American Idol

I am a huge American Idol fan and have watched every season since the very first. Unfortunately for this season, last night was the first episode I've been able to watch because I have been working. I think the very beginning and the very end of the seasons are my favorite, because in the beginning it is hilarious with all the of bad singers and in the end it showcases all of the people who have real talent. I am extremely excited for this season because Ellen Degeneres is a new judge. I love Ellen, her show is probably my favorite show on TV. She always makes me laugh and just brightens my day. I think it is a little weird without Paula as a judge. Even though she was completely out there, she still added to the show. It will be interesting to see how this season will turn out. Many people are saying that this season may be the last because after this year Simon will be leaving as well. And even though Simon is harsh, he usually has a good opinion and I just don't know how the show will go on without him. So far I am pleased with the season and expect it to be another good one. Even though I missed the first three episodes, it was hard to miss this guys performance since he's been all over TV:

Fundamentals of the Internet

Since I am running out of things to blog about, I figured why not blog about the class I'm writing for!? When the class first started, I'll be honest, I didn't think it would be that challenging. Creating e-mails, personalizing my iGoogle, using search engines...all things I am familiar with. Although I will point out, I learned a ton of useful tips and tricks during the first week of class that I will defintely use in the future. Once we started learning about HTML, I thought "okay, I can do this." Then things started getting a little complicated. But finally I realized once I got the basics down and understood the fundamentals of it I could actually make a pretty cool website. Practice makes perfect, and once I got the hang of things I felt really accomplished. I still have lots of details to work out, but in the end I am excited to see the final product. I really learned a lot from this class and think it will help me in future projects.

My New Obsession...

As if I'm not obsessed with reality TV enough, I've become obsessed with a new television series. This series is a little better and more mind stimulating than Jersey Shore. The two hour season premiere of 24 aired Sunday, then continued last night with another two hours. The show is about a man, Jack Bauer, who used to work for the government, and some how always gets brought in to help major disasters, usually involving terrorists. I have never seen any other season before, but I believe this is the 8th season. What I think is so interesting about this show is that each episode takes place during one hour, the entire season is 24 hours (one day) long. There are many twists, turns and high impact scenes that cause so much suspense I can hardly stand it. I was on the edge of my seat and even screamed a few times during the first four hours of the season. During this season Jack is asked by his daughter to move to LA with her and her family, but is shortly interrupted by a friend who is involved in a scandal. There is a plot to assassinate a fictional Islamic President who is in the United States for a peace conference to stop nuclear bombs from being made. Jack is thrown into the mix and tries to save the Presidents life, all while dealing with other unexpected events. This show is so exciting and I just can't stop watching. I don't know if I'll be able to wait until next Monday to tune in.

Playoffs

This weekend was a big one for football. It was the second round of playoffs and the season is coming to a close. Unfortunately my team, the Cowboys, didn't make it to the next round. They took a tough loss to the Vikings. Tony Romo just couldn't put up the points like Brett Favre. With a final score of 34-3 the Cowboys really didn't do much at all. It was hard to watch, because the previous weekend was such an exciting game against Eagles. It was the first playoff game the Cowboys have won since 1996, so they were overdue for sure. Romo took hard hits and was sacked six times against the Vikings. Favre has so much more experience than Romo and has been in the league a lot longer. Favre was the first 40-year-old quarterback to win a playoff game. Even though it was upsetting, the Vikings deserved to win with the way the played. With the Cowboys, Ravens, Cardinals, and Chargers out, only four teams remain. I look forward to watching the remaining teams fight their way to the Superbowl.

Where do you get your Information from?

It's all around us, it may some day take over the world. One way or another, the media is always influencing the way we think. There are many different theories about how the media impacts us. How we dress, how we talk, and what we do in our daily lives is all impacted by the media. The media is constantly putting out new information and new scandals to draw us in. But the question is how reliable is all of the information that is being put out into the world? Well to the people that bend the truth and put out information for the world to take in, it is just a job. It is their way of life and their way to make a living. But with this power it allows them to put out information from their point of view.

Media impacts every person differently. To some people the only media that affects them is the morning news once a day. To other people their life depends on it. Checking e-mails, phone calls and texts, constantly reading magazines to find out the latest gossip, without the media some people would be lost.

Although the media can put out any type of information they desire, we are ultimately the deciding factor in what we do with the information that they give us. We can take it or leave it, but the media will always be everywhere trying to capture every moment to put out for the world to see.

Reality TV

Last night I spend two hours being entertained by reality TV, specifically Jersey Shore. Reality TV is my guilty pleasure. I know it's not real and there is no educational factor behind it whatsoever, but I just can't get enough. You name it: Real World, American Idol, The Hills, Tough Love, and of course the most recent Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore is similar to Real World because they take a group of strangers and put them in a house, but the difference is they are on the Jersey Shore. Oh and of course they have to be "guidos and guidettes." If you are not familiar with this terminology check out this video:

As you can see this is completely ridiculous, yet so entertaining. The show is full of drama, clubbing, dancing, drinking, fighting, and "fist pumping." I find this show so entertaining because I don't know anyone is their right mind who would act like some of the people on the show. But it is something to laugh at, and make me feel a little better about myself. It makes me realize I have a pretty normal life.

LOVE makes the world go round

I stand corrected. I was reading the book How to be Lovely by Melissa Hellstern about "the Audrey Hepburn way of life," and came across the beginning of a chapter about love. It began, "Yes, love (no, no, not money) makes the world go round." This book inspired me. Not only is it about love, it touches every aspect of life from Audrey Hepburn's point of view. It includes quotes, pictures and information about her life. I have always been an Audrey fan, but this book opened my eyes. It is a short read, but one that I could re-read over and over again. It covers anything and everything: happiness, success, health, love, family, friendship, fulfillment, style, fame and humanity. Not only was Audrey Hepburn stunning and talented, she was one of the most modest celebrities I've ever read about. She didn't think she was beautiful and she didn't think she was talented. She dreamed of being a ballerina and studied it for a large portion of her life. I read about how on sets of movies she was extremely self-conscious and lacked confidence. What I admire most about her is that she always put her loved ones before her career. Once she had children she gave up acting for ten years so she could be a proper mother. She was criticized by her mother, a baroness, who raised her very strictly and was probably the main cause of Audrey's lack of confidence. Audrey Hepburn was an amazing woman, who lived a life many don't even dream of; yet she still just thought she had a normal life just like anyone else.

"I fell into this career. I was unknown, insecure, inexperienced, and skinny. I worked very hard--that I'll take credit for--but I don't understand any of it."

-Audrey Hepburn

Horror in Haiti

I'm sure most of you have heard about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred yesterday in Haiti. As I was watching the news today I was shocked by all the horrible images that were shown. It is hard to imagine what those people are going through. I think it is great that President Obama is sending down help in efforts to rescue the citizens of Haiti and all that were effected in the disaster. Not only is this natural disaster effecting their citizens, it is also effecting ours. There were thousands of American citizens that were down there when the earthquake hit. It is brave of our country to offer to help another country in need. As President Obama pointed out, we do have our own problems here in the United States, but without our help Haiti may not get through this terrible time. Our country has gone through our fair share of natural disasters, which allow us to relate to what Haiti is going through now. So I am proud of our country taking initiative and stepping up to help Haiti in a time of need.

What's Love Got to do with It?

My roommate is studying psychology and for her class she had to evaluate the problems with love and marriage today. This got me thinking, and I decided it would be a great topic to blog about! As college students, we are entering the time in our lives where we could possibly meet the person we will eventually marry. Today the divorce rate is above 50%, which is incredibly sad. I am no love expert, but I think the reason why this rate is so high is because it is so easy to get divorced. Couples today just give up and don't really work towards making things work. For some couples it just wasn't meant to be, but for others its money, jealousy, family issues, the list goes on and on. I think that before couples get married they should really get to know each other inside and out. They need to see each other at their worst and at their best, know each other's flaws, and really understand the other person. Marriage should be a one time thing that lasts forever, but as time goes on I feel like marriage is becoming less and less important. How do you really know someone after only a year? If you plan on marrying to this person and are going to be together forever, then what's the rush to get married? Stick it out and see if that is the person you really want to be with; and then after you've gone through fights, laughter and tears, you might be ready. When celebrities out there get divorced not just once, but numerous times it puts a bad rep out there for marriage. People look at famous couples and see how easy it is for them to get married and divorced multiple times, then they think if they can do it why can't I? This is the absolute wrong approach completely. Today's society has such a go, go, go mindset it makes them do things before they are ready. To me, marriage is the number one thing people rush into. Save the heartache, and make sure you marry the person you want to be with for the rest of your life rather than taking the easy way out.

Spending a Fortune on Education

Today the cost of going to college can get extremely pricey. According to collegeboard.com the average cost for a private school is $26,273 and for a public school it is $7,020. If course scholarships are offered, but over the course of four years it can make a person broke! Furthering an education is important, but to some people it just isn't worth it.

Luckily my parents pay for all of my education. When I was born they started a college fund and vowed to make sure their children never had to take out a student loan. I realize I am so lucky and fortunate to have this taken care of. For me when I was growing up going to college wasn't an option. The question wasn't whether I was going, it was where am I going. I know many kids out there aren't as fortunate. Many students are working ridiculous hours and multiple jobs to be able to pay for school. But in the end, it is all worth it. My dad had to work three jobs in college in order to pay for his education. With five children it was hard for his parents to afford to send all their kids to college. Well times are different now and in order to have a successful career it is necessary to go to college. Where ever it may be, any school is better than no school. There are those few lucky ones out there that land the job of a lifetime and make six figures without ever going to college, but how often does that happen? Rarely. My point is, as a college student I know I complain sometimes about going to class, doing homework and writing papers; all of us do. But everything will pay off one day and we will be glad we stuck with it.

Retail Etiquette

Today while I was working, I was trying to think of something creative to blog about. I work in retail at Express, so when I had to deal with a crabby customer a light bulb went off. Retail etiquette. Everyone should be aware of the other side, and how it feels to be the seller rather than the shopper. I love working with people and helping them make decisions on putting outfits together, but the moment a customer gets sassy things could get ugly. I try to make each customer's shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Some customers are friendly and make my job easy, others make me want to curl into a little ball and cry. You would be surprised by some of the horror stories. And of course, "the customer is always right." Yeah, right.

Here are some tips for shoppers as courtesy to us retail workers:

1. Don't snap and us or point like we are children

2. It is not necessary to try on shirts in every single color it comes in

3. While we are ringing you out: don't talk on your cell phone, text, tap your foot, or roll your eyes

4. Don't throw clothes at us

5. It is easier for us to get you a size rather than you get it yourself because we know exactly where it is and won't mess up the pile of clothes like you probably will

6. Although it is considerate to put clothes back after you try them on, we are really just going to refold it anyway so just leave it in the fitting room

7. Don't pick up every single shirt that is folded on a table and put it right back

8. Don't buy something without trying it on and then return it. Save yourself a trip and just try it on in the store

9. Don't hit on us, it's just weird

10. We are there to help you, most of us love our jobs...as long as you are a cooperative customer :)

9 out of 10 people that walk into a store are going to be satisfied and not cause any problems, but there is always that one customer who ruins your day. It is not our fault that you lost your receipt and the shirt you bought went on sale. Store policies are not up to us, and neither are return policies so please don't yell at us if you don't like them. Working in retail is a fun and entertaining job. There are many days I leave laughing because of something a customer said, and it is used as the joke everyone tells that day. For example today, a man came in and bought a pair of boxers and after he bought them he asked if he could have a fitting room to put them on. It makes me wonder, was he not wearing anything in the first place or what caused this customer to need another pair of boxers? So it's not all bad, but these suggestions are just helpful hints to shoppers to make my life (and many others) easier.

Poor College Student

Heading to college is a fun and exciting time in everyone's life. Freedom from parents, doing what you want, when you want to. Four years to really "find yourself" and figure out what you want to do in your life. After a few months, for some this comes sooner, others later...reality sets in. You're broke. Most college students don't have a job their first year, some never get a job until they graduate. So when it comes down to it, where does our money go?

Let's break it down:

-Have a car? Gotta pay for gas some how

-Of course we have a meal plan, but eating out occasionally is nice. Pizza! Chinese! Plus the late night drive thru to Jack in the Box is a necessity

-Drinks (if you're 21 of course!) could get quite expensive

-It's always fun to rent a movie now and then on relaxing nights

-Trips to Target are a must at least twice a month

-If you're a girl, or just like to shop you need to splurge every once in awhile

...The list goes on and on and these processes are repeated over and over again.

Some how when you are a "poor" college student you just seem to find a way to make money. If you're lucky your parents send $20 every once in awhile, and you make that money last as long as possible. Most people have the attitude "live life to the fullest," while they're in college. We may not have money now, but what responsibilities do we really have besides to go to class? Might as well have fun while we can before we actually have a REAL job. Work everyday? 40 hours a week? No sleeping in? I'm going to be a poor college student for as long as possible...

Dollar Menu

Last night I was watching the news and a story caught my eye. A woman ordered a hamburger at McDonalds, ok let's stop for a second...a hamburger at Mickey D's cost what? $1. Nothing to get your feathers ruffled about. So this woman was unhappy with her hamburger, so she went to an employee and demanded her money back. When the McDonalds worker refused to give the money back the customer decided to throw a bucket of mop water at the employee, she proceeded to throw other objects such as a "CAUTION WET FLOOR" sign and topped it off by shoving each cash register off the counter. This woman destroyed McDonalds because of a ONE DOLLAR hamburger, too bad Matt Holliday wasn't there to loan her a dollar out of his 120 million. She clearly, was NOT lovin' it.

Holliday makes the Holiday

All St. Louis Cardinal fans are thrilled to learn that Matt Holliday signed for seven more years. The left fielder will make a whopping 120 million dollars. Personally, I think this amount of money is insane. Wouldn't it be great to play a sport that you love and make that amount of money? Don't get me wrong, I love the Cardinals...die hard fan since I was a little girl, but the amount of money professional athletes get is becoming a little ridiculous. Baseball is America's past time and provides entertainment, but is it really worth paying players millions of dollars? Most doctors who save people's lives every day don't even make this amount of money.

Another question that was raised when Holliday signed with the Cards is if he is making this amount of money, how much is three-time MVP winner Albert Pujols making? The answer is no where near Matt Holliday. Albert Pujols has a love for the game, and although he does make a tremendous amount of money he offered to take a pay cut so the Cardinals could offer more money to sign Holliday.