Just life.

I'm taking a well-needed break from school to vent about...you know, school.

It seems like once a year since entering the journalism program, I always get into a rut and think pretty negative things about not being cut out enough for this industry.

Third year has been hard, very hard. Taking on an extra course this year, I find myself sleeping for six hours or less every day because of the insane amount of homework I have to do for school.

And no matter how hard I try, it doesn't seem to go as well as I hoped. Just today, I found out that I failed a midterm.  Of course it IS only worth 15 percent of my mark, but it really stings.  I actually feel embarrassed.  Not to mention, extremely stupid.

I know these things happen to the best of us, but it often feels like no matter how hard I try, I'm not going anywhere.  My writing is still sub-par, and not only this, I am still an awkward human being.

There are some really brilliant people in my program and I just want to be on-par with the best of them. This stuff really bothers me and it probably seems sill that I care so much.

I just want to be good, you know?  I don't think I'm making a lot of sense here.

But all I'm saying is, I want to be a good journalist. And right now, it doesn't seem like I'm going anywhere.

I know marks don't mean the world, but I just can't help how much I care about this stuff. When I get a bad mark, it feels like it's a reflection of my work ethic.  Which leads me to think that no one will ever want to hire this person because "she's not cut out enough."

Yes, I did just quote myself.  I'm feeling incredibly down.  I really wish bad marks didn't affect me so much.  Maybe this is a sign that I need a life.

Switching over

I'm  a little tired with the software on Blogger but I'm not sick of you guys.

If you want to keep in touch, feel free to follow my Tumblr, which is where I will be posting more frequently now.

TUMBLR

Or you can visit my more other site, where I post movie reviews and articles.

JOURNALISM WORK

School is my worst enemy now.

School is totally getting on my nerves. And I'm really worried about this semester.

Here I thought having two days would be a lot easier for me to get work done and get a job. But nooo, I still don't have a job and I'm still buried in homework. In addition to this, the prospects of my marks this year don't look so great.

So now I guess there is only one way to improve from my silly mistakes. Today I had a french dictee which I don't think I did well on. To top that off, online journalism, which should be an easy course, is completely screwing with me. Making silly grammar mistakes are costing me a good mark!

Stop procrastinating. Stop going on the computer. Take classes more seriously (even though they are a bit of a joke) and work work work.

Clearly, I have no life.  I must score amazingly well on this week's news quiz and my Storify assignment!

Appreciating the work. Not the person.

My friends and I were having a discussion yesterday about film director Woody Allen.

For those of you who might not know this about him, he is infamous for marrying his step-daughter (well, adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow).

This obviously leaves a creep factor for Allen, but I can't really deny his talent.

As scandalous as it is, I can see why people refuse to watch his films just because of this fact. But why can't people just see a piece of work for what it is? Allen is getting nominated/recognized for his work, not his personal life!

It's understandable not to pay for a film. But it is a bit silly to dislike something just because of the person behind it. ENJOY the piece of art! Not the person!!

Does this make sense?

So my point is: even though I am weirded out by Woody Allen, I think he is an extraordinarily talented writer/director.

And for that, I actually thank him for making a film that has solidified itself onto my top 20 list (if not top 10).

Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts

I realize that I manage WAY too many blogs and am planning to cancel a few of them.

I was thinking about quitting Tumblr…but then I realized how much of an impact some opinions can have that they end up going viral. 

I also enjoy following blogs such as The Daily What and the National Post to get weird tidbits about the world. 

I guess what I’m saying here is that Tumblr can influence people to think differently. But first we gotta stop spamming people with the same memes…

I was thinking: should I close my Blogspot? I mean, personal blogging just seems so…vapid (only some of them). But then again, it is nice to write something that’s a bit more personal, informal and generate a discussion. 


On another note, I was thinking of making short little film. By short, I mean two-five minutes long. I don't really know what it will be about...but I hope it can turn out awesome!


And of course, I would have to focus on homework first...(HAH, what is SCHOOL?!)


In addition this this, I am also planning to get more broadcast experience. Sadly, I live in Toronto. And even though opportunities seem endless, there are also a lot of people seeking the same types of jobs. Nonetheless, I am willing to freelance. So if you got some projects, hit me up!! My number is...416...(nah, just kidding!).


I realize this is getting really pointless. But if you like these stream of consciousness type of posts, I hope you may be loyal enough to stick around!


And as I leave, here is a video of an awesome kid with a lot of swag.

Case of the Annoying Fans

On Friday my friend Bethany and I woke up extra early to catch Daniel Radcliffe on The Morning Show.

Since it was raining heavily, snowing and still relatively dark outside, I figured there wouldn't be as many people outside seeing that he already made a lot of promotional rounds the day before (he was in town promoting his new flick The Women in Black).


But when we arrived, there were three young girls waiting eagerly outside, talking very loudly and just being pretty obnoxious.  


(FYI, this is not a post dedicated on hating the younger generation as I know many teens and pre-teens who are very well-behaved. It was just a matter of how these particular people were behaving)


 I don't mind "fangirling", as I embarrassingly admit that I do some of it myself (see: here and here).  But when you start to disturb the camera people, talk show hosts and journalists inside, then it becomes a problem.  


To be a respectful fan is to watch from outside without disturbing the people working inside.  Taking photos (as long as the flash is not too disruptive is even fine).  But when you start banging and yelling outside for the star to look at you, then that's just asking the person you're there to see not want to go out and meet you. 


And that, is precisely why I feel Daniel Radcliffe's PR made him leave without greeting us properly (He did wave, which I thought was really cute!)


So the *~moral*~ question of this post is, what good is there really to fangirling/fanboying/whatever it's called nowadays?  It's awesome to see your favourite actors/actress, singers, bands, philanthropists, journalists, etc...but I think it is going a bit far when people start scoping out license plate numbers, hotel rooms and follow the celeb's every single step on their schedule.  


Getting a little bit of interaction is great, and I can see how all of the above could be a form of flattery, but celebrities have lives.  


Don't mob them.........


On another note, while Dan wasn't able to interact with the fans, I was still very pleased to have seen him anyways.  Here was the boy who became the face of my favourite series' main character.  And now, he's branching out to new and better roles. I wish Daniel the best of luck!!!!

 His waving was super dorky. Loved it!! 

Two Oscar snubs I can't get over...

As the Academy Award nominations came out on Tuesday, I couldn't help but feel a little upset for the movies and actors that got snubbed.

I'll admit that I haven't seen every film nominated, but there was really no way some of the nominations were as deserving as those that didn't get nominated.

Let me start off with the actor that I was almost 100 per cent sure to get a nod, if not a win:  Michael Fassbender.

I know Shame is not a film for everyone due to its 18A rating, full-frontal nude scenes, and heavy sex but if Fassy did not give one hell of a performance, I don't know what the Academy's standards are.  Yes, I agree with the nominations given to George Clooney, Gary Oldman, and I suppose Jean Dujardin (for his amazing expressions during a silent film) but to forget about Fassy after all he had to go through to play a sex-addict?  You guys are whacked out of your minds.

I'm sorry if this isn't the greatest, "journalistically" speaking blog post, but seriously, I don't know what the Academy sees.

I suppose they're a more conservative bunch that doesn't really appreciate artsy, r-rated films...but if they could only see how well he played his role...they're crazy.  Fassy was brilliant and he portrayed his pain and suffering so brilliantly.

________________________

Another person I was hoping to get nominated was none other than Ryan Gosling for his roles in The Ides of March or Drive.  I know both films were not heavily favoured around the awards circuit, but given his performance in both, I'd say it should have been nominated for something.

I can see how Drive was not nominated as it is a more "arthouse" style of film but I thought Gosling was amazing in The Ides of March. Though not his best role, I thought he was one of the better actors this year...and I'm not saying this because I find him attractive.

To be honest, I feel that Ryan Gosling is an actor who isn't really recognized for what he has done.  While he definitely has the popularity to make him successful, I really think people overlook his talent for his looks.

Okay, so maybe The Ides of March and Drive didn't really make him an Oscar-worthy contender, but why hasn't he been nominated for something from his earlier films?  I know he was nominated for an Academy Award for Half Nelson, but I didn't really think that was his best role either.

For me, his best roles were in Lars and the Real Girl and in Blue Valentine.  Both characters he played were so heartbreaking for different reasons...I really don't know why The Academy didn't consider him Oscar worthy earlier...

But perhaps, time will tell.

Both Fassy and Gosling are fairly young and have more years ahead of them to snatch a nod and possibly a win.

To next year and better choices!

Officially 20.

So, I'm 20. And even if that does not make me legal in every country, I still feel quite old.

To wish myself a happy birthday, here is a video of Josh Groban greeting me. Because I kind of asked him to...

At least he was nice!!!

Why I hate the blogging game.

I've had a long time to ponder over a post like this. And while I have difficulty expressing my thoughts on blogging, this was all I could come up with:

Blogging sucks.

Lately, I have been finding the world of blogging incredibly superficial. Bloggers who I've liked have started to sell out with their corporate sponsorships, giveaways, free gifts and lack of intelligent writing. And I'm not saying this because I'm jealous of all the free swag they get.

I'm saying this because I feel blogging has lost all of its integrity.

Blogging in my eyes should share inspirational stories, quirky tidbits, advice, news and speak out about interesting topics that will draw readers in. As I am sure there are several blogs out there who fit into these  categories, all I am seeing is an overwhelming amount of bloggers doing the exact opposite.

From posts that were once unique, interesting and insightful came mediocre posts that seemed like its writers were blogging for the sake of blogging.  That means, posting for the sake of keeping readers, and updating to maintain the sponsorships and connections they've gained.

I've always been very iffy about the whole "blogging as a career" thing.  Look, there's nothing wrong with gaining money from your blog if you offer interesting content. But when it becomes something shallow like seeking advertisements for the sake of spending five minutes writing a blurb about a whole outfit given to you by a company, what point is there to read or follow your blog?!

As I am sure there are many amazing blogs somewhere in the world, I've found that I have been surrounded by bloggers who just want to get famous. And the ones I've liked, are selling out because they write a post dedicated to advertise a company who's gifted him/her an item.

It's this complete superficiality and shallowness that makes me want to completely stop blogging.

But perhaps I can be a different type of blogger.

From now on, I pledge to myself that I will blog when I want and what I want.  No more blogging for the sake of blogging. No more blogging because "like OMIGOD...I can get famous!!"

Because let's face it. Getting famous takes a lot more work.

Hiatus

I'm currently thinking about going on a little hiatus.  A reason for this is to re-evaluate the way I think and write.

I've really lost a sense of what my writing should really be, so I shall be taking a minor break from personal blogging.

In addition to this, I have decided to change the URL of my blog to Spammymonkey. Spammymonkey is just an old nickname, as the blog I originally started was a place to keep in touch with friends.  For those who decided to join me along the way, thanks for coming!!

I will be back. I'm just a bit tired of blogging for a while.

If you still want to read what I have to say, you can switch over to some of my journalism work at my online portfolio.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SHAME.

So...I did something shameful this weekend.  And it was something I loathed others for doing...which makes me really hypocritical.

I decided to link a blog post discussing the same topic on a website that specifically hated on bloggers. BOOM. Hate ensued.  I'm quite ashamed about this, but I'm slowly learning to move on.  I'm glad people came to tell me this, instead of those mocking me over the internet. Well, I guess I've gained some hate followers haven't I?

Oh well. That's not to say I condone most of the hate people say about other bloggers on the site anyways...If it were constructive criticism, it would be okay.  But some of the comments criticizing someone for their appearances don't quite solve anything or lead to any improvements.

That being said, yes I am a douche. Come and hate follow me!!! :)

In somewhat related news, I caught the film Shame the other day. And boy, it was really not a film to go see with friends.  It displayed full-frontal nudity and of course, lots and lots of sex.  I mean, what's a movie about a sex-addict supposed to be if it wasn't raunchy?

But if that isn't enough to turn you off, I come with more warnings.  Shame is not a film for everyone as it is probably the unsexiest movie about sex anyone will ever see.  Let's just say there is too much of it that you will leave the theatre wanting to take a long shower or wanting to watch a happy, children's flick.

What I do have to say is, the movie struck a chord with me.  Just like any addiction, Michael Fassbender's sex-crazed Brandon was in a terrible state and needed help badly. I just wish he could have helped himself much sooner instead of making the audience go through so much pain watching him suffer.  Though on the flip side, at least he had a nice body.   That made the film more bearable to watch.

If Michael Fassbender does not at least get a nomination for his acting, I'm not sure I can take the Academy seriously anymore. But then again, they put in ten nominees into the Best Picture category...which completely takes out the whole competitive nature of the awards.

This isn't a film I would recommend, per say.  But if you're still interested, I've left you with a teaser.  Watch this beautifully crafted scene scored by Hans Zimmer as Fassbender's Brandon tries to chase after a woman he isn't able to completely lure.



I do have to say, if Fassy wasn't so attractive, this scene wouldn't be as easy to joke about. If this happened to me in real life, I would have ran far, far away!!!!

Honesty is the best policy.

I'll admit that I am not SUPER big on fashion blogging because I find a lot of it vapid and just another way to make me feel poor for not having "nice" clothing.

But when the Man Repeller  started to get popular a little over a year ago, I became an avid reader because Leandra Medine has a humourous outlook on fashion, dresses for herself and didn't give a damn about being single if she could dress the way she wanted with harem pants and furry shoes included.  

But when she announced earlier this week that she was engaged in a (now deleted but good thing there's CACHE) post, many readers were supportive.  But others blew up and were angry.  A part of me doesn't know how to feel.  I'll keep reading her blog because I find it entertaining a lot of times, but like many, I feel a bit cheated.  

I believe honesty is always the best policy when it comes to writing even if it is just a blog.  But for the past 18 months or so, Leandra has been pulling off this whole schtick about being perpetually single because she dresses weirdly.  I understand the whole point of her blog being solely a fashion blog with the perspective of attracting females who appreciate "fashion that men hate".  But to suddenly drop a bomb and reveal something personal like being ENGAGED after 18 or so months of coming off as a single girl who couldn't score a date because of your odd outfits is kind of wrong to me.  

Reading this thread, I gathered a lot of opinions from readers and  GOMI, the poster.  I agree. 

All writers (whether you blog or not), need to be honest with their readers and by doing so, they must pick one specific lane and stick with it.  If you're going to be a fashion blogger talking about weird fashions men dislike, then stick to that and be subtle about your personal life or not mention it at all!!    You can't pretend to be single for a year and a half while acting like you're best friends with devoted readers and fans when you say you want  "your private life private".  If you want to go with the whole "man-repelling" theme, then be consistent with it.  If the whole purpose of your blog is to show women that being single is okay and to dress the way you want, then there shouldn't be a need to be too personal and get attached.  Because then, people will feel betrayed and lied to.

I'll still continue to read her blog.  But this definitely changes my perspective on her.  Don't be personal if you're going to not share something with your readers.  Pick one theme and stick with it.  

Even though my blog doesn't have a specific theme, I know for a fact that this blog is a way to express issues that matter to me.  

In Defense of Patrick Chan

I know I haven't been posting lately because I have been in hibernation mode for my exams.  But during the time away, a lot of of news has happened. Christie Blatchford, a columnist for the National Post, decided to post an extremely sexist article on little boys hugging (I shall get to that in a later post).  In addition to that, a super drunk couple was caught having sex on the TTC.


Yeah, big deal huh?  Well since including all of that would mean an incredibly long and dreadful post, I have decided to write about something, rather someone, who is dear to my heart in terms of Canadian sports.

Patrick Chan, whom we all know I love, was announced today as the recipient of 2011's Lou Marsh Award which makes him Canada's Athlete of the Year.

Kind of controversial after a few of his comments came under fire after a Reuters article popped up last week with quotes stating how he wished he could represent both China and Canada in figure skating.

If you're too lazy to read the article here are the quotes Patrick said.

"If you look at all the sports in China, the government is extremely involved and they are extremely proud of their athletes. People understand better what we do as skaters," Chan told Reuters in a telephone interview ahead of this week's Grand Prix Final in Quebec.

"Sometimes I feel we are not appreciated for how much work we put in. If my parents hadn't emigrated from China and say I had skated for China, things would have been very different. My parents wouldn't have had to make as much sacrifices as they have and there would be a lot more respect for what we do as figure skaters.

"I'm extremely well recognised in Korea just because of what I do on the ice and there is a lack of that in Canada because hockey is our sport and it will be for eternity. Figure skating has lost the draw and the attention (it used to have before)."

"Several years ago I felt more Canadian but I'm slowly feeling more Chinese and feel I should be more proud of being Chinese and appreciate where I've come from. (This is because) of the support I get from the Chinese community in Canada," Chan, who is fluent in English, French and Cantonese, said as he took a break from his intensive training schedule.

"I do (wish I could have represented both China and Canada when I compete). That would be the ideal situation... in a perfect world."

I'll admit here that I am going to be biased about this because it's Patrick Chan.  But if it were any other athlete saying similar comments, I would probably feel the same way.  

As a Chinese-Canadian of parents who immigrated here from Hong Kong (much like Patrick's parents), I am able to relate to Patrick because culture is important to me while Canada is where I'm actually from.  I once traveled to China myself, and I definitely felt the roots to my culture and therefore felt more Chinese.  So yes, I definitely can see where Patrick is coming from with his quotes.  But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to stop competing for Canada!!  He said so himself, he would not stop competing for Canada. 

As a student journalist, I have been able to learn how to judge articles for the way they are presented and written.  There is always a some sort of framing involved to show an angle of of the story. Unfortunately for Patrick, Reuters decided to angle his quotes in an unfavourable way.  In this piece, he sounds pompous and is made to seem somewhat "unproud" of his Canadian heritage.  But who's to say that's how he actually sounded during the interview?  It's only in print...so people can make up their own assumptions of the tone of voice he's using.  

But even though I am on Patrick's side of the game I do have criticisms for his comments.  He mentions how the Chinese have incredible support for their athletes, but I don't think he quite understands what he is saying because he isn't a citizen of China.  HE IS CANADIAN, AFTER ALL.  

Heck, I don't know what goes on there either but I have heard and seen news pieces about young Chinese children going into training at an incredibly young age to become elite Olympic athletes.  They have to watch their diets and sometimes, they are the hope of their families to get some wealth.  So to hear Patrick say something like this-- where he is so privileged living in a country with good education, wonderful coaches and freedom of choice--was a little bit upsetting to me.  I don't quite think he has a complete grasp of the world or how lucky he is to have so much support from his own country.  

But other than that,  Patrick does have a point about figure skaters (and amateur athletes) being under-appreciated in Canada.  In this culture of hockey and professional sports, why can't we show some more love to amateur athletes who train just as hard but are paid less and publicized much less than those athletes who are shown on TV every night?!  And to say amateur sports doesn't matter is just plain ignorant. Those athletes have been putting as much effort into their sports as much as any other elite player. 

So this is why I think Patrick Chan is deserving of the Lou Marsh Award despite his comments and his inability to keep his incredibly honest thoughts to himself.  Yes, he "failed" at the Olympics by coming in fifth...but he has since learned to improve his skills by adding a quad to his repertoire. Since then, he has won two Grand Prix Finals, his fourth Canadian Championship, a World Champion Crown, and set three Guinness World Records.

Yes, I know people think he is overscored but perhaps people don't really understand the whole figure skating judging system.  And besides, it's not him who determines the scores!!  To say he hasn't accomplished a lot in the past year would be a lie.  

But that's not to say the other athletes nominated weren't just as deserving.  If it were up to me (even though I wanted Patrick to win), it would have been between Dylan Armstrong, Milos Raonic and Eric Lamaze with Hickstead.  Dylan Armstrong is the #1 ranked shot putter in the world, but he only won silver at worlds. Milos Raonic climbed way up in the ATP rankings this year, but injury has plagued him from competing.  Eric Lamaze and Hickstead did wonderful things as an equestrian team.  To honour them both for the award would have been an honour of the champion horse's death.  

However, I truly believe 2011 was Patrick's year. Nothing really went wrong with him in terms of competitions.

So congratulations Mr. Chan, you truly deserve it. I hope you realize how much we Canadians actually love and support you. 

As for interviews, from a young journalist to a young athlete, I advise some media training to help you censor your comments.  

But enjoy the crown Patrick. And remember, Canada does love you. 

It's not LIU. It's LUI.

I have lived almost 20 years of my life and people have been pronouncing my last name wrong since birth.  It is seriously not that hard.  And since I have been frustrated lately by the amount of butchering, I have decided to clarify it through a video.

As a journalist, I seriously hope this video helps people with my name.  There's nothing worse than hearing your name being butchered on live television!!

You're welcome everybody.

Downtown was once a very mystical place

When I was little, I used to think  downtown Toronto was a very mystical place.  I lived in Scarborough.  And while that is still considered Toronto, there was never much of a reason to go downtown.

But when I did go, it was always so magical. Especially during the Christmas season. I loved going to the Eaton Centre to look at the huge diamond Christmas tree and I always loved looking at the beautiful Christmas lights.  Once a year, I would go down to watch a Ross Petty production at the Elgin and Winter Theatre.

But the real treat was always the Santa Claus Parade.  There is only one or two other times I remember attending.  Maybe I attended when I was a little baby, but I don't recall any of it.  However, I got to relive that magic this weekend.  Seeing all the floats and Christmas cheer was amazing.  Even if it was cold, it was nice seeing everyone's face light up when Santa's float came sliding by.

I'm not going to lie though.  I thought the wait was quite long, especially since the temperatures were steadily dropping and getting colder.  I really could have used a nice hot drink at the moment.  But overall, I quite enjoyed myself.  It reminded me of old memories and the floats were quite nice!!

Besides, the buy one get one free holiday drinks at Starbucks afterwards was a treat!!  Because I had no one to share with, I ended up stocking up on caffeine.  WHOOPZ.

Even if I'm familiar with downtown Toronto now, it will still somewhat be that magical place I once thought it was.

But perhaps, London, England is that place for me now.

 Toronto Rock, our city's lacrosse team. 

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford throwing candy canes. I didn't get any by the way. 

 Creepy looking monkeys

 Extremely small-waisted Barbies.

 Mrs. Claus!!! Her first time at the parade!!!

 SANTA!!!!!!!!

Can you spot us?? 

Taking part in the 2011 YouTube Survey

Because I haven't video blogged in a while, I have decided to take part in the YouTube 2011 survey my friend Laura  took because I needed more ideas...

Here, I will answer some questions that will hopefully let you know more about me!! (Only if you want...)

Hopefully I don't bore you too much with my answers!!!

Living Vicariously through Tumblr...

A recent quote from hometown boy Drake really resonated with me:

"I'm really scared for my generation, you know. The thing that scares me most is Tumblr. I hate what Tumblr has become. Because it like, it reminds me of those clique-y girls in high school that used to make fun of everyone and define what was cool, but in five years, when you all graduate, that shit doesn't matter. No one gives a fuck about that shit. Instead of kids going out and making their own moments, they're just taking these images and living vicariously through other people's moments. It just kills me. Then you'll meet them and they're just the biggest turkey in the world. They don't actually embody any of those things. They just emulate. It's scary man, simulation life that we're living. It scares me."


As a Tumblr user, I started to think about why I actually had an account.  Sure the things posted there are hilarious as hell.  But when I see some  memes of why people are "single", "forever alone", and how "no one will ever appreciate my quirkiness or find it endearing!!", I start feeling miserable because I begin to think it's true. 


Now I don't want to sound like this is a pity post.  Because after reading Drake's quote up there, I started to wonder:  "Why?!"  Why do I spend my time on Tumblr looking at funny pictures and feeling sorry for myself?  Why do I have to watch such cute things on the internet and wish my life was different when it could very well be?!


Why do I have to live through other people's moments and pity myself when I could just go out and DO MORE to make myself proud.  Do more to go and get what I want instead of following it on the internet? 


I want to be more than just a copy cat. More than just an emulator on the internet.  More than just a sad sack wishing reality was better.  


I know I'm more than just a nobody on the internet.  And for that, I am going to go out and get what I want instead of wishing my life was better.  


(I know this post sounds lame, but Drake, thank you for saying something I actually agree with.) 

REVAMP

By the end of this horrendous week of video editing and essay writing, I will be attempting to revamp this blog.

It will be edgier, a bit more colourful...and contain more pictures!!

Be excited.

Because I demand you to.

Honestly, just see how excited I am!!!

Being Jealous Gets You Nowhere. Nor Does Being Pretentious

I'm sorry if I don't make any sense here on this blog post.  But if you enjoy my rants, here goes:  

A couple of nights ago, I went out with some friends and started talking about a few people that grind my gears for the way the act or behave towards others.

Gossip is never a good thing, but at that point in time, I felt like I needed to address it.

And now I regret it.

No one's ever perfect, but the truth came out and will come out again (without specific names).

I cannot stand some of the pretentious d-bags in my program who constantly ask you whether or not you got published in the school paper or WILL get published in the near future.  It's great that you get published, but no need to rub it in my face that you're more successful than me.  

I will admit that I get a tiny bit jealous.  But getting jealous will not get me anywhere. Nor does complaining to your friends.  But that night, I felt like I needed to address it because I cannot stand people who shove their articles in my face.  

I'll admit that I have enthusiastically shown my articles to people only because it was something I was proud of.  But never do I do it for every single article I get a byline on.  There's nothing wrong with having pride in your work, I will say that.  But when you decide to act like you're better than everyone else and decide to communicate with a certain number of people, then there's a problem.  

Being jealous and a pretentious keener can get you places but can also become a hindrance. Being jealous can give you more drive to get published and accomplish other things.  Being a pretentious keener can allow you to stand by your work and get to your goal.  

But being jealous and not doing anything about it will get you nowhere.  And by being a pretentious keener and acting like you're better than everyone else will leave you with little or no friends at all. 

So why people? Why can't we all just be nice and be friends?  Do I really have to tell people they're being annoying and irritating? 

Okay, I for one, will admit that I am annoying.  There's no secret about that.

But I really don't mean to say bad things about people...most of the time.  

But perhaps, that's something I just need to work on.  Some things are just better left unsaid.      

November = Time to be busy month

November will be the month where I will get even fewer hours of sleep than I already get.  That's because I have an essay, midterm, critical analysis and feature due!!! To add to that, I also have broadcast assignments!! Whoopee!!

But nonetheless, I am thoroughly enjoying school particularly because I finally feel as if I'm getting used to the whole university groove without having to make first year mistakes.  But perhaps I'm talking too soon.  I don't really want to jinx anything.  But definitely, I feel like I'm actually accomplishing things that will help me get to my long-term goal:  becoming a journalist.

Wow, that sounds really corny.  Anyway...let me tell you about my Halloween.

I originally wanted to go as a Sim character from the game The Sims.  It's a cheap and low-budget costume but it did work quite well.

However, no one knew what I was...so I decided to make more of an effort and go the typical route of being a pirate.  But changing costume ideas meant I had to spend more money on my costume.  Not wanting to spend more than five dollars, I headed to the dollar store to buy a head piece and make-up.  That cost a total of $2.26.  What a big spender I am.  As for the rest of the costume, I just wore clothes I had in my closet.

The end result:

Photo creds:  Amber Hickson

And then it was party time!! Headed over to my friend's apartment and ate pasta and drank some wine.  So very classy... And if you're all wondering why I decided to pose with a wine bottle, it was because I didn't have a proper pirate prop (alliteration hehe).  Therefore, I pretended to be an alcoholic pirate. Is this even appropriate to post on this blog?  I really don't know.  Don't worry I was not crazy at all.

Just normal. :)