HOLIDAYS ARE NOT THE SAME

My family officially fell apart in June of 2004. My mother just up and left my father and I and took my little brother with her. My older sister and two nieces moved to Atlanta GA in 2003 and my oldest brother moved to Alabama in 2004. I am a daddy's girl and always have been so I was fine and dandy with everything in the beginning. My other sister eventually moved to Atlanta in 2005 and my other brother moved to Atlanta in 2006. Knowing my medical situations and knowing that my "clock" is ticking faster than others it's becoming very depressing that my family is not together. Every year the passes the holidays seem to become more depressing to me. I am truly beginning to hate them with a passion. It is just my father and I.....we have NO ONE ELSE. NO OTHER FAMILY HERE!!!! I'm going down to Atlanta this Christmas to be with my little brother, two nieces, oldest sister and mom but half the other family is still not around. I'm going to try to make the best of it. I don't wish for any material things, I just wish I could have the past back!!!! For those who are blessed enough to spend the holidays with family....CHERISH EVERY MOMENT!!!!!! For Thanksgiving my father has to work so I am going to be completely alone.... maybe I'll take myself to the movies lol.

QW Nov 12,2009 (The Readings)

The White Rose : Long Live Freedom by Jacob Hornberger and The Test Case by Simon Wiesenthal were very inspirational because they expressed opinions with strength. In The White Rose, the college students stood up for what they believed despite the consequences they may have to face. For instance, Sophie Scholl said, "Somebody after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by others". Their actions showed displayed their bravery and determination to notify people of the reality they are too afraid to speak on. They seen a problem and decided to do what they had to in order to make a difference. It took a lot of courage to write the truth about Nazis and pass out these leaflets. Within The Test Case, the students expressed their beliefs stating, "This play is a swindle. Anne frank never lived.". It took boldness to make an accusation like that. I find it enlightening that no matter the situation people can stand up for what they believe in regardless of what others may think. I also found it uplifting that Simon Wiesenthal would go out of his way to prove the story of Anne Frank was authentic. It is so difficult for individuals to express their true beliefs, especially young adults. Seeing that people can stand up to situations that are critical to history and understanding the possible brutal consequences reassures me that in today's society I can have the strength to stand up to what I think is right.

The Start of a New Week!!!!

I thought this week was starting off in a GREAT way. I got all my homework and studying done over the weekend and still found time to watch some great movies. I was completely prepared for my midterm in math. I had money in my pocket and I planned on going to the mall after my midterm. My math class is from 6pm to 8pm. Now....I was dressed cute because it was kind of warm out today...the midterm was SO EASY...I know I passed so that put me in an even better mood. After class I decided to go over to Fairlane...eat some Chinese food and thought I was going to do some nice shopping. That is when my day came CRASHING DOWN!!! I locked my keys and my coat in the car in the parking lot of Fairlane by the food court soon as I got there. I had to wait hours until my dad could leave work to bring me my spare keys. As you know, the mall closes at 9 so I was sitting in the cold for a little while waiting. I'm glad I'm back home in the warm of my bed with no homework....I pray the Lord blesses me to see another day and I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Dr. Bolkosky

I was sitting right in front of Dr. Bolkosky during his presentation and I have to say I seriously felt a vibe come from him. It's hard to explain. His tone of voice, his emotions mixed in with his words, everything about it was touching. Professor Kristi was sitting next to me, I don't know if she noticed it but subjects he touched on brought tears to my eye's. For me to cry for a stranger talking about strangers helps express the emotion tied in with our history. Dr. Bolkosky's presentation really hit home and I think most of it had to do with his feelings about it as well as how professional yet personal he made the situations. That was a speech that will be embedded in my memory for a VERY long time. I would like to take this time to say THANK YOU to Dr. Bolkosky and Professor K. If I knew it would be that AMAZING and emotional I would have turned my tape recorder on and caught the whole thing. His presentation has crossed my mind multiple times since Tuesday. When I think back on him talking about certain events, talking about certain interviews and remember his facial expressions and tone of voice, it still brings tears to my eye's.

Hard Work Pays Off

Now that most of the hard excessive work is out of the way, I feel pretty relaxed and proud of myself. I know I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to. I have proven that to myself time and time again. When you hand those papers in or take a test you've studied so hard for....it pays off. When you get that grade back and you are pleased with it, you can't help but smile. Then you feel a sense of relief. Although this past week or so has been hectic...I finally get to sit back some and look at my accomplishments. I know that to get what you want in life, you have to strive for it. Sitting back and complaining will not get things accomplished. I put my mind to it and got all my work done....YES!!!!!! In the process I aced a math exam and passed a psychology exam, finished a 6 page essay, my argumentative essay and a 4 page essay. Now it's time for a long bubble bath, a glass of White Zinfandel and a nice movie with my man. In the words of Colin Powell, "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard-work, and learning from failure."