolutely amazing. One can only aspire to be as them and if you ever had the chance to meet them, you would be in awe. 

Yes, many young people have horrible things to say about the gentleman, but as adults, they thank and appreciate him. He is a grammar wizard and exceptionally hilarious.

The woman is someone who knows how to look into the author's soul and discover what he/she really means. She is a mother to those she takes under her wing as well as her own children. She has a pure heart of gold and is about to begin a new journey in her life.

They are both brave, strong, and wise. They are both beautiful humans. They are teachers.

Thank you.

Winter Evening

It slapped my face as soon as I stepped out of the building. It's attack welcomed me into its world and I knew that winter had no heart for those who were weak. Teasing me, it flipped my hair over and pulled my scarf onto the ground. It dripped ice water down my jacket and made me shiver. Damn you, winter. Your cruel moves have forced me to simply lock myself up in my home and cover up, closing my doors to others and the world.



Nonetheless, I love the simpleness of the cold, dark days of winter.

And...*POOF*...It's Gone

I know you're drooling. I was too when I got these pretties in my hand and just like that, they were all gone. All of it. Bills. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that these little slips of paper are actually worth something. If I cut out little slips of paper, they're worthless, but these! These are worth the amount on the face of the paper. We take these slips of paper for granted, giving it away and getting other things that perhaps are important, and perhaps not.

I wish I had these slips of paper in my hand still. Then again, they would be gone just as quick too. I would go shopping for things that you may think are useless, but I find important or fascinating!

Then again, they're just slips of paper. What's so fascinating about them?

After a weekend and a few days of hell, I looked up at the sky and saw the clouds. Behind the clouds, I could see the the blue sky. It was then that I realized that no matter how many clouds may be covering the sky, behind it them, the blue sky is still the blue sky. No matter how many layers of issues and problems one has, in the end, we're still people. In other words, life goes on, just like the sky.


Despite the cold I have, which is getting progressively worse, the day got a tad better. I'm feeling a bit better and I just have to be calm and keep doing what I'm doing. Things will fall into place. I quote Conan O'Brien who said "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen." 


As a believer of karma, I have faith that this is true.

Strikes Again!

Nevermind that I had a crappy week and weekend. Nooo, I had to get a cold! It came out of nowhere! I was simply minding my own business and BAM! I'm sick. Curse you, virus.

CURSE YOU, I SAY!

Wooo!

Back in 1995, I became a huge New Orleans fan, mostly because of Anne Rice and the Vampire Chronicles. Along with my love for the Big Easy, came my love for the New Orleans Saints. My support has always been there for them, even though they always lost.

Then we started the 2009-2010 season.  At first, I thought, "Here goes another season..." but then they were undefeated and I was so excited to see them rise. At last, they're going to the Superbowl and I'm so proud of them!!

Didn't think I was a football fan, huh? Surprise!

War

     It was late night and we were sitting in our high-rise apartment. My boyfriend was there and with our laughter, my father woke up and called out my name. I walked to his bedroom and closed the door. My mother was asleep and so we whispered. He wanted my boyfriend out and immediately. I sighed and glanced out the open window, which displayed the gorgeous night view of the city.

     "I said now!" my father told me in his half-sleep, angry voice. It was then that we heard something fiercely hit the window. I jumped back but ignored it after we didn't see any damage done with the window. I pleaded my case over and over with my father about why my boyfriend should stay a little longer when another thing attacked the window.

     "But dad!"

     It was then that the next item to hit the window broke through, blasted through the apartment and explode. My mom and dad jumped out of bed, put their robes on and ran out, followed by me, then my brother, who was sleeping in the other room. My boyfriend was suddenly gone. We grabbed the first things we could get our hands on. My brother grabbed a black backpack and I grabbed my laptop and bag. We all ran down the stairs and out into the streets, which were filled with screaming people and crumbled buildings.

     And fire. There was fire everywhere. I looked up at the sky and saw bright orange streams of fire as each missile flew overhead and down to the city. We were under attack.

     The safe spot was the airport and we were all sitting there, shocked that the city was being bombarded. In the calm of the storm, my brother and I went back to the remains of our apartment to pick up provisions and whatever we could take. My mother came along but she was badly injured. Apparently, she received a massive dose of radiation and her body was frying. My brother grabbed some jackets and I grabbed Scope, Listerine, Band-aids, gauze, toothpaste, and anything else I could remember from those shows I had seen about surviving disasters. My brother grabbed a few stuffed dragons of mine and the three of us went back to the airport. However, I was eager to jump into the looting situation going on around town, so I ran to the nearest Target.

    The world was upside down and we were at war.

   This is one of my many war dreams. I usually wake up whimpering, trying to scream, breathing hard. I wish I knew why I had these dreams. I am usually with my family and there are missiles falling into the city. Fire surrounds us and there's chaos. And the noise. I hear screaming and crying. I hear booms and crumblings. They completely terrify me.

     Today's picture was a quick one shot thing. I saw it and it reminded me of a city on fire.

Stress Kills

I didn't post a picture yesterday because I got home from work really sick with chest pains and headaches. I apologize to my small pool of readers. At this time, I'm only allowed a few minutes online at a time while I rest today and this weekend. I realized that my health is more important than the urgency to update everyday. So I'm taking this opportunity to let you all know that once in a while, we need to sit back and relax. Tell the world a big "Fuck you" and live our lives. Breathe.  Before I go back to bed and just rest all day, here's today's cookie's message:

Just breathe.

Need To Listen

I got this text today and I haven't responded (I hope she doesn't read my blog tonight!). I haven't because I really want to find out too, but I haven't asked my friend who has the bellydancing class (I think she reads my blog) and I haven't asked because I'm super stressed because I have a lot of work to get done by this Friday (and I hope this blog doesn't show my procrastination). However, I do want to try that class and my friends were interested. So I should listen to my fortune cookie and just ask.

But, well, I guess I can do that tomorrow... n_~

Death, I Said!

Here it is! I knew it was somewhere to be found. I guess I get a bigger kick out of the picture than the warnings themselves. Anyway, I'm keeping it short because I'm in big trouble and I need to either calm down, or panic. I should go find more death signs. I love them! n_n!

Oh, by the way, this was taken at the Grand Canyon, 2005.

Danger!

Here's another death warning. Seriously, I love these. I don't know why. They're obvious and yet, they warn you of dire consequences. Fabulous! I still need to look for my Grand Canyon warning and post it one day. That one's one of my favorites!

Video Game Cookie Says...

"Necromancers raise dead foes instead of attacking you directly. Kill them quickly."

I got that from a fortune cookie in a video game. That's wise advice, you know, for when those nasty necromancers show up from no where and raise the dead to attack you. I guess you would have to kill them quickly so that the army of undead don't come torment you, along with the necromancer. Cowards, I tell ya. They won't face you with a sword or axe. No, they'll raise the dead to do their dirty work for them.

This has to stop. How many times have we been told to face our enemies and if we die, to die with honor?! And, necromancers choose to play dirty. Well, enough is too much! Down with these cowardly necromancers! It is time to rise up and show them that we will not confront their armies of dead zombies and creatures! We will fight them with honor and they better be prepared!

Oh, you better believe we'll kill them quickly.

Red As...

Sorry, too much Twilight and True Blood talk led to posting this picture today. And with that, I end the week. I'm tired tonight, so I'll just leave it at that.

Damn Right!

"Oh, grow up."

I get that all the time. It gets quite tiring after a while because I know who I am and I love me! And yet, I get all sorts of people: young, old, in-between. They look at me and think I'm the most immature person they've ever seen. Not met. Seen.

This is me: I don't like extravagant fashion purses. I carry stuffed animal bags instead. I like pigtails. I dance in the aisles at Target and Wal-mart. I laugh loudly. I sleep hugging a stuffed Eeyore at night. And I'm about to hit 30. I love it.

The truth is that maturity has nothing to do with what we like. It has to do with knowing when and how to behave. You may see me walk in with a stuffed animal purse, but if it's important, that purse is hidden and I get down to business. I know when I need to shut up and when I can joke. That's called growing up.

Grow up, they tell me. I have and still am. And trust me, I'm having a blast doing it!

It Never Ends

The day just never seems to end. Sometimes I just want to give an ultimatum:

We Can Hope

There is only one thing I really, really recall from the movie "I Am Legend" with Will Smith. Remember that part at the very beginning where Emma Thompson's character is being interviewed by Good Morning America because she created some sort of cure that was tested out on people and they were cured of cancer? Hearing the interviewer say "You have cured cancer," and having the Dr. say "Yes, yes....Yes we have" was -the- scariest part of the movie for me. For a split second, I thought "But...if you cure cancer, something worse is going to follow." And sure enough, three movie years later...you get the picture.


I don't know. I guess I've always believed that nature will always find a way to control the population. Unfortunately, I believe that cancer is one of those ways. It's a horrible thing. I've lost many family members to cancer and I've seen friends and other family members fight the damn disease, but when I hear people say "We must find a cure!" I can't help but shudder. What if we do find a cure to all cancer, and something worse comes along? Then what?


However, there's that glimmer of hope. This is it. This is for those loved ones and women who have fought and survived or simply fought bravely against breast cancer. May this monster go away one day.

No Rest For The Wicked

One would think that we would all take this advice, huh? I mean, it makes sense. If you don't feel well, then stop what you're doing and rest, but sometimes you just don't can't afford to stop. That's when we keep going and while we know we're killing ourselves, we push forward.

I would love to stop playing and take a rest, but with tests coming up, and the rest of the year to go, I don't see a rest in my future.

How about yours?

It's That Easy

Today's pic doesn't have any words, but the message is clear. Some things are so obvious, you just want to roll your eyes when you see something stupid. For example, one day, I was driving on the freeway and I see a truck swerving and getting into the next lane. I was stuck in my little wolf pack, so I had to slow down and pray that this guy doesn't hit me or make any sudden stops. Eventually, I manage to escape the pack and speed up, away from the truck, which is now behind me. We already knew he was drunk, but what made it worse was that he actually threw a large can of beer out the window as he continued to drive. ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS? I couldn't see his license plates (or he didn't have front plates, I don't recall) or else I would have called the cops. Luckily, I managed to get off the freeway and away from the madness.

So when I walk around work and notice pizza crusts on the floor or empty food trays in the stairwell, I can't help but wonder who's teaching these people about responsibilities. The last thing I need is for them to grow up and become that crazed driver on the freeway tossing a giant can of beer out the window.

Once, In a Distant Past...

I once dreamed of a land where one would be young forever. There were no problems and little angels would guide your path and play with you. Smiles were all you needed to be happy in this land. In the center of the world was this beautiful palace made out of ivory that lit up when the red and violet sunlight hit the palace and light bounced off out toward the land. The animals would not fear you and they would frolic in the fields of flowers and green, soft, grass. That grass was so soft, one could fall asleep and dream of all the fun and safe things you wanted when you were that age. When your eyes opened, you could watch the sun set  and have a midnight blue sky sparkle with millions of stars that fell from the heavens in the form of faeries. They would show you beauty and wonder as you all danced with the fireflies. No one wondered about the palace. No one cared.

However, deep within the palace, where the Princess lived, also lived the evil that sought to destroy this land. Her advisor and his minions of shadow. Him. Him was not very much liked by the Princess, but what other choice did she have when he was the only one she knew? Yes, those of her land respected and loved the Princess, but they weren't there when times were hard. He was.

One day, the Princess was walking in the forest when she found a pair of large, wooden doors with giant iron handles. The cherubs and faeries warned her about the doors, but she was curious and decided to open them. When she did, she discovered a new world in which she was not a Princess, but a girl with no claims to anything. He stood at the door and grinned darkly, telling her, "If you leave our world, Princess, I will have no choice but to take over what you have left behind."

Saddened by the idea, for she knew that He would turn this land of beauty upside-down, she apologized to her followers and escaped through the doors, which in turn, closed loudly behind her. Her crown, her dress, her violet eyes all disappeared and she became human. Once in a while she visits her now shattered land and she does sit on her crystal throne, but it is now tainted, just like her world. All she can do is sit there and wonder what went wrong, while He stands beside her, ruling the land.

Being under 4ft doesn't sound like a bad idea right about now...

Oink, Oink!

Don't you just love it when you find those extra coins in the couch, or that washed up five dollar bill in your jeans? I particularly love it when someone says "Oh hey! We have money for the rest of the week! I just got paid!" Music to my ears, especially during that hard time when the government screws up your bill payment rotation because there's a winter break at the end of December and therefore, they're going to pay you mid-December...and then your next check comes at the end of January. That's a month and a half with one paycheck!

Anyway, because of this, my beloved cookie of a husband treated me to dinner. At the end, I started to throw all the trash on the plate and when I looked at it, today's message was staring right at me.

Yeah, maybe I did, but it was a wonderful date with my husband and a delicious meal!

The Smell of Death

I love signs that say "Warning....You will die." I might add a few I've collected over the years on here to share. They are just so obvious and yet, people don't listen to the warning and unfortunately, death does occur. The weekend is here and I'm going to grade a little, play a little, and just relax.

And I will heed this sign's advice and keep the coke machines on solid ground. The last thing I need is a giant machine filled with cans fall on top of me. Besides, the damn machine won't give me free products, so what's the use? Haha!  Have a good weekend, cookie!

Distant Chill

It was cold today. Perhaps it was that cold front that brought upon today's feeling of sadness and depression. Perhaps not. However, I can't deny that feeling of a cold, empty hole within me. Yeah, so I'm a tad dramatic, but there's this eerie chill in the air. So, when such a day comes into play, my emotional state comes up with writing filled with despair, such as the following:

She waited on the couch, wrapped up in a blue fleece blanket, staring at the white wall in the dark with nothing but a nightlight that barely lit the kitchen as her only source of light. Waiting for a sign, or a call, or a text. She waited for her IM to tell her that he was ready to talk. She waited for something that told her that he still thought about her.

But there was nothing. In the dark calm, she heard her heart beating and nothing else. It was loud; it was wanting, and needing to hear his voice. She had tried many times to contact him, but he was nowhere to be found. A deep breath; a deep sigh and she shuffled under the blanket, curling up against the cushioned back of the sofa.

In the dark was where she hoped to see and hear him. Those few moments they spoke and spent countless hours together were spent in the dark. They shared the cold comfort of a distant embrace. They expressed many words to calm their hearts and soothe their minds. The day would come, they both knew, but he knew before she did. Now, all she could do was wait. And she missed him.

She missed him with violent anger and with saddened remorse. She missed him with an empty heart and a mind full of memories, dreams, and desires. There were no tears for him or words of hatred. There was only the silent pain that ran through her blood. Each time her heart pumped that venom through her veins, she shifted under her blue comfort.

Shift.

Her eyes glanced at the clock.

Shift.

She rested her head against the sofa.

Shift.

Her fingers clawed at the black micro-suede material.

All she could do was wait. Perhaps this was his goodbye. Or perhaps he didn’t need her anymore. However, she simply waited and she knew she would wait forever. He had changed her life and she wasn’t going to let that go. Especially on this cold, dark night, where the frigid house embraced her, keeping her secrets, and watching her weep silently and without any tears worth wasting.

Along with the writing, we have today's picture. Have you seen me? Within the frame you'll notice a few items. Take the picture as you will. I'm just here to deliver today's random cookie. 

Seriously, don't.

Calm and assertive. Calm and assertive. Those were the words my husband left me with last night as I prepared to return to work today.  "Be calm and assertive." My husband is a huge Cesar Milan fan and he has learned that being calm and assertive will get you quite far not only with dogs, but with people as well. This is what I decided to do for work and so far it has been working. I don't get pushed around a lot and I get things done more than usual.

However, it doesn't help that while I'm consciously calm and assertive, I'm subconsciously a wreck. In my mind, my I'm screaming "GET AWAY FROM ME!" yet, my face is calm and a smile is there to freak them all out. Either way, my calm demeanor lead to a somewhat peaceful and tiring day. I hope to continue being calm and assertive.

Because believe me, no matter how much you shake me, you will not get any sweetness out of me. Eat that, cookie!

Are You Sure?

There's always that blindside that we forget to check and sometimes the signs are there, but we don't know whether to listen to them or go with our instincts. Sometimes we're right, sometimes we're wrong.

Beware that drop off. I hear it's a doozy. But if we stay to the left? Will there be a brick wall in our way?

My apologies. I would write more but I'm feeling a little under the weather. I think there are signs going on with me at this very moment and I'm not sure whether I should listen to them or not. We'll see if I hit the wall, drop off, or make it onto the road safely.

Thank a...Teacher?

Here in town, I find all sorts of odd gems on marquees that make me wonder who is behind the spelling or the word usage? Have you heard that saying "If you can read this, thank a teacher"? Well, if we can read it, we thank a teacher, but if it's wrong? Nowadays its quite easy to blame someone other than ourselves and I know first-hand teachers usually get the blunt of the blame. But what if the mistake we made had nothing to do with the teacher, but rather, with our own rush and need to get down with it? We want to get things done so quickly that we don't pay attention to the details.

I include myself in this category. I know you grammar freaks are searching this entry for my errors and I'm ready to see what I did wrong! (geez!) But like everything, if we simply stepped back and looked at what we're doing, we can definitely see where we made a mistake.

The person who posted this marquee could have easily walked a few feet back, checked the spelling, and fixed it, but because they were probably in a hurry to make pizzas and chicken wings, we got this little cookie.

By the way, I hear the cowboys beat the egles.

Sound Advice

It's always that little voice in our heads that say "Go on, do it! You only live once!" And then before we know it, we made a mistake in our lives and have to live with it. Some of us will move on and take more risks, thus living life to its fullest while others will dwell on the situation for ages, never allowing them to move on and experience other things. Yes, the signs are there. They tell us what not to do, but I guarantee you, people will continue to do them, no matter what the consequences may be.

Me? I'll try something once. However, these past few years, I've been fearful of the world and holding back on enjoying life. I'm hoping to read the random messages life has for me and taking that leap; taking the risk and learning from the experience.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, remember, "Do not hit balls against fence." And...uh,...if you do, tell us how it went! n_n;

Taking the Time

So I took my cookie's advice and I did something unusual. Thanks to a wake-up call at 10 am, I joined my friends for a little outing. This is unusual because I don't go out. So after a dangerous shower (I cut my fingernail ;_; ), I managed to step out of the tub in one piece and I went out to meet my friends. I hadn't seen them in a long time and I was glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to do this. On the way home, I stopped by a park, another unusual step for me, and took a deep breath. It was at the park that we see today's shot and random cookie message. By the way, the wind held the paper up for me. Thanks, nature!

And you know, yeah, love is a present and I received one of the greatest gifts today seeing my friends and stepping out of the house. It was a good day.

Happy 2010!

I figured I would try this blogging deal. It has been something I've wanted to do for a while. If anything, this is for my own personal gain. So if you're reading this, hi there! This will be a place for random thoughts and pictures. I got the idea for the name from getting that fortune cookie message "Do something unusual tomorrow." So for 2010, that's what I'll aim for. Doing something unusual. I'm off to a decent start with this blog. Now, let's see if I can keep up with it. See ya, cookie!