Friday, January 25, 2013

This Week Was a Fail

Well. If this week wasn't a disaster.

This was the first HEROES Week in which I have completely failed to post everyday, and I am sorry. I mean, it's not like anyone is reading, anyway, but... well, maybe somebody is reading. But probably not. However, if ANYBODY'S reading (I am tempted to use my Simba/Mufasa/Stampede GIF right now), here's some stuff I gotta say. Be prepared (another TLK reference) for the excuses!

Let me begin by saying I hate high school so freaking much. Not that I liked middle or elementary or even kindergarten. But my point is, with my schedule, this is my attitude when it comes to blogging:

AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

I am sorry I was quoting Sweet Brown, and how I have been quoting a lot of Lion King. But this has been a crazy week. I have had some pretty darn great grades lately. I got an 87% on one of my math tests (a personal best on a major assignment), I have four As right now. Well, okay, one of which is a B and that's in Chinese, but that'll be an A after today.

So I have been busy keeping my grades up. Blogging is not the only thing I didn't have time to do. I have not been to church even once this week, I am behind on Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game, I purchased two books that I have barely acknowledged the presence of (PLUS two review books that I've had basically all school year), and I could care less that I lost my cell phone. I am a mess.

I've decided that I wanna be a Disney character one day (speaking and singing voice of an animated character), and that while I still wanna be a journalist I am not so sure I want to be an English teacher anymore. Life is too short to have a morning job for that long.

So you may ask why I want to be a Disney character one day. Well, you see, I was already born about eighteen years too late. If I had been born earlier I would have been able to be the speaking voice f cub Nala or something. For those of you who do not know, Nala is my all-time favorite Disney character.

Okay, I am wasting time and I have got a class to go to. Sorry that in the event of killing time before school I wasted yours in the process.

Monday, January 21, 2013

I Was Here


"I want to say I lived each day until I die...
And know that I meant something in somebody's life.
The lives I have touched will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference and everyone will see
I was here."

HEROES Week: A Series of Unfortunate Events

If you live in the United States, then you better know why there is no school today. If not, then let me fill you in.

It is Martin Luther King, Jr. day. A true hero in history. I want you to think back. Way back. Back to the 1960s. Back when Jim Crow was more than just a name. Back when the color of your skin could be the difference between life and death. Back when life was so much different than it is today in the United States.

And this guy noticed this problem. He knew we had to do something about it.
He is Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. So, he was just a pastor who believed in equality and gave a huge speech about it and believed in non-violent parade-thingys, right? Hehehe--- wrong.

This guy is my favorite historical person. And it's not because I'm black (yeah yeah, I don't write like I'm black, whatever, get over it). It's because of how much of an impact he left on the world, even after he himself was gone.

Now, this isn't a Wikipedia post but here is a link to one if you need to read more. This post, is about HEROES!

Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.

That's the HEROES motto and has been for two years now. Welcome to the third annual HEROES Week! Remember the song this week was originally modeled after? If not, check out "Hero" and the lyrics!

2012 was a year of unfortunate events, should I say. The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The Sandy storm on the upper east side of the States. Also, a year of big events. Elections and re-elections. HEROES Week is a time to really reflect on all that. And not just on bullying. What about terrorism? What about racism? What about forgiveness?

That's what this week is about. This post is just a prequel, kinda. Check out the posts that started it all...

Friday, January 18, 2013

Mufasa: To Die For

SIMBA: "Will I like the surprise?"
SCAR: "Simba, it's to die for."

Take a moment and think about the words, "To die for." That ring I found on Amazon--- it's to die for! That new indie band? Their new CD is to die for! The people of the world--- they are to die for (?).

To die for. Three very powerful words. Especially to the character Mufasa, king of the pridelands. When using these words to describe him, you can imagine a true hero.

Do you think of him as the victim of an evil plot or as a hero? When you think about it, he didn't have to save Simba during the wildebeest stampede. But still, he did. If Simba had kept his grip, Mufasa could have waited it out. But he decided his son's life mattered just as much.

He truly loved his son, and all of the pride lands, to death. Even though he is strong and seemingly fearless, he still fears for the ones he loves. For Nala, for Zazu, for Simba--- all of them. We learned this during Simba's post, "Enemies Beware." He was willing to risk his life for his son, and always did whatever he could to ensure everyone safety. And more than that, he didn't put himself on a pedestal. You may notice that he treats Zazu like a friend even though he is his servant.

He is an example of faith, love, and sacrifice. He gave his life for the person who mattered the most to him (with the exception of Sarabi). If you ask me, I think he lived his life to the fullest.

 
Mufasa's best lines
"Don't turn your back on me, Scar."
"Before sunrise, he's YOUR son."
"We are all connected in the great circle of life."
"You deliberately disobeyed me!"
"Nobody messes with your dad!"
"The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. Those kings will always be there to guide you, and so will I."
"You are more than what you have become."
"Remember who you are."
"Remember..."

Sunday, January 13, 2013

What's Going On in the Blog World...

Nothing much has been going on in Hope's world. Just stupid Algebra and Physics quizzes. I hate high school so freaking much. I mean, some good has come out of it. Since the last time I've put any real information about myself, I have gotten in the top 3 to sing the U.S. National Anthem at a robotics meet (lost to a junior and possibly a sophomore). Better luck next year... or in two years... when that junior graduates I will have a better chance at checking that off my bucket list. And I got an A on a Physics paper that I stayed up 'til 3 a.m. writing. A high one, too: only one point off. Which, if I'd taken more time to cite my sources it would have been a 100%. A little mad. That could've made up for my 53% on the quiz. I don't know. Wouldn't have made a difference. And my English teacher gave me two As on major assignments. Hope's on a roll!

So, here's what's going on in my world, other than what's limited to my world...

The Blogspot Awards
Oh yes, it's that time of year again! Time to vote for the best in entertainment, beauty, etc. I don't have "Best Blog" as a category for the 2012-2013 third annual because apparently no one blogs anymore. So I will need to find some new blogs to read. I get so depressed when I see a blog that hasn't had a new post since 2009... sigh. But anyways--- I NEED YOUR VOTES!!!!! Seriously. What's the fun in hosting an awards thing when eventually you're gonna have to vote on it and be the only one? Uh guys, that's really kinda embarrassing. So, if ANYBODY'S reading, if ANYBODY hears my cry...



Please vote in some kind of category (I know I have greatly disrespected Mufasa and I am sorry).

Hakuna Matata!
I didn't say what movie this was from, but The Lion King came to mind, didn't it? Well, if you love Mufasa, Simba, Scar, Timon, Pumbaa, or Nala, you are probably going to like this series. There is one lesson we can learn from each of these characters (maybe even Rafiki), and two from Simba, about how to live and love life. Not only with text, but clips from the movie and music relating to it. If you are nearly as obsessed with this film (and soundtrack) as I am, you are gonna love this. Maybe more for the movie than for the writing. But if you want a preview of how it's gonna be, check out Simba!

HEROES Week
Oh yeah, it's time for HEROES Week! You might know the drill unless you're new around here: Starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we have a week full of activism--- anti-terrorist, anti-violence, anti-abortion, anti-bullying, etc. This is a week devoted to our dying world and what we can do to preserve what little humanity is left. It's sad when you think about it: There's no turning back. This world has become what this world has become. It's highly likely that things will not change. But we can stand for what we know is right. As Christians, as humans--- however you define yourself, we are one. Something's gotta change.

More music, of course!
Haha, you thought you could get away from my insane music taste, didn't you? Here's some news for ya: You can't! I still have loads of crap to share with you--- LOADS. From oldie to indie from rock to pop from score to Johnny Cash, music will be EVERYWHERE. Some artists you can expect to find: Wesley Blaylock, Joseph Williams, Lebo M, Andrew Belle, Measure, Arcade Fire, Farewell Flight, The Fray, Jason Walker, Keane, Kiersten Holine, Straight No Chaser, Rachael Lampa, Fay Wolf, The Good Mad, Hans Zimmer, Kari Jobe, Landon Austin, Barcelona, He Is We, Lianne La Havas, North Central University One Accord, Five For Fighting, Julia Sheer, Mikky Ekko, Trent Dabbs, and so on. Music lovers, rejoice!

Well, I should probably go to bed early tonight if I wanna keep my straight As (already ruined, thanks to a beautiful 8 out of 20 on my Algebra quiz that I definitely would have passed if I hadn't doubted myself). Other than that I have straight As and would like to keep them. Good night, bloggies!

Simba: Enemies Beware...

Hey guys! I am starting a new series for the new year, based on my favorite movie (or one of them anyways), The Lion King! It is a deep study on the movie, the meaning behind it, the characters within it, and relating it to your life. This series has a strong possibility of being interrupted by the third annual HEROES Week, so there may be two series going on at the same time. HEROES Week is going to be probably the best yet, mainly because of world and national events that have happened as of late. I know I have not blogged enough lately, but 2013 is going to be pretty darn awesome! I just can't wait to get this started!
-----
Simba, Simba. Meaning "Lion" in Swahili. Simba is the heir to be King of Pride Rock after his father, Mufasa's reign. The young cub is shown around the pride lands one day by his father and Mufasa tells him, "A king's time as king rises and falls like the sun. One day my time here will set and rise with you as the new king." (Not necessarily a direct quote, even though I know that movie like the back of my hand.) He shows him how we are all connected in the great circle of life, therefore we must all respect and take care of each other. Even if we eat the antelope and wildebeests. That's what the circle of life is all about, and we must take our place in it.

While being shown around the pride lands, Simba wonders what "that shadowy place" beyond the rise of the northern border is and is told never to go there by his father. When he brags about someday being king of the pride lands to his uncle Scar, his uncle tells him not to go there in a way that basically says "Yeah, you should totally go there." This is his uncle's first plan to kill the young prince.

Simba runs off to tell his oldest friend, Nala, about "this really cool place." The two cubs are allowed to go to what is believed the be the water hole, under one condition their parents Sarafina and Sarabi say: Zazu, "Mufasa's little stuge," must go with them to protect them from any harm. The two come up with a plan to, in Nala's words, "ditch the dodo."

And here comes the world famous song (that I can play on guitar), "I Just Can't Wait to be King!"

Once the dodo has been ditched, the two are playing with each other when they fall into the elephant graveyard, not knowing the danger they are in. Zazu, Simba, and Nala find the hyenas and begin to run, knowing they could all be eaten. Luckily, Mufasa saves them... after Zazu is put in the birdy boiler and both Nala and Simba are nearly eaten. His response? "You deliberately disobeyed me."

Simba tells his father that he was trying to be brave, but what he doesn't understand is being brave doesn't mean you go searching for trouble. Especially when it's putting the lives of others in danger. Not only could he have been eaten, but Nala would have been as well if Mufasa hadn't shown up in time and Zazu was put in the birdy boiler (I have no idea how he survived that). He learns that there is much more to being king than being "free to run around all day." You have responsibilities.


A lesson we can all learn from young Simba:

You don't have to put yourself in danger or anything to prove that you are capable of something. When you need to use your strengths, you will. Also, this shows that you should obey your parents. Because usually, there is a good reason. In Simba's case, it could have been the difference between life and death.

Young Simba's best lines
"But Zazu! I thought you said hyenas were slobbering, stupid pouchers..."
"Mom!!! You're messing up my mane!"
"Uncle Scar, you're so weird!"
"When I'm king, that'll be the first thing to go."
"Well in that case, you're fired."
"Danger? I look on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger! Ha ha ha ha!"
"Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?"
"Dad, we're pals, right? And we'll always be together?"
"Uncle Scar, will I like the surprise?"
"It means no worries for the rest of your days! It's our problem-free philosophy, hakuna matata."

Friday, January 4, 2013

Round in Circles

Well, it's a new year, a new start. The year the Hope is gonna get things done. Supposedly.

I was just making mixtapes (or mix-CDs... nah, mixtape sounds better) for a few friends of mine and a song I put on a few of the albums was the song "Circles" by Anthem Lights. I found some of the lyrics to relate to the new year very well.

"I'm gonna get it right this time, gonna fight this time."
"I always start so strong... Before you even know it, I'm right back at the start. Doing what I hate and breaking my own heart. I go back and forth and then forth and then back and then round in circles."
"The second that I hear Your Word I forget what I heard and go on just the same."
"I know I need a change."

This song, as the band said when I saw them live at OYM Convention 2012, is about sin. How it is a continuous circle (It's the circle of sin!) and how we try to change and then we end up doing the same things over and over again. There are two times of the year that I find this song to be extremely relevant. It's relevant at all times, but I'm talking extremes.

The first time is the new year. People are saying "This is the year I'm gonna get crap done!" (Sound familiar, anyone?) and "I'm gonna try to read my Bible more often and actually understand it" and "I'm gonna get back into gymnastics, lose weight, and eat better." And then February comes. Then March. They try to work on their resolution. Then May. And before you know it, it's December again and things are still the same. So you make another resolution and here comes the circle of unresolved resolutions.

The second time is... are you ready... CHURCH CAMP! You know, you go to camp, get your brand new boyfriend on Tuesday, hold hands with him at the campfire, tell him he's getting in the way of your Jesus time (or whatever it's called... worship?), break up happens on Thursday, you cry during service on Friday, tell yourself you're finally gonna live your life for God. I personally have never been to church camp (I've been on a missions' trip that ran like a camp) and I don't really want to go, anyway. For reasons that out of respect for the people at my church and in Ohio, I will not mention. Let's just say you would have to pay for it (I'm not broke, but the point is it would take a lot to get me to go), and I would have to have lost a bet to even think about it.

So, for those of you who do waste your money go to church camp, do you ever get home, start reading your  Bible like crazy, and then a week later you're back to your sinful routine?

Well, let's try to make 2013 different. And not just 2013, make it forever. Don't make a new year's resolution, make a new life resolution. But for it to work, you'll need much more than a resolution. Can you figure out what it is? It's different for everyone...