"I'm single because I was born that way." - Mae West

     Hello again everyone! As we all know, this week hosts one of the biggest money making holidays for corporate America, Valentines Day. Although that last sentence might have sounded quite cynical, I am not saying that I oppose the holiday. I would also like to point out that like many other people I know, I will be single during this love-filled time, and I am okay with that.
     I am writing this week's blog about love and whether or not it is necessary to be happy. I will not be interviewing anyone this week because I feel that my readers deserve to know the way I think, and hopefully it will spark a flicker of confidence to either feel strong during a moment of loneliness, or to find the courage needed to pull away from a rugged relationship. Before we begin this week's segment, let me begin by asking you to think of the definition of love. What is it? How is it shown? Is there a difference between loving your partner versus loving your immediate family? If so, what distinctions are there?
     I will not say that I know what love truly is because, as I have stated in previous blogs, I have not lived long enough to experience it fully, but I do love. To me, love is the ability to honestly say that you would give your life for someone else. Some love God, others love their boyfriends. I love my family, and can honestly say that I would risk my life for each and every one of them. Love is knowing that the person is your anchor. They are the strength that keeps you weighed down through your troubles. Love is the ability to be completely honest with the person and for them to feel the same way towards you. Love is knowing that if anyone hurt that person, you would make it your personal task to make them better then go to the person that hurt them and slap said person.  
     I am currently writing this blog in my college's computer lab, and it is taking every ounce of my strength to not break down in front of everyone around me and cry while writing this. I would love to be able to write to you all about my wonderful love life I have with this magical man, but I would be lying. I am alone, and I am okay with that. This is due to my family and friends. All throughout my life, my mother has always said that I would find myself and the right friends and man in college because then I would be on the same intellectual level as them. Thankfully she was right about the friendships (if you are reading this Mom, there ya' go!) and I feel more than blessed to say so. But still, part of me cannot help but feel this sense of yearning for someone to love me on a different level.
     I will not settle for just anyone though, and to my readers who feel the same way, you are not alone you should start to think the same way I do. In order for someone else to truly love you, you must love and respect yourself first. Let's face it, what is more attractive than confidence in a partner? Do not take any guy or girl that comes your way just because they begin to show you even the slightest bit of attention. If they have a personality trait that truly bothers you or scares you, RUN!!!! You do not need anyone but yourself, and trust me, there are plenty of others who are willing to treat you the way you deserve to be treated. To my one friend who is hopefully reading this, she knows who she is, please understand that I love you, and am willing to be your anchor. And to my other readers, the same goes for you as well.
    If there is one thing about myself that I am proud of, it is my strength. I know when I am being mistreated, and although it does not occur too often, I fix it. Here's my secret:
          1. BREATHE (it will be okay)
          2. Do not talk yourself out of saying what you feel
          3. Remember that there is someone to talk to after everything is said and done
          4. Do not drag out an argument, even if it is because the other person is causing it, just say "that is how I feel. Nothing you say will change that. If you truly want me in your life, you will change, I am not."
          5. Stay strong and stay true to yourself. Never conform.

     Love will hurt, but if it does, it is because that person is not good for you. Love is supposed to make you feel complete. If you love yourself, you would never hurt yourself or let anyone hurt you. Let us take the first step in finding happiness. Stay confident because it is worth it in the end, I promise. My life quote is "it must get worse before it gets better" and this simply means that turmoil must exist in your life in order for you to realize what it is and how to make the turmoil disappear. Life is a learning experience, and if you learn properly you will find love. Do not settle. Do not give up. I truly believe you need love in your life to be happy, but it does not have to come from a partner (although I would love one). As of right now, I am content with the true love I receive from my family and friends. And to all of those who support me, thank you. I love you too.

P.S. HERE IS A KISS FROM ME TO YOU :* <3

"My feeling is that labels are for canned food… I am what I am - and I know what I am." - Michael Stipe

     Hello readers! Lets first begin this blog with a questionnaire. Answer honestly and then tell me after this interview if your views have changed or not.

          1. Have you ever watched any shows on beauty pageants such as Toddlers & Tiaras or Kim of Queens?

          2. Do you believe that the contestants are all beauty and no brains?

          3. Would you say that if you were to see a beauty queen walking by you, you would be able to point her out without even thinking twice about it? Why?

     Over the past week I was given the pleasure of interviewing one of my friends from school named Kristen Kowalski. She is 5 feet and 3 inches tall with clear blue eyes and blonde hair. When first meeting her, you would think that she is just a regular girl with the same ambitions of any other college freshman. Kristen is not your ordinary girl though, she is a beauty queen. Actually, she is a National American Miss. Now, if any of you think like me, you would think "but she's short, how is that possible?" Well I am here to inform you that pageantry is not what the media claims it to be, and the girls are normal. 

     Let me begin by saying this; when I first met Kristen we bonded over our love of Dylan O'Brien (and if he is reading this, I love you.) We talked about everything from our reasons why we both aspire to become teachers, to the past season of Teen Wolf. Never once did she mention her state title or bring up the fact that she has a tiara like a real-life princess. Instead, she avoided the topic. Why? It is because she does not want people to pass irrational judgements without getting to know her first. Now that you know a little bit about her, let the interview begin. 

1. Why did you start entering into beauty pageants?

     Kristen: I was a dancer for 14 years, and have been in dance competitions for 7 years. Because of dancing, I injured my knee and was told by the doctor that I had two options, continue dancing for a short amount of time or continue having the ability to walk, so I had to give up dancing. Then in the mail one day, this flyer came in from National American Miss (NAM), offering me free head shots if I entered into this competition. I begged my mom to do this, and so she let me, and I was entered into the competition. The second pageant I was ever in, I won. I was 16 at the time, and I have been in love with it since. 

2. Do you feel that people are quick to pass judgements when you tell them that you are a "beauty queen"?

     Kristen: Absolutely. When I came to college I actually tried to avoid the topic until the person I was talking to, actually got to know me. The thing about pageantry is it gives off this negative mindset to people. Everyone thinks that I am all into myself and that I am conceited and it turns people off. I really am just a regular girl. 

3. How hard is the competition?

    Kristen: The competition is very fierce and most of the girls are very competitive. Like this one girl I competed against actually ripped my dress backstage! She stepped on the back of my dress and ripped my train right before I needed to get on stage for the top 15. I was such a wreck, but I just had to embrace it, so I did. And let me tell you, I was fierce!

4. How do you go ahead and calm yourself down in front of the judges, because you have to get nervous!

    Kristen: Oh I definitely get nervous. I shake my hands constantly back stage and do the High School Musical "MAH MAH MAH" to calm me down! When it comes to the questions, the judges really want to get a sense of who you are. They don't just want the "world peace" answer, they want an educated, honest answer. But they don't want the pageant princess answer either. 

5. Do you think this competition is for everyone or is it for someone with a strong will and confidence?

     Kristen: I do think it takes a special kind of person, however I do think that anyone can compete. You do not need to be a size double 0 and seven feet tall. Pageants are full of different systems, and there is definitely a system for everyone. It definitely does take confidence, but when I first started out, I didn't have that. The pageants helped me mature and grow up. I was 16 when I started, so I was not a toddler in a tiara like on television, but I got through it and beat out the girls who have been doing it since they were able to walk. 

6. Do you have any platforms?

     Kristen: I actually do. I talk to little kids about drug and alcohol awareness. I work along side the DARE program. My father is a school psychologist and he has told me so many horror stories about teenagers who have had accidents from drug and alcohol abuse, and it made me want to make others aware. In high school, I was not the one drinking and getting high every Friday night, I was at home with my dogs. I am very passionate about bringing awareness to my community, and its really cool because the little girls look up to me and say "Oh my God the princess is here!" 

7. If there was one piece of advice you can give to someone what would it be?

     Kristen: I would definitely say to be yourself and rock what you have because no one can change you. At the end of the day the only person that matters is you, and if you're happy than that is all that matters. I was the girl with the security issue, I had a lack of confidence, but I over came that and can honestly say that it is because I have forced myself to accept the fact that this is who I really am, and I am happy with myself. That is all that matters. 

Readers, please look back at the questionnaire I gave you at the beginning of this post and answer them honestly. Did your answers change? While interviewing Kristen, I remembered that when I first met her I did not think she looked like a "beauty queen", I just thought she was beautiful. That is the problem with labels, especially with one as popular as "beauty queen". Labels have derogatory meanings and can hurt people if used wrongfully. Kristen, like many other girls, is beautiful even without the makeup and perfect hair. Beauty comes from within. It comes from strength, confidence and the ability to be genuinely nice and happy around others. Kristen helped me understand that life is filled with people trying to bring you down, but it is up to you to stand for what you believe in and to stay confident in yourself. She is more than just a pretty smile, but a beautiful soul.

"Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears." - John Lennon

      Over the past week, my cousin Nicole and I visited sunny Hollywood, Florida. There, we stayed with my grandparents in their quaint condo in a retirement community   Needless to say, this trip was an adventure. From placing bets on the lucky number 6 horse to learning how to play Canasta with the neighbors, every day had a new experience. 

      Before we even arrived, I knew that I wanted to interview at least one person in this community, because who can give life advice better than a bunch of grandmas and grandpas? I met tons of fascinating people throughout the duration of my stay, but 3 major people had the greatest influence on my stay, 2 of which I had the pleasure to interview. But before I begin, I must say that this interview was not easy to conduct. There were a total of 4 people being interviewed, 2 women and 2 men. These people will be stated as Grandma & Grandpa, Mim and Tony. All of these people are friends and were more than willing to have me interview them together. Between the endless stories provided by both Mim and my grandmother, the men only felt the need to briefly answer the questions because they knew the women would have something to say about their answers. Regardless, the questions were tricky and not able to be answered in a single sentence (or at least I thought). Here it goes:

1. What would you say was the happiest moment in your life? 
          Grandpa- There's too many. 

          Tony- Having my first child, my son. I was so excited to just hold him. The picture of me holding him is in my tool box !

          Grandma- I don't have one specific moment. I guess I would have to say getting married, but that is for materialistic reasons. Then I realized that only the first year was okay (she said this jokingly). I also really liked buying my first house because at the time, living with 3 kids and having 4 bedrooms in a great area just showed me that my house, just like my life, actually did have potential and character. 

          Mim- Picking out one thing in a whole life time is difficult. I do find pride in grand-parenting  because for the first time in what seems like a long time, you can just be the fun one, not the reprimanding one. I do have to say that happiness is superseding though. It has milestones, so you can never pick just one. 

2. How do you find relief in tough situations?
          Grandpa- Look in the fridge' for lunch.

          Tony- I like being around nice people. It's very important for me to get along with everybody.

          Grandma- I usually try to find out about all that is bothering me and then I attack it! Regardless of the situation, I need to understand everything about it. 

          Mim- I'm the same way. That's the thing, you have to dig till you find it. I'll find a way to fix it because I'm a fix it person. 

3. Especially at your age, people get sick and pass away all too often. How do you cope with that? What thoughts cross your mind? Do you help someone that is sick? 
          Grandpa- No I don't help. The only thing I can say about that is you try to talk to the person, show concern. I don't think you can give too much advice because then you sound like a doctor, and you're not. You just let them know you're there if and when they need you. 

          Tony stays quiet. I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable, so I just let him be. 

          Grandma- If I'm close to them, I absolutely offer help. If it is wanted, I will absolutely help to the fullest extent, because that is all you can do, offer help and support. As for what I think? It gives me a heavy heart, but at the same time I feel I should be diligent about examinations and my own health. Don't ever put things off because you never know when your last day may be. 

          Mim- You can't help but just project it on yourself (the negative emotions). But you must enjoy today. Enjoy your health and take care of it. 

4. What determines someone as "old" or is age just a number?
          Tony- Not being able to do things that I was able to do when I was younger. Mentally I feel young, but physically I feel 120 years old. 

          Grandpa- I agree with Tony. The mind wants to do it, but the thing that gets in the way of the mind is the body. It's frustrating. 

          Grandma- When you stop learning, doing, trying. Being negative is the killer. 

          Mim- Age is just a number. Personally, I don't think I think like a women is supposed to at my age. (She gave me her age, but everyone knows that a lady doesn't reveal her age).
Age is all about attitude. People need to realize that you adapt. If you have a task, and can do some of it, take that as a good sign. Even if it doesn't get completely done the first day, don't give up, because then you are just giving in and that's when you get old. It's when you lose your attitude and fire. 

5. What do you think is the meaning of happiness?
          Grandpa- Sitting by the pool in Florida, especially in winter. But really, happiness is being able to wake up and everything, your house, your family, your stability, is just "okay". That's happiness. 

          Tony- I'm especially happy when I'm among friends. 

          Grandma- I think I actually agree with Grandpa. 

          Mim- You have to be content with who you are and how you conduct your life. When you're older, you're not as judgmental because, I think it's like you know that people have lived through the same experiences and situations as you have. Disregard the petty shit and actually look at the person, they might actually be nice. Happiness comes from confidence in yourself, in your intuition. 

6. Lastly, what is one piece of advice you can give someone?
          Grandpa- Exert yourself, better yourself, educate yourself. If you're educating yourself, learn how to be a strong reader and speller. Read everything, because from reading comes knowledge on every other subject. Whatever you do, when you do something, be happy with what you're doing and really like what you're doing. 

          Tony- Be kind, be nice, and don't be a wise guy. Try to be the best person you can be. 

          Grandma- Live by the serenity prayer. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. 

          Mim- "To thy own self be true." Don't be anybody you're not. If people can't accept you for you, forget them. Oh, and ALWAYS do one kind thing a day !

Mim

Tony

Grandma & Grandpa

From this experience, I learned many things. One major one being that life is precious, and can be filled with joy, love and energy. All four of these people agreed on one thing, life is too short to be filled with worry and regret, so make it last. Although my grandfather is a man of few words, his point was clear, during a time of stress, go make sandwich, because nothing is that serious.  Well readers, I hope you enjoyed this entry and learned a thing or two. 

Until next week, 

Olivia Gail 

XOXO

      

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on"- Robert Frost

Hi everyone (: Before I begin to explain the purpose of this blog I feel the need to let my readers know a little bit about myself…

     This is me. I come from a close knit family consisting of myself, my brother, sister, mom and dad. I am the eldest of three and take my responsibility of being an "older sibling" rather seriously, at least when it comes to my baby sister because of our age difference. I am currently studying to become an art teacher, but as I continue to go to school I, like many other teenagers I know, am becoming more and more unsure of just exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am sure throughout the course of this blog I will reveal more about myself, but for right now, I'm done talking about me. 

     Onto the purpose of this blog. During my freshman year of high school, I decided to make a bucket list.   I guess it got lost in my mess I call a desk and was hidden from me until recently when I decided to clean out my room. On this list I wrote that I wanted to influence the lives of many people. Throughout high school I did tons of community service with my Key Club, but I want to help more than just my community (although I do believe everyone should go out at least once a year and give back). I want to help people all over the world, and I figured a blog would be a great way to try to accomplish one of the items on my bucket list. My goal of this blog is to open up my readers' eyes about life. I know I am young and some may think that I do not have the experience needed to take on such a difficult task, so that is why I will be interviewing people of all ages. Everyone has experiences, thoughts, opinions and beliefs. This is where I will express mine, and others. Hopefully from this blog you will read things that will enlighten you, as well as make you happy and even sad, because that is what life is. It is about struggles, people just need to learn how to overcome them.

     Now as you can see, the background of this blog is orange. The color orange symbolizes optimism and inspires enthusiasm. That is exactly how I want people to feel after reading my entries. There are leaves around the edges to show the season of autumn. Autumn is a time where the trees shed their leaves in preparation of winter. I want readers to shed their hardships and nerves while reading this, just like the trees shed their leaves.  So please, if at any time you have something to say about my blog, a question or a topic in which you would like me to touch up on, please feel free to comment. 

     Lastly, I would like to point out the titles of my posts, for they will ALWAYS be quotes. I love quotes. I live by quotes. Some may not be by famous people, they may be something I found funny that my mother said, or inspiring by someone I interviewed. This week's entry was made by Robert Frost, and hopefully some of you will appreciate it, because I sure do. 

Okay readers, I have finished. Until next week, XOXO

Olivia Gail