Finale

For one thing I can say that my blogging experience has been a pleasant one. It was really nice to just vent about certain things or get my thoughts into print. I'm not one to share things over the internet but since I received responses back from people it made it more enjoyable because I knew that people were actually reading what I was writing and were interested. I don't think for the time being I will keep up with it but I think as I get older and facebook popularity decreases, blogs will become more popular. A final thought I'd like to think about is how as a society we have shifted to electronic writing when it seems a little more than a decade ago people weren't even bothering with emails. At a time the way to get information from one person to another was to either call them on the phone, write them a letter, or to physically go and see them. Then there was a spurt of new technology. People started buying computers, cell phones, and MP3 players. Our communication changed from letters to email and then from email to AIM. From AIM to myspace and facebook. Its an evolution of communication that the older generations never anticipated. I foresee in the future that blogs will become the new trend as the fad with facebook dies down. But I can't be 100% because these computer whiz's come out with new programs all the time. And while our form of communication has changed, communication itself has changed. Instead of calling on the phone we text them. Instead of saying "hi" to people on the street as we pass them by we remain straight faced because we have ear buds from MP3's in our ears. The main idea is that communication is lacking a personal level and now is indirect. I hear my dad yelling at me all the time to get off my phone while I'm texting my friends. But its a norm for me. I just wonder what the future holds for my children and if I'm going to be yelling at them for some currently uninvented technology?

A Change

Upon coming to Normal I was totally unfamiliar with the area. I had never really gone anywhere else in Illinois besides the towns in my surrounding areas. If you ask me about Chicago I could tell you things to do and where to go like the back of my hand. Driving up to Bloomington- Normal the corn fields, factories, and random housing developments were very foreign to me. However, after quite a few months of being here I have become more familiar with what Normal has to offer. Unfortunately, there is a limited selection of options. If my friends were to visit I would initially start their visit by showing them the campus. The idea of something so large and centralized being in the middle of nowhere is very hard to fathom. On campus I would show them the quad and walk to perimeter because it is pretty and nice to walk around. Then I would venture off ISU property. There are a few stores that I have come to grown fond of. The first one is Gordmans and the second is Rue 21. At both places you can find pretty cute clothes for a very reasonable price. Continuing with our shopping endeavors I would introduce them to every college students dream store, the dollar store. Everything in the store is seriously a dollar! Then I would proceed to take them to a nice sit down lunch. Here they have restaurants such as Flat Top, Biaggi’s, or Outback. However even there are limited options of things to do during the day, the night life is different. Depending on your age the bars for night life are a popular to congregate. Also, no matter where you go some sort of Frat or apartment complex etc. is having a party to attend. While it is different than the clubs in downtown Chicago my friends and I usually go to, it’s always nice to do something different. Hopefully after an eventful night I would take them to my favorite breakfast place; Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Although this wouldn’t necessarily be a super eventful weekend I would do exactly what I usually would. I think going to campus events or packing too much into one day can be overwhelming. The point is to do something different than what my friends are used to.

An interesting collection

So I recently met a very interesting person, a collector so to speak. Now I have heard of the usual collector items ranging from bottle caps to snow globes but never in all of my 19 years on this earth have I heard of someone collecting this; rims. Yes, car rims. It was an early saturday evening and I ventured off with my friend to another girls dorm. I walked in only to be blinded by the light hitting off the shiny silver items which took up a very large portion of one of the walls. No one of them was the same. Some were cracked, some were dirty, and in fact some looked pretty nice. Dumbfounded I just stared. I must not have been very discreet about hiding my awe because the girl turned to me, giggled and told me the story behind the wall art work. She said that when her and her roommate had come to ISU they had nothing to put on the walls, as an art major posters weren't going to cut it. She had to be creative, unique, and one of a kind. On one of the first days of school in August they were walking and saw something sparkling from across the street. Excited at the prospect of what it might be they walked to the other side of the street. Although their imaginations had escaped them with ideas of jewelry or something along those lines, they were very surprised to see a a broken car rim. She pointed to the dirtiest, ugliest one on the wall. Taking it under her arm she carried it back to the dorm, mounted it on the wall and called it art. Now after 9 months of searching she had a whole collection and she was proud of every single one. While it isn't my cup of tea she did achieve the uniqueness factor. So although it isn't my choice to have something like that hanging on my wall it did put a new perspective on "junk." But I guess it is true what they say. "One mans junk is another man's treasure."

Crowded

The event I am going to talk about wasn't necessarily a planned event. Well call it a "go with the flow" sort of thing. I was sitting in my living room with my roommate doing homework and sitting around. It was around 10 and the elections were going on the counts were high and as time went on it was announced that Barack Obama had won. Seconds later we look out our window. A mob of people of every color, ethnicity, and gender were screaming and yelling in favor of the election. Since we were Obama supporters we decided to join the late night parade. Running in our pajamas my roommate and I after about a 10 minute chase finally caught up with everyone. Finding mutual friends passing video cameras and news reporters we screamed and yelled for joy. The crowd proceeded to walk around the whole campus in a circle finally leading to the quad where several people added a word in about the results of the election. No matter how stupid or how intelligent the little speech was, the crowd all cheered. With everyone there it was like a rush of adrenalin. We finally made it to the fountain near the front of quad and stepped on it just to get an idea of how many people there were. Looking out there must have been hundreds and more coming from every direction! It was a joyful, crazy atmosphere. For these few hours no matter who you were, you were united as one. The crowd could feel the hope emanating from every person. I didn't learn a particular lesson other than reiterating that there is hope for the USA and one day no matter what race, ethnicity, or gender we are, someday we will be one.

A Music Generation

Over break I was helping my mom sync her Itunes. The playlist was made up of predominantly “oldies” with a splash of a few modern hits. I asked her if she liked all the songs from her young adulthood. Surprisingly, she said at the time she hadn’t. She went on to tell me that now the songs over the years had grown on her and even though at the time she wasn’t fond of them, they connected her to her past. She then noted how different my music was, so many different genres, beats, and even words she had never heard of. She often commented on how she couldn't understand what the the man on the radio was rapping about and how the music of this generation lacks the depth hers did. I argued that she was wrong, but at the same time I knew to an extent she was right even though my pride wouldn't let me say it aloud. Music is my life and commonly in our generation its what characterizes us. I know personally that I can't go anywhere without my ipod, music is on when I do homework, music is on when im in the car, and music is even on when I sleep. Its become a buffer to take us away from our stressful thoughts and instead mirror what our mood is. When I go out with my friends I blast self-praising songs, optimistic songs, when I break up with my boyfriend, sad songs occupy my mind. Experts say that this generation has a difficult time expressing their emotions but I beg to differ. I think we express our emotions differently. And even the songs that are degrading with no meaning are songs that are fun and we enjoy with friends. Take "crank that" by Soulja Boy. This song was a huge hit and even I knew the dance that went along. However, ask me about the meaning and I'd be almost clueless. But its not songs like these that our generation should be condemned for but songs like these remind us of the fun silly times we had. It just a different generation of music.

money money money!

First, if for some reason I knew I could make it without a college education then I would expect me to be very smart and have a job waiting. As a result, I would probably attend a specialty school. I have always been interested in hair. I have been dying my hair for the last three years. Since beauty school doesn’t fall under a college education then some money would be invested in my learning at the best possible beauty school. Also, with this talent for hair I would be able to get a good job. As a result, my pay would be higher than other workers. I would save this money along with the money I have left. After I have acquired a good amount I will start my own business. Location and skillful beauticians would be a top priority, anticipating success. Once I have established a reputable business I will invest any money I have left into creating a beauty named none other than “Emilie.” It would include products from perfume to shampoo and conditioner. Hopefully these products would be a hit along with the salon so it would be an attraction for celebrities. Hopefully, I will have a attracted a very good looking and wealthy business man or celebrity. Putting our money and endeavors together we would be able to build a very nice life for ourselves. I would want to have kids and devout a lot of my pay check to their college education. So many times I see today parents unready to pay for college education. I want my children to be able to go to any school in the country and pursue any career they want. Although, hypothetically I was extremely successful without getting a college degree the truth is especially in today’s economy it is going to be very hard for those without a higher education to find a job. It is a standard in many businesses to have a degree. However, with in this scenario if proper investment measures are taken then you can be successful without receiving a college education.

Wanna Survive in College?

Rule # 1:
Always make sure you know who you are rooming with beforehand.
There are always the classic cases of best friends rooming together. While some of the time it works out, it doesn’t all the time. In scenario make sure you know that you are “livable” with your best friend. Find out his/her pet peeves. What are their study habits, sleeping schedule, are they clean and neat or dirty? Once you know these things you can make a decision on whether this is a proper living arrangement. But there is also another scenario. One that is more common; “random roommate.” When we talk to people who have graduated college they seem to talk on and on about the lifelong friends they made and how crazy dorm life was. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. During the summer if you have a chance to meet with your roommate before jumping into a commitment with a total stranger, get to know them. That’s why they provide the name! So you can meet the person before that hectic first day of college! Similarly, to the best friend scenario assess them and how you think you’d get along with them. If you need to get personal then do it, no one wants to find out the hard way that a scarf on the door means “busy.” Once you’ve retained enough information then you can make a decision of whether this stranger is a friend or a potential enemy.
Rule # 2
Don’t walk alone at night time
We’ve all seen the movies, the damsel in distress walking alone at night and then being attacked by a random perpetrator. This isn’t just in the movies though, this can happen anywhere even a college campus. So no matter if you are a girl or a boy don’t walk alone! It won’t matter if they are looking for action or money, if these people want something they are ruthless and sick. So with another person in the mix it decreases the chances. Also, carry pepper spray it will serve you well!
Rule # 3
Take advantage of health services
There is a service for students called Health Services. There are doctors, nurses, etc of all kind there to help you. With a college campus comes an ultimate amount of germs that at any moment could strike you with anything from a cold to the flu. Also, there are also circumstances that are more serious that you can go to ask questions about instead of sitting in your dorm freaked out. It will make you feel better if you consult a professional, so replace mom and dad with the insurance card and go to the doctor!

Desperate Houswives

My favorite television show is Desperate Housewives. Mixed with comedy and drama the show always keeps me on my toes. The insane events seem almost like a soap opera, but just enough to still seem realistic. It is also a great escape from daily life, airing on Sunday nights at 8pm. I find it a perfect breaking point for homework assignments. It is so ridiculous it’s enticing. I started watching it the first season. My parents loved it and from my room I could hear them laughing. I was drawn to this laughter and was curious to see what all the fuss was about. I had heard from friends what a great show it was but refused to assimilate choosing the Discovery Health channel over ABC. However, much to my surprise I found the show very entertaining and it wasn’t long before Sunday nights were a night I looked forward to. A big hit everyone at school the next day would talk about the events. The show therefore, helped me to better interact with my peers. As a few seasons passed the show lost some popularity as other left Desperate Housewives for other shows like Gossip Girl. I stayed with my show. If you want to start watching here is some background information. First, there are 5 main actresses. Susan the single mom, divorced twice, but still looking for love. Eidie, the streets “sl*t” but has recently found love with a secret nut case man named Dave. Newly rich again and ex model Gabriella. Hard working, independent mom Lynette. Bree, the know it all, housewife, who has found recent success with her cook book. And the newest edition Katherine, a hard working woman looking for acceptance on Wisteria Lane. The story is told by the perspective of Mary Alice Young a former resident of Wisteria Lane before years back she committed suicide. Within the show each of the woman’s lives are played out and the show amusingly intertwines them all. It is a great show because for one episode you can go from humble and sweet to chaos and disaster. You will never be bored and the suspense is almost unbearable! So watch the show you won’t regret it!

Ads

The last advertisement I saw was for chocolate; specifically Lindt Chocolate. The ad begins with a soothing woman's voice reading the cursive letters on the screen; "Do you dream in chocolate?" Then the screen changes to the most vivid image I remember from the add A half a piece of circular chocolate is enlarged and all of a sudden melted milk chocolate fills and completes the circle. The female voice then explains each seen. She gives Lindt chocolate validity claiming its rich chocolate taste is due to years of experience. All this is taking place while red silk covers part of the screen giving the illusion that not only is this a delicious piece of chocolate but it is also first class. Near the end of the ad an ordinary woman bites sensually into the molten center. The last scene is shows the product in its actual bag. From what I can remember the advertisement was very affective because it made me crave chocolate! However, I think it was dragged on a little too much with all the different scenes of the chocolate and wrapper etc. Even though it is a commercial for chocolate it was almost too much...you had me when you first showed the chocolate! I think this ad stood out from others for me at least because it was late at night and I was hungry. Studies show that many people snack at night because of temptation and this commercial did exactly that. If strategically placed at times during the day when people snack then it will be very successful. I also think it was successful because of the way they presented the ad. Now days we see comical ads for candies like Twix and snickers. But, Lindt chocolate wants to represent itself different. They don’t want to be perceived as a vending machine chocolate. No, they are first class; Instant satisfaction in their carefully crafted chocolate. Now, even talking about it the ad sticks out in my mind filled with chocolate paired with sultry red. I can’t help to crave a piece!

Life Ambitions..Can they really be achieved?

From a young age most little kids have dreams and ambitions. It starts with your first grade teacher asking you what you want to be when you grow up. At the time the answers can vary from princess to garbage man. Our heads are filled with fantasy Disney movies about dreaming and unrealistic ideas of success. However, as we get older the ideas are modified but, not changed. Cinderella and Toy Story turn into Cosmo and Vogue. Our fantasy life style of magical powers turns into the magic of diet pills, gorgeous wardrobes etc. Instead of praying to be swept one day by peter pan we pray to be swept by Brad Pitt or David Beckham. Looking back at the young preschool days we find our past dreams silly. But aren't current dreams of fame and fortune just as ridiculous?
I can still hear my dad's voice telling me "Emilie, you can do anything if you just try your best and put your mind to it." Now I look at it as a one sided phrase. Don't you think the ordinary people on American Idol tried their best and put there mind, body, and soul into singing only to be disappointed? On the other hand there are the success stories of "nobody's" making it to the top. For example the proclaimed actress Eva Longoria describes her hard life; calling herself an "ugly duckling." What a change! But her story is only one in a million; or billion for that matter.
Today I think people especially teenagers have a romanticized idea of success blinded by money and fame. I think we need to get back to past ideals when family and friends were the center. Our newly material centered world can only take happiness so far. Without sounding to depressing, many people want to die happy but would you rather die with a porsche or a significant other of 50 years by your side? I think we need to go back to the Disney movies where good versus evil wasn't a question; it was always good and Prince Charming was valued more than the size of a house.

Long Distance Relationships and How Far is too Far

In this story I'm going to use different names for privacy. But it all started with a summer fling. My friend had recently broken up with her unfaithful boyfriend right before the beginning of the summer. Not wanting to be alone she was in search of a summer love who she would conveniently dump before the beginning of the school year. She wouldn't be to far only U of I but still she wanted a new start when she went to school. One day my boyfriend introduced her to his friend Mike. He wasn't really her type but he was nice enough but shy. It was a chase and she loved it. She was the prettiest girl he had ever dated and soon that came apparent to her as well. But it didn't matter as the summer progressed the two had grown close and even planned on seeing each other at school. I saw them become like 2 love birds and despite her being a very independent girl; i teased her about one day marrying him. Every time she'd reply with a simple; "No." She's the type of girl that doesn't want to be held down by anyone or anything. I see it now; her dreams and aspirations will someday take her far. But back to my story; he came almost every weekend and if he missed a weekend then he made sure he came the next one. Even though time and school took hold of her life she still had time to let her mind wander. She met a guy a few floors under her; we'll call him Steve. Steve was mysterious and very attractive, however, 8 months into her relationship with Mike she wasn't about to pursue someone else; or was she? Unfortunately, she is still pondering this answer and as much as a try to help her I don't know what the correct answer is. Is suddenly losing feelings for a guy you say you love ok? But when he comes around its like nothing ever changed? I have no idea the answer and frankly I wish I am never in this dilema. But, I see it happen everyday even relationships are broken; anywhere from 6 months to 3 years! Why is this so? Do you see this happening around you as well? So my ultimate question is; Can long distance relationships really last?

Inaugural Address

I could feel my fingers freezing even for being outside for a minute. I quickly shoved them into my coat pocket just as the Red Bird Express hesitantly pulled up. Passing up the full seats I heard talk of the speech. One girl described it as "incredible" and that she had almost cried. I couldn't believe that I had missed it! Next there was a young man on the phone giggling about how our new president had messed up one of lines of the oath. Still pouting that I had missed the speech due to my criminal justice class, I had an open water bottle in my hand. Not thinking clearly that a bus is never a smooth ride we hit a pot hole. And there I saw in slow motion my water emerge from the blue wrapped bottle and all over my pants! As if my mounds of homework and missing the speech wasn't enough. Finally reaching tri towers I trudged to the elevator were I was met by snickering and stares because of my "wet pants." As I walked to my door I was met by my roommate who was rushing out of the door as I went in. She asked;
"Did you see the speech?! It was amazing!"
"Ugh" was all I could manage to say. Sitting down to my computer I opened the internet link. By default it went to comcast.net. There the big bold letters hit me; "Presidents Inauguration Live (Replayed)." I was overjoyed I clicked the link and even though I was about 25 minutes behind everyone else who had seen it, it still counted!
Personally, I thought it was amazing. It may be just how our new President holds himself or spoke with such sincerity but I believed every word. One line that really got me was when he said; "...and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath." It was heart touching because the fact is all but sixty years ago segregation raged and now for the first time in history after everything African Americans endured Obama stands before us. Also when the news cast looked into the crowd you didn't just see stuffy politicians you saw the people. Not just any people; Americans of every race, religion, and ethnicity brought together by the ideals of hope and change. I saw tears in their eyes because this man they say might actually change their lives. I don't know about you but if I were told that the most powerful man in the country might affect my life I'd listen to him. This is the same vibe I got the next day. After a long 8 years kids roamed the streets proud to call Obama our new President. And when you have instilled a sense of hope and security in people then so much more is possible. So hopefully this is exactly the change we needed.

About Me

Hello my name is Emilie! This is a blog for my Eng 110 class at Illinois State University where I attend; currently a freshman. I love it here at ISU other than being in the middle of nowhere. I participate in a multitude of exercise classes my favorite being Zumba. Zumba is a class where they mix Latin dance moves with aerobics. It is super fun so if anyone is interested look into investing in a Student Rec Pass. My major is currently undeclared but I aspire to get into the nursing school here. If I don't then my next wish would be to attend a nursing school in New York City or go back to a school in Chicago (where I'd like to live after school). Other than that at ISU homework and friends take up my life. I have many interests and obsessions so here goes the list. I love fashion so naturally shopping is a top priority and consider it not only a hobby but a form of exercise. I am obsessed with leopard. This ranges from leopard bed sheets to boots. Music is also an obsession and I never go anywhere without my ipod and along with that my cell phone. Something interesting about me is that I have dual citizenship between the United States and France. French is also my first language. All my family lives in France so it helps i know the language :). Overall, I am a very optimistic and real person, I love to live life to its fullest although it sounds cliche. If you don't try to do your best and work your hardest then you will never know what you could have really accomplished.