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.