Day 18-Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

Today was a reality check of mega proportions. It was one of many revelations/life lessons.

I have a terrible habit of assuming the best in people. I assume they don't lie, I assume they don't cheat, and I assume they generally have the interests of others at heart. Now, I know that makes me seem like one of the most naive, possibly passive individuals out there, but I'm not. In a sense, I know none of it is true, or maybe even possible, but I do know, those are some principles I choose to live by, and wish if other would give me the common courtesy.

I learned that just because someone is put in a place of power and/or position of respect, it doesn't mean they deserve it. It doesn't mean they are the most effective or appropriate individual, and with that being the case, there is no need to assume/trust they know what they are doing or know what they are talking about.

My mistake is assuming, and assuming can always get one in trouble. I identify that mistake and learn from it.

Day 17-An art piece

I have two picks.

The first is a painting by Edgar Degas. I learned about him when I took Art History to fulfill one of my requirements. I loved the class, and would choose Art History as a major of many if I could.


Second. Dawn Okoro. here or here

Day 16--A song that makes you cry (or almost)

Ummm.....I have none that I can think of at the moment.

There are songs that hit a soft spot, but I typically have to be in the matching mood. I also try to avoid songs that encourage "crying" as I don't enjoy crying, and prefer not to support my depressed mood. I want to bounce back as quickly as possible.

Instead I cope with feelings by sleeping. It's a bad habit, I know. Whatever. Sue me.

Day 15--Fanfic

I'm skipping, or I should say, I have skipped. The time has passed.

Day 14-- A non-fiction book

Somehow this posted ended up drafted, so now I'm late. I'm starting to feel obligated when it comes to meeting my "challenges," which is exactly what I wanted to avoid with my 365 Challenge. Nevertheless, it has been helpful. Somehow read that I was visiting Philadelphia and gave me a link that will be extremely helpful on my trip.

Anyway, non fiction.

Last summer (I need to read more), I read Random Family. It's about a Puerto Rican-American family living in New York City. Most of it speaks to the challenges of living in poverty, with a lack of education and a lack of money. The characters experience prison, the cycle of being a single mom, etc. Although rather long, it thoroughly discusses their lives, and you feel a connection with the family when you are finished reading.

Day 13-- A fiction book

It was challenging to think of a fiction book I'd read. Lately (due to choice and college) I've read tons and tons of nonfiction literature. Nevertheless, last summer (I should read more), I read this book. It's a collection of short stories, from the same author of The Namesake, which I've mentioned earlier.

I thoroughly enjoy her writing and intend to read the collection again.

Day 12--Whatever tickles your fancy

Regardless of its clarity, my Google countdown states that I have 13 days until GRADUATION and 23 days until I go to Philadelphia.

Although I don't have a job yet, the market for teachers doesn't really open until the current teachers get contracts. Some individuals don't get jobs until August. I'm not stressing it....yet.

PHILADELPHIA! I'm traveling as an "end of college" trip with a friend of mine who I've known since we were 13 years old. We traveled to Africa the summer before 8th grade, and have managed to keep a close bond. I'm excited to visit Philadelphia because I've never been and I know it will be a completely different culture. Both of us were raised in Columbia, although a relatively large city for South Carolina, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a cultural hub with much diversity. I want to visit the historical monuments, but I ALWAYS like to visit local coffee shops, ethnic restaurants, and neighborhoods off the beaten path.

I'm also interested in attending UPenn or Temple University for Doctoral programs, so I'm anxious to see the campuses.

Countdown continues!

Day 11-A photo taken of you recently

A friend of mine works with a program and has a mentee through that program. I tagged along while she took her to the playground. It was an amusing time, children can be hilarious. I enjoyed switching it up a bit, from the hormonal middle schoolers I teach to an 8 year old.



And I hid her face because I don't know how her mom would feel about me putting her kid on here. No doubt, I've done it before, but those were kids I knew.

Day 10-A photo of you taken over 10 years ago

Unfortunately (sarcasm), I don't have any of those with me. They are all safe with my parents.

Sad times.

Day 9--A photo you took

Nothing marvelous. It's my first time on the West Coast, which is amazing in itself. This picture is of the Mexican-American border. That's one of my friends shaking the hand of a Mexican coming to visit a family member on the American side. Every so often they have a church service of sorts for families to have together.

Day 8--A photo that makes you angry/sad

I'm not sure how one goes to search for a picture that causes anger or sadness. I stumbled upon this picture a couple of weeks ago on another blogging site, and I would say I was more disappointed and sad that the boy, and all the people he represents, are subjected to those living conditions. I'm disappointed that the many people/institutions/governments that exist cannot help solve this issue. The caption for the picture reads:

Desperate thirst: Drought is one of many problems that continually afflicts the northern African country of Ethiopia. Lack of water not only kills crops, meaning starvation, but also causes violent conflicts over scarce vital resources. Inadequate sanitation has made water-borne diseases the No. 1 cause of infant deaths in the country — where 300,000 children under age 5 die every year. Here, a boy near the town of Moyale drinks from a muddy puddle. via Portraits of Instability

For months now I've had this undying desire to travel to Africa. There are a list of reasons that don't fit today's topic, but the list is legitimate enough and empowering enough for me to make it a goal of mine.

Below I added a video for "Summit on the Summit." The show was actually over an hour and documented the journey from beginning to end. Basically, celebrities climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to bring awareness to the water issue (lack of clean water, lack of water, etc) around the world. I don't typically agree with or follow celebrity news, but I'm a fan of Lupe Fiasco and Kenna, whose father is from Tanzania, began the process in honor of his father.

Day 7--A photo that makes you happy

This is in the Dominican, Republic. I went in 2008 on an Alternative Spring Break. Although it is a simple scene, it represents many things that I thoroughly enjoyed about the trip. We were traveling in a vibrantly colored mini fan, with the windows down, and the wind cooling us from the beaming sun. We had been working in schools for an entire week and finally had free time. Despite the great time I had with the kids, it was wonderful to have down time. It's always nice to get away from one's typical connections. There was no cell phone, facebook, email, etc.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Day 6---Whatever tickles your fancy

Yep, pretty much.

Day 5--Your favorite quote

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

-George Bernard Shaw

This semester I haven't really stuck to this quote/idea due to its nature. I have felt guilty and void for much of the way, and I know I'll feel a sense of relief the moment I can start interacting with my community and the people again.

By all means share your favorite quote.

Day 4--Favorite Book

I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in either eighth or ninth grade. I'm reading it again, this probably makes the third or fourth actually.

It's been a while, because as I read, there is plenty that I don't remember. Part of what made me enjoy it even more was once I saw the movie. Scout is my absolute favorite, she's unapologetic and "spunky". The issue of southern racism is always interesting to me, but the way in which Atticus Finch handles prejudice and teaches his children how to treat themselves and other human beings appeals to me.



"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing."--Scout Finch

Day 3--Favorite Television Program

Although I watch Law and Order so frequently I could be on the show, I would have to say that Community is my favorite as of now. It comes on the same night (Thursday) as The Office and 30 Rock which are both awesomely hilarious as well.

I could laugh for days about Senor Chang, his teaching methods, and overall absurdity. That's just what I need right now, anything absurd and light hearted. Despite my general rule/belief to not waste time "crushing" on a celebrity I have made a compromise for Donald Glover, or Troy, from Community. He was a writer on 30 Rock, but now he's acting, does comedy, and is a rapper. I'm not too keen on his music, but I can get over that.

Day 2--Favorite Movie

In this case two movies come to mind. Day 2, and indecisiveness has reared it's ugly head.

Basically I'm going to do as I please and talk about both. Well, my first, is Save the Last Dance, and I ain't ashamed. I have loved that movie since middle school, and I'm not going to stop now. At this point in my life, if I were to see it for the first time, I guarantee it would be a bust, but I've carried it with me this far, I might as well keep on going.

At this point my favorite is The Namesake. Considering how much I love books and the mere fact that the movie closely interprets the book, it's no surprise that I enjoy the movie so much. I'm not sure of all the reasons I enjoy the movie so much, but I enjoy learning about Indian culture and the internal conflict the main character, Gogul, experiences is intriguing, for me.

Simply put, it's my favorite because I like it. Obviously.

Day 1--Favorite Song

Since I have a habit of making things complicated, over thinking, and being indecisive, I'll say that I don't have one favorite song. I move in and out of "like" with certain artists and songs, and my favorite song today, may not be my favorite song tomorrow. I can say, that I don't have favorite songs that come from current radio rotation. I like those songs, I tolerate those songs, but they aren't my favorites.

I thoroughly enjoy most genres of music, and I'm on a big Mos Def/rappers (hip hop) not played on the radio kick right now.

But, alas, my favorite song choice is going to be John Mayer's "No Such Thing." It is a guarantee when that song comes on that I will smile, and what ever I'm doing will become 5xs better. It's the song that got me hooked on John Mayer and I haven't looked back since.

Share with me your favorite song, if you wanna.

Gearing Up

On graduation day I'm starting my 365 Challenge, and I've been thinking of doing this 30 Day Challenge as a "warm-up." Maybe it'll help get me through the rest of this horrid (yes, horrid) semester.

Day 01 — Your favorite song
Day 02 — Your favorite movie
Day 03 — Your favorite television program
Day 04 — Your favorite book
Day 05 — Your favorite quote
Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 — A photo you took
Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 — A fictional book
Day 14 — A non-fictional book
Day 15 — A fanfic
Day 16 — A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 — A talent of yours
Day 20 — A hobby of yours
Day 21 — A recipe
Day 22 — A website
Day 23 — A YouTube video
Day 24 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 — Your day, in great detail
Day 26 — Your week, in great detail
Day 27 — This month, in great detail
Day 28 — This year, in great detail
Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 — Whatever tickles your fancy

Graduation in 29 days!!!

I have nothing more important than that.