3.12.10

I think one of my problems, if not many other people’s…

is accepting that we have limitations. We’re not always going to live up to the child of every parents dreams, nor the altruistic saint working for the greater good.

We all have faults. Whether they be in the form of doubts, wants, illness, etc. We all have something that limits us from becoming what we think is perfection. And really, it’s our image of perfection that limits us.

Humans often strive so hard for some goal that they forget or lose bits and pieces of themselves along the way. That’s what I’ve done. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be truly happy and content with my life, instead thinking that making myself miserable with obligations and worries was the way to making myself stronger.

But that isn’t the correct way to do it. The way to build yourself up is to accept yourself and your limitations before hand. Love yourself for who you are, rather than the titles and positions you hold. Only then can you find your way to happiness.

17.9.10

I'm always looking for the meaning behind cliches

You know that classic saying: "TEENAGERS! Tired of being harrassed by your parents? ACT NOW!! Move out, get a job, pay your own way while you still know everything!" that's usually on obnoxious t-shirts and postcards? It's one of the things that really bothers me. It always has. At first it was because I felt like it was such a broad generalization. But then I realized that I'm bothered because there's more to it.

My theory for as to why teenagers including myself act like they're smarter than their parents isn't because they're learning more, value friends more than family, or anything like that.

I believe that the change happens once someone realizes their parents aren't perfect.

Remember the time when your parents were your biggest idols? When they couldn't make a mistake, and you compared everyone else you met to them? And then came that time when finally you realized that they've been making mistakes like any human has, for their entire lifetime.
It's just so overwhelming, especially when they represent your view of the world. At this point, I think a child starts to become an individual, starts to think for themselves, and that's when the parent becomes uncomfortable.

There are a lot of other things I think result from this, but I'm going to try and not sound like a psychologist :P

27.8.10

Haters Gonna Hate

funny animated gif


I can't help but think that this sums at what I'm thinking. No matter how ridiculous this looks.
I mean, people aren't going to like everybody, and sometimes it ends up being you.

But then again, we don't always give it our best effort to understand each other, now do we?

I've been challenging myself and my cynical ways to look from that person's perspective to see if I can gain anything. I'm pretty sure I've been getting more questions than answers, but it's opened up my mind to the way other people work and function.

Wow. Just read that over and it sounded pretty simple. "Take a walk in someone else's shoes" they put it. It's easier said than done, trust me. But if we all try and do it, I'm confident there would be less hate in the world. A lot less.

21.8.10

I Love People. But Sometimes I Can't Figure Them Out.

I love people when:

They love me. They love each other. They love themselves. They hate themselves. They don't know who they are, but are unique in spite of that fact. They enjoy things. They wear a smile. They cry real tears. They aren't afraid to give hugs. They aren't afraid to try something new. They reach out to others. They don't judge. They try to make sense of the world.

I can't stand it when people:

Can't see the beauty in things.


Life is beautiful. Life is stunning. Life is unique to each person.

I love living, loving, feeling. Thinking, acting, listening.

I love each and every bit of it.

9.8.10

Hup Holland, Hup!


I'm baaack!

Ok well, I've been back. But you know. These past two weeks I've been at home, recovering. My European experience was a blast, but it took a lot out of me... and made me extremely lazy considering I now have no wake up calls, no curfew, no laundry to do, and no where to go.
The only thing I have to do are summer assignments. Oh yeah, about those...
I guess this is what I get for attending one of the top schools in New Jersey, but really? 3 books, 2 essays, and 20 pages of math.

Hah. haha. hahahahaha.
Oh my god.

Considering I read maybe 50 or so pages of the first book on my trip, and that was all I accomplished? I've got a long way to go.
But hey, you can't blame me: I wrote 72 pages in my journal instead! So now I have lots of fodder for story telling around a campfire. Or around a blog, whatever trips your trigger.

SO my trip was wonderful, thank you for asking. A lot of stereotypes that I subconsciously suspected were either cleared up or confirmed (rude French people, anyone?). And above all, I realized:

I LOVE Amsterdam.

Like passionately adore, "holy crap is this place for real", can I move here when I get out of college? love.

But then again I was there during the World Cup, and they were in the finals, so everyone was slaphappy and in an absolutely wonderful mood.
On July 10th, 2010 Amsterdam was a sea of orange. And it was spectacular.

So maybe my perceptions of it are a little misguided. Maybe this was out of the ordinary. But I still love it for other reasons.

Like the fact that there are more bikes than people in this city. And that the cars you do find are tiny, electric, and super eco-friendly.
Or maybe that it's the cleanest, most neat and tidy city I've ever seen, and the most practical?

And not just Amsterdam, but The Netherlands in general. Many citizens of The Netherlands speak Dutch and English, and often even another language! And the tolerance practiced throughout is amazing.

Long story short, I 'm going to go back again and again.

1.7.10

My Seventeen Magazine Has Arrived!

¡Hola!
¿Cómo está usted?

SO my Seventeen Magazine just came in the mail today and it pretty much made my day. I read them cover to cover pretty much the instant I get them... don't judge!

However, I always get to thinking when I read it, like ooh if I buy this then maybe people will perceive me like this, etc. etc. And I absolutely hate that, because then it makes me unsure of the person I am. I basically look at a certain model who's got the look down pat and saying "Well she looks edgy... yet professional, should I copy her because that's what I want?"

I certainly think the answer is no. Rather I think it's the little things that define us.

You know those cheesy bio things on Facebook and Myspace where people sometimes list things they do and don't like? I've kept my admiration of them in the closet until now. I seriously love these cliche listings because I swear I think it reveals more about that person than one who says something like: "I'm and honest and trustworthy, fun & flirty and love to party"

Now that's not saying that I think you should give it all away in your Facebook bio. But just knowing that you have your own little quirks makes you feel confident.
So I'm going to follow my own advice and outline a few...

I've always dreamed of owning a motorcycle and driving it everywhere.

I admire people who write with correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, & capitalization, even when texting.

I feel beautiful at the strangest times: Listening to music, when the wind blows in my face, sitting with my feet in the pool.

Lady Gaga is one of my biggest idols.

I have a burning desire to purchase every leather jacket, glittery eyeshadow, and pair of heels I see but don't actually buy any of them.

I could probably survive on bread alone for several days, provided it's fresh and artisan, of course.

Even if no one remembers Mrs. Chapman, I will. And because of her, one day I will walk into a library and have to search hard for a book I HAVEN'T read.

I will always love Phantom of the Opera and Gone With the Wind no matter how much anyone makes fun of me.

I essentially lead two lives, one for each coast, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


That's what I'm talking about. When I think about how these things make me unique, it makes me feel confident and like an independent person.
This is why I like to share a fact with you on every post. It's just a little reminder that I'm my own person. And I encourage you to try it too.

Write it down in a journal, or a piece of paper to pin on your wall.
Feel free to share!

FACT: Before posting this blog, I finished the new Seventeen issue

Quote:

"It's a miracle, we're having a miracle on earth,
Mother nature does it all for us
Open hearts and surgery, Sunday mornings with a cup of tea,
Super powers always fighting,
But Mona Lisa just keeps on smiling,"




29.6.10

9 Days and Counting...

Good Evening :)

So, I leave for Europe in 9 days and HOLY CRAP I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED! I've never been before, and it seems like I've been absolutely craving this.

For those of you that don't know, I'm going on a trip with the People to People Student Ambassador Program to The Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Wales, and Ireland for 19 days. It's the first time I've ever been out of the country besides Canada which pretty much doesn't even count (especially to the people who consider it America's hat).

The catch: I'm not going with my family.

So that'll be an interesting trip, studded with homesickness and calls home. But I think it'll give me a dose of the independence that I need. Enough so I can come home and blog to my heart's content about it!
And then come home and start looking through my 10 lb. bag of college mail... but let's just keep out minds on Europe, shall we?

On another note, I survived Sophmore year! And I've enjoyed my first week of summer... probably the sweetest reward I could have, and have ever had. This year... it was an experience and with no offense to anybody I've met, I'm glad it's over. It just means I can come back next year to something relatively familiar and comfortable, which I appreciate. Though I know change keeps one vigilant, it's always nice to know what's coming sometimes.

Anywho, I should go to bed now. I gotta practice waking up early like I'll be doing in Europe.

Fact: I've been considering getting a tattoo/getting my nose pierced when I'm older. Don't hate!

Quote: "He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined when you were young"




20.6.10

I Hate Being Indecisive

Can you say: big, dramatic sigh?
Two half-days left of my sophomore year of high school. Two more days, and that's it. Whatever it's been (hellish, frightening, joyous, disappointing, stressful, rewarding, overwhelming, or pretty much a potpourri of emotions) it's finally over.
As you may or may not know, I moved to this small suburban town in New Jersey approximately 9 months ago from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.
For one so unaccustomed to change, this was an experience, surreal in nature.
This year has definitely had its ups and downs, but it's been one heck of a ride. I'd just like to thank everyone that I've met this year for it.

And with the end of the year comes the end of finals, thank God, and moving on... on into Junior year. And so the actual stress begins. AP classes, college searches, SATs & ACTs, driving lessons. I'm growing up, and as difficult as it is for my parents to cope with it's probably more difficult for me. I've never really prided myself on being a kid, but now I'm just wishing for a few more years.

Like seriously, Gods of Time, please give me a just a couple more?

But unfortunately, travel through time and/or its manipulation has not been developed, so I'm left here to embrace the future with open arms and seemingly rush through it faster the older I get.

Enough with the flowery language though, and let's get to the point.
I've been thinking as of late "Gee, I want to become a blog of note"
For those of you reading this that are not members of the Blogger community, this is a prestigious position awarded to one Blog/Blogger a day that recommends that individual as worthy of taking time to read and appreciate what this person has to say. And as I've done my research, I've found that

1.) I need to post at least three times a week. If not more. I need some luck coming up with things to talk about.
AND
2.) I need to kind of solidify a topic.

The latter half of that is more difficult for me, and I know I said it in my second post, but I think I've got my topic more easily defined now:
Basically I want this to be just a teenager's thoughts on the world. Made unique by the fact that I've recently been transplanted 3,000 miles.
I guess pretty much anything is fair game, but I'll try to keep it centered around school and my friends, imbued with my less than adequate philosophical descriptions of what I think it all means.

Okay we've got that settled then. As you can probably tell, I'm quite an indecisive individual. I promise not to bore everyone so much in the future.

See you soon hopefully!


Fact: I saw my first Shakespearian play today, The Taming of the Shrew. It was very impressive and I vow to see more in the future. (It was performed at Drew University by the way)

Quote(to keep up with the theme I suppose):
"Nothing comes amiss; so money comes withal" (Act 1 Scene 2)

16.6.10

Oh, Stress, It's a Wonderful Thing. NOTTTT

Hellooo.
I've been troubled as of late, and maybe it's part of the reason why I haven't posted in a while. I could use the excuse that I don't have free time, but in reality yesterday I did, seeing as I got out of school at 12:30. (Granted I did turn in an application for a job, went to the library to get books for summer assignments, had a French lesson, and got icecream, but still).

My real trouble is stress, beginning with the feeling that I need to deliver like the last three blog posts, and not seeming like I'm addicted to preaching my values, which if I'm not careful, could easily happen.
Then there's finals. The very word sends chills down my spine, but thankfully I'm somewhat relaxed right now because I should be at school currently, but I'm not. That's right, I'm cutting on the second day of finals, bamf right there.

Hahahahahaha.
No.

I'm actually just not coming in for gym, then I have to go to an AP English 3 meeting during break, then take my English 2 final so I can actually get out of that class and into the next, AND THEN go to an AP Calculus meeting to pick up a summer assignment. Then it's go home studystudystudystudystudy for Chemistry then studystudystudystudy for French, both of which I have tomorrow.

So I'm kind of a nerd. But in comparison with other kids of my school, I'm a complete slacker. Like seriously, I have no idea how some people do it all.

So this is me: California transfer from the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. Started taking a language in high school, planning on taking the SATS sometime Junior year, usually receives As without having to try because the courses are way easy. There I was a nerd. Here I'm a slacker. Why you ask?

Well I've met some people that: Have been taking a language since sixth grade, starting taking SATs 7th or 8th grade, receive A+s when I'm receiving Bs, do several extracurricular activities, in which they excel, take classes outside of school during the year and during summer... etc.

So is it alright to say I feel like I've been lied to my entire life, when I felt and was TOLD I was going to do fine, when in reality the entire outside world is going by at an unimaginable speed?
I feel like I realized that a little too late.
But I'm still trying, I promise! It's just even those thoughts in and of themselves stress me out. And I have no problem admitting that either, because it's actually helped me become who I am today, right now, at this very moment writing this blog.

It's also let me appreciate having fun a lot more and at least not waste my youth completely.

Ah! I'm doing it again!
Preaching that is. I gotta stop that because I feel kinda guilty when I do it, not going to lie.
I did have something I wanted to share, it's a blog from another user which struck me as really awesome and noteworthy.
The author is a 25 year old woman from Missoula, Montana. She has her bachelor's degree in marketing, and wishes to continue on to become a lawyer. She also has dreams of playing guitar and singing for a living as well.
There's just one catch: Before she can do that she has to make money, and she's doing so by working at Hooter's.

Now before you dismiss this, it's actually a wonderful insight and I think everyone should read it, because she's determined to break the stereotype, and I think it's working. Anyways, here's the URL:

http://girlandguitar.blogspot.com

Okay I feel a bit better after writing some of my thoughts down now, phew. I really should do this more often.
Okay, before I go:

FACT: I love writing and receiving handwritten letters

Quote:
"I'm never going to wait for anything
Never going to break for anything
Cause I am one more for love my love
One more for love"


10.6.10

Imma Be, Imma Be, Imma Imma Imma... FAIL D:

Bonjour. Comment ça va?
Hello. How's it going?

Well so much for that whole "I'm going to write so much oh my goodness this shall be so fun"(FAIL) It turns out life gets in the way apparently. But I can't complain. I really can't.
In the past week I've been exposed to many more people than I should have that seemingly don't have a reverence for human life, even their own. Being an atheist that shouldn't trouble me, right? Well that would be the accepted belief... but in actuality it's the polar opposite.

It probably increases my level of worry because it seems to me that our time here on Earth is all we have. Even if you believe differently, why shouldn't we make it the best it can be? My English teacher made a good point the other day:
"What's the point of living if all you're waiting for is to die?"

My answer? There isn't one if you have that attitude.
This feeling had grabbed a hold of me slowly but surely the past couple of years and therefore I am determined to live by this. (That and "A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching." More on that in the future)

Anyways, the only reason I bring that up is because in the past week I've had cause to let life's ups and downs, well... bring me down.
But it's quite a realization that everyone goes through the pangs of loss, heartbreak, fear, anger and the like. And yet somehow people continue on, sometimes forcing themselves to get up in the morning. But in the end hopefully we all will be able to think back on at least one thing and say "Damn that was fun".
I wish to make the most out of my life, and help others do the same.

...And she's done preaching. haha :)



Anyways in other news, my mom watched all of the videos Hayley and I have made since we started over a week ago. She didn't care for our first ones, but said that we've gotten better just in this short period of time. Which makes me excited for the future, I want to see what we can do!


Alsoooo Lady Gaga's music video for "Alejandro" came out the other day. And OH MY GEEE. I feel like I'm the only one that's in love with it. Everyone claims that she's an "astounding artist" but they "can't see through her weirdness". Maybe it's because I'm weird myself, but I CAN see through her weirdness. I found her newest video to be beautiful and sad. It actually gave me chills.
She said: "[It's about the] purity of my friendships with my gay friends, and how I've been unable to find that with a straight man in my life. It's a celebration and an admiration of gay love—it confesses my envy of the courage and bravery they require to be together. In the video I'm pining for the love of my gay friends—but they just don't want me to be with them."

I think more than anything this shows that she's more human, not an untouchable pop star that has the opposite sex yearning for them the entire time. She has weaknesses, and is confused when it comes to love, which speaks to so many of her fans - and could speak to the ones who dismiss her as a freak.
I mean, she IS weird, but she's at least not afraid to be so. I respect her for that so much and unless something drastic happens, I will respect her for the rest of her career.

Okay this is turning out to be such a long post (pretty much because I fail at updating often enough) Okey dokey...

FACT: I have wayyy too many fragrances and makeup items than for my own good.

Quote: "I’ve got a perfect body, though sometimes I forget
I’ve got a perfect body cause my eyelashes catch my sweat
Yes, they do, they do…"

Okay so maybe all of my quotes may end up to be from songs, but I honestly think they have meaning. Even this lyric, which may seem pretty pointless. But as always, I encourage you to check out this song:


4.6.10

It's 11:42 Do YOU know where your child is? Yeah, she's... blogging...

So I was hoping that by this second post I'd be a little more sure what I wanted to write about. Turns out I was wrong... but that's okay.
Wait... I hate being indecisive though! Okay so drop dead decision: This blog will chronicle three things:
1.) What happens in my life that I consider to be substantially important and/or a life lesson I wish to share
2.) The adventures of the vlog Hayley and I have created (We've got two videos now, score!)
3.)My success or non-success with my dreams to become a published writer and sharing my ideas

Now that's not to say that: I believe my ideas are more important than others, that I believe in shameless self promotion, or that being an author is my dream job.
These are things I'm simply trying on for size. (The actions, not their less than romantic descriptions haha)
I believe that we should give everything a chance during our lifetime. I find these three things to be particularly interesting at this point in my life. But who knows? 6 months, 2 years, a decade from now I could look upon this with disgust and wonder why I believed these were worth my time. If that ever happens and I did not give the things I was currently interested a chance, well I missed out didn't I?

This could either drastically alter my life, or not at all. But you never know until you try. And that is becoming my philosophy I believe. The more I think about the life in front of me, the more I think of what I want to see, and where I want to go. So many things, so little time. So why not start now?

So those are my life lessons/what's going on in my mind right now.


As for the vlog, Hayley posted her video today! It was quite exciting, and much better than mine, I'll admit. It made me laugh :)
So I'm thinking of ideas for tomorrow's video that I must make. I think I've got an idea. But I wish I had iMovie '09 at least that would be so much better, ugh! But I'll make do with wat I have for right now, and that's '08.


And as for the publishing thing, well I have this idea for a story that I'm writing but that's pretty much it. I know that you can't write your first masterpiece the first time you write something, but this is why the blog is here.
Though I guess I am a published author already in two respects: The poetry I submitted to an elementary school anthology(WIN!!!) and the story I submitted to my school's Literary Magazine. I'm also on the school Newspaper next year too... sweet! Already a little farther than I thought I was.
Anywhosers... yeah. I just said that.
Enough thinking for tonight. I must rise in time for Relay for Life, and even before that, homework and a video.

Sweet dreams! xoxo

WAITT! I forgot a fact and a quote!


Fact: I currently have a caterpillar inside a cocoon in a container on my desk. I'm waiting for him/her to hatch. I'll let you know what happens when it does :D

Quote: "I'm your only friend. I'm not your only friend. But I'm a little glowing friend. But really I'm actually your friend, But I am." -- Birdhouse in Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
^^The video for this is epically nonsensical. Watch it!
Kay I'm done. Go to bed now. Seriously.
;) <3

3.6.10

Introductions, Anyone?

You!
Hey you!
No, not you!
Yeah you!

Come over here, and read this will you? I don't think you'll be disappointed.

So hey. My name's Maddie. If you're reading this (which you probably aren't because that intro was uber cheesy) that's pretty cool.
I moved to New Jersey 9 months ago from California. So the secret to my blog title, is well... not a secret anymore now is it? Nice.

School ends in 19 days, so that means summer right?!
Wrong.
Finals come first unfortunately. And my teachers feel it necessary to start just ONE more chapter to squeeze in before hand so we're "better" prepared for next year. I decided that it was kinda b.s. so I decided to start this blog. AND work on a Youtube video for a budding project with my best friend Hayley who just so happens to live 3,000 miles away from me in California. Doesn't that seem like a more efficient use of my time? Anyways, more on that later.
I'm trying to keep this short, witty, and interesting so as to attract more readers and stuff. I don't exactly know if it's working but I'll find out soon enough.

I think I'm going to end each blog with a fact and a quote so I can restrain myself from posting them as my Facebook status (I admit that I do it... but I know for a FACT know one else cares to read others quotes. If you haven't realized that already... I'm sorry :P)
So let's try this without scaring any of you out there away too fast:

Fact: Since moving to New Jersey I have been in close proximity to NYC. SO close that I've been 15 times already :P

Quote (and yes, it's from a song): "Life is 'Oh my God if I tell him he'll tell her and then she will know I like her!' But good grief! I don't think I can take this heartbreak any longer. I will not hold it in" -- Hold it In by Jukebox the Ghost
Behold the wonder that is this band!: