Weekend Movie Marathon

So, I decided to celebrate for being a week and half ahead of schedule for my McNair research project. I have my defense committee put together as well as my research proposal and time line signed off on by my mentor. For those who have no inkling as to what I am talking about, just know that it is something worth celebrating. I decided to watch a few movies and a marathon of Supernatural (I watched the entire seventh season). The three movies that I remember watching were pretty awesome: Easy A, The Vow, Underworld: Afterlife, Haywire, and In Time. I freaking loved them all. I feel like I'm going to be a film critic, so bear with me...

Easy A was pretty fan-freaking-tastic. I think it hit on the very general theme of public display of humiliation because of seemingly good intentions. I learned...

 1) People talk. They talk about you in a positive and negative light. They really don't care. It fulfills the need to be relevant. I'm just as guilty as anyone else. Discussion about another person makes me feel like I matter because someone wants to hear what I know (truth or not) and how I feel. I know that comments can range from the harshest condemnation to the highest praise. I think this where the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it" rule comes into effect. Words can hurt.

2) Be you. Stand strong in who you are. Some situations will place you in compromising spots. Many people will compromise their character and dignity to be part of something that they don't need to be a part of. Quite frankly, I know too many people like that. They change who they are to be a part of someone or something else. I feel like if you have to change who you are to be accepted, then you probably don't need to be accepted. I'm not setting myself as the world's golden model (but, I am pretty awesome) but there should be certain things that you shouldn't compromise on.

Any who, I'm doing with the film criticism. I just wanted to say that although movies are usually for entertainment purposes much can be learned from these films. Besides, they are reflections of our culture.

I want to thank you all for allowing me into your hearts once again. It brings me joy to know that I'm not completely crazy. You care, read, and even comment. Just know that I appreciate you and your time, and I hope to continue to edutain with my humor, eloquence, and insight. Also, I want to thank all of those who have served our country. I appreciate everything you've done because  I don't think I have the gumption to do it. To all of my friends and family/readers (yes, you're family), I'd like to wish you all a Happy Memorial Day!

*Sigh*

I'm back. Woohoo! I'm really glad that this semester is over. This semester has been eventful to say the least: gained and lost some friendships (who doesn't), finished my English degree program, received a scholarship, selected a McNair scholar, continue my employment, and learned that I'm 11 hours away from graduation. But, now it's summertime. Everyone is gone, and I'm a tad sad about that.

Now, I kind of understand how my mom felt when I left for college. I was telling them to go home, and don't come back but I didn't mean it. LOL They were home. Now, they just need to come back. Hey, there's always August. I know this sounds weird, but I miss the loud chatter of my residents, the random trips to get food, the awesome celebrations of birthdays, and just everyday conversation. I was so prepared for the summer to hit, so I can actually get some rest but I couldn't sleep that first night; it was just too quiet.

It's okay though. I can get back to many of things that I like such as blogging. Yay! I stop my rant here before it starts. Besides, I anticipate many more posts about my "wonderful" summer adventures.

P.S.
I truly thank you for reading my blog posts. It means so much to me that you actually take time out of your day to read what I write about. The support is amazing, and it drives me to write more for you. Thanks for motivating me.

Pokemon Scavenger Hunt

Start Catching ‘em All

Before you get started, there are some general questions that have to ask.

Name the only Ash Ketchum has that won’t stay in the pokeball.

There were two trainers that traveled with Ash Ketchum on his journeys. Name the original two and also name the element of pokemon that they primarily used.

What were the first three pokemon that Ash captured?

What is the name of Ash’s hometown?

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s start hunting.

You need a device that captures the pokemon. In addition to that, also make a device that names them. When you make these devices, upload a picture of the devices to the group’s wall on Facebook. Put your name or team name in the post body. Also, inbox me the names of the two devices.

Squirtle has a pretty cool attack called Water Gun. Find the place on campus that is known for shooting water. Take a picture of it and upload it to the group’s wall on facebook.

Bulbasaur is a grass type pokemon. I personally find the best attack by grass types was razor leaf. There’s a bunch of these razor leaves once you pass a certain social house. Take a picture of those leaves and the building behind them.

Psychic pokemon are usually very smart. They know a great deal of information. Find a building on campus that holds a lot of knowledge. After you take a picture of this building, get the signature of the person working the desk.

Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are very feisty pokemon. They sometimes need to release some steam. Take and upload a picture of the thing that would more than likely help them release that steam.

Eevee was perhaps one of my most favorite pokemon because of the many evolutions it had. Name at least five of those evolutions.

There are sets of legendary pokemon. Give me the names of the birds. Also, take a picture of your best drawing of these pokemon. (I want something decent. LOL)

I always thought that water-types and rock-types would have been the best of friends, but I guess that’s not always the case. Give me a name of where rocks and water exist in the same space. And, give me the name of that place.

Poison pokemon are good for inflicting sickness onto individuals. When you’re sick you have to go visit a certain place. Take a picture of that place and bring back a brochure from the closest desk.

When you finish these tasks, put your responses in a private message to me. There will also be an additional task for bonus. If you choose to perform this task, you will win an additional 50 trojan bucks. Good luck!

Whoa!

I'm finally able to write something. I guess there has been many updates. The first thing is that I'm glad to have time to write something right now. I didn't think that I would be able to once classes started up again, but I'm glad to see that I was wrong. It doesn't happen often. ;)

One major thing happened to me. I had to go to the ER. I had a 103 fever. I know that's not very good, but in my defense I was actually looking for meds to take. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any, and I didn't feel like going to the store. I started to feel bad because I missed my residents' move in. I was sad and apparently, they were too. They were glad to find out that I wasn't dead and still their RA. I know it's crazy that that's the first thing that came to mind, but what can I say...they're my residents. lol

Because of my fever-induced state, I missed the first week of classes. I didn't like that. I mean I'm sort of a geek when it comes to school. Contrary to popular belief, I don't like missing school, especially the classes that I like. Yes, I like school. When I finally made it to my classes this week, I learned that I missed some information and speakers. But, one of my classes is the best thing ever. I watch movies. That's it. We watch movies and critique them. How awesome is that? Extreme awesomeness.

I've also finished one of my recipes. It's actually from a friend's mom. I haven't actually tried it yet, but I'm anxious to do so. I'm not finished with it, but I can't wait to put some finishing touches on it.

Change!

Happy New Year! Woohoo!

I'm so excited to write my first post of the new year. While I was on facebook thinking of what my first post be (yes, I can do both), one of my friends had a powerful post. It read, "you dont need Jan1st to start over or get a clean slate, you can do that at any point in your life! Just remember that as you go into this new year :)" I couldn't describe how true that rang for me. I started thinking about this a couple of New Years ago. Last year, I told myself that I was going to write in my blog once a week, something like "In my life this week..." That idea was quickly shot down.

But, it was the idea that I started thinking about resolutions. Every year, I make a new year's resolution for it to last all of two months. I'm starting to give up on the dependability of a resolution for the new year. I'm all for having goals and dreams, but why wait until to start those changes. Yes, I love to actually say that I'm going to do better in school or become a better son/brother, but I think it's more to it than just to say it. You have to work at it. Change is good. Change is fun. Change is life. Embrace that change.

That's my thing: with saying "this is my one resolution," then you limit yourself as a evolving being. What if that resolution doesn't work? Do you stop working? No. And yes, you may have multiple resolutions, but then it becomes irksome to remember all of them. I just want to be able to wake up each morning the good Lord has been merciful enough to allow me to see, and I say, "I am going to be better than yesterday." My aunt once told me that everyone who is in your life isn't necessarily supposed to stay in your life. This assists with the betterment of your own well-being. And as corny as it sounds, it's remains powerful: Everyday is a gift. That's why is called the present. Live each day as best you can. When you're angry, be angry. When you're sad, be sad. When you're happy, be happy. These are your emotions. These are your tools to build who you are. How you react to situations. These feelings are part of what it means to be human. And, since I'm feeling pretty good this morning, I'll give you a little something for free:

Don't dwell on the negativity that hinders you from optimizing your potential!

Your potential is powerful. It's wonderful. It's you!

Have a blessed and wonderful day!