First Post Title

my first post :)

Perception Is Everything

In 2010, independent thoughts and opinions are few and far between. Beau Otto's presentation demonstrates these theme through a series of optical illusions. His audience was asked to form their own opinions and perceptions on the illusions, however, that task was easier said then done. Beau Otto was demonstrating that people's lives have become controlled by a greater force. That force may be the media or our peers. The massive focus put on the media by society, is ridiculous. Young girls are continuously influenced by magazines, websites and reality TV shows, all of which pollute their brain's with false information. This information being about body image, drugs, alcohol and social acceptance. The media doesn't allow normal people to make independent decisions and opinions about important issues. Another aspect that influences people, is their peers. Whether those peers be your best friends, family or teachers, they influence the way you think, negatively or postiviely. Beau Otto's presentation demostrates through optical illusions that perception is everything.

Slumdog Millionaire

Ram Mohammad Thomas is an exceptional person. I became aware of this in the prologue of the novel, 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Born into poverty he fights through several unfortunate events that just seem to find him. Ram survives these events because he is a leader. Through out the entire book people in need gravitate towards Ram, as though he is the person who will solve everything. And he does. Whether it be freeing Guidya from her alcoholic sexually abusing father or saving a train full of passangers from murderous robber, he commits all these amazing acts and is unexplainably rewarded for them. He is rewarded by Guidya finding him later in life and serving him as his lawyer in a time of need. He is rewarded by winning one billion rupees on a game show. Finally, he is rewarded by falling deeply in love with the Neeta. The novel, 'Slumdog Millionaire' contains many different ideas. Such as, the theories of karma and luck or the idea of writing your own destiny. All three of these aspects help explain the series of events which make up Ram Mohammad Thomas' life. Although I found understanding these ideas very difficult at times, after I finished the book, I felt educated about them. Since finishing 'Slumdog Millionaire', the story line and characters spontaneously enter my mind; showing me that I was truly touched by the novel.

Creatively Prompted Blog

Discuss a joyous moment.

I love the moment right after I finish dancing. The moment where the feelings of exhilaration and pure bliss fills my mind and body. When I dance with everything I have and am left completely exhausted but still radiating happiness. These joyous moments happen almost every time I dance; whether I am in the studio, taking class or on stage performing for an audience. I recently learned in Biology 12 that these joyous moments might just be caused by an influx of endorphins blocking nerve impulses in my brain... However, I believe that these moments come from a place inside, a place of happiness and pride; which create an irreplaceable feeling. These moments cause my cheeks to flush pink in excitement and a wide smile to spread across my face. The reason I have continued dancing since the age of three is solely because of these moments. As June twelfth, my last day of competitive dancing is coming quickly, I find myself wondering...'Am I ever going to experience moments like these again?'.

Review: Starbucks

If you have never heard of or had Starbucks, you have been living under a rock. Starbucks is an international coffee chain, that is slightly controversial. Some see it as over priced and over consumed but if you research the positive aspects of the company, like I have, your opinion might change.

Starbucks offers beverages which the customer can tweak and personalize to their satisfaction. Replace milk with soy, coffee with decaf, sugary flavor with sugar-free flavor, you know name it... Starbucks will do it. If you were to compare Starbucks with Tim Horton's for example, You would find that drinks can not easily be changed and modified to your personal taste. I think that this is Tim Horton's weakness. One might argue that Tim Horton's is cheaper but I believe you get what you pay for and at Starbucks, you get more for you money. Also, at Starbucks a portion of your money goes to an important cause. I respect Starbucks because the company makes a positive impact on the community they serve. They do this by contributing to youth action, community services and local efforts. Starbucks is also an ethically aware company. They buy and serve high quality coffee, ethically traded coffee, meaning the support local farmers. This says a lot about Starbucks as a company, it demonstrates that they are caring and conscious of their providers. As I was researching Starbucks for this review, I discovered that they are extremely environmentally conscious. A trait that is important for consumer approval and longevity. They are trying hard to minimize their environmental footprint through recycling, building green and minimizing their energy use.

Starbucks is not just a well-known coffee company. Along with offering many personalized teas, coffees and blended drinks, it works hard to make a difference in its community, environment, and world. Starbucks supports many different organizations and charities... because of this Starbucks should be supported in return.

The Road Less Travelled

1) Do you believe it is important to be passionate about your job?

I strongly believe it is important to be passionate about your job. Having a career that you are passionate about adds to your quality of life. With that being said, I don't believe that people who aren't in love with their jobs lead unhappy lives. I like to think that most are content with their lives because they have never known a career they are passionate about, therefore, they have never experienced life at its fullest. The perfect example of job importance is my mom, Naomi. A woman who believes strongly in fate and destiny. As the literacy coordinator of Penticton, she is very passionate about her job. A few months ago she was offered a HR management job for a large corporate company, this job would have paid more and offered more benefits, however, she knew she wouldn't be as passionate about it. She said her job right now was meant to be, and that her gut told her that she had to stay with it. Her job right now is her favorite subject to talk about, its her favorite thing to do, its her life. Thinking about my mom and her career choice makes me even more confidant that passion for your job is extremely important.

2) What do you plan to do with your life (career wise)? How do you plan to get there?

I find these questions extremely daunting and intimidating. The reality is, as a seventeen year old girl, I am very unsure what my future holds. Because of this, I'm very jealous of my fellows grads who seem to have their lives planned out. But on the other hand, I worry for them. If you have your entire career planned out, potentially, your are setting your self up for failure. If you are open to your future and plan to embrace what ever comes your way, like me, I think you might end up more successful in life. I don't mean more successful in your job status or financially. I mean more successful at life; happier, stronger, more content. I'm rambling... back to the original question. Next year I plan to attend UVIC, I plan to complete my Bachelor in Social working. After I do this, I'm going to explore the world, I'm going to travel to places unknown and live freely. Then... I'm going to go back to UVIC and complete my Masters in Social Working. I've spoken to many social workers and they all agree that a Masters degree is the smartest thing you can do. This is a very hypothetical plan, these are my goals but if my goals are completely different in a years time... that will be just fine with me.

Sleep Deprived

The human body feels hundreds of emotions in random order and succession, without a thought, everyday. However, when one slows down and actually feels their emotions, one by one... they take over your mind, consuming your thoughts and actions.

I have slowed down. There is only emotion or feeling that is present in my mind; exhaustion. As my eyes begin to droop and squint and my jaw, unclenched, hangs relaxed, I know that I am exhausted. You see, I know I am exhausted because the soft, clean smell of sheets, pillows and blankets finds my naval cavity and consumes my brain I know I am exhausted when an abrupt, clean, minty taste fills my mouth, consuming my taste buds. I understand that I am exhausted when every muscle and joint in my body melts into my pillow-top double bed. Exhaustion has consumed me when I am alone in a dark, calm room, alone with my energetic thoughts. I am exhausted when my stubborn eyelids slump together and my rhythmic breathing sets it's pace. I am no longer exhausted because now... I am asleep. Goodnight.