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All the Little Things Add Up 5/11/21
Due to COVID a lot of things were taken away from us in an instant. However, unlike being able to spend time with friends and family, going to school in person, or being able to find toilet paper easily, some things we still might take for granted despite having our world turned upside down in a flash.
Enjoying Lunch Outside I don’t know about any of my other fellow upperclassmen, but on the warm spring days of the year, sitting outside while eating lunch was a mini-vacation away from school. To be able to feel the sun on your face and breathe some fresh air, especially after being inside cramped classrooms for hours, was the greatest feeling. I constantly miss being able to sit outside when the weather is nice, instead of sitting in the cafeteria being trapped inside with the air conditioning rather than a cool breeze.
Seeing Someone Smile I know a lot of people don’t mind the masks and I don’t mind wearing one since I know that I am helping save lives. Yet, I still miss seeing everyone’s bright and cheery faces. Especially since when I do see someone is smiling via their eyes, I don’t know if they are genuinely happy. I know that nowadays as much as I try, I am often faking my smile and saying, “Everything's fine. I’m fine.”
Having Paper Assignments or Projects Due to COVID- 19, many of my teachers have turned to digital assignments despite us being back full-time. I miss being able to work on posters or physical worksheets. Personally, staring at a computer screen for hours upon hours not only hurts my eyes, but I tend to lose focus quicker than if I was working on a project with tangible items. I have always loved being able to be creative with my design on projects and I still am with Google Slides, yet it doesn’t feel the same as if I was able to make a poster about the topic instead.
Despite having our world turned upside down and moments of our lives flash before our eyes, we still need to take into consideration the tiny things that we take for granted every day.
Remember to ask yourself, am I taking the little things for granted? Because whether we think so or not, the little things (like the freedom to sit outside for lunch while smiling with friends) do add up.
My Thoughts on Success 4/8/21
Everyone has different theories as to what the meaning of life is and if they are fulfilling that purpose. Yet, those are just theories as no one can truly have the 100% correct answer as to what we are put on this earth for.
Many believe that they are put on earth by one creator and that we should fulfill the duties that He has assigned for us known as supernaturalism. Others believe that we as humans are a genetic mystery through thousands of years of evolution known as naturalism. Yet, these are not confirmed either way and leave a lot of guesswork as to what a successful life is. To me, successful life is one that you are satisfied with until death. If you were to die this evening, hopefully not but hypothetically, would you be happy with the life that you have lived? If not, then you are not living a purposeful life.
Take a look at it this way. The actions that you do today affect not only the present but the future as well. In order to view them as good or bad decisions, you need to look at them objectively. Does this make me a better person? Does this impact others? Does this benefit me positively? In order to be happy with the life that you have, you need to stop comparing your life to those around you. They might be rich, live in a nice house, and have 6 fancy cars, but are they happy? Money doesn’t buy happiness, so stop saying that you are only successful if you have substantial income. Sure, obtaining objects may make you happy for a little while, but will that necessarily bring you happiness overall?
As Madonna sang, “We are living in a material world and I am a material girl.” We ARE living in a culture that values money and objects rather than the more important things in life. Next, you must be satisfied with the relationships that you have in your life. At the end of the day seeing your best friend will make you happier than sitting playing Xbox all day. The closer we are to people the happier we are. This is because when we are engaged in deep conversation with someone whom we love and trust, our brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical. Otherwise known as the happy chemical. Mix that with endorphins while laughing and you have double the amount of happy chemicals in your brain as you would have by sitting alone. Finally, you must feel that you have made an impact on this earth. Whether that be doing what you feel you needed to do with your life career-wise, family-wise, relationship-wise, etc. You need to feel that you have done something that made a difference either on yourself, your peers, strangers, or the environment.
The impact that you make could only last for about 10 minutes or it might last for 50 years. The point is that you should have done something with your life that is going to change at least one thing. Whether that being kind to your neighbor or finding a cure for a disease. The point is that you should have done something that made your time on this earth valuable. You need to have done something that makes the years that you spent on this earth purposeful to either yourself or those around you rather than having done nothing. In conclusion, the only way that you can see if your life was truly successful is if you are satisfied with the life you have made for yourself. Quit comparing yourself to others, have meaningful relationships, and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Turkey for Three and Mistletoe, too! My 2020 Holiday Misadventures 1-27-21
This past Thanksgiving started just like any other. The night before I brined the turkey and tied the legs together so it could be baked in the oven the next day. I also prepared the potatoes, stuffing, green beans, gravy, and pie. Then, I set all the platters on the kitchen buffet filled with hot steaming food. As usual, I decorated the dining room with fall colors and a pumpkin centerpiece. The only problem? I was only serving three people.
Unlike previous years, when both sides of my family came over to devour a delicious masterpiece, I would only be serving my immediate family. The usual guest list of 20 people turned into three. 17 other people would be off on their own eating a separate meal in different locations.
I must say the highlight was not having to make small talk, or be asked “How’s school?” for the twenty-billionth time. Less people also meant fewer dishes to do and a chance to go to bed earlier. Those highlights didn’t make up for the missing gap in my heart, my family. I have always been close to my family, especially since I am an only child. I admit that Thanksgiving can be hectic and loud. Honestly, most of the time it is a real pain, but I love being able to see everyone.
After I fixed myself a plate and sat at our dining table, I ate in near silence. My mother and I talked a little bit, but honestly we had spent so much time together, we ran out of things to talk about.
I went to bed early that night and was preparing to go Black Friday shopping when it hit me. “Would I even need the gifts for Christmas?” I could manage not having the family over for Thanksgiving, but Christmas? I was nearly in tears realizing that I probably wouldn’t be able to see some of my family until November of 2021.
Our Christmas traditions are broken up into various activities for different parts of my family. My immediate family of my parents and I celebrate on Christmas morning. Later that afternoon, we typically head over to my dad’s sister’s house and spend the evening with his side of the family. We also schedule a time in December for my mom’s side of the family to come celebrate at our home.
So even if we DID attempt Christmas, it would still be under CDC guidelines. I began to wonder, “Would Christmas be the same? Will I have to send gifts in the mail or save them for next year?”
I still packed up my backpack and Black Friday sales ads regardless.
On Black Friday, I was shocked that it was still crowded, but it was not as terrible as it used to be. I had fun shopping with my mother and scoring great deals for gifts. I had everyone besides a few people finished by the time I got home.
I still couldn’t avoid the black cloud of questions in my mind. “Will I even NEED these gifts this year?” “What if they can’t come over?” “What’s the point that I got the best gift ever, when I can’t see them open it?”
I didn’t want to think about it, why worry for a whole month? Yet, as the date got closer, it became more clear that Christmas would be different, too. My aunt didn’t talk about her plans, but the lack of responses made the idea of it just being the three of us again a probability. My mother contacted her family and while some were excited to know that we were still hosting, others were wary. My aunt replied that she wasn’t comfortable with the idea of having us over, but would still come if we ended up having it. My cousin, on the other hand, refused to answer multiple texts. I have to admit it was depressing. Not just having one, but two holidays stripped away wasn’t exactly on my to-do list. I personally love being able to buy gifts for all of my family and seeing their reactions to “the best gift ever.” (Usually, some of my gifts revolve around events from the year.) So, when we declared that the holidays for the Whelans would be canceled, I was crushed. I thought about how I would have to spend the holiday at home with my parents instead of my other relatives and friends.
Waking up on Christmas morning and realizing that I would be stuck at the house all day was an eerie feeling. Something felt wrong about it because something WAS wrong. I wasn’t with my entire family.
I got up as usual, walked out to where the tree was, and waited for my parents. We opened our presents to each other, plus our fur-babies. Then we opened our presents that came by mail. That was unnatural. I never have been one to like getting gifts. Personally, I would rather give them, but something about opening an Amazon box rather than a box decked out in Christmas paper was depressing. I wanted to be with my family, not engrossed in whatever needless tangible item was in the box they sent. I wanted to have the small talk and to be asked how school was. I wanted to listen to stories about my relatives being dumb. I just wanted my family.
Unlike any other year, this year, I felt alone.
So, like many other things this year, the holidays were ruined by COVID. I admit it was most likely the suckiest way to end the very bad, no good, terrible year that was 2020. In other words, Christmas (and Thanksgiving) for me and my family, stink, stank, stunk!
I Will Never Take My Family Time For Granted 12/15/20
Growing up as an only child, not only are my parents a huge factor in my life, but my distant relatives are also. I am extremely close with my aunts, uncles, and grandparents. That closeness extends to a few of my cousins, despite them being older than me. Even though I don’t see them as often as I would like, they hold a special place in my life. For me, my family will always be my priority because they are the people who have always been there for me.
Before COVID, I would spend every Saturday at my aunt and grandma’s house. We would sit in the living room for a while and talk about the things that are happening in our lives. Then, we would then usually go shopping, see a movie, or hit a bowling alley. It didn’t really matter what we did on the weekends. We made sure that we were all able to sit down and have dinner together as a family. Whether that be at home or at a restaurant, we didn’t care.
However, with COVID, that has changed. I only get to see them maybe once or twice every couple of months. When we do see each other, we just sit in the house and talk instead of going out. Even though we can’t do our usual routine of going out, we have had some new things that we have tried at the house. We have played washers a few times and had a picnic in the backyard. We’ve also watched movies at the house. For fun, we have even watched game shows and pretended that we were the contestants.
Although this year is challenging when it comes to being able to safely see family members, I still stay in touch with them as often as I can. I get really excited when I can see them.
My aunt and uncle who live in Florida came up to Missouri a couple of weeks ago and we were able to have dinner together. That was a nice change since the last time that I saw them in person, I was in the first grade. We all went to a favorite restaurant of ours that was open for dine-in and enjoyed eating our delicious food. I think we appreciated that moment. Even when I can’t see my family in person, I try to reach out to them. I will give them a quick call or text to see how they are doing and ask what is new in their lives. That is where technology can come in very handy!
I love my family dearly and not being able to see them as often is killing me this year. So when the talk of us not being able to have our usual Thanksgiving or Christmas this year came up, I was more than devastated. I love being able to spend the holidays with my family and having this year not be a possibility is a hard thing to accept. I understand that with certain family members it is the safer option and we need to be careful, but it still is disappointing, especially since I cook both meals.
This year is a challenge to almost every aspect of our lives. One thing will always remain the same. The love I have for my family. I never would have thought that not being able to see them whenever I wanted would be a reality, but as the pandemic continues it seems that the new reality is that I have to spend my time with my family via technology. I hope that you value and appreciate your family just as much as I do mine, and don’t forget to reach out to your family members and see how they are doing. A simple phone call or text can make someone’s day.
10/20/20
I never imagined how much a classroom filled with a group of wonderful people could have changed my life so much.
During my freshman year, I watched The Friday Show and Blue Jay Journal TV with wide eyes. I simply couldn’t wait to be a part of it. I would watch BJJTV staff members share wonderful stories and PSAs and wondered what I could add to the team. Of course, I had to pick up an application when I heard they were accepting new staff members!
Once I found out that I was a part of BJJTV and could enroll in the course my sophomore year, I was more than ecstatic to be working with these people and contributing to the school. I was eager to get a head start on the summer work and start my BJJTV journey. I found myself actually enjoying writing blogs and sharing more about myself to the rest of the staff.
Before I knew it, the first day of school arrived and I was a nervous wreck, as I usually am. I was so excited that I couldn’t figure out how to open the door to the BJJTV classroom! I smashed my hand in it trying to open it. After I figured out the door and sat in my spot, I calmed down a bit. I quickly learned more and more about the fellow staff members I had only met online over the summer. I soon realized that these were people who I would enjoy working with in the future.
Once we got through the whole getting to know each other and team building activities that were a part of the first week or so, we began working on camera. I was impressed at how fast the returning staff members were able to get all the equipment together. I watched with wonder as they setup the tripod and camera effortlessly. We did our first interviews and learned about how the setup should be for stories.
I was overwhelmed with all the camera work at first, as I am not the best with any kind of technology. I was worried that during the first time filming on my own, I would magically forget everything and not know what to do. When my first moment came I was nervous. I was to film the Homecoming Dance and I was scared about how it would turn out.
Once I started filming, I felt that the angles were all wrong and that I kept shaking the camera by accident. I remember thinking to myself, “Why am I doing this?” or “I regret signing up for this class.” There I was, a sophomore in BJJTV and I kept thinking that the class was too much work and I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I regretted thinking that as soon as the thought came to my mind. I knew that the class would be a lot of work when I was a freshman watching the shows, and it is, but I knew I could handle the challenge. Also, why should I let one bad night ruin my entire feelings towards the class?
I found that as I got more comfortable with the camera, I started to relax and be more comfortable in the class. I found that I love filming interviews and learning about people that I didn’t know much about. I also found that filming football games for Mr. Leatherman and the Athletic Boosters would soon become my favorite part about football season.
As time went on, I did more work for the class and got to know everyone better. I felt like the class had become my second home. I felt comfortable with everyone and was able to be myself around them. I had an amazing teacher, who taught me more than just how to work a camera and edit video.
So, even though I had a bad night filming for the first time, I decided that I wasn’t going to think negatively about the class again. Not only had this class quickly became my favorite time of the day, but the staff last year were some of the best people I have ever met.
Now, I am a junior wrapping up my first quarter of my second year on the BJJTV staff. I am excited to be on the staff again and possibly for the rest of my high school career. Yes, I think I may even do this my senior year. Even though this year is incredibly different because of COVID-19, I still look forward to being able to meet new people and share their stories.
This class has not only taught me to be myself, but it has opened my eyes to the world around me. Thank you, Blue Jay Journal TV. I will always appreciate you. Now, let's continue to march forward during these crazy times and tell more stories from WHS and our community!
Spread Kindness Instead 5/7/20
As I turn on the TV and watch the news yet again bringing me information about the pandemic, I see more and more news stories about the random acts of kindness that people have been inspired to do. As more stories pop up, it makes me think about the true importance of acts of kindness.
As the pandemic continues, the days might feel longer and the idea of it ending seems further and further away. However, seeing these true heroes spread their kindness in different and unique ways makes the quarantine a little brighter.
The Best Acts of Kindness Stories
Sharing a Square Greg Sansone noticed the number of people who didn’t have supplies in his community. He, along with a group of volunteers, helped hand out toilet paper. They were able to hand out nearly 1,000 rolls of toilet paper to residents and daycare facilities. On each of the bags, they had a note that said, we stand strong together. They spread hope during this time of uncertainty.
#314together This social media hashtag has gained popularity throughout the St. Louis Community. The movement was first created by The Women’s Creative and The Experience Booklet. The two ultimate goals are to create a conversation between small businesses and help the community. They are reaching out to small businesses to find out what they need. They have reached about 8,000 members and the hashtag can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
A Hero Lives Here In St. Peters, Annie Owens, who works at SSM Health, makes signs during her off hours for her fellow co-workers stating, “a hero lives here.” She then places the posters outside of her fellow coworkers' homes. Owens, in a KSDK interview for 5 on Your Side, stated, “I want to bring a smile to my coworkers’ faces so when they see that, they know that we’re all in this together and we all care about each other.”
Goodie Bags for Postmen In University City, Mackenzie Schifano made goodie bags to place on her porch for her postmen and other delivery men. Each goodie bag contained candy, sanitizing wipes, and a note of kindness. Schifano stated, “This is my way of saying ‘thank you, I’m sorry, I appreciate you.’” She makes sure to sanitize each goodie bag and hopes they express how grateful she is for these heroes.
Dad’s Disney Chalk One dad in Tampa, FL was upset to find out the Disney parks were closing due to the outbreak. Brian Morris was outside with his daughters and drawing with sidewalk chalk. He later discovered that his drawing of a koi fish sparked interest with his neighbors. Afterwards, he began to draw famous Disney characters on the sidewalk. He hoped that by doing this he can help bring back the spirit of creativity.
As more and more stories of kindness pop up in the news, it sparks more interest in helping others. I hope that reading these examples of acts of kindness can help inspire you to do a random act yourself. Perhaps these examples can inspire everyone to help each other out during these tough times and help us remember that we are all in this together.
The Power of One 4/18/20
My family consists of my dad, mom, me, two dogs, and a cat. Did you just realize something? Yes, that's right, I am the only kid.
Many stereotypes come along with being an only child. Many people look at us and say, “Lucky! I have siblings and they are the worst.” Speaking from experience, I think that being an only child has some cons, but it also comes with many pros as well.
Growing up, I loved being an only child. I didn’t have to share anything. I didn’t have to deal with someone messing around with my things or stealing time from my family. I thought that it was the best thing in the world. I was able to do things that many other kids could not do due to the fact that they had more people in their family.
I was viewed as "the spoiled one" by my other friends who had siblings. They would say things like: “You’re so lucky.” “I wish I was an only child.” “I am the baby of 6 kids! McKenzie, you’ve got it made.”
At the time, I thought that they were all correct. I did have it made.
As I got older though, I thought about the things that I had missed out on by being an only child. I would never be someone’s sister. I wasn’t going to be Aunt Kenzie. I was alone on many levels.
I admit that this really bothered me at first. However, I have opened my eyes to the relationships that I do have. I have extremely wonderful parents that I wouldn’t change for the world. Also, my friends have become so close to me that I consider them to be my family. They are like the siblings I didn't get to have.
I have realized that I am extremely lucky to be an only child. I have wonderful relationships with family and friends. If I wasn’t an only child, then I wouldn’t have been able to have the experiences that I have had. I wouldn't have been able to afford the same opportunities to travel to wonderful places with my parents and have a great time with them.
In the end, I am grateful to be an only child. Beyond the travels, attention, and love I have experienced with my parents, I can make my relationships with my friends closer making them the family that I chose.
Toodles, McKenzie
Giving Back to My Community 12/14/19
When I was thinking about something that I wanted to do for the holidays, I immediately thought of all of the hungry kids and adults in my community of Augusta. I turned my attention to how I can help neighbors that are suffering.
Recently, I noticed a new 24/7 outdoor food pantry placed at the Evangelische Ebenezer Kirche, also known as the Ebenezer Church of Christ. I knew wanted to help, so I went to the church and took a look at the sign that they had posted on the road that leads to the parking lot. There were no guidelines as to what could be donated, as long as it wasn’t perishable.
Then, the fun part came as I was able to pick out the food that I wanted to donate. I chose a variety of foods ranging from tuna to Indian Lentils. I also grabbed a box of macaroni and a jar of peanut butter. I put all 15 items into a box and walked down to the church, which isn’t that far from my house.
Once I got to the food pantry, I was shocked at how much stuff was already in it. I opened the door and was glad that the items that I had chosen were not already inside. I was happy with the selection of food that was in there for people who need it. I placed the items that I had brought with me, and I even organized the shelves a bit so people could easily find what they needed. I also noticed that people had placed hygiene items in the box as well.
I was ecstatic that I was able to donate food that would help those who are in need. I hope that my experience is an inspiration to you. Perhaps you can help others in your community, too. I had been eyeing the food pantry as soon as they built it. Now that I finally had made a donation into it, I can safely say that it is something that I will be doing more of in the future.
Until next time, McKenzie
SomeBODY Loves You
11/4/19
Often, by today’s standards, people are expected to have that drop-dead gorgeous appearance that models and social media stars seem to have. However, the length that people go towards getting this body can be extreme. Anywhere from the expensive gym memberships to overrated diet plans, people will go out of their way in order to be what is considered “hot.”
Body shaming happens more often than people think. The idea that someone doesn’t meet the exact requirements that you feel are important for that person to be attractive is unethical. I have found that sometimes the most caring, understanding, and wonderful people are the ones that today’s society finds to be the “ugly” ones.
I have struggled with the issue myself. I was body-shamed by someone who I thought, at the time, was my best friend. I was verbally abused for multiple years about my outer appearance. This person felt that they need to tell me that I should live up to what is considered the standards to being pretty.
“You would look so much better if you lost weight.” “I think that this would look better on someone who wasn’t as big as you.” “Have you ever tried dieting? Or working out? Something?” “Not to brag but I am SOOOO much skinnier and prettier than you.” “I can eat from the kids menu, but I bet that’s not enough food for you.” “This shirt is a dress on me. Isn’t tight on you?” “I love being a small. I can’t imagine me being YOUR size.”
Those were the comments that I would hear often. At the time I was 5’0” and weighed 150 lbs. If you look at that as body mass index (BMI), I was considered to be overweight, but not obese. My “friend” sure let me know that I was bigger. I would hate looking in the mirror because it was almost as if the word FAT was written across my face. I didn’t feel confident in the way that I looked and didn’t want to talk to many people.
Throughout 7th grade, I would wear giant hoodies that would cover my body because I didn’t want people to see me. I still was body-shamed though as hot summer days and gym class required me to take them off. Gym class was a nightmare because I could feel judgemental eyes on me as I slipped into workout clothes and struggled to do simple exercises. Other kids could do simple warm-ups without breaking a sweat. I, however, was out of breath and was red in the face.
My “friend”, who I mentioned earlier, even went as far as to write a poem about me for her English class about how I was the ugly duckling in the school. She got an A, I got a broken heart. Enough was enough.
I decided that I needed to stop letting a few people ruin my thoughts about myself. I stopped talking to most of the people that made me feel like an outcast. I learned that I needed to start changing my view on myself and that if I wanted to change then I would be doing it for ME.
I started to tell myself positive comments about how I looked and would talk to people who saw the best in me. I never felt better in my life. Although I was still overweight, I had new confidence in myself. I even started to care about how I looked and realized that maybe I should take better care of myself.
Since then, I have lost almost 25 pounds. I am more confident in the way that I look and don’t dread looking in the mirror. I still know that I will have days when I am down and feel hopeless, however, I need to just keep telling myself: “You are BEAUTIFUL.”
I know that social media might say that I am normal, basic, or unattractive. But why should I let them judge me? I have great friends and family that make me feel beautiful every day and I thank them for all their love and support.
If you ever think that you are not good enough, just know that I love you and so many other people do as well. You are beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. We only have one YOU. Don’t try to be someone else’s clone.
-McKenzie
A Blast from the Past: Things I Would Tell My Younger Self 10/10/19
Ah… being a child. Sounds good, right? To be at that age where the only thing that matters is what TV shows you're going to watch when you get home, or whose house you are going to have a play date at. The magical time when you can be a kid.
Looking back on it now, if I were able to be a kid again, I would make some changes.
#1. I would tell my little mind to never stop believing. Perhaps, I wouldn’t understand what my future self would be talking about. However, I feel that if I said this to my younger self, I most likely wouldn’t give up so much. I would stick with things even if they got hard. I wouldn’t stop asking questions, either! I would truly believe magic can happen!
#2. Not only would I tell myself to never stop believing, I would also tell my young self to go for it. I would often be scared to do things and try something new when I was little. Now that I look back on my life, I know that there were things that I should have taken the leap on.
I would encourage my younger self to know that even though it might be scary, that little push can make a difference.
I honestly can't tell you many times that I have looked back on my life and said to myself, “Man, I regret NOT doing that.” I once read something that said, “Live life so that when you are older you say ‘I regret doing that’ rather than saying ‘I should have done that.’” That hit me like a brick. I realized that at that moment, I had not been living my life to the fullest.
#3. I would also tell my younger self the friendships that I have will end and I should cherish them while they last. Unfortunately, I have lost some dear friends of mine whether it be from fights, distance, or other such problems. I still miss them to this day and feel that I should have taken the time to tell them how much they meant to me and about the impact they had on my life.
I know that I won’t have a magical time machine that will magically take me back to being a kid. What I do know is that I shouldn’t make these mistakes again. I tell my friends constantly (maybe too often) how much I appreciate them. I also have learned to take more risks and enjoy my life. I know that I can’t change the past, but I can always choose the future.
So, what would you tell your younger self? It's certainly something to think about.
~ McKenzie PS I would also tell myself that the toy I wanted in the middle of the store that I cried over, isn’t worth the tears. Just saying!
McKenzie's Top Traveling Tips 9/23/19
Want to go somewhere? Is it your first time going on a vacation? Well, here are some tips that can help make the stressful situations less stressful and vacations more enjoyable.
I have been on my fair share of trips both in and out of the country. Though these trips were fun, they have given me tips to help make my next trip even better. Now, I am sharing them with you! Ditch the agenda! When most people plan a trip, they tend to want everything planned down to the second of what activities they are doing. Here is my one-word tip for that, DON'T! Most of the time when there is a strict agenda, then you can’t have fun. You are pinned down so you can’t enjoy the things that you really want to do. By being spontaneous, you may try new things or learn what the location's hidden gems are.
Never eat at a place that you have at home. This rule has been in my family for years. Often, people like to eat at typical fast-food restaurants while traveling. Not only is it unhealthy, but you also are missing out on the experience of the hole-in-the-wall eateries. Some of my favorite restaurants have been found by accident, or simply just asking the locals.
Grab the brochures in the hotel. Those racks in the hotel may seem boring or intimidating, but I promise you they are helpful. Simply pick out the attractions that look fun on the rack, then take them back to your hotel room to examine them more closely. By doing this, you can find local attractions that you have never heard of before. We have found some of the best attractions, diners, state parks, etc. by looking at the brochures found in the hotel lobby.
Wear a hoodie/sweatshirt on the plane. Often times the cabin of an airplane is freezing. By bringing a hoodie, you can help stay warm. However, this also helps when the cabin heats up. By having something removable, you can take the item off without feeling uncomfortable. BONUS: they can also make for an excellent pillow if your plane doesn't have any to borrow.
Wear the biggest pair of shoes you want for the trip when on the plane. This is good for the limited space in your suitcase. By wearing the largest shoes that you pack, you can save almost 30% of your luggage space. This leaves room for more souvenirs to bring home.
Take LOTS of photos. Don't come home saying, “I should have taken more photos.” I promise by the time you land, you have missed great photo opportunities. If you are going with friends, take a snapshot of you sitting in the airline cabin together. Road trip? Safely, take a selfie with the driver while jamming to the radio. The more photos the better. Often, people take pictures at the destination rather than on the journey. Most of the best times I have had on vacation were on the way to the destination.
Don’t be afraid. Many people have a fear factor that goes along with traveling. I don’t like planes. I don’t like the food. I don’t like traveling alone. STOP IT! You can’t say things about something you’ve NEVER tried. Sometimes the things that you were afraid to try end up being the best thing you’ve ever had.
I hope that these tips can help you create a more memorable travel experience with your friends and family. As always, make sure that the memories you make on the trip will last a lifetime. Have fun, try something new, and be spontaneous. Remember, it is more about the journey rather than the destination. I hope you have a wonderful trip and lots of fun. Bon voyage!
Taking a Stand Against the Grip of Technology 8/10/19
"When the phone was tied to the wire, Humans were free. Now, Humans are tied to the phone, Their minds are no more free." - Gaurab Chattopadhyay
I hope you take a moment to think about this quote. It illustrates how the internet and the evolution of phones have impacted the world, and it's not for the better. This quote means a lot to me because I live in a world where technology has taken over.
Technology, although helpful at times, can be a nuisance. To "fit in" you seem to need to be on your phone 24-7. The creation of phones was for communication between people and only that purpose. However, as technology evolves, more and more people are becoming further apart from each other.
The need for social media has increased over the years. People have now become addicted to their phones. They start to have both physical and physiological needs for the devices that are causing harm.
Addiction by definition is the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.
However, I have to ask, is technology addiction a healthy one?
Most people I know start to get anxious when their phone dies or is left somewhere. Most will start to panic as they don't know how to function without them.
The majority of people I see lack social skills and struggle with face-to-face conversations. They don't know how to look someone in the eye or have a decent discussion. Although many of my peers don't think of this as a problem NOW, they will in the future. In most interviews for jobs, interviewers are often looking at a person's social skills before they even start to ask questions. This can be what draws the line between hired and turned down.
Technology has become the new plague. Not only has technology taken over the social aspect of the world, but it has also taken over many people's lives. When driving down the street when I glance over at other cars, most of the time the drivers have phones in their hands. Often, these actions can lead to crashes that could potentially kill someone or greatly impact their quality of life.
Social media makes humans feel that they need to hide behind a screen. When everybody is trying to fit in online, that is when most of the good qualities are lost. I believe phones are controlling people, not the other way around. When people are using social media they aren't expressing their true selves, but the version of them that society wants them to be viewed as. The connection between a human an a screen is making higher expectations for us. By making this picture-perfect person we are no longer our true selves.
Obviously, I am inspired by Gaurab Chattopadhyay's words about smartphones. This unhealthy addiction is having an impact on people and not for the better. This only makes me want to embrace who I am and take a stand against the hold that technology has on us.
By choosing how I'm going to live my life, I can take a stand against the grip technology has on us. Are you in?
The Best Friend I Never Knew I Needed 6/29/19 When asked what people couldn't live without, most might say an inanimate object that they hold dear to their hearts. Granted, I love my knick-knacks and other possessions, but I can live without them in my life. I, however, have come to realize that things are not what make us happy in the world but rather the people who we are surrounded by.
If I had to choose one thing that I can not live without in my life it would be my best friend, Autumn.
I met her when I was in the fifth grade and she was in the fourth. I had just moved to the Washington School District. She was the first person that I actually felt a connection with, despite the fact that we were in different grades.
We do everything together. She makes me feel as if I am family. I have always viewed her as the sister that I never had and the one that I never knew I needed.
Autumn and I will be celebrating five years together on August 18th, 2019. I am so happy to have her in my life because she has not only inspired me but has made me a better person. I would like to thank her for making me who I am and always sticking with me through the worst times and the best times.
Today, society has made the idea of living without something as being this inanimate object that won’t bring us happiness in the end. However, the key to happiness is the connection that people have with one another. The memories that we have with the objects are what make us want to hold on to them, not the objects themselves. I would rather have memories that I can build with someone and hold close to my heart rather than an object with those memories.
I love making new memories that I can relive later in my life.
"Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it." - Lucy Maud Montgomery, The Story Girl
I like that quote because it shows how objects do not have to be physically in our lives. In order to enjoy them, we must be able to remember them. It also shows that nothing can be lost as long as it is not forgotten. This means that the things that we can't live without aren't the objects themselves, but the memories attached to them.
With my "thing" that I can't imagine living without, which is really a person, we are constantly adding memories that will last us a lifetime. I am realistic and know that we might grow apart in the future, but only when (and if) I forget is when what we have built become lost memories.
Autumn, if you are reading this, I would like you to know this quote is for you:
"If you live to be 100, I hope to live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh
I hope that I never have to go a day without you in my life. I will always be there for you when needed. I love you and want to thank you for being my hero.
McKenzie Jr. Optimist member. I want to travel the world. I love dogs and otters. Addicted to Oreos and Sushi.
"When the phone was tied with WIRE, humans were free." - Gaurab Chattopadhyay