FOOD FOR THOUGHT ;-)

An interesting discussion in my Intellectual Heritage class got me to thinking. We were discussing the idea of success, failure and rewards in life. My teacher raised the question of whether or not we are "sleepwalking through life". If we were not rewarded for doing things in life and if there was no such thing as success, would we still be driven or motivated to continue in our everyday routines like going to class, work, etc.? If there was no promotion to look forward to or ice cream cone if you clean your room, would life be meaningful to us?

I don't think so. Most people spend their whole lives working towards something so that they will feel complete in life. It may not always be monetary, sometimes it is spiritual or religious, but it is still something that gives a person the feeling of success. My professor took it a step further when he asked us, if we could live in a world where there was no such thing as success, would we come to school, and why do we even come to school now? This is going to sound horrible but, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't go to school; not because I don't love learning but let's face it you can learn a lot from just living. Real experiences have taught me so much more than any book in any class has ever taught me.

In school we learn all types of things and then we have to apply them to real life. Why not just go out there and see for ourselves?

But focusing back on my main point, I think it would be interesting if everyone just sat back and really examined what they are doing right now in their lives and why?

What are we striving for? A guy in my class made a good point. He said that people work their entire lives to get enough money to retire and for what? Five years to spend it and then die? What's the point in that? I laughed when I heard this, but I think it makes a lot of sense. A lot of people have their "live for today moment" in life and I guess this is mine. It's definitley food for thought though (plug*).

idk...tell me what you think...

~Lana~

Not in the mood for dessert

I'm in a very reflective mood right now, just thinking back on '08 so far. My year has been a difficult one from before New Years, the death of a close family friend has forever changed me and I've been moved to tears by Robin Thicke's song Angels. I've never been a big believer in them, but last week I think I encountered a person that reminded me of my family friend Mr Eric, in the form of a Temple Police officer, Hap. This man was so kind and generous, so filled with Mr Eric's nature and demeanor that I felt like I was in his presence. It's hard to explain, but I knew that Hap came into my life when he did to be my "special friend" and guide like Mr Eric had been up until his death. I feel blessed right now, with peace in my soul, and with amazing friends and family. I hope and pray that everyone realizes what they have and take time to reflect from time to time because life has a way of getting so crazy that we feel alone. Just know that you're not alone, you have an angel looking out for you, it could be someone you know, or just some kind person that reminds you of that one person you will never get over, or replace. That person is your Angel.
I love you Mr Eric & always will. I miss you more everyday.

Jessica.

PIE IN THE FACE

Today was an excting day for me. It was my first time voting! I had anticipated this day for a while now and I was especially excited to vote in one of the most historic elections to date. Today was the election day for the Pennsylvania Primary elections. (I know that seems a little redundant but you'd be surprised by how many people didn't know that). However, I am very concerned about the youth vote.

As many of you know, the youth vote is one of the most important votes, especially in Pennsylvania. Yesterday, on election -day -eve I talked to a family member of mine (who will remain nameless) about voting today in the Primary elections and he said that he was not voting; he had not even registered to vote. He told me that he didn't see how voting benefitted him. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM!!! The youth are not being educated enough about politics. I must admit, it took a lot for me personally to become interested in politics because I was pretty bored by it. I didn't become really interested and involved until I came to college and took a political science class. I, too thought it was just a bunch of old people making laws about stop lights and whether or not we would get ticketed for jay-walking (okay that's a bit of a stretch but you catch my drift). Anyway my cousin did not see how getting registered and voting would get him out of his current situation. He said he would still be living in the same place and struggling just as he is now. This really hurt my heart as I listened to him.

However, I am not upset with him. We need to do a better job of educating people about how much of an impact the government and politics has on our lives. Not just young people need to know these things, everybody does. There are some older people who have never voted in their lives because they think that the whole process is intimidating and confusing. In reality, the part that matters, the actual pushing of the button to vote, that is the easiest part! But registering can be a little confusing. I had my parents helping me through the process which made it easier but I have many friends who weren't as lucky and never got to cast their vote. So this is my charge to anyone reading this to take the time out to talk to at least one person and to see how well they understand the voting process and help them to fill in the blanks!Oh...and...uh OBAMA FOR YA MAMA!!!!

~Lana~

No talking with food in your mouth!

My adventures with Septa continue, specifically on the 23 bus. I went home (Mt Airy) to be a great citizen and vote for the first time. That's a story in itself, but this post is about my ride on the 23 bus. I think I should write a book about my adventures but ANYWHO, since when do kids get spelling practice on the bus? I witnessed a grandma lecture her grandson about how she was going to "whip his butt with her belt". After the child lied about putting his money in the machine for his transfer his grandma yelled, " You're lucky I don't have my belt!". She proceeded to yell the letters of belt to him like a drill sergeant, " b-e-l-t, what's that spell? And I'm gonna do what? t-a-p, whats that spell? Tap what? b-u-t." The little boy interjected, "It's b-u-t-t grandma!" and she happily responded by saying, " I bet you know what to spell the three letter word for that too." I was wowed. So wowed I couldn't even turn my head to be nosey. This went on for about 5 minutes at the top of their lungs at 8:30 in the morning. I left the bus preparing myself for my spelling bee, b-e-l-t, t-a-p, b-u-t-t!
Until my next adventure on the 23 bus folks, practice your ABC's because you'll never know when you'll be not-so-pleasantly reminded of them.

J.

Smoking Prohibited!

I dunno about you America, but I don't smoke, which I'm starting to feel, makes me fall in the minority at Temple at least. I cannot walk across campus without smoke filling my lungs and coughing in disgust. It's as if people rush out of class, and run through the designated "No Smoking" areas to get a quick smoke in before their next class starts. Frankly, if I wanted to die of lung cancer or lung disease I'd smoke three packs a day just like the masses. So please people, stop blowing your smoke in my face, I'm just trying to get an education, not a disease along the way. Second hand smoke, is disgusting.

Jessica

Taste of Your Own Medicine Part II

Classless.

Classless, Trashy, Nasty Girl- Destiny's Child circa, my childhood.
Girls with tight skirts, humping anything stable
That's classless, trashy, nasty.
Thong up their back, knee high boots wearing, legs spread awaiting your arrival
That's classless, trashy, nasty.
The Stay-At-Home girlfriend, resisting temptation, gets released by you even though she was satiated by your love as if he was your last supper.
But I guess you couldn't stay around for desert, and ran out on the check.


Jessica

A Taste of Your Own Medicine Part I

Venting.

The ex was the one who gave up and gave into temptation
The ex was the one to leave me alone, drowning in my own tears
The ex was the one to cut off all my strings
So now I've got no strings to hold me down.
So let me fall free fall and commit all the wrongs I chose to, let me do me like you're already doing you.
Because you never had enough heart to do us both.


Jessica

MORE POETRY**YEA I'M DEEP**

TALLER

XCUSE ME LIL MAN IS IT ME YOU’RE TALKIN 2?
DIDN’T MEAN TO IGNORE
I JUST COULDN’T SEE YOU
YOU, WAY DOWN THERE
YOU OUGHTA GET A LADDER
OR MAYBE GAIN SOME WEIGHT
YEA GET A LIL FATTER

TO THE SKY IS WHERE I’M GOIN
6 FOOT AND I’M STILL GROWIN
LEGS ARE GETTIN LONGER
CALVES ARE GETTING STRONGER
HURRY UP BABY
WON’T BE THIS HEIGHT MUCH LONGER


LIKE A CIGARETTE
YOU TRIED TO STUNT MY GROWTH
MAKE ME SHORT LIKE YOU?
HA, I LAUGH AT JOKES!
YOU WOULDN’T LET ME GROW
SO I HAD TO LET YOU GO
I’M ON AN ELEVATOR
THE ONLY WAY IS UP

NAPOLEAN SYNDROME
YOU GOT IT DOWN TO A SCIENCE
YOU TRIED TO BELITTLE ME
BUT I’M NOT IN COMPLIANCE

SEE THERE’S A HEIGHT REQUIREMENT
AND YOU JUST DON’T PASS
CAN’T SEE YOU
WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS
SORRY BABY DOLL
JUST GO AND EAT YA WHEATIES
MAYBE ONE DAY
YOU’LL BE TALL ENOUGH TO REACH ME

~LANA~

ORDER'S UP!!

THE HILLS/MTV

I guess it's time for me to come to terms with my addiction and admit it to the world that I, like many, am obsessed with MTV's:The Hills. It's really sad that I have nothing better to do with my Monday nights than to sit and dive into the lives of Heidi, Lauren, Audrina and the bunch. I mean I think I know more about what's going on in Lauren Conrad's life than I do in my own. Yet and still my girlfriends and I crowd around the television every Monday night and discuss Heidi's new implants or how we feel that it's definitely time for Lauren to "go dark" (meaning her hair color). As if the show is not addictive enough, MTV has now started a new mini series called FRESH TAKES starring none other than R&B singer Alicia Keys. The series showcases the lives of three women living in the city doing random things that young girls do like dating, and shopping and things of the like. The series is a little cheesy but it was a smart move on MTV's part because it falls in the place of a commercial break during The Hills. It is a good way to keep the viewers from not turning the channel once they've realized that they're are too engrossed in the lives of Lauren, Spencer and Heidi [The Hills]. Not to mention, it allows us to see a little acting from Ms. Keys which is a nice change.

During the show [The Hills], MTV also has a little box appear on the screen that tells the name and artist of the songs that play throughout the show. Great advertising techniques if you ask me. Kudos to you MTV.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK...

~LANA~

GET READY TO THROW THAT RICE!!!

JAY-Z AND BEYONCE FINALLY DID IT!!

Sources say rapper Jay-Z and Beyonce finally tied the knot in a private New York City ceremony. The couple are still trying to keep it a secret which is pretty hard to do considering who they are but they haven't officially approved any of the rumors. Personally, I hope it is true! Yes, I am one of those hopeless romantics that wants the "happily ever after" ending, even for celebrities. Hope it works out for the two, but I am interested in hearing what Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's father/manager has to say about all of this considering previous rumors that he wasn't to fond of Mr. Jay-Z. Well I guess it doesn't matter because the two have been going strong for roughly six years now; it's about time they went all the way and jumped the broom. If it is true I'm happy, if not, let's get a move on it people! Beyonce, your biological clock is ticking!!

Tell me what you think....

~Lana~