Alphabet Found In Nature

The last Blog Topic!

The Christmas holidays are almost here, and if you are like me, this means that you are once again struggling to come up with the perfect gift for your parents or siblings. You don't want to spend your hard earned allowance and something expensive, so your options are limited. Besides, what makes an acceptable gift for the people who you care most about? What do you get for someone who buys their own things?

In my family, there are two different family cultures that come with my parents. That isn't to say that they are of different nationalities. They just have different traditions. On my mother's side of the family, it is acceptable to give them something useful such as socks, a desk lamp, or as with my mom, cooking supplies. My dad's family buys fun things because if you needed something, you would have gotten it already. Neither of these different traditions are bad.

So think about what types of gifts your different sides of your family give to another. For my dad, I will probably get him a set of professional Frisbees (he likes to Frisbee golf). For my mom, I am probably getting her kitchen supplies (again) that she has mentioned wanting.

Just remember, when giving very close relatives gifts, make it personal. If you and your dad love going golfing together on the weekends, get some golf balls and decorate them with sharpies. Nothing has to be expensive.

And by the way, cards are always nice.

I have decided to not respond and to pick a differant topic to expound upon...

This week, my topic of choice is how music effects us.

For young adults, music is a great pacifier. Think about it: How many teenagers use their ipods or mp3 players every day? Why? Because music is calming. Music defines us. It is a way of communication and expression of feelings. It influences the way we think and feel.

It isn't surprising. Why do people play Christmas music in December? Why is upbeat music played at parties? Music gets us in the mood for something. It changes our thinking. It even influences what we wear. How many teenage boys do you know that model what they wear after rappers because its cool? How many girls modeled their clothing after Madonna?

My goal is not to deter anyone from any type of music- that wasn't my point. My point is to be aware of the impact your music has on you. Why do you like this specific style at this time? Right now, are you in the mood for heavy mettle, or are you thinking that it is time to listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers?

Lansing Michigan During the Winter

This is my favorite winter picture-Isn't it beautiful? It really shows what a typical winter in Lansing looks like. It gets so cold, Lake Michigan literally freezes over. Snowmobiles travel right across the lake; I have actually walked on it. It really does get that cold and has snow as deep in the picture- usually more.

Anyway, I picked a picture from Michigan because I love being there during the winter. My fondest memory of being there at my grandma's house, which, in its entirety, fills up half of a school classroom, is just trying to cook dinner and play card games with all of my relatives. In the summer, all of us usually moved outside to eat for lack of standing room.

As peculiar as that memory may be, that is how I like to remember winters in Lansing, Michigan- in my crowded grandma's house, on a street where everyone is related.

Likes and Dislikes About Winter

As a general rule, I adore winter. Winter is a time of family gatherings for holidays. The snow is quite pretty, and if we are lucky, we sometimes have snow days. I don't mind being cold because I am used to it. I like the cold so much better than the hot. Also, I like the Christmas music and the anticipation of Christmas. The winter season also comes with days off of school- a huge plus.

Unfortunately, there are some things that I rather dislike during winter. For one thing, it means that semester exams are nearing. Teachers cram in all of the work that they hadn't gotten to before. Roads get icy and dangerous for traveling (I have some real fears about that sort of thing.). Also, it means a time of cleaning house and some stressed out parents leading to wired siblings. I think that everyone will agree that the Christmas season was so much easier when we were younger.

I have to say that the good things about winter outnumber the bad things. Because after all of the stressful things are over and done with, the rewards are great.

My favorite memories of the season aren't specific- just hanging out with family members from far away, decorating the house, shopping for gifts, watching peoples' faces when they open them, and baking.

Twilight Movie Out Tomorrow!

Instead of commenting on someone else's blog this week, I have decided to pick a topic of my own.

To celebrate the very popular movie, Twilight, coming into theaters tomorrow morning, i thought I might express some of my views on the book. My mom has informed me that some adults think that this book teaches teenagers to be irresponsible, that their parents are clueless, and that it is okay to get into an unhealthy relationship. Well, I might have to disagree with that statement.

For one thing, I don't think that they are necessarily being irresponsible. Bella has been taking care of her parents for as long as she can remember. Edward is also responsible. he makes sure that Bella eats. He also makes the decision not to kill her in the first place. he has saved her numberless times. the only time that they didn't come home on time was when it was a life or death situation. So no, I do not think that this book teaches teenagers to be irresponsible.

I don't think that the parents are being clueless either. Bella's mother attempts to keep contact with Bella on several occasions. She noticed that Edward and Bella were closer than they were attempting to let on. Charlie, Bella's father, is not clueless either. Just because he didn't know that Edward was a vampire (and really, who would), doesn't mean that he doesn't take care of Bella in his own way. He puts chains on Bella's tires when the roads got icy, he checked to make sure that Bella was in bed and asleep in the night, and he disconnects her battery cables when he thinks she might be sneaking out. He was doing everything in his power to take care of his daughter.

Edward and Bella do not have an abusive relationship, either. Everything Edward does is keep Bella safe. He does not make her do things Bella is not comfortable doing. It makes sense that he would want to be everywhere she is. Look at how many times she has almost been killed. Edward saves her at least three times just in the first book in the series. Bella and Edward are very good for each other.

So to all of you Twilight fans out there, have a great time at the movies!

Things That I Am Very Thankful For

Okay, obviously I can't list off everything that I am thankful for, but I am going to make a good effort to list some of the top things that I am thankful for.

• I am thankful for my parents and all of the things they have done and sacrificed for me.
• I am thankful for my siblings for the entertainment they bring and the occasional help they offer.
• I am thankful for my other relatives. I wouldn't be who I am today without them. I am also thankful for the entertainment they can bring and the advice that they have given me.
• I am thankful for my friends for all of the help they have been to me and for all of the fun times that we have had and will have in the future.
• I thank God for all of my teachers. The challenges they have faced me with have made me a stronger person. I have learned much.
• I am thankful for all of the people who have provided food for me.
• I am thankful for the good neighborhood I am in.
• I am thankful for my good home.
• I am thankful for all of my family's possessions.
• I am thankful for my good health.
• I am thankful for all of the experiences that I have had.