Blogging

I believe that there are more pros than cons of having to blog as part of my English class. For the most part, I enjoy blogging because it's a release of feelings on topics that are important to me. Sometimes it's just a nice way to relieve stress through typing the words to make better sense of something. More often than not, I discover additional insight and ideas about a topic when I actually have to sit down and write about it. This is important and helpful, because I gain more knowledge on something that I previously didn't value much. I definitely prefer blogging about things I want to rather than being assigned to blog about something I could care less about, because I'm more motivated to write and try harder. I believe that having to write two blogs a week for class is a fair assignment because I think it's easy and allows students to be creative as well as improve their writing skills simultaneously. When I blog I feel free and not restrained to a structured essay which is stressful and time consuming. With blogs, time is not a factor to me and I can type for however long I feel to get my point across. There is no pressure and it's almost like writing in my own secret diary, yet my other peers can view my material and provide me with feedback. I have no problem with this though, because I feel more comfortable with my blogs since it's the "real me" exposed; no boundaries, no limits. Overall, blogging is a helpful tool which helps people express emotion on a subject as well as improve their writing as a whole.

Book Review

I have just recently finished reading the astounding memoir entitled "A Million Little Pieces," by James Frey. I must say that it was quite interesting and managed to attain my attention throughout its' entirety.
Reading the various descriptions of the horrible things the author went through while coping with the rehabilitation process at a treatment center came off initially as a shock to me. It's hard to fathom that him, as well as millions of others struggling with addiction, were able to overcome their struggles. Many of the descriptions in the book were very raw and at times hard to read. Yet this is another factor which made me appreciate Freys' writing even more. He didn't hide anything and the situations that he explained were extremely realistic, allowing the readers to relate to exactly what he must have gone through.
At the young age of 23, I can only imagine the stir of emotions Frey felt, dealing with both the surroundings at the rehabilitation center and his family, or should I say the lack of family. It made me sad to think that his family barely supported him, if at all, while he was going through one of the hardest times in his life. It just made me realize how typical that is with others who are struggling with the same thing Frey went through himself. This is where I withhold a large amount of respect for him.
Although he was in a scary new place, dealing with traumatic withdrawals as well as other neurotic patients, he remained strong throughout the entire ordeal and stayed clean, sticking true to what was best for himself. That must have taken a lot of courage from him, or from anyone for that matter. Even if his family wasn't there to acknowledge his accomplishments, Freys' biggest reward was remaining true to himself and getting better. His memoir was truly inspiring.

I've Been Watching You

I remember as if it happened yesterday. Another walk to the park with my new puppy, a practiced routine that had become ritual. Every day after getting home from school I would hook Isabel to her leash and then out the door we would go. Her tail wagged in excitement, and it seemed more like she walked me than I walked her, as she anxiously dragged me down our street.
Looking both ways, we crossed the street carefully to the community park. I began to giggle in glee as she sped up to chase after a bird that had been perched near the ground. This was the highlight of my day. Nothing else mattered as I spent this time with my favorite new friend. All the worries of my day seemed to disappear as I took in the sweet fragrance of the flowers and the whispering of the creek.
We made our way around to the far side of the park. As she stopped to play with a stick near a tree, I heard a voice behind me. Although startled at first, I was reassured as I turned around only to see a friendly guy interested in my dog. He was smiling and had a foreign accent as he asked me about Isabel. He explained how he had been contemplating the idea of getting a new addition to the family and was curious whether my rottweiler mix breed was a good choice. He knelt down to scratch her chin while he talked.
Realizing it was getting late, I hinted at goodbye as I led Bella with me so we could make our way back home. But the man followed us along, walking next to my side as if he had been invited to come too. I tried not to think much of it since this was probably the way he has to go as well. The next thing that came out of his mouth made my heart stop. "I've been watching you come here every day. Where do you live?" I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I attempted to laugh the question off as I grabbed my phone out of my pocket with trembling hands. My first reaction was to call my mom, who I knew was just across the street.
I text messaged her the short statement: "Some guy is following me. Help." Immediately my phone began ringing and I calmly answered it as Isabel and I, and this stranger, continued walking. My mom's voice was shaking and frantic and she asked me what was happening. I discreetly let her know that this creep was right next to me so I couldn't answer too much. She let me know that my step-dad was on his way and we hung up. The guy had seemed oblivious to the fact that I had just called for help.
Now all three of us were right across from my street. My puppy had laid down and the man was kneeled down beside her, petting her head. This was a nightmare. All I could think about were the various forensic files shows I had seen with my mom, and I imagined the worst case scenarios that could occur in the next couple hours of my life. Where could I end up at? What were these mans' intentions?
I felt relief as I heard the familiar nosy engine of my step-dad's truck as he parked and walked across the street to save me. The guys' eyes grew big in fear when he noticed my step-dad walking towards us, realizing that his fun had ended. "Hey, what do you think you're doing man? She doesn't want to talk to you. I never want to see you here again." The guy put his hands up in the air, backing away from me and Isabel, while desperately trying to explain that he meant no harm. He then got into his car and sped off.
I held back tears as my step-dad put his arm around me to let me know that everything was alright now. We got into his truck to go home. My heart was still pounding and I was still shook up from what had just taken place. I had never felt so violated and helpless before. The one care-free, special part of my day had been ruined. It could never be the same because of this strange, stalker who had placed fear in my heart. Now everyone was a suspect in my eyes. I felt unsafe in my own neighborhood. Maybe the guy had just been a loser with no experience on how to get a date, but I wasn't willing to risk that chance. I have never taken that same route since that day.

The First Day of School

The first day of school is always a nerve-racking experience. There is the curiosity of the different teachers, the stress of all the new classes, and most importantly, the fear of making new friends. It was the beginning of seventh grade; I sat uncomfortably in the pine-scented desk of my new science class, my first period on my schedule. The teacher was clearly excited about the new year as she stood in the front of the class with a big grin on her face, her dimples sparkling up the room, appearing friendly in an effort to make a good first impression. I felt small and alone as the other students around me chatted with each other lightheartedly. The class was filled up, yet an empty seat had remained unoccupied next to mine. As Ms. Pringle began to take attendance for the first time, the door slowly opened as the last student entered the room late. She was a beautiful African-American girl, with many braids and little pearl-colored beads in her hair, which made a tiny clinking sound when she moved her head from side to side. Her glasses were perched perfectly on her nose and she appeared just as shy as I was, as she stood with her hands in the pockets of her sweater, (a nervous habit that I shared as well). The teacher came over to her, greeting her with a big, enthusiastic smile and the new assignment sheet. The girl glanced around the packed room, desperately in search for a place to sit. She noticed the vacant seat next to my own, and she quietly made her way over to my side of the room. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "Hi, my name is Kelsey," I said as I introduced myself. I surprised myself with this outgoing act I had just performed, which was very unlike my typically reserved self. "Hi, my name is Dereishia," she quietly responded, as her mouth formed into a smile. We both shared an overwhelming sense of relief as we acknowledged that we weren't alone anymore. I realized right then that I had just met my best friend.

Me, Myself, and I

A four letter word we hear so often: love. Such a simple word, yet it withholds so much meaning. It's the one thing everyone wants and often the one thing people deem to be more important than anything else. Although love brings happiness, it also comes with bad experiences which you can either let break you or make you. For this simple fact, I believe that the best thing, as well as the most necessary thing, is to love yourself before you search for love in others.
I've always been the type of person to keep just a select few close relationships. I've seemed to confide in one best friend throughout the years. Due to this, I guess you could say I've never been part of the "popular" crowd since quality is more important to me than quantity. Yet it doesn't bother me one bit, since trust is one of my most powerful possessions. It's not an easy thing to gain from me because of the negative experiences I've been through. The only person I can absolutely trust, without a doubt, is myself.
When you give your love to someone else, you are letting your guards down, allowing that person to have the power to hurt you. Unless you feel completely comfortable with this person and you've established a strong relationship with one another, it is better for one to keep their guards up, in a sense. Instead of making yourself vulnerable, it is wiser to remain independent. Just by saying "I love you," they can take your kindness for weakness and stab you in the back.
I'm not saying that one should never love, but instead I'm expressing that love takes time and patience. You must let it come to you, not chase it. Don't rush things and assume what you're feeling is love. Ultimately, you are the only one who has absolute control over your own happiness.
Although it may sound vain, loving yourself first is the basic requirement before being able to love another.

Popular Culture

I believe that MTV is ruining our society. Back in the day, this channel offered exactly what it stands for: Music Televison. Back to back music videos, one after another, played on this station, providing the audience with what they want. Nothing fancy, just good ol' music. Now if you click over to this channel, it's rare to view a music video. Instead, obscene reality television shows such as "Flavor of Love" and "Paris Hilton's: My New BFF" can be found. I find myself asking myself more often than not, "Is this really happening?" This used to be such an amazing television channel, my favorite to be more specific, and now it has nothing to do with music at all. I have no interest whatsoever in shows such as "The Hills" and "Laguna Beach." They actually make me sick because these rich preppy girls are making millions off of a show all about their laidback lives of tanning and gossip. The show "TRL" still runs every afternoon, but even this show has transformed into more like a talk show rather than a music video countdown. The only music videos that are played are only ran half way through, if that, and it makes me furious. Maybe the reason MTV has gone down is because the new music out these days has gone down with it as well.

The Power of Love

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace... -Jimi Hendrix

This Hendrix quote is by far one of my favorite quotes and it hangs on my bedroom wall to remind me of its' important message every day. We live in a world where peace can't seem to be found among the spiteful wars between countries all around the globe. There's so much talk about war, and the idea of love has seemed to be forgotten, in a sense.
Yet love is the most important idea which withholds the power to heal people and any kind of situation, because of the strong passionate feeling which is unlike any other. It is the one thing that all of us want and strive for our whole lives. It is the thing which keeps us going every day, realizing that there are people we love and vice versa.
If I could have it my way, we would all go back to the good old hippie days where peace, love, and rock and roll were the three basic factors needed for life; a good life, where no one believed in wars. If all of the talk about fighting turned into talk about love, problems could be resolved in such better ways than killing and wars.
It is only when we stop and remember what exactly we are here for and the people who love us the most when we can see others as our brothers and sisters rather than a stranger. We all have a lot more in common than we realize and there is no good reason to want to harm someone who is just like us.
All we need is love.