When traveling, there are often two types of travelers. First, there are those travelers that pack their suitcase a week in advance. They want to make sure they all the items they might need on their vacation or business trip. These are the types that check and double check until they leave for the airport. On the flip side, there are travelers that are packing the night before an early flight. They throw items in their carry-on, and what they've forgotten they'll worry about later. Whichever type of traveler you are, there are always essential items that you shouldn't leave home without having in your suitcase.
1) Identification:
In the United States, your driver's license identifies you almost anywhere. If you leave this at home and you're in the security terminal, you'll be turned away. It's a form of identification they require to board air crafts and to board cruise lines. It includes your photo, name and address if your luggage is lost. It contains your birth dates and a sobriety scan if you go out drinking. On the back it signifies you're a donor god forbid an emergency happen out of town. This holds all the information you'll need-leave home without it, and you'll be lost.
2) Keys:
I'm more specifically talking about doors that lock automatically, such as apartments. If you forget your keys and they're on the inside, this may delay your trip and make you miss your flight. Furthermore, if you have chosen to lock your luggage, keep these keys in a secure place to ensure you have them later on in your trip.
3) Money:
Instead of carrying cash, while traveling I carry traveler's checks. It's much easier to handle, and it's tendered the same as cash. Also, if you lose cash, it can't be traced or replaced. On the other hand, if you lose traveler's checks, American express sends you more. Make sure you're careful about all debit and credit cards. It's easy for someone to steal your identity, so a good tip is to put your hand over your number while sliding it. This prevents everyone from seeing your number. Furthermore, try to carry your money on your body instead of in your carry-on. This is much more secure, and will help prevent theft from luggage.
4) Travel Tickets:
The majority of the population isn't wealthy, and forgotten travel tickets can become an expensive mistake. It's a good idea to keep all airline, cruise and train tickets next to your money and/or identification. Each time you go through a security gate, you'll have to present this document.Also, the outline of your trip is usually printed on the ticket.
5) Some type of leisure item:
A train ride or plane ride can also be so exciting looking out the window. Take along something in your carry-on that you enjoy doing. This may vary with different people, but on my last Metra train ride to Chicago I took writing ideas to write on for Helium. On my last plane ride, I took music, a portable DVD player, and a handful of puzzle books. It kept me busy the 3 hours to California.
6) Food & Drink:
Don't expect airlines to cater to specific diets. While they do their best, they can't meet the needs of everyone. One of the best items you can prepare for your trip is your own snacks and beverages. Put them in a small area of your carry-on and if you have them, you won't have to worry about buying food in the airport.
7) Camera:
Unless you're traveling on business, you may want some way to remember your trip. Kids are only young once and capturing these memories on film is priceless. Even some business trips can allow for sightseeing trips, so take advantage of it. On top of that, don't forget camera accessories such as batteries and a camera case.
8) Cell phone:
I should know better than to include this because everyone has it and calls it "baby."I'm guilty of the same, but still there have been times that I have gone off leaving it and missed calls. If this contains your schedule, phone numbers, and alarms, don't leave it at home. Double check for the charger, and make sure it's charged when you leave home. If it's not, try to find an outlet in the airport where you can sit and wait for it to charge.
9) Weather-related items:
Airports are commonly cold all throughout the year. If you're easily cold like myself, take a hoodie/jacket along with you when you travel. You want to be comfortable, and remember everyone's body temperature varies by a few degrees. Other related items are hats, gloves and scarves or umbrellas. It might be a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather.
10) Any medication you may need
This is crucial for some people, and often the first item they pack in their carry-on. Federal regulations require they be in a clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag. They must be removed at the security check point, and as long as they're prescriptions you'll be fine. There's no notes from doctors needed here.
To see more of my Helium.com articles, check out my profile here
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My Tenative Life Plan
Around 10 years ago, I sat down and wrote down my life-plan. I'm an old-fashioned type who likes to have things planned out most of the time, but then there's those times where I literally take life by the seat of my pants. I felt I knew where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, but my life was gradually spiralling out of control. I was in the midst of depression, abusive exs' and in reality, had no idea what I really wanted with my life. The icing on the cake is my seizures. These alone have altered my life-plan in the past 10 years in more ways than I can count. However, I am still striving to achieve my goals so here is my new life list. This time, I plan on taking things slower.
By 2011: I hope I successfully graduate college with a Journalism B.A. I am focusing on copy editing & page layout/design. I have worked on the Kaleidoscope at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL and currently work at The Daily Eastern News at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. I focused on writing at my junior college, but I want to expand my in all the areas of print journalism, including working for newspapers and magazines. I am currently writing at my university, but I like to design more. In the past year, I have sharpened my skills in Photoshop and InDesign.
Also by this time I hope to have my car paid off and own it out-right. It's one less bill I'll have to face once I graduate school. After I graduate, I plan on submitting my resume, cover letter and samples to as many areas as possible. With much of my support system in the Midwest, I'm not sure I'd be willing to go far away, but I always like a good adventure. I literally have family coast-to-coast, and I have always loved California.
By 2015: I pray that I find my significant other soon, and that I find him before this time. If I find him after this, I can still have my family, but my nieces and nephew will have already grown. I will have been involved in my career, and perhaps that's where he's waiting for me. I hope I don't overlook him in a crowd, or are too shy to speak to him when he notices me from across a room. I can have social anxiety at times, and this has affected me. I hope to be able to overcome this.
By 2020: I want to become a published author. I became a published poet when I was 17, and I want to someday write my own book. I'm not sure if it'll be America's next new novel, and I'm not expecting it to win a prize. However, it'll be something I have researched and put my entire soul into to get to this point. I hope to dedicate this to my brother, who is a brilliant writer but doesn't put his talent to good use. He will someday write a book also, but it won't be one I'd like to read.
By 2030: I'd like to retire and travel with my significant other. The world would have changed dramatically then from what it is now. I can't imagine the size of computer I'll be using to read this post when I've reached my 50th birthday. However, technology advances will never fail and only benefit us. It'd be a good reflection to see how I wanted life to turn out and how it did turn out. With global warming on the rise, will the earth even be here in 2030? We should find out.
By 2070: My family has been known for long lifespans. If I live 70+ years, I don't know what I'll do in my retirement. I'm certain I'll freelance for newspapers, if they're still around. I'll travel around the globe and enjoy my homeland of the United States. With social security being so terrible right now, at this age I hope I have the choice to retire. If not, what will my generation and future generations do in retirement? Only time will tell. Life is always tenative, and when you have seizures, life plans always gets rearranged.
So, put your champaign glass up and let's drink to life! :-)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
It's never too late to be who you might have been.
~George Eliot (1819 - 1880)
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been writing stories and poems. I can't remember a time when I haven't used it as outlet for my emotions, or wrote so much I filled up a notebook. Somedays I wish I had kept these writings, and other days I'm happy they're gone. Most of those writings, if I were to look at them today, I would have a different perspective on my life. The person I was would be a stranger to me, especially when I was in my downard spirl in my late teens to early 20s. I'm not sure if I met this person today if I'd want to acknowledge them, but ask them why they did such stupid things. Then, after hearing what they've been through, I might understand.
I've been an on-and-off journaler for about the last 15 years. I do it heavily when my life gets really down and I find I need God more. I've never cut God out completely, but I'm confused on my religion right now. I know he's there, and I know he loves me--it's just I grew up with unclear examples of what Christianity really meant to an individual. Someday I hope to figure this out, and I hope God will help me with it.
I'd began to stray from God about eight years ago, and 3 years ago I realized I need him back in my life. It was then that I blacked out behind the wheel of my car due to a seizure. I was in the middle of a cornfield, and in all rationality I should've died. My survival is proof that there is a God because he has a plan for me that's not yet finished. It's not only the accident, though. I had a seizure as a baby and a 104 temperature for 3 days. If there wasn't a God, I believe I wouldn't be here.
I'm not exactly sure who God wants me to be yet. I know I love writing and it's the talent that he gave me. Seizures are also a big part of my life because I've had them my entire life. I've struggled in almost everything I do and have done.
In 2 years, I plan to graduate with my B.A. in Journalism. I feel as I'm following my dream and this is part of God's master plan for me. I feel as if I'm meant to be a professional writer, and I love what I'm currently doing. Whatever God has planned, I'm ready for an adventure.
~George Eliot (1819 - 1880)
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been writing stories and poems. I can't remember a time when I haven't used it as outlet for my emotions, or wrote so much I filled up a notebook. Somedays I wish I had kept these writings, and other days I'm happy they're gone. Most of those writings, if I were to look at them today, I would have a different perspective on my life. The person I was would be a stranger to me, especially when I was in my downard spirl in my late teens to early 20s. I'm not sure if I met this person today if I'd want to acknowledge them, but ask them why they did such stupid things. Then, after hearing what they've been through, I might understand.
I've been an on-and-off journaler for about the last 15 years. I do it heavily when my life gets really down and I find I need God more. I've never cut God out completely, but I'm confused on my religion right now. I know he's there, and I know he loves me--it's just I grew up with unclear examples of what Christianity really meant to an individual. Someday I hope to figure this out, and I hope God will help me with it.
I'd began to stray from God about eight years ago, and 3 years ago I realized I need him back in my life. It was then that I blacked out behind the wheel of my car due to a seizure. I was in the middle of a cornfield, and in all rationality I should've died. My survival is proof that there is a God because he has a plan for me that's not yet finished. It's not only the accident, though. I had a seizure as a baby and a 104 temperature for 3 days. If there wasn't a God, I believe I wouldn't be here.
I'm not exactly sure who God wants me to be yet. I know I love writing and it's the talent that he gave me. Seizures are also a big part of my life because I've had them my entire life. I've struggled in almost everything I do and have done.
In 2 years, I plan to graduate with my B.A. in Journalism. I feel as I'm following my dream and this is part of God's master plan for me. I feel as if I'm meant to be a professional writer, and I love what I'm currently doing. Whatever God has planned, I'm ready for an adventure.
Monday, February 23, 2009
5 Steps to Essay Writing
Writing an essay is one of the hardest tasks for me. It's why I brainstorm so heavily and do so much research. Then, the writing process comes along and I stumble over my own thesis. After all the nights of researching, outlining and planning, one would think a Journalism major would be hard to stump.However, while I won't be required to write many essays in my career, they are always helpful to look back on as the basics of writing. First and formost, it's best to have a detailed plan before you even begin to write. These following tips I have always found to be useful in my classes.
1. Decide on a topic.
If one is given to you, then research it the best you can in the library and using credible Internet websites. These websites usually end in such things as .edu, .gov or .org, have contact information, dates, names, and when it was last revised. Furthermore, look for a list of links and a search box. Credible websites will have these and will allow you to search their website. If it doesn't, it's not a creditable source. Wikipedia is not a credible source because anyone can add to the directory.
2. Prepare an outline/brainstorm.
If you have a topic, decide if it's to broad or if it's narrow enough to research. If it's too broad, then you're going to have to break it down. For example, writing on just "trees." How many types of trees? Will you focus on tropical trees? Fruit trees? Researching this is a fantastic way to organize your information.
If you don't have a topic, it's an excellent way to get ideas. For example, if you put trees in the middle of the page and branch out with oak, pine and fruit trees, how much do you know about each of these? How far can you go on your brainstorm before you have your topic? For some, this is often the first step to developing a fresh, new perspective to a topic that was already chosen for them.
3. Write your thesis statement/introduction.
As a paragraph has a topic sentence, so an essay has a thesis statement. Similarly, it's the main idea of your entire essay. If you're covering three main points of trees, then try to cover all of these in your thesis statement. The rest of your introduction, you should cover what's expected to be covered in your writing.
For example, are you covering tree diseases? How they're endangered by global warming? Consider all of this while writing your thesis and it'll make the rest of your essay read much smoother.
4. Write the body.
This will be the largest part of your essay writing. Develop each main idea individually, and expect each one to be at least two paragraphs. You're going to want your main idea and then your specific details to build off that main idea. Don't expect it to come easy, and don't expect it to be done in in twenty minutes.
Grammer and punctuation are keys in this part of the essay. However, sentence structure and clarity are much more important. Don't start talking about trees, go to squirrels, and back to trees. You're going to lose your reader and they won't finish your essay. It's going to be a hard process, and if you feel yourself drifting then walk away. Put it away until you can finish it.
5. Write the conclusion/revise.
This is the grand finale of your essay. In your concluding paragraph, wrap up all your main ideas with powerful words. Help the reader see your clear points youo were trying to make and that the impact you had was supposed to be a great one. If you're a great writer, you'll leave them "wowed." Take a day and then come back and revise. If you feel it's perfect, or close to it, then it's complete.
1. Decide on a topic.
If one is given to you, then research it the best you can in the library and using credible Internet websites. These websites usually end in such things as .edu, .gov or .org, have contact information, dates, names, and when it was last revised. Furthermore, look for a list of links and a search box. Credible websites will have these and will allow you to search their website. If it doesn't, it's not a creditable source. Wikipedia is not a credible source because anyone can add to the directory.
2. Prepare an outline/brainstorm.
If you have a topic, decide if it's to broad or if it's narrow enough to research. If it's too broad, then you're going to have to break it down. For example, writing on just "trees." How many types of trees? Will you focus on tropical trees? Fruit trees? Researching this is a fantastic way to organize your information.
If you don't have a topic, it's an excellent way to get ideas. For example, if you put trees in the middle of the page and branch out with oak, pine and fruit trees, how much do you know about each of these? How far can you go on your brainstorm before you have your topic? For some, this is often the first step to developing a fresh, new perspective to a topic that was already chosen for them.
3. Write your thesis statement/introduction.
As a paragraph has a topic sentence, so an essay has a thesis statement. Similarly, it's the main idea of your entire essay. If you're covering three main points of trees, then try to cover all of these in your thesis statement. The rest of your introduction, you should cover what's expected to be covered in your writing.
For example, are you covering tree diseases? How they're endangered by global warming? Consider all of this while writing your thesis and it'll make the rest of your essay read much smoother.
4. Write the body.
This will be the largest part of your essay writing. Develop each main idea individually, and expect each one to be at least two paragraphs. You're going to want your main idea and then your specific details to build off that main idea. Don't expect it to come easy, and don't expect it to be done in in twenty minutes.
Grammer and punctuation are keys in this part of the essay. However, sentence structure and clarity are much more important. Don't start talking about trees, go to squirrels, and back to trees. You're going to lose your reader and they won't finish your essay. It's going to be a hard process, and if you feel yourself drifting then walk away. Put it away until you can finish it.
5. Write the conclusion/revise.
This is the grand finale of your essay. In your concluding paragraph, wrap up all your main ideas with powerful words. Help the reader see your clear points youo were trying to make and that the impact you had was supposed to be a great one. If you're a great writer, you'll leave them "wowed." Take a day and then come back and revise. If you feel it's perfect, or close to it, then it's complete.
Soldier Off to War
Dancing under a cloudless, moonlit sky
The capture of Cupid's arrow is speechless
Love brings on overwhelming emotion
How I love to feel and dance like this.
The capture of Cupid's arrow is speechless
I never dreamed we would ever marry
How I love to feel and dance like this
On the eve of our first wedding anniversary.
I never dreamed we would ever marry
Then my soldier would be deployed to war
On the eve of our first wedding anniversary
We danced like we never have before.
My soldier would be deployed to war
On a cloudy, rainy Sunday afternoon
We danced like we never have before
Our love would blossom and bloom.
On a cloudy, rainy Sunday afternoon
I cried and asked him to stay home
Our love would blossom and bloom
But in the end, I knew I was alone.
I cried and asked him to stay home
Out of fear, love, and safety for him
But in the end, I knew I was alone
Time would divide us, and join us again.
Out of fear, love and safety for him
Love brings on overwhelming emotion
Time would divide us, but join us again
Dancing under a cloudless, moonlight sky.
The capture of Cupid's arrow is speechless
Love brings on overwhelming emotion
How I love to feel and dance like this.
The capture of Cupid's arrow is speechless
I never dreamed we would ever marry
How I love to feel and dance like this
On the eve of our first wedding anniversary.
I never dreamed we would ever marry
Then my soldier would be deployed to war
On the eve of our first wedding anniversary
We danced like we never have before.
My soldier would be deployed to war
On a cloudy, rainy Sunday afternoon
We danced like we never have before
Our love would blossom and bloom.
On a cloudy, rainy Sunday afternoon
I cried and asked him to stay home
Our love would blossom and bloom
But in the end, I knew I was alone.
I cried and asked him to stay home
Out of fear, love, and safety for him
But in the end, I knew I was alone
Time would divide us, and join us again.
Out of fear, love and safety for him
Love brings on overwhelming emotion
Time would divide us, but join us again
Dancing under a cloudless, moonlight sky.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Future Blog Themes
"Top 5" Series:
In these lists, I don't want to put a limit on topics. Everyone has something of interest to them in their lives, and I would love to hear your suggestions. Whether it be a health topic that you're concerned with or a an environmental issue--these top 5 lists are meant to inform the reader. I have some topics in mind, but you'll have to wait until I post them. :-)
Also, if I do entertainment top-5 lists, these are my thoughts: I'd like to do top-5 lists for actors/actresses and celebrity news. I want to focus this blog primarily on writing, but news is also important. Journalism will always be a part of my life, and I believe you can't go a day without hearing any kind of news.
My interests:
I'm an overworked journalist who is most certainly underpaid, but beyond my work I lead an interesting life. I love my family and enjoy going out with my friends. I can get into my zone with my music, and sometimes I spend alot of money buying music on iTunes for my iPod.
I have discovered I am very right-brained. I love to read books, mostly poetry and short stories. I like to look at abstract art, and I often find myself drawing in my notebooks in class. Anything that involves learning about writing, languages, art, and so forth--I seem to be the person that is intrigued by this interest. Perhaps this is why my best friend suggested I start doing origrami.
I like the idea of traveling around the globe and seeing different cultures and people. However, I would want a travel mate for all these adventures. If I had to go about them alone, then they wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Some places I would like to visit: Canada, Europe, Austrailia, and I have never driven cross-country. As much as I'm afraid of hieghts, I'd love to see Mt. Rushmore and go to the Grand Canyon. Those are among the sevon wonders in the world, and I dn't want to miss out on them.
I've had seizures all my life. I've suffered from petite mal seizures and grand mal seizures, and someday--after college, after my career starts and after I start a family--I would like the opportunity to work with children and/or adults that have these types of seizures. I realize how fortunate I am to have been so lucky with such few disabilities, but there are others that are not so fortunate. I'd like to give back to my community because I know what their sitution must be like for them.
Explore Poetry:
Last summer, I taught myself the Villaelle and Pantoum poems. I felt accomplished at my work, especially since I was battling a severe case of strep throat for nearly 10 days. I'd like to provide my own original poetry in this blog and make it a way to showcase my writing. In addition to this, each time I introduce a new form, I will go into as much detail as I can about it. Each poetry form is easy as long as you have the right tools, and it should be an enjoyable art.
Self-explore my life journey:
I'm 28 years years old, and in 4 months, I will be 29. Going to college has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I'm determined to graduate with a Journalism B.A. It's only so hard for me because every so often I have seizures, and I also have a learning disability.
I feel as if there is still alot about me that I still don't know. I haven't a clue what I want to do w/ my life, but I hope it includes writing. I don't know why I keep having seizures, but I'm aware they're coming closer together and this scares me. In fact, if you read my first post, I wrote it after having a seizure. I don't know what my finances will look like in 2 years as I graduate in the real world and a struggling economy. Does this scare me? Hell yeah!
One of the biggest strugles in my life has been religion. I grew up a confused Christian, and this has lead me to struggle in my faith with a loving God. I'm dealt with alot with a schizophrenic brother and parents who constantly fought all the time. Now as an adult, I will consider a non-denomational church. This is where I feel most comfortable, and I strongly believe that everyone should be able to make their own religious choice.
Issues affecting the nation & world:
There's always an issue that people are up in arms over everyday. Whether it be abortion, gun control, immigration, or the economy, someone is always going to have an opinion. As a journalist, it's going to be my job to voice this opinion in an honest, ethical way. Immigration may not affect everyone, but it does affect the commander in chief and how he protects our borders. Wouldn't you have an opinion if illegal immigrants were coming into your country and having the same privileges as American-born citizens? I would certainly hope so.
In these lists, I don't want to put a limit on topics. Everyone has something of interest to them in their lives, and I would love to hear your suggestions. Whether it be a health topic that you're concerned with or a an environmental issue--these top 5 lists are meant to inform the reader. I have some topics in mind, but you'll have to wait until I post them. :-)
Also, if I do entertainment top-5 lists, these are my thoughts: I'd like to do top-5 lists for actors/actresses and celebrity news. I want to focus this blog primarily on writing, but news is also important. Journalism will always be a part of my life, and I believe you can't go a day without hearing any kind of news.
My interests:
I'm an overworked journalist who is most certainly underpaid, but beyond my work I lead an interesting life. I love my family and enjoy going out with my friends. I can get into my zone with my music, and sometimes I spend alot of money buying music on iTunes for my iPod.
I have discovered I am very right-brained. I love to read books, mostly poetry and short stories. I like to look at abstract art, and I often find myself drawing in my notebooks in class. Anything that involves learning about writing, languages, art, and so forth--I seem to be the person that is intrigued by this interest. Perhaps this is why my best friend suggested I start doing origrami.
I like the idea of traveling around the globe and seeing different cultures and people. However, I would want a travel mate for all these adventures. If I had to go about them alone, then they wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Some places I would like to visit: Canada, Europe, Austrailia, and I have never driven cross-country. As much as I'm afraid of hieghts, I'd love to see Mt. Rushmore and go to the Grand Canyon. Those are among the sevon wonders in the world, and I dn't want to miss out on them.
I've had seizures all my life. I've suffered from petite mal seizures and grand mal seizures, and someday--after college, after my career starts and after I start a family--I would like the opportunity to work with children and/or adults that have these types of seizures. I realize how fortunate I am to have been so lucky with such few disabilities, but there are others that are not so fortunate. I'd like to give back to my community because I know what their sitution must be like for them.
Explore Poetry:
Last summer, I taught myself the Villaelle and Pantoum poems. I felt accomplished at my work, especially since I was battling a severe case of strep throat for nearly 10 days. I'd like to provide my own original poetry in this blog and make it a way to showcase my writing. In addition to this, each time I introduce a new form, I will go into as much detail as I can about it. Each poetry form is easy as long as you have the right tools, and it should be an enjoyable art.
Self-explore my life journey:
I'm 28 years years old, and in 4 months, I will be 29. Going to college has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I'm determined to graduate with a Journalism B.A. It's only so hard for me because every so often I have seizures, and I also have a learning disability.
I feel as if there is still alot about me that I still don't know. I haven't a clue what I want to do w/ my life, but I hope it includes writing. I don't know why I keep having seizures, but I'm aware they're coming closer together and this scares me. In fact, if you read my first post, I wrote it after having a seizure. I don't know what my finances will look like in 2 years as I graduate in the real world and a struggling economy. Does this scare me? Hell yeah!
One of the biggest strugles in my life has been religion. I grew up a confused Christian, and this has lead me to struggle in my faith with a loving God. I'm dealt with alot with a schizophrenic brother and parents who constantly fought all the time. Now as an adult, I will consider a non-denomational church. This is where I feel most comfortable, and I strongly believe that everyone should be able to make their own religious choice.
Issues affecting the nation & world:
There's always an issue that people are up in arms over everyday. Whether it be abortion, gun control, immigration, or the economy, someone is always going to have an opinion. As a journalist, it's going to be my job to voice this opinion in an honest, ethical way. Immigration may not affect everyone, but it does affect the commander in chief and how he protects our borders. Wouldn't you have an opinion if illegal immigrants were coming into your country and having the same privileges as American-born citizens? I would certainly hope so.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chocolate m&ms
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun
Still taste delicious as a summer treat
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
My summer vacation has just begun
A Hawaiian adventure with the family
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun.
I've waited since Christmas for this to come
I'm always one at nature with the ocean
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
I run into the waves, wanting to surf a big one
The tropics are where my heart will remain
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun.
From a distance, I can see a volcano erupt
The lava spills in the ocean not far away
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
This vacation has shortly just begun
Four days left until I leave for the Midwest
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
Still taste delicious as a summer treat
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
My summer vacation has just begun
A Hawaiian adventure with the family
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun.
I've waited since Christmas for this to come
I'm always one at nature with the ocean
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
I run into the waves, wanting to surf a big one
The tropics are where my heart will remain
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun.
From a distance, I can see a volcano erupt
The lava spills in the ocean not far away
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
This vacation has shortly just begun
Four days left until I leave for the Midwest
Chocolate m&ms that melted in the sun
At pool side, I relax and have some fun.
Fear
Fear is...
waking up in the midst of the night
screaming out in spite of stress
and realizing you're not asleep yet.
Fear is...
sitting at the blackjack table in a casino
watching the cards being dealt and played
yet too scared to make a bet.
Fear is...
when a sibling hates their life
leaving your house angry and scared
you're not sure if you'll see them alive.
Fear is...
the lack of accomplishments and goals
which leaves you waking up screaming
after your hard work and dedication in life.
Fear is...
the fear I'll never live to see my life dream
with all these years of college...wasted...
and this is why I've awoken screaming.
Note: Each of these stanzas represents a different part of my life. Getting my college degree has been one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish, and I hope someday to be a college graduate. My dream is to have a B.A. in Journalism because I believe this is my talent.
I'm not afraid to admit my brother has schizophrenia, but I am afraid of my brother. His violence has never ceased, and his anger has made an imprint on my life. I feel sorry for him living in his car, but there comes a point where he can help his situation. It's one of the reasons I'm so strongly close to God, even though I fall away from him quite frequently when I'm stressed out. I pray every night for God to save my brother and so far my prayers have been answered.
waking up in the midst of the night
screaming out in spite of stress
and realizing you're not asleep yet.
Fear is...
sitting at the blackjack table in a casino
watching the cards being dealt and played
yet too scared to make a bet.
Fear is...
when a sibling hates their life
leaving your house angry and scared
you're not sure if you'll see them alive.
Fear is...
the lack of accomplishments and goals
which leaves you waking up screaming
after your hard work and dedication in life.
Fear is...
the fear I'll never live to see my life dream
with all these years of college...wasted...
and this is why I've awoken screaming.
Note: Each of these stanzas represents a different part of my life. Getting my college degree has been one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish, and I hope someday to be a college graduate. My dream is to have a B.A. in Journalism because I believe this is my talent.
I'm not afraid to admit my brother has schizophrenia, but I am afraid of my brother. His violence has never ceased, and his anger has made an imprint on my life. I feel sorry for him living in his car, but there comes a point where he can help his situation. It's one of the reasons I'm so strongly close to God, even though I fall away from him quite frequently when I'm stressed out. I pray every night for God to save my brother and so far my prayers have been answered.
Monday, February 16, 2009
5 Ways To Reduce Global Warming
Each day, we go throughout our lives unable to realize that we leave a carbon footprint. This is, in lemon's terms, how much energy and pollution we create as one person. People aren't aware how much trash is consumed by plastic bags and paper ware. A plastic bag will sit in a land fill for 1,000 years and trees aren't being planted fast enough to support our paper supply. However, this isn't even the tip of the tip of the ice burg for global warming. There is so much more, and as a planet, we're running out of time, space, and solutions.
1. Paper/Plastic/...Cloth Bag?
I've worked retail for almost 6 years, and it's in the past year that the cloth bag trend is starting to popularize with consumers. What has happened to plastic and paper bags? People have educated themselves on the endangered environment, and they are going green to try to protect it. They've been watching all the ads, even the scare ones, and they believe them. It's good to be informed, but as a future journalist, I can't stand by the belief the public needs to be scared to do something. That just seems like they're giving up their free will, and it doesn't seem right.
2. Car/Public Transport/Bike
There's so many options to get to where you're going these days. If it's only a few blocks away, on nice days walk or ride a bike. If it's farther, see there's a public bus that'll take you there if it's safe for you to wait for it after you're done. Taxis, El's, subways--all of these save on the rising price of gasoline. If you must drive, consider buying the most reasonable gas-priced fuel for your car. If you don't need the most expensive, then it's not worth pinching your pocketbook. You may even start a carpool with coworkers or friends, and then there won't be so many cars on the road.
3. Heating/Cooling
Most of us don't consider the small changes we can make around our home or condo that can save us money in the long-term. For instance, something as simple as adjusting your thermostat may help your electric bills. If you put your thermostat 2 degrees lower in the winter and 2 degrees higher in the summer, eventually your heating and cooling costs would even out. Where ever possible, make sure your home has the correct insulation. This accommodation can save you 25% on your heating bill. You may even want to make sure you have weather stripping on doors and windows so air drafts don't come into your home.
4. Recycle, Recycle, Reuse.
Recycling goes beyond putting an item in a bin. After it leaves that bin, it gets compressed into a new item in a factory and sold back to a consumer as a new product. However, you can recycle an item just by finding a reason to reuse it, too. Probably the most generic example of this is "handy-downs." I don't know of anyone who hasn't done this in their family, but recycling should be taught at an early age. Also, you can recycle anything--you can even electronics such as TVs, VCRs, cell phones, etc. This would make our earth alot cleaner if everyone would do this, but not everyone believes in it.
5. Do work in your community
There's so many ways to get involved when it comes to saving the earth. You can get involved in community projects through your church or school. If you have kids, teach them the value of a clean world early. Find new, unique ways to get kids involved in green activities, and make it fun so they'll enjoy it. You could do something as simple as teaching them how to plant a tree or buy from a farmers market. Try making projects out of it, and someday they'll remember those memories best.
1. Paper/Plastic/...Cloth Bag?
I've worked retail for almost 6 years, and it's in the past year that the cloth bag trend is starting to popularize with consumers. What has happened to plastic and paper bags? People have educated themselves on the endangered environment, and they are going green to try to protect it. They've been watching all the ads, even the scare ones, and they believe them. It's good to be informed, but as a future journalist, I can't stand by the belief the public needs to be scared to do something. That just seems like they're giving up their free will, and it doesn't seem right.
2. Car/Public Transport/Bike
There's so many options to get to where you're going these days. If it's only a few blocks away, on nice days walk or ride a bike. If it's farther, see there's a public bus that'll take you there if it's safe for you to wait for it after you're done. Taxis, El's, subways--all of these save on the rising price of gasoline. If you must drive, consider buying the most reasonable gas-priced fuel for your car. If you don't need the most expensive, then it's not worth pinching your pocketbook. You may even start a carpool with coworkers or friends, and then there won't be so many cars on the road.
3. Heating/Cooling
Most of us don't consider the small changes we can make around our home or condo that can save us money in the long-term. For instance, something as simple as adjusting your thermostat may help your electric bills. If you put your thermostat 2 degrees lower in the winter and 2 degrees higher in the summer, eventually your heating and cooling costs would even out. Where ever possible, make sure your home has the correct insulation. This accommodation can save you 25% on your heating bill. You may even want to make sure you have weather stripping on doors and windows so air drafts don't come into your home.
4. Recycle, Recycle, Reuse.
Recycling goes beyond putting an item in a bin. After it leaves that bin, it gets compressed into a new item in a factory and sold back to a consumer as a new product. However, you can recycle an item just by finding a reason to reuse it, too. Probably the most generic example of this is "handy-downs." I don't know of anyone who hasn't done this in their family, but recycling should be taught at an early age. Also, you can recycle anything--you can even electronics such as TVs, VCRs, cell phones, etc. This would make our earth alot cleaner if everyone would do this, but not everyone believes in it.
5. Do work in your community
There's so many ways to get involved when it comes to saving the earth. You can get involved in community projects through your church or school. If you have kids, teach them the value of a clean world early. Find new, unique ways to get kids involved in green activities, and make it fun so they'll enjoy it. You could do something as simple as teaching them how to plant a tree or buy from a farmers market. Try making projects out of it, and someday they'll remember those memories best.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Sky Overflows
The sky overflows with romantic pastels
Blended in the clouds as they drift by
Rosy red and jack-o-lantern orange
Covering the spacious Midwestern sky.
Blended in the clouds as they drift by
A storm looks to be brewing darkness
Covering the spacious Midwestern sky
Storm clouds--I did not prepare for this.
A storm looks to be brewing darkness
As perfection leads to shades of blue
Storm clouds--I did not prepare for this
The sunset fades as the storm brews.
As perfection leads to shades of blue
Rain drops are felt on m y wavy blonde hair
The sunset fades as the storm brews
The wind picks ups--then lightening, thunder.
Raindrops are felt on my wavy blonde hair
The sky is dark now, and I have gone in
The wind picks up--then lightening, thunder
I prepare for another big storm yet again.
The sky is dark now, and I have gone in
Lightening flashes right in front of my window
I prepare for another big storm yet again
The rain pounds, lighting flashes, thunder rolls.
Lighting flashes right in front of my window
Rosy red and jack-o-lantern orange
Rain pounds, lightening flashes, thunder rolls
The sky overflows with romantic pastels.
Blended in the clouds as they drift by
Rosy red and jack-o-lantern orange
Covering the spacious Midwestern sky.
Blended in the clouds as they drift by
A storm looks to be brewing darkness
Covering the spacious Midwestern sky
Storm clouds--I did not prepare for this.
A storm looks to be brewing darkness
As perfection leads to shades of blue
Storm clouds--I did not prepare for this
The sunset fades as the storm brews.
As perfection leads to shades of blue
Rain drops are felt on m y wavy blonde hair
The sunset fades as the storm brews
The wind picks ups--then lightening, thunder.
Raindrops are felt on my wavy blonde hair
The sky is dark now, and I have gone in
The wind picks up--then lightening, thunder
I prepare for another big storm yet again.
The sky is dark now, and I have gone in
Lightening flashes right in front of my window
I prepare for another big storm yet again
The rain pounds, lighting flashes, thunder rolls.
Lighting flashes right in front of my window
Rosy red and jack-o-lantern orange
Rain pounds, lightening flashes, thunder rolls
The sky overflows with romantic pastels.
Valentine's Day Night
Last night was probably one of the best nights of my life. It was first story for Eastern's daily paper, Daily Eastern News. I got to meet a band, Yellowjackets, that had been around since 1979. Their jazz performance was phenomenal and unlike any instrumental performance I have ever seen.
I had the advantage of taking it a step farther from an audience member to a reporter. This meant I had to interrupt conversations and introduce myself, or walk up randomly and ask if I could talk to them. It's a skill I'm still trying to perfect but I managed to do it last night. I got great quotes from students and teachers. The audience ranged from young to old which really surprised me. At the end of the night, I got to meet two members of the band.
When I got home and saw my mail, I got another surprise. My Grandpa Brown had entered a contest for Valentine's Day in the newspaper, and he had won first place. I received a copy, and this will be stored away in my archives. It's a story about how they met, and he tells it with an elegant passion. It reconfirms where I got my ability to write so well.
It was a really exciting day, and I wish I could've shared this news with my best friends back home last night. I hope they had just an exciting day, too.
I had the advantage of taking it a step farther from an audience member to a reporter. This meant I had to interrupt conversations and introduce myself, or walk up randomly and ask if I could talk to them. It's a skill I'm still trying to perfect but I managed to do it last night. I got great quotes from students and teachers. The audience ranged from young to old which really surprised me. At the end of the night, I got to meet two members of the band.
When I got home and saw my mail, I got another surprise. My Grandpa Brown had entered a contest for Valentine's Day in the newspaper, and he had won first place. I received a copy, and this will be stored away in my archives. It's a story about how they met, and he tells it with an elegant passion. It reconfirms where I got my ability to write so well.
It was a really exciting day, and I wish I could've shared this news with my best friends back home last night. I hope they had just an exciting day, too.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pantoum Style Poetry
The Pantoum style poem comes to America from Malaysia in the 15th century, and was often known to be a folk poem. It was first introduced by Victor Hugo who was a French novelist and poet who brought this form out west in the 19th century and has made it one of the more commonly used fixed-verse poems.
Western poets adapted their views to this poetic form, and it's able to be of any desired length. First, it's a minimum of 16 lines. Most go as far as 24 and others farther, but 24 lines is usually the maximum length for most poets.
Here's the form:
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
/
Line 2
Line 5
Like 4
Line 7
/
Line 5
Line 6
Line 7
Line 8
/
Line 6
Line 9
Line 8
Line 10
/
...
If 6,9,8 & 10 is your last stanza, it'll look like this:
Line 9
Line 3
Line 10
Line 1
The Pantoum, similar to the Villanelle style, is their last stanza. In the Villanelle, the 1st & 3rd lines combine with two new lines to create an ending. This is what we are doing here as well, but similar to the Villanelle, the Pantoum must follow a unique structure to suit the rhyme scheme. This is why the rhyming words, as well as the ideas of the poem, must be chosen carefully.
When writing the Pantoum, it's important to keep meaning in mind. For instance, repeated phrases may be put in new context by the slight change of a punctuation mark. This alters its meaning and tone, and it changes how the reader feels about the poem.
Something you may want to caution yourself on is this: If you use an incantation, then the lines will reverberate throughout the stanzas. This will eventually fill your poem with echos, and in turn, slow the meter of your poem. The reader can't advance at a natural reading speed, and they may eventually drift away.
Throughout my blog, I'll keep introducing new styles and producing examples I have written. I have written poetry for years, and someday I would like to educate others to as well.
Western poets adapted their views to this poetic form, and it's able to be of any desired length. First, it's a minimum of 16 lines. Most go as far as 24 and others farther, but 24 lines is usually the maximum length for most poets.
Here's the form:
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
/
Line 2
Line 5
Like 4
Line 7
/
Line 5
Line 6
Line 7
Line 8
/
Line 6
Line 9
Line 8
Line 10
/
...
If 6,9,8 & 10 is your last stanza, it'll look like this:
Line 9
Line 3
Line 10
Line 1
The Pantoum, similar to the Villanelle style, is their last stanza. In the Villanelle, the 1st & 3rd lines combine with two new lines to create an ending. This is what we are doing here as well, but similar to the Villanelle, the Pantoum must follow a unique structure to suit the rhyme scheme. This is why the rhyming words, as well as the ideas of the poem, must be chosen carefully.
When writing the Pantoum, it's important to keep meaning in mind. For instance, repeated phrases may be put in new context by the slight change of a punctuation mark. This alters its meaning and tone, and it changes how the reader feels about the poem.
Something you may want to caution yourself on is this: If you use an incantation, then the lines will reverberate throughout the stanzas. This will eventually fill your poem with echos, and in turn, slow the meter of your poem. The reader can't advance at a natural reading speed, and they may eventually drift away.
Throughout my blog, I'll keep introducing new styles and producing examples I have written. I have written poetry for years, and someday I would like to educate others to as well.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Angels in the Mist
Angels appeared before the mist
Their wings glorified with beauty and shine
Souls in awe watched before them
As though they were frozen in time.
Their wings glorified with beauty and shine
The moon shone down on their halo
As though they were frozen in time
They opened their wings to protect spirits below.
The moon shown down on their halo
Their white gown and golden locks sparkled
They opened their wings to protect spirits below
Peace, tranquility and time all stood still.
Their white gown and golden locks sparkled
And their faces looked young, beautiful, unaged
Peace, tranquility and time all stood still
It was like being very spiritually engaged.
And their faces looked young, beautiful, unaged
The exact way I've drempt of angels in my life
It was like being very spiritually engaged
Except without any worries, stress, or strife.
The exact way I've dreamed of angels in my life
Souls in awe watched before them
Except without any worries, stress or strife
Angels appeared before the mist.
Their wings glorified with beauty and shine
Souls in awe watched before them
As though they were frozen in time.
Their wings glorified with beauty and shine
The moon shone down on their halo
As though they were frozen in time
They opened their wings to protect spirits below.
The moon shown down on their halo
Their white gown and golden locks sparkled
They opened their wings to protect spirits below
Peace, tranquility and time all stood still.
Their white gown and golden locks sparkled
And their faces looked young, beautiful, unaged
Peace, tranquility and time all stood still
It was like being very spiritually engaged.
And their faces looked young, beautiful, unaged
The exact way I've drempt of angels in my life
It was like being very spiritually engaged
Except without any worries, stress, or strife.
The exact way I've dreamed of angels in my life
Souls in awe watched before them
Except without any worries, stress or strife
Angels appeared before the mist.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Villanelle Poetry Form Dates Back to the 16th Century
The Villanelle poem is one that dates back to the 16th Century and comes to America from France. Jean Passerat was one of the earliest French poets to popularize this form. When it arrived in America during the 1800s, English poet Oscar Wilde began using the form, also. In the beginning, it was known to be an Italian rustic dance.
In the recently decades, poets from Britian and America, including Theodore Roethke and Elizabeth Bishop, have been known to use this form. It's common among poets to vary the use of the repeated lines. This makes the poem less repetitious to the more traditional form.
A Villanelle is easy to write if you'd like to try it out yourself. First, remember that with any form, especially fixed form, there are always rules to follow. Don't let this limit your inspiration, and you'll always have ideas for your poetry. An "/" means the break of a line.
1) Lines are groups into five tercets (each has 3 lines) and a concluding quatrain (4 lines).
2) Lines may be any length.
3) The rhyme scheme is important. It has two of them: The first is aba and it contines with every tercet until you get to the last one. The first and last line of each trecet will have the same rhyme scheme. (cat, scat, bat, that, etc.) The last stanza will be four lines, and lines 1 & 3 will be lines 3 & 4 in the quatrain.
4) Two lines will always be repeated throughout this poem, but it is tricky. 1st Line/1st Stanza: repeated as the last line of the 2nd and 4th stanzas & the second-to-last-line in the quatrain.
3rd Line/1st Stanza: repeated as the last line of the 3rd & 5th stanzas and as the last line in the concluding quatrain.
5) This is a difficult style to learn, but it's easy once you have your rhyming lines.
Think of the pattern in this way. A-1 is your 1st line, B is your 2nd line and A-2 is your 3rd line. So, with this you'd have:
A-1/ B/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1/ A-2
6) When it comes to meter, the villanelle is not one of the forms particular on it. Meter is where you count beats per line, and you have the option of making your villanelle song-like quality. For the majority of villanelles, iambic tetrameter (eight beats per line and fourth between six beats per line and seven beats per line) are used. Be creative with meter if you're looking to try something new.
In the recently decades, poets from Britian and America, including Theodore Roethke and Elizabeth Bishop, have been known to use this form. It's common among poets to vary the use of the repeated lines. This makes the poem less repetitious to the more traditional form.
A Villanelle is easy to write if you'd like to try it out yourself. First, remember that with any form, especially fixed form, there are always rules to follow. Don't let this limit your inspiration, and you'll always have ideas for your poetry. An "/" means the break of a line.
1) Lines are groups into five tercets (each has 3 lines) and a concluding quatrain (4 lines).
2) Lines may be any length.
3) The rhyme scheme is important. It has two of them: The first is aba and it contines with every tercet until you get to the last one. The first and last line of each trecet will have the same rhyme scheme. (cat, scat, bat, that, etc.) The last stanza will be four lines, and lines 1 & 3 will be lines 3 & 4 in the quatrain.
4) Two lines will always be repeated throughout this poem, but it is tricky. 1st Line/1st Stanza: repeated as the last line of the 2nd and 4th stanzas & the second-to-last-line in the quatrain.
3rd Line/1st Stanza: repeated as the last line of the 3rd & 5th stanzas and as the last line in the concluding quatrain.
5) This is a difficult style to learn, but it's easy once you have your rhyming lines.
Think of the pattern in this way. A-1 is your 1st line, B is your 2nd line and A-2 is your 3rd line. So, with this you'd have:
A-1/ B/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-2
A (new line)/ B (new line)/ A-1/ A-2
6) When it comes to meter, the villanelle is not one of the forms particular on it. Meter is where you count beats per line, and you have the option of making your villanelle song-like quality. For the majority of villanelles, iambic tetrameter (eight beats per line and fourth between six beats per line and seven beats per line) are used. Be creative with meter if you're looking to try something new.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Traveler's On Trains
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
Where they are coming from or are going
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
Sometimes I wish they'd entertain
Instead of reading their newspaper
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
Some commute to work, others to Sox games
Some have their laptops or talk to friends
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
Most of the travelers seem quite tame
Others have work loads that are insane
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
I've seen some play card games
Cards sliding as the train jerks away
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
With too much stress on their brains
Some cat nap to help themselves relax
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
Where they are coming from or are going
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
Sometimes I wish they'd entertain
Instead of reading their newspaper
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
Some commute to work, others to Sox games
Some have their laptops or talk to friends
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
Most of the travelers seem quite tame
Others have work loads that are insane
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
I've seen some play card games
Cards sliding as the train jerks away
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
With too much stress on their brains
Some cat nap to help themselves relax
Do you ever watch travelers on trains?
What have they lost, or are hoping to gain?
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