Inspiration Never Dies

Top 5 Ways I'm Inspired to Write

2009-03-04T17:45:00.004-06:00

When does your muse call? If it's anything like mine, it's always picking the most random, inconveniant times. These are times such that you're driving down the open highway, in the middle of a big argument, in class, or last week--in the middle of an exam. Have you ever woken dead out of your sleep with a brilliant thought and not written it down? By morning it's originality was lost, but the main idea was there. The muse doesn't mess around, and if you're a frequent writer, it may stop coming around.

Since I began my blog, my muse has been make appointments with me lately. It comes to me late at night in dreams or as I'm walking from one building to the next. I can be walking the long stretch across campus and have a great idea for a poem, but it would look suspicious to pull out my notebook to write it down.

As writers we're unique, aren't we? We find ideas everything and anywhere we go. Observations, experiences, asperiations, goals -- we could make a story out of a a child becoming an olympian, or working towards it. Every human being has a story and as writers we're supposed to find these stories. Here is my list for what inspires me. What inspires you?

1. My family/friends.
My family and friends are very important to me. I feel as if I don't show some of them how much I love them, but I truly do. My parents sacreificed alot when I was sick with my seizures, and my sister has the best kids & husband. I wish my brother had a better life, but his schizophrenia keeps him at a distance of leading a happy life. I pray for him alot, especially when I am afraid for him.

I have one of the best friends a girl can have. I met her when I moved to Dekalb, IL when I was going through a rough patch in my life, and I think she could tell I needed a friend. I was new in town, and I was going through depression. We've been through a lot in 6 years, and she's really special in my life. One of my best memories with her was when we took the road trip to Carbondale, IL to see SIU. We saw the wine trails which were made of fruit other than grapes. If we'd had a few more days, we could've gone to Nashville.

2. People
I love to people watch. I involve myself in conservations and try to pay attention to what I can use to build a character. I haven't wrote any fiction in almost a year. This is how great fiction writers make their characters seem real on the page. People do the strangest things, and they do the most hilarious things. It's an equalizing, humorous balance for my writing. I'm always everyone I know they'll be in my novel someday. It could happen, but not until I'm out of college. Look for it in 5-10 years -- at least. :-)

3. TV Shows/News
I suppose it's the Journalist in me, but I'm drawn to always watching the news. I'm always reading the newspaper and trying to figure out great ideas for my blog. I hear that journalists have been hired from having blogs, and I'd like this to happen someday. I need to keep writing, keep becoming inspired, and will keep working towards publication. The journalist in me needs to succeed, and I can't do without goals.

4. Music
My list would not be complete without my main source of motivation. My ipod is in my ears almost all the time I'm awake, and if I can't fall asleep, I plug it in my ears. I listen to it while studying since I often study on campus. It motivates me to keep going on a task, and to get things done in a certain amount of time. My favorite country artist is Reba McEntire, and my favorite male country artist is George Strait. Non-country female would be Madonna, and I really don't have a favorite for non-country male. My favorite band is probably Alabama.

5. Reading
I miss this lesuire so much because it has been replaced by textbooks. The only time I get to read an actual book is during the summer, and even then I'm overloaded with work. I used to read severeal books in a summer, and I wish I had the motivation to do this again. Maybe if my life ever slows down I can get into this old habit I replaced with my education. My schooling will only last 2 more years, and then it's off to a career. Maybe I'll find time to read then!

How I Best Relax

2009-03-02T18:25:00.003-06:00

Life was never meant to be rushed through at today's rapid pace. Cell phones, ipods, and laptops have sped up traditional values and replaced them with modern ones. Whereas our parents and grandparents never spoke the word "computer" until at least 1970, their hobbies were often outdoors. Some enjoyed sports such as baseball, hunting and fishing. As the weather turned cold, there was basketball, hockey and board games. Mom and the girls enjoyed their baking all year 'round in addition to their gardening, reading, sowing and jigsaw puzzles. However, this isn't one or two generations ago and when life speeds up I am there along with it. I am a non-traditional college student who is saving to invest in my career. When I'm not working, these are the ways I best relax.

First, I am a believer that music is a powerful source of motivation. It's always on when I'm studying, at my newspaper job, or even dining without my friends around. I believe the messages hidden in the lyrics have the ultimate power to transform lives. Artists who sing the song have the chance to be inspirational role models. The one I have looked up to for a long time is Reba McEntire. The lyrics of her songs speak right to me, and in some instances I have experienced what she's singing about in her songs. If I could not listen to music, most of the things in my life would not be able to be accomplished.

Another hobby of mine is to do origami. This is a form of Japanese paper art, and was first introduced to me when my Aunt Anita did it in my childhood years. Whenever I'm having a stressful day, I pull this out and start making the models. Origami even has models for dollar bills, and my nephew is starting to enjoy it. It makes me happy that I'm able to pass this down to him. I don't get the chance to do this much anymore with everything I have to balance in my day. It's so relaxing to just sit and watch your paper turn into planes, animals and objects. If I did it everyday, I could master all the folds. However, I only still a beginner.

A new hobby of mine is my blog. I began it tonight while at my newspaper job. I began it by introducing about my seizure disorder, especially since I just had a seizure yesterday. I'm not sure what route I'll take with it, but I want to try to blog everyday. I don't want to waste anymore time, and as they say "there's no better time than the present." The present is a gift, and only God knows tomorrow. My seizures are coming closer together, so I think this blog will become beneficial to me as a writer.

I'm definitely hooked onto two shows: "Desperate Housewives" and "John and Kate + 8. " My best friend, I love her dearly, but she got me hooked on DH. I know she means well. Every Sunday we watch it together. She's in Chicago, and I'm 5 hours southeast in Charleston. It's one of our favorite shows, and we do nothing while it's on. On the other hand, I love "John and Kate + 8" and she doesn't care for it. It's all good. I think it's a funny show, and John and Kate must have so much energy for 8 kids! I'm not sure I'd have that much for two kids, but I'm not a parent yet, either.

I love jigsaw puzzles. I often do them on Facebook either in the Puzzlebee or Jigzone applications. When my nieces and nephew are around, we dump the pieces on the table and do the frame first. We got a 100-piece puzzle at Big Lots for a dollar, and it glowed in the dark. All five of us worked together and got it put together before dinner. It really didn't glow that much which was disappointing, but the kids had fun. I grew up loving puzzles, and I plan on passing that tradition on to my kids someday.

When it comes to exercise, I love walking. I really believe it keeps my seizure medicine under control. I just put my ipod in my ears and go for a walk. I haven't gained or lost a pound in a year so I must be where I am supposed to be. I just know I am the correct weight for my height, and that's such a reassuring feeling. I love feeling confident about my weight after I've spent about three years trying to get it under control.

At the end of the day, if the homework and all the household chores are done, sometimes I try to go to bed early. This doesn't seem to happen often, but it's a good thought to look forward to as a reward. I hold two part-time jobs and 5 classes. It's rough, but it's doable. In two years when I graduate, this will all pay off.

To see more of my Helium.com articles, check out my profile here

Writing quotes

2009-03-02T00:13:00.001-06:00

10 Items Every Traveler Should Pack

2009-02-28T01:04:00.004-06:00

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

My Tenative Life Plan

2009-02-26T11:38:00.007-06:00

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! :-)

2009-02-24T23:34:00.002-06:00

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.

5 Steps to Essay Writing

2009-02-23T22:05:00.005-06:00

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.

Soldier Off to War

2009-02-23T00:15:00.000-06:00

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.

Future Blog Themes

2009-02-18T20:32:00.000-06:00

"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.

Chocolate m&ms

2009-02-17T21:37:00.002-06:00

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.

Fear

2009-02-17T21:07:00.003-06:00

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.

5 Ways To Reduce Global Warming

2009-02-16T07:24:00.003-06:00

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.

The Sky Overflows

2009-02-15T19:03:00.000-06:00

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.

Po-tat-oes Aye!

2009-02-15T18:58:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day Night

2009-02-15T09:41:00.004-06:00

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.

Pantoum Style Poetry

2009-02-10T21:44:00.004-06:00

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.

Angels in the Mist

2009-02-04T00:34:00.005-06:00

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.

Villanelle Poetry Form Dates Back to the 16th Century

2009-02-03T13:45:00.000-06:00

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.

Traveler's On Trains

2009-02-02T20:57:00.002-06:00

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?

5 ways to manage stress

2009-01-27T16:15:00.003-06:00

People are constantly asking me how I manage my stress load. This is an important task to accomplish because too much stress can bring on a seizure for me. My daily life consists of very little time to sit and relax. On a normal weekday I have on average 3 classes and work at night. When I'm not in class, I'm either at the library, food court catching a quick bite to eat, in my apartment, or in one of the buildings I have classes in. At the end of the week, on Sunday, I will have had worked 2 part-time jobs equaling on average 35-40 hours. In addition, I carry 16 hours of classes at school. If I don't manage stress, stress will overwhelm me.

1) DEFINE YOUR GOALS. Everyone has goals in life they want to achieve at some point. Some want a college degree, a family, and eventually children. Others may want to travel the world and explore as much as they can see. Wherever your goals take you, remember one thing: if you set them too high, or too low, they run the risk of never being achieved. Set yourself realistic goals: If you want to publish a novel, then have a chapter down every 2 months.

2) EXERCISE. Exercise plays a big role in my life. At Walmart, I am constantly lifting heavy items at the register for customers. As a sales associate for 5 years, I did it even more so on a daily basis. Whenever I have the chance, I am normally walking to my classes. Studies show that walking only 20 minutes a day can help reduce stress. I walk much more than this, so I'm sure I'm managing my stress well. Yoga is a good form of exercise that reduces stress, while aerobic exercise also helps calm the nervous system.

3) BE OPTIMISTIC. Studies have shown that those that have a positive attitude are more successful. It's also a good idea to avoid, or manage well, being around negative people. For myself, this will always be a love-hate relationship I have to deal with in my family. I remain optimistic because I have seen the alternative, and my motto has always been to never take life too seriously.

4) RELAX. At the end of the day, pull up a chair and put on some relaxing music. Read a magazine or go out with friends for a night on the town. Don't forget to laugh and have and have a good time. Life is too short to be taken serious all the time. Enjoy yourself, and embrace life as it comes at you.

5) SLEEP. Finally, get enough sleep at night. If you're only getting 4-5 hours each night, then you're going to be exhausted and stressed out. It's recommended that people get 8 hours, but everyone is different. I usually do just fine with 7, and then there's nights I sleep 10 hours. If you get REM sleep a few times a week, which is where you dream, this is considered to be very healthy. This can help bring your stress level down considerably.

Jeff Dunham on Comedy Central

2009-01-26T23:32:00.002-06:00

This is my new favorite comedian on Comedy Central. Enjoy.

The Secret of Giving

2009-01-26T16:35:00.003-06:00

This is one of my all-time favorite songs by Reba McEntire. I don't consider this a Christmas song, and listen to it all year round. She has inspired me so much, and changed the way I think about myself. Her music is so motivational and inspiring that I consider her one of my favorite artists.

Rising or setting sun?

2009-01-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

(Both of these images have came from http://www.ushistory.org)

In my government class last Friday, we had an interesting discussion. For those of you unfamiliar with this chair, it's George Washington's chair he sat in. However, whether the sun is setting or rising is a matter of opinion for everyone. For the past 8 years, I would've said it was setting. For those that know me well, you know I don't care much for George W. Bush. His economic values were bad, and he put us in a war that he his foreign policy leader advised him against in the first place. However, that's water under the bridge and America, especially Barak Obama, must move forward to clean up George W. Bush's mistakes. And, there are many of them.

I agree that the sun is rising. I changed my political party from Republican to Democratic for a variety of reasons. First, I find politics very boring--although writing about them can become very interesting. All the Republicans I have read up on, whether they be governors, senators, or presidents have had much of the same ideas. They want to spend money on wars, raise taxes, and bring the economy down.

Democratics, on the other hand, care about what the people's vote in the country. They realize people themselves run this country, and it's not the politicians. If it wasn't for us, politicians would be out of work. They care about progress and want to see change in America. They want to make it better, lower taxes, and want to see a prospering economy. I tend to trust democratics much more.

I stand behind my vote for Barak Obama. Not only will he bring the rise in the economy we hope to see, but he will bring changes that will benefit society as a whole. In a recession, only hope can prosper the seed of change. Barak Obama will lead us in the transition to get America back to economic wealth.

Jobs I Would Like To Have

2009-01-22T21:21:00.002-06:00

With two more years left of school, I can say I'm already looking for jobs. I'm saving every penny I can and doing everything I can to prepare myself for the harshness of the real world. Where there are jobs for Journalism B.A.s, I will have to go. I'm already worried that I won't be able to find work because my friends that are graduating this year are graduating into a struggling economy. However, if you're prepared and qualified then you should be able to find work. I'm a hard worker and take it as it comes to me. Having that said, here are the jobs I'd like to have and I'll be qualified to do with a B.A. in Journalism.

First and foremost, I would like a job as a news reporter. After all, this is the heart of true Journalism--going to the scene and talking to the sources, getting quotes and facts, and writing the story. I love the deadlines. Give me a deadline and I will meet it--every time. I suppose it's wired in me. While I'm just designing for my college paper this semester & last semester, I still have plenty of time here to write. I should be writing for Helium more than I am, and I also have a blog. Reporters, at most papers, start out at $50,000. Not too bad for going out in rain, snow and floods to get a story then going to the office to get it typed up. They have a tough, really rough job but I would be up to the challenges it presents each day.

For about 14 months now, I have been a Freelance Writer. The salary? Not nearly what I have expected, but honestly--this job pays what you put into it. Sorry, boss--I've shown up late for work, skipped a few days and slept in. However, I do end up coming back! If I set myself a realistic goal each month that I could meet, this freelancing could take off. However, I'm up against 2 part-time jobs and 16 hrs of classes (not to mention all the homework that NEVER ENDS!!!) When I find time to sleep, I take advantage of it. However, I do love Helium.com and I think I will always be here.

Next, I think I could find satisfaction in becoming a researcher. I love digging into libraries and seeing what I can find. My organization techniques could be sharpened, but that wouldn't take long to perfect. I can find many things on the Internet in databases including files such as books, journals and magazines. It'd be useful to get to know other research techniques by working with a research assistant. I'm not sure I would look to this as a "permanent" career, but as a temporary one to sharpen my skills as a reporter and journalist. Anything I can do to benefit my career I will take into consideration.

What I really like to do is to design newspaper pages. I have always been really good with computers for about 15 years now, and I know many different Windows platforms. I know several software programs, including Mac software such as InDesign and Photoshop. I have designed pages all year for my college paper, and I think I'd enjoy doing this for a career. We should see how this plan turns out as I get closer to my graduation. I could literally end up anywhere in the United States and while this is exciting, this is very scary.

The one that I would like to have, that may be the toughest and compelling yet, is that of a copyeditor. This is what I do for my college newspaper, but I realize on-the-job in the real world I will have to be more skilled in style, grammar and punctuation. Don't underestimate what I'm saying, please. I'm great at all those (except for perhaps style). My handwriting is excellent, and I hardly ever misspell a word. However, copyeditors have to know everything and make sure everything is flawless. In the end, they still make mistakes simply because they are humans, too. This would not be one of my favorite jobs, but I could do it if I had to at a paper.

When I get into the real world, opportunities will be endless. I could be a technical writer, grant writer, or fiction writer. I could go into several editor positions once I'm into the magazine or newspaper industry long enough. I have the advance of living in a time when a woman has the right to get an education--a college education. Furthermore, for most of it I have paid my way through. I just paid my own laptop and my parents are only helping on my financial aid forms. My two jobs pay for everything I need and once I'm out of school, I'll look back and say it was worth it.

Barak Obama: America's 44th President

2009-01-20T01:07:00.004-06:00

Last November, America was faced with difficult choices as they went to the polls. John McCain was our "traditional" candidate, and he's what we've always had in the White House. The opposing side represented change and culture: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Each had their focus, but Americans cared mostly about two things: Iraq and the economy. Today, on Barak Obama's inauguration day, America is seeing a new moment in history. Barak Obama will be our 1st black president and Americans are hoping he will pull us out of this recession.

One specific thought that comes to mind is how passionate Obama is with people. He seems to be caring and thoughtful, whereas our former president wasn't really involved that much. He only made appearances at natural disasters to hand out borrowed money, and he vetoed bills that could've helped medical research. Also, he got us involved in a war that we never should have gone to in the first place. George W. Bush has sacrificed thousands of lives, and it's only drained our economy of money.

With Obama's $825 billion-dollar stimulus plan being proposed, perhaps he will come through for the working class. He wants to create more jobs and cut taxes. While we've heard all this before, I believe Barak Obama has what it takes to get the job done. This stimulus plan will effect everyone, and I think it shouldn't be too long after he takes office, according to some reports.

All the interviews I have seen with Obama and his family I have enjoyed. I wasn't at all surprised to see Oprah in the crowd on election night. There's a reason that Barak Obama got into the White House. While I have stopped voting Republican and gone Democratic, I think the majority has done this. It's like Hillary Clinton said during her campaign, "The Democratics represent progress." Republicans will only hurt us more if they're in the White House. After 4 years with someone like George W. Bush, who wouldn't vote for change?

I'm happy how I voted and I'm standing my ground for it. Anything is better than the last 8 years we have had in this country. Don't we deserve a shot at something better?

My seizures

2009-01-19T17:17:00.001-06:00

There are days I question my existance. I believe God has a purpose for every living creature, but what mine is I couldn't tell you. This is particularly due to my seizure disorder. Most people are only in the hospital when they're born and when their children are born. For myself, my hospital stays began at 10 months old. My temperature was 104 for three days, and my only scars are brain damage, learning disabilities, and difficulty using the muscles in my left hand. I often lose my balance, but don't be alarmed--it's just a side effect of my seizure medicine.

I was diagnosed with encephalitis which is rare in children. I went through all the physical therapy, but I still can't carry things in my left hand. Often times people will ask if I've had a stroke because they see me holding items in my left hand and then then removing them with my right hand to set them down. I do this alot at work as a cashier. Or, I'll hold heavy items close to my body if they're in my left hand. Often the muscles in my hand will tremor and shake and if the item's close to my body it won't fall. It's paranoia to an extent, or perhaps just an uncomfortable feeling.

My last seizure was less than 24 hours ago. It was a petite mal seizure where your brain literally "checks out" for a matter of minutes. It happened in my shower, which for me is the second scariest place to have a seizure. I have had petite mal in my childhood, but my last one was at age 12, 16 years ago. The first would be to awaken to one in bed, but thankfully I never have.

The big finale of seizures is grand mal seizures. These actually cause you to black out and fall to the ground. Your muscles lose power, and you literally collapse where you stand. I have had these my entire life. My last one was seven months ago, and similar to the one yesterday, it was in my shower. I know when one is coming on, but I can't prevent it from happening. I think this is what frustrates me most of this disorder. I don't know when the next one is coming, and I can't stop it.

This has led me to question many things in my life. I began this blog to help others understand why everything is so hard me. I am so terrified of driving because as I get behind the wheel, I fear for my life and the lives of others. Three years ago I blacked out while driving on a country road. Nobody was involved in the accident but me, but I have to face this demon everyday. It could happen again, and I would have no control to stop it.

Someday, after I graduate college and start my career, I hope to work with those who have seizures. As I've been learning, many of my friends have seizures or have had them. It's nothing to be ashamed of if you do. It's just one of my biggest annoyances right now. I wish I had full control over my body. I have to stay healthy, get exercise, and get at least 8 hours each night. I can't smoke or drink due to my medication. It's a barrier I'm still trying to jump over, but instead it keeps gets higher.

I question my existence because each seizure holds back progress. I'm going for my bachelor's in Journalism and have been writing since I was 8 years old. Each seizure holds me back from my writing, and I'm frustrated by this. All my co-workers and most of my friends know I have them, and most know what to do if I go into one. I just wish I could wake up tomorrow and this life-long condition would be gone. I'd like to wake up and not take medication, or not feel my head hurt at night. Why exist with this life if it's going to be like this?