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Write to Yourself

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This year has been really rewarding for me, but also tremendously tough. I have definitely gone through my share of struggles and difficulties, but one thing that has helped keep me positive and sane (apart from exercise and good friends) is writing. Rarely, a particular problem will concern me so much that I cannot think properly or get over it, and the issue consumes my mind. When this occurs and I have no one to talk to at the time, I feel as if I may implode. At times like these, I write down my thoughts in the computer and talk my way through what is happening, in the same way I would had I been speaking to a therapist or friend. It is amazing effective writing has been to solving personal problems. Additionally, one thing I've done this year is write letters to myself. On Valentine's day I wrote myself an encouraging love letter of sorts (despite having a significant other), and a birthday letter when I turned another year older in March. Looking back and re reading w
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A Tissue Box Catapult - Revelations after reading David and Goliath

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Recently, I was introduced to the book David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. The story really opened my eyes, and despite only reading a few chapter in, the contents have greatly changed my perspectives.  Essentially, Gladwell's novel is one in which he discusses why society always perceives the so called "underdogs" to be at a disadvantage and are surprised when they come out on top. The world believes David's win to be a miracle when it fact it should not have been a surprise (I won't spoil the book for those who have not read it yet). One central idea to the David and Goliath is that we often think in a very fixed way, and believe in one set way of doing things, or one set of rules when it is easy to find a solution that could be out of the box. Reading the novel made me think of one of the most profound things that occurred to me as a young student in history class. Now, I realize the lessons I learned from the incident can be applied to life and society at
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Buyer Beware- a $7 lesson learned

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Sometimes, it takes one mistake to keep you on your toes, and my mistake cost me $7 dollars, not too bad considering I'll be more careful in future. I recently joined a group called "Free and For Sale" at my school. Having always ignored the posts for goods, I decided to take a leap yesterday and purchase something. On the page, I found a blue button up shirt that I liked and it was advertised as L. I like to wear an oversized button up shirt above a tank top, so I decided to purchase the item. I messaged the girl selling and we arranged for me to pick up the shirt today at 2:45. She took a long time to arrive but eventually I paid her $7 dollars for the shirt, which was folded, stuffed it into my backpack and went back home. Imagine my surprise when I got home and saw the shirt for the first time! It was L yes, but not a normal adult large, it was a kid sized large shirt. And worst of all, it didn't fit me! Since I'd only purchased the item 30 minutes ago,
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Thoughtful Gifts

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I have to say, that although I've received plenty of bad gifts, I've never received a gift that has delighted me or impressed me as much as the ones I opened this year. With the trend today of gift cards, cash, and vouchers, people don't think before getting someone a present, these gifts are "safe" but not memorable. I don't remember who got me the chapters gift card... This year, someone gave me truly special gifts. Ones that took thought, and time, and energy, and affection to create. It makes me think that giving is not about the amount of $ on a gift card. It's about the heart that went into a gift. I wish everyone Happy Holidays! I'll be in Miami, Mexico, Mahogany Bay and the Cayman Islands for the next little while on a well deserved break. I wish you all the best in the New Year! :)
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Procrastination Poem- (Inspired by Mulan)

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Let's get down to studying, to defeat exams Why are there 13 chapters, I don't know any of them? It's the longest course I've ever took, and I can bet before I'm done, I will have wasted hours having fun. There are 2 days left now, and I'm getting scared First I'll have to facebook, cruise the net, eat pears Before I review I'll doodle make art, and I'll even watch a show now there's 30 hours, let's go! I'm never gonna be done on time say goodbye to all those good marks if I don't do well I'd better not tell my parents These organism names are so long Better start intensely cramming Now I really wish that I had photographic memory procrastinate, I really just wanna take a break Procrastinate now I only have one more day procrastinate I hope that I'll be okay But I'm sure with a will, there's a way! Time is racing toward me till exams arrive Once I find my confidence, I just may survive The gy
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Winter Quotes

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“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”  ---- John Steinbeck “Winter is not a season, it's an occupation.”  -----Sinclair Lewis “Of course I’ll hurt you. Of course you’ll hurt me. Of course we will hurt each other. But this is the very condition of existence. To become spring, means accepting the risk of winter. To become presence, means accepting the risk of absence.”  ----Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince “Winter changes into stone the water of heaven and the heart of man.”  ----Victor Hugo Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius. ----Pietro Aretino
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Final Season Approaches

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This week is the last week of the term for me. I can't believe that I'll be done exams in less than 3 weeks! It's a bittersweet moment, I feel as if I'm on the cusp of great changes. Things will be so different once I start working next term. Growing up and becoming a real adult isn't an easy thing to accept all at once. Not surprisingly, my ability to pay attention in class has been deteriorating... yet, a part of me doesn't want all of this to end. I feel torn, as if I'm trying to stay put and run far away all at once. One thing is for certain, I need a break! Hopefully after travelling to Mexico in December, I'll feel more refreshed and invigorated. Maybe seeing new places and new cultures will boost my energy and optimism as I rocket towards my future. As I grow and develop as a person, I'm starting to look hard at my future and plan for where I want to be in 5 years, 10 years. Setting goals for my future, thinking of steps to take so I can g
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