Hospitals are known for their unpleasant smells. They produce unflavored odors that you want immediately erased from your senses. I'm not a big fan of hospitals, but as a past medical worker, you have no choice but to accept them. Medical workers must make emotional and physical adjustments to be effective caregivers.
It has been over a decade ago since I last worked in a hospital. I still have vivid memories of the scenery - the smell, touch, voices, and smiles that continue to be everlasting influences in my life. I can remember the first time I entered the elevator to report for duty.
When I pressed the number “3” on the elevator panel, the stress started to boil my mind. There was some good and some bad stress involved. The stress was more in-between the two - centered in the middle. I heard horror stories about patients suffering and then dying off. Many of these patients were nice and genuine people. What I figured out was that being positive is the best strategy for making a difference in caring for patients.
Though the night was still young, I knew that midway through the morning was surely going to be exhausting. The elevator doors slid open. With my back erected, feeling full of energy, and being ready to care for patients. I walked out with confidence.
On the surgical ward, there were many sick patients. Many of them were so depressed that they wanted to be put out of their misery. Their emotions were a tad bit less extreme, but were along the lines of either hoping for a full recovery or to quickly die.
I was saddened. Each day was more painful than the next. There was nothing I could do to save the patients. When they moaned, yelled, grasped, and coughed, just for that one that moment, I wanted to be God. God would know what to do - he always had all the answers. I had to face reality; science and religion could only do so much.
A team of surgeons briefly visited one patient, rushed out, convened, and then moved onto the next patient. They never missed a beat. The surgeons always made their rounds at the same exact time, each and every morning, not wasting time - never delaying a second.
Patients never had enough time to ask the questions they planned the night before. Their lists gave them some hint of hope – being part of a medical miracle so they wouldn't have to follow the light at the end outside of the tunnel. Of course, many questions challenged their religious beliefs.
Should they reject their Mormon faith and take a blood transfusion? Does their prognosis provide a glimmer of hope? Can the cancerous tumor move to a more operable side of the brain? Was there a possible mistake in the ultrasound? None of these questions were simple to ask and the answers weren't any easier.
I occasionally watched the white-coated geniuses move across the shiny floor like mortal Angels. Honestly, I knew their treatment plans were only temporary solutions. Physicians devote the majority of their lives to treating the sick. I knew they deserved credit for their role in patient care. Patients knew that hoping for anything more other then "hopefully", "possibly", and "likely" would only make the grieving process more complex and even somewhat confusing.
Before entering a patient’s room, I straightened my back, kept my head up high and made sure that I always smiled. I would never allow a patient to see through, especially when show any emotional pain would weaken their spirit.
The main goal of patient care is to provide professional service; add some extra compassion into the mix keeps them smiling. Medical workers have to hide their pain. It's sad to think about the process of living and dying. Trying to avoid showing any emotion makes a person feel guilty.
Here I was, questioning why these innocent, kind, and caring people - ones that never did anything to hurt others - were dying. I only hoped that their pain would become an illusion, an imagined dream that freed their mind from reality, giving them an extra second to exhale without clenching down on their abdomen to reduce the retched pain.
One fragile woman, Judy, who had kind eyes, a nice lush smile, and a heart full of love, could barely manage to keep herself upright. She enjoyed sitting on the edge of the bed, but exerted her energy in process, making her exhausted for the rest of the night. Judy had so many lines attached to her; she looked like a medical research experiment.
Judy enjoyed the simple moments. She was always cautious with overexerting herself. Her only wish – each day – was to save her energy so she could walk around the ward. She hoped to visit the Nurse’s Station, at least once a day. Judy never liked being alone in her room. She thought loneliness progressed her condition and made her feel worse. Judy’s simple pleasures were venturing off the ward and to the nearest smoking section to have a smoke and to converse with other people. She was sure a talker. If you were in her presence, you would be doing most of the listening.
As her pain increased and her condition worsened, she was restricted from leaving the ward. She missed having a relaxing moment, smoking a cigarette and talking to people.
While sitting on the side of the bed, Judy's legs started to shake as if she were holding a hundred pounds of weights on her shoulders. Without warning, Judy began to vomit. Her gown was covered in yellowish-green clear liquid. She was always embarrassed. Judy apologized one time too many. It was her fault. The vomiting was an uncontrollable action that was beyond her. When you heard her apologize, you would feel this hollow void in your heart - a sad weeping that lingered on well past your shift and in your dreams.
It was hard to imagine that two years before, Judy was as healthy as any person could hope to be. She used to teach at a local elementary school. The kids loved her. She was one of those teachers that didn’t favor any students. Her philosophy was to establish teamwork, allowing every student to acknowledge helping others. This was how Judy operated in her personal and professional life. Her integrity was limitless. Now, Judy was wasting away. None of her students would be able to recognize her. Judy’s skin was barely attached to her bones.
Judy's stomach cancer had already spread to the surrounding organs. It was only a matter of time before her body would shutdown. The random vomiting sessions were more of a delayed response, which were caused by the gastric acids that swished in and out of her abdominal cavity. The inner lining of her stomach produced a strong acidic taste in her mouth, making her stomach and throat burn so much, she had to dispel the contents.
The Demerol injections were no longer effective in treating her pain. Essentially, the only pain management, the one that delivered her some brief comfort, depended entirely on spirituality. Medical workers and the Reverend stood there on the sidelines; they watched her suffer – witnessing her begging to die. The pain was far too intense for any human to handle. The surgeons could only salvage part of Judy's upper esophagus – giving her a short 2 months to survive. The prognosis was like a death sentence for a crime she didn’t commit.
Judy’s family was nice. Her husband wore glasses, always cracked a smile, and remained positive throughout the process. He knew that his wife’s prognosis was grim, but in having some hope, he understood that giving up wasn’t an option. Judy’s daughter had the same pure smile as her mother. Her personality was most refreshing. She was definitely a rare girl, displaying a natural inner and outer beauty, which was rare to find. She was exhilarating and real - gentle as an Angel. She was organic, no influence could pollute her mind; she looked like one that would always help a person in need of assistance.
Whenever Judy saw her family, her eyes lit up like a church candle. She enjoyed the little time she had left. Her daughter made her last moments magical. She thought of her like a fairy streaming across the room, leaving a trail of magic mist behind/
Judy struggled with accepting her condition. We had long talks. She used to tell me that she wished God could give her another 4 months. I could only look in sadness. As I rubbed on her the top of her fragile shoulder, she pleaded for just one moment, and not a second later. She emotionally vented out, asking to make it to her daughter’s college graduation. This was her only child. She wanted to be there for her.
Tears streamed down, along the sides of her dark, puffy eyes. She shared that she would never be able to watch her daughter walk down the aisle, to see daughter have her first child, and to stare at her glowing face which sparkled like a snowflake in the soft, cold wind. Her moment of truth was near. The end was coming too fast. She knew that she had to accept her fate, come to terms with condition, and enjoy the last fruitful moments with seemliness faith.
Outside the window, leaves blew in the wind. Bare trees aligned near the grassy curbside. Fog outlined the horizon, covering the distant Sun like a white sheet. The coldness stained the window with a frosty drizzle of ice. Time seemed to be speeding up at an accelerated rate. The two months came and gone; they moved quicker than a snap of a finger.
Judy is now gone. She passed away twelve years, two months, three days, four minutes, and exactly two seconds from this very moment. Her memory now lives on in the people that knew her best. People loved Judy with the same compassion that she gave others.
Working in hospitals and in trying to make sense of life is never an easy process. With every new patient there is a moment to reflect about our purpose in life and what out role is to make others feel special. We reserve a place in our hearts for every patient that passes. Their warmth keeps our spiritual center intact.
Judy continues to inspire me from within. She smiles from above, missing the world. She knows that her time on Earth made it possible for others to change. God will be there to provide her comfort. Sweet Judy remains a part of every memory. When you ask for joyful dreams, Judy will grace you with her warm presence - like an Angel of God.
Judy, we will see you again in the end. When you hold your hands out and guide us to Heaven, we will smile at you and say, "Sweet Judy, thank you for showing us the way and for making the journey to Heaven an enlightening and heartwarming experience. We will love you for eternity." Goodbye for now Sweet Judy.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Would you rather have 5 years of intense fun and wealth, then die happily or would you want to live an average life struggling?
President Obama claims that his middle class tax cuts will reach 95% of Americans. Middle class people represent average Americans that vote, work hard, and struggle to make a living.
What if you were presented with an opportunity to experience 5 years of intense fun and wealth, then you would die after - would you do it? What about just accepting an average life?
Think about it - for 5 years, you would be traveling across the world, driving nice cars, wearing nice designer clothes, eating anything you want, having nice lavish homes, socializing with the most powerful people, and being in the spotlight.
What about just living an average life struggling; not knowing where you will get money to pay your rent, buy food, and to support your family.
You have the freedom to choose - live an life of struggle or have intense fun for 5 years, but then you die immediately after.
It would be interesting to find out what people would do. On the right side of the screen, vote on average life or on 5 years of fun and then dying.
People want success; some will do whatever it takes to accomplish their dreams. but there are also others some that fear death. Time travels too fast. Before you know it, 5 years can come and go - just like that.
After the survey, I will share my personal perception - choosing an average life full of never- ending struggle or going with a short and fun life full of opportunities. Leave your comments below. Thank you.
What if you were presented with an opportunity to experience 5 years of intense fun and wealth, then you would die after - would you do it? What about just accepting an average life?
Think about it - for 5 years, you would be traveling across the world, driving nice cars, wearing nice designer clothes, eating anything you want, having nice lavish homes, socializing with the most powerful people, and being in the spotlight.
What about just living an average life struggling; not knowing where you will get money to pay your rent, buy food, and to support your family.
You have the freedom to choose - live an life of struggle or have intense fun for 5 years, but then you die immediately after.
It would be interesting to find out what people would do. On the right side of the screen, vote on average life or on 5 years of fun and then dying.
People want success; some will do whatever it takes to accomplish their dreams. but there are also others some that fear death. Time travels too fast. Before you know it, 5 years can come and go - just like that.
After the survey, I will share my personal perception - choosing an average life full of never- ending struggle or going with a short and fun life full of opportunities. Leave your comments below. Thank you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A power outage on bankruptcy day
After going through extreme hardship in 2000, I had no choice but to file for bankruptcy in 2002. Everything possible went wrong in that span of time; it was a personal delayed Y2K response. A few years before, I was fired on my birthday because my brother decided to steal my car, drove drunk, wrecked the suspension after hitting a curb, and got a DUI. Every moment seemed to reflect incidents like that one - rare and unfortunate events. A power outage saved me from on bankruptcy day.
Was I being tested? How would I manage to handle 5 college courses, a recent eviction, be unemployed, have a car repossessed, and not have a place to live? Bankruptcy was not only an option, it was the only wise thing to do at that point in time. I always paid my bills on time and had great credit. I planned to purchase a home, seek a film career, and acquire a few college degrees. People can never plan for the future, they only hope for the best outcome.
On bankruptcy day, I was really pressed for time. I knew that I had to make it there on time or face paying another large fee for rescheduling the bankruptcy hearing. I pulled up to the front of the courthouse in downtown San Jose. It was still early. Good thing I made it on time. An elderly lady walked up and claimed that she had missed the bus and needed a ride to meet her son at Bay 101 - a Casino off of H-101 in San Jose.
I give the elderly lady credit for asking a complete stranger to give her a ride. I knew that I was a nice person for always wanting to help out others. She was going to be in safe hands. Maybe that was the reason I found myself going through a bankruptcy. I was always too nice to people - passive. I took a chance in driving the lady because I still had 28 minutes until the hearing started.
Once I merged onto the freeway, there was so much traffic, I started to get worried. I kept glancing at my watch to make sure that I would have enough time to find parking and to make it into the court. At that moment, it seemed unlikely I would make the return trip on time. Bay 101 was just around the corner. The elderly lady was nice enough to give me $20; she begged me to keep the money. I respected her wishes and accepted the money.
On the way back, I knew that I wouldn't make it back to the court on time. This was probably the worst decision making, knowing that the bankruptcy hearing would help be instrumental in regaining my financial status back.
When I arrived at the front of the bankruptcy courthouse, I was about 5 minutes too late. I parked the car, walked to the front entrance, went through a security search, and then entered the building. I asked around for my lawyer. The lawyer confronted me and he said that I was lucky there was a power outrage for the last 30 minutes. If the power outage didn't take place, I would have lost out.
On the day of the hearing, a power outrage saved me losing more money and possibly losing out on filing bankruptcy. The only thing I could think about was giving that lady a ride. Was she an angel that caused the power outage? Was it a coincidence that she happened to be sitting right in front of the building at the exact moment I needed to go into the courthouse?
I learned a lot after separating from the military in 1998 and falling into financial hardship two years thereafter. Seven years later, I am still rebuilding my credit. I have paid all my bills on time and have managed to avoid poor decision making. Trusting shady people and making risky employment moves caused me to go bankrupt.
Some people say that I had nothing to lose. Choosing to go bankrupt prevented me finding affordable auto and credit loans. I had to wait 3 years before I could rent an apartment on my own. Student loan companies would reject me unless I had a co-signer. I think that I lost a lot. We can never go back in time to repair our mistakes. I regret that I had to go bankrupt. Now I know that you have to be careful and don't take too many chances.
Before my own personal Y2K disaster, I managed to make a decent living. My mistake was leaving a decent job to try and sell cars. That was when simple problems turned into major hardships. Thankfully, on a day in December 2002, the unplanned power outage saved my future and gave me a second change to get my life back on track.
Was I being tested? How would I manage to handle 5 college courses, a recent eviction, be unemployed, have a car repossessed, and not have a place to live? Bankruptcy was not only an option, it was the only wise thing to do at that point in time. I always paid my bills on time and had great credit. I planned to purchase a home, seek a film career, and acquire a few college degrees. People can never plan for the future, they only hope for the best outcome.
On bankruptcy day, I was really pressed for time. I knew that I had to make it there on time or face paying another large fee for rescheduling the bankruptcy hearing. I pulled up to the front of the courthouse in downtown San Jose. It was still early. Good thing I made it on time. An elderly lady walked up and claimed that she had missed the bus and needed a ride to meet her son at Bay 101 - a Casino off of H-101 in San Jose.
I give the elderly lady credit for asking a complete stranger to give her a ride. I knew that I was a nice person for always wanting to help out others. She was going to be in safe hands. Maybe that was the reason I found myself going through a bankruptcy. I was always too nice to people - passive. I took a chance in driving the lady because I still had 28 minutes until the hearing started.
Once I merged onto the freeway, there was so much traffic, I started to get worried. I kept glancing at my watch to make sure that I would have enough time to find parking and to make it into the court. At that moment, it seemed unlikely I would make the return trip on time. Bay 101 was just around the corner. The elderly lady was nice enough to give me $20; she begged me to keep the money. I respected her wishes and accepted the money.
On the way back, I knew that I wouldn't make it back to the court on time. This was probably the worst decision making, knowing that the bankruptcy hearing would help be instrumental in regaining my financial status back.
When I arrived at the front of the bankruptcy courthouse, I was about 5 minutes too late. I parked the car, walked to the front entrance, went through a security search, and then entered the building. I asked around for my lawyer. The lawyer confronted me and he said that I was lucky there was a power outrage for the last 30 minutes. If the power outage didn't take place, I would have lost out.
On the day of the hearing, a power outrage saved me losing more money and possibly losing out on filing bankruptcy. The only thing I could think about was giving that lady a ride. Was she an angel that caused the power outage? Was it a coincidence that she happened to be sitting right in front of the building at the exact moment I needed to go into the courthouse?
I learned a lot after separating from the military in 1998 and falling into financial hardship two years thereafter. Seven years later, I am still rebuilding my credit. I have paid all my bills on time and have managed to avoid poor decision making. Trusting shady people and making risky employment moves caused me to go bankrupt.
Some people say that I had nothing to lose. Choosing to go bankrupt prevented me finding affordable auto and credit loans. I had to wait 3 years before I could rent an apartment on my own. Student loan companies would reject me unless I had a co-signer. I think that I lost a lot. We can never go back in time to repair our mistakes. I regret that I had to go bankrupt. Now I know that you have to be careful and don't take too many chances.
Before my own personal Y2K disaster, I managed to make a decent living. My mistake was leaving a decent job to try and sell cars. That was when simple problems turned into major hardships. Thankfully, on a day in December 2002, the unplanned power outage saved my future and gave me a second change to get my life back on track.
Do Aliens Exist?
We live in a culture that is both open-minded and close-minded. Religion and science clash when the two forums are parlayed with the creation of the universe and living organisms. It would be impossible to determine a realistic truth to the beginning of time. Questions can go on forever, with no end in sight. Religion has graced the presence of this planet for thousands of years. Scientists have conducted research through studying artifacts, molecular substances, and devising solar system models using specimens and visual evidence. Many people claimed to have seen Aliens. Though most of the accounts involve UFO's, there is reason to believe that science and religion are both wrong.
In the ancient time, artists painted UFO's and Aliens. Of course, this was well before media manipulation and influence. The affluent artworks were placed in museums to explore the possible truth of Alien existence. In one certain painting, a man is seen pointing at some flying object in the sky. The paintings are circa 1500's. Cave paintings have drawings of man worshipping abnormal entities.
Scientists are unable to determine how Egyptians built pyramids. What makes the situation strange is the first flying apparatus was not built until the 1700's. Architect plans for gliders and other flying devices were carried out and then tested in the 18th century. Planes were not constructed until the 20th century. What was a flying saucer doing in a 16th century painting?
Scientists are unable to determine how Egyptians built pyramids. What makes the situation strange is the first flying apparatus was not built until the 1700's. Architect plans for gliders and other flying devices were carried out and then tested in the 18th century. Planes were not constructed until the 20th century. What was a flying saucer doing in a 16th century painting?
Religion and science will deny man of the truth. Many people will believe that there is no such thing as Aliens. Scientology chronicles the creation of man as an embodiment of Aliens. Can one really identify Scientology as a religion or even a form of spirituality? Alex Groyas's Knowing touched on the subject of Angel/Alien depiction. What is the truth? Should people believe in science of continue to trust religion?
Religion has always succeeded the study of science. The Church used to persecute scholars for questioning the institution of religion, especially with ambiguous teaching of science. The world was once thought to be flat. In the years to follow, that notion proved to be wrong. Do scientists really think that life beyond Earth is impossible? Their research is speculation of theories, evidence, and clues. Religion bases the creation of life and the universe on God. Do Aliens really exist?
People should analyze paintings, drawings, writing, and old monuments. Looking into the past will help one understand the future. Religion and science will continue to conflict the creation of the universe and life. There are infinite possibilities to the beginning of time. One can experience headaches trying to question the creator of the creator and so forth.
A close-minded person will reject Alien life. Close-minded people will look at the facts. A neutral person bases their beliefs off of visual evidence. There has to be life outside of this planet. People will question life using evolution and God. What makes Earth so special? Do Aliens exist? Only time can tell before man finds out the truth.
A close-minded person will reject Alien life. Close-minded people will look at the facts. A neutral person bases their beliefs off of visual evidence. There has to be life outside of this planet. People will question life using evolution and God. What makes Earth so special? Do Aliens exist? Only time can tell before man finds out the truth.
The truth about depression
Depression is a serious medical condition. People fall into a depressive state-of-mind are prone to inflicting harm on others and themselves. It is common for people to feel down about life. Financial distress and relationship struggles can attract negative energy, making life seem worthless. Any person that falls into depression must seek professional help. Having thoughts of suicide may lead one to carrying out the act. A depressed person shouldn't worry about what others think about their condition. Some people identify depression as being mental disturbed.
Depression can cause other mental disorders to surface. Why should a person experiencing depression take immediate action?
There are time where I felt depressed about my situation. I have gone through many unfortunate hardships. The last 15 years have taken a toll on me - physically and mentally. I found myself being depressed at times, but that was a situational feeling. While I was depressed, the feelings were not serious enough that I would contemplate suicide. I did feel fatigued, experienced short memory loss, and struggled to make it out of the emotional quicksand. There are people that have severe depression that requires professional help.
The medical diagnosis of depression is a person that is chronically feeling sadness, fatigue, worthlessness, and hopelessness; their thoughts cause physical and mental deterioration. Essentially, depressed people have chronic bouts with feeling worthless, being unhappy and resentful, and sometime question their will to live. A person should pay careful attention to a person that is emotionally down.
The economy has crushed the dreams of millions of people. Greedy executives exhausted poor decision making, which evaporated retirement accounts and ignited the current economy downturn. Imagine a person working to retirement, only to find out their retirement account has been depleted and is not enough for survival.
Living life can be depressing. I feel depressed for people that are homeless, lonely, and that have to struggle to make a living. Rich people can also experience depression because they feel the pressure to meet social expectations. Don't be fooled that the rich and famous are always happy and upbeat. Celebrities have found comfort in abusing drugs and alcohol because of their depression. What causes people to become depressed?
Many people find depression because they place a time limit on accomplishing dreams. I have heard stories where a person set a date to realize their dream or commit suicide. While that is extreme, a person has to be aware of the signs and symptoms that accompany depression.
I used to work at a restaurant serving customers. One cashier enjoyed his job. He used to mention how much he valued life. After work, I used to walk down to the bus stop, which was a few miles from the restaurant. One day, the coworker stopped and offered me a ride. He seemed really excited about his future and his job. A week later, he lost his job for tossing a tray of drinks on another. After a week, I heard that he committed suicide in a garage. It was a tragic event because he was only 20 years old. He had his whole life ahead of him.
When a person is depressed, they want to escape life. Depressed people don't attach value to the future. Because of hopelessness, depressed people detach from people, falling into a lonely trap of mental decay. Don't mock depressed people because of their condition; be admirable in helping them to regain their positive life back. Depression is not a joke. It is not a disease that is irrecoverable. What can a depressed person to treat their condition?
Depression is curable with therapeutic treatment and intervention. Christian counseling - without prayer - has been known to be useful in curing depression. In using prayer, a patient may attach negative feelings and blame God for their misery. Talking to depressed people and making them feel of value is also a good method to improving and possibly reversing their condition. Don't let a depression person be alone, isolating themselves from society. A depressed person may ask how they can get back their positive feels.
With everything in life, patience is the golden key. People that rush results are more prone to developing depression and other mental disorders. Being patient will help people from becoming depressed. In essence, people hurry and never stop to slow down. I have always been thoughtful for helping others. My purpose in life is to make sure others are happy. When you have a moment, do something nice for another person. It doesn't have to be a physical gift. Talk, be nice, don't judge, and try to prevent depression from harming people.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Materialism causes mental disorders
Why are people materialistic? What makes people want expensive things? Society drives people to the breaking point of insanity. Magazines are graced with beautiful models, designer clothing, lavish homes, and dynamic sport cars. Television segments evaluate what glamourous clothing celebrities wear to award shows. Life seems to portray a never-ending popularity contest. Materialism is one of the main causes of mental disorders in society.
Because of materialism, people experience high stress in trying to please others. A materialistic person focuses too much on what others have instead of being happy with their own life. Materialistic people compare their situation to others. They manipulate people to buy them materialistic goods. One will notice that materialistic people give ultimatums to obtain their material wants. The materialism world pressures society to compete in a losing battle to gain attention.
Every person lives a different quality of life. It is unfair to compare one situation to another. There is no obvious way to explain the reason why some people can own nice cars and homes. These people are able make a good living without a college education. However, materialism creates intense pressure for those who choose to pursue a college education. Materialistic people rush results to secure their material wants.
Because of materialism, people experience high stress in trying to please others. A materialistic person focuses too much on what others have instead of being happy with their own life. Materialistic people compare their situation to others. They manipulate people to buy them materialistic goods. One will notice that materialistic people give ultimatums to obtain their material wants. The materialism world pressures society to compete in a losing battle to gain attention.
Every person lives a different quality of life. It is unfair to compare one situation to another. There is no obvious way to explain the reason why some people can own nice cars and homes. These people are able make a good living without a college education. However, materialism creates intense pressure for those who choose to pursue a college education. Materialistic people rush results to secure their material wants.
Materialistic people are too dependent on what society thinks of them, they treat good people with less respect. Such negative people ridicule someone for being unable to make an expensive purchase. Indeed, materialistic people are inconsiderate and irresponsible. In a materialistic relationship, materialism influence couples to resent each other. Essentially, materialism creates unrealistic obstacles that are impossible to attain.
Materialistic people assume their significant other is holding out on buying them expensive things. Eventually, the relationship will fall apart since there are recurring fights between what one can't afford and what purchases are not necessary. Imagine the pressure that materialism places on a responsible person. Would living together and understanding a financial situation be enough to prevent materialism and selfish wants?
Materialistic people assume their significant other is holding out on buying them expensive things. Eventually, the relationship will fall apart since there are recurring fights between what one can't afford and what purchases are not necessary. Imagine the pressure that materialism places on a responsible person. Would living together and understanding a financial situation be enough to prevent materialism and selfish wants?
Materialism is like a leech sucking the love out of every relationship. Materialistic people constantly complain about not getting jewelry, a vehicle, going on trips, and for not receiving other expensive merchandise. In order to build a strong relationship, a couple must be on the same page. Why put a responsible person through intense stress because of material wants?
Materialism creates a false illusion that material possessions such as designer handbags, cars, homes, and clothing will attract attention. Whereas, lonely people are prone to developing social anxiety, depression, and antisocial personalities, materialistic people influence others to develop depression because of their psychosocial influences. Essentially, a materialistic person wants to own expensive items to please others, confirming they have success through gaining attention.
Materialism revolves around unmet needs, ranging from not receiving enough attention and being unable to obtain possessions a person desired in the past. Materialism is more about pleasing others rather than satisfying their immediate needs. What is the main reason a person wants to make expensive purchases? Some people make purchases that are affordable because they don't care what others think. Materialistic people may possibly have insecurity issues. They worry about how others perceive them. Does having nice jewelry, expensive purses, a new car, and a home keep a materialistic person happy?
Materialistic people feel that filling a void with material possessions will secure their happiness. The truth to the matter is that happiness is finding the good in every moment. No matter how many nice things a materialistic person receives, they will never appreciate them. They will always see others getting more better material possessions, therefore questioning their significant other why they don't receive the same things. They will hear of others going on trips and see another drive a new car. In result, materialism influence materialist people to fall into a depressive state because they don't own the same material items.
Materialistic people don't work hard for what they own because they expect others to make the purchases. This article is two-sided argument, as both men and women can be materialistic. Society associates women as being materialistic, but there men that act selfish too. Men seek to obtain material wants to satisfy their internal needs. Materialistic people avoid looking at the cost of material items, instead focusing on whether their significant other can make purchases to duplicate the action of another.
Sadly enough, materialistic people place an outrageous price tag on validating love through setting the bar so high for a partner, there is no way to meet their personal standards. Materialistic people are not bad people; they do care about their relationship. How does materialism relate to mental disorders?
The media analyzes society through a microscope, setting the social standards to guide society in what perceive is the ideal life to live. Writers produce negative articles that criticize obesity, eating disorders, fashion, and other negative aspects that pressure insecure people. The rich and the famous are portrayed as the standard of success. Average people must sit back and watch celebrities live a fantasy life. Materialism influences people to judge those who lack education, money, and material possessions.
In high school, classmates compete for popularity. Physical looks, designer clothing, high-quality purses, expensive cars, and dating attractive people gain the most attention. The media creates a false illusions of what is cool and what is not. Social influences fuel materialism because there is a need to conform to be accepted as part of a social group. Students want to impress others, fearing rejection and loneliness will make them appear as strange and unpopular. The media portrays loneliness as a psychological disorder.
Materialistic people criticize, judge and torment others. They treat average people with less respect and don't value their worth. Materialism is an impossible force to defeat. No matter how hard a person works to keep things in order, materialism complicates every situation. Fighting about what one person does for another becomes a routine challenge because a responsible person is unable to deliver material possessions.
Materialistic people measure material possessions as the standard to evaluating love. Despite that money is hard to make and that one must be careful with spending too much, materialistic people forget about the traditional standards that define love. When these people have unmet wants, they will manipulate and question the value of their relationship. They use material possessions as a sign to measure love, suggesting that a person doesn't want to make an expensive purchase to devalue the relationship.
Materialistic people make it hard for others to satisfy their wants. Essentially, in the end, materialism causes intense pressure to make a responsible person develop a mental disorder because they keep trying to meet impossible demands. Materialistic people who work hard for their wants have the freedom to purchase material possessions. On the contrary, materialistic people without the financial means to satisfy their material wants shouldn't expect others to make impossible purchases. Hence, materialism sabotages healthy relationships because such selfishness is the devil in disguise.
Materialism creates a false illusion that material possessions such as designer handbags, cars, homes, and clothing will attract attention. Whereas, lonely people are prone to developing social anxiety, depression, and antisocial personalities, materialistic people influence others to develop depression because of their psychosocial influences. Essentially, a materialistic person wants to own expensive items to please others, confirming they have success through gaining attention.
Materialism revolves around unmet needs, ranging from not receiving enough attention and being unable to obtain possessions a person desired in the past. Materialism is more about pleasing others rather than satisfying their immediate needs. What is the main reason a person wants to make expensive purchases? Some people make purchases that are affordable because they don't care what others think. Materialistic people may possibly have insecurity issues. They worry about how others perceive them. Does having nice jewelry, expensive purses, a new car, and a home keep a materialistic person happy?
Materialistic people feel that filling a void with material possessions will secure their happiness. The truth to the matter is that happiness is finding the good in every moment. No matter how many nice things a materialistic person receives, they will never appreciate them. They will always see others getting more better material possessions, therefore questioning their significant other why they don't receive the same things. They will hear of others going on trips and see another drive a new car. In result, materialism influence materialist people to fall into a depressive state because they don't own the same material items.
Materialistic people don't work hard for what they own because they expect others to make the purchases. This article is two-sided argument, as both men and women can be materialistic. Society associates women as being materialistic, but there men that act selfish too. Men seek to obtain material wants to satisfy their internal needs. Materialistic people avoid looking at the cost of material items, instead focusing on whether their significant other can make purchases to duplicate the action of another.
Sadly enough, materialistic people place an outrageous price tag on validating love through setting the bar so high for a partner, there is no way to meet their personal standards. Materialistic people are not bad people; they do care about their relationship. How does materialism relate to mental disorders?
The media analyzes society through a microscope, setting the social standards to guide society in what perceive is the ideal life to live. Writers produce negative articles that criticize obesity, eating disorders, fashion, and other negative aspects that pressure insecure people. The rich and the famous are portrayed as the standard of success. Average people must sit back and watch celebrities live a fantasy life. Materialism influences people to judge those who lack education, money, and material possessions.
In high school, classmates compete for popularity. Physical looks, designer clothing, high-quality purses, expensive cars, and dating attractive people gain the most attention. The media creates a false illusions of what is cool and what is not. Social influences fuel materialism because there is a need to conform to be accepted as part of a social group. Students want to impress others, fearing rejection and loneliness will make them appear as strange and unpopular. The media portrays loneliness as a psychological disorder.
Materialistic people criticize, judge and torment others. They treat average people with less respect and don't value their worth. Materialism is an impossible force to defeat. No matter how hard a person works to keep things in order, materialism complicates every situation. Fighting about what one person does for another becomes a routine challenge because a responsible person is unable to deliver material possessions.
Materialistic people measure material possessions as the standard to evaluating love. Despite that money is hard to make and that one must be careful with spending too much, materialistic people forget about the traditional standards that define love. When these people have unmet wants, they will manipulate and question the value of their relationship. They use material possessions as a sign to measure love, suggesting that a person doesn't want to make an expensive purchase to devalue the relationship.
Materialistic people make it hard for others to satisfy their wants. Essentially, in the end, materialism causes intense pressure to make a responsible person develop a mental disorder because they keep trying to meet impossible demands. Materialistic people who work hard for their wants have the freedom to purchase material possessions. On the contrary, materialistic people without the financial means to satisfy their material wants shouldn't expect others to make impossible purchases. Hence, materialism sabotages healthy relationships because such selfishness is the devil in disguise.
The media influences people to become materialistic. Materialism causes mental disorders to develop such as depression, social anxiety, and personality disorders. Materialist people are too dependent on confirming their value through attracting attention that they allow media manipulation to misrepresent the ideal life. Responsible people make a valid attempt to work hard under intense scrutiny to maintain a positive balance. Materialistic people challenge their moral decency to satisfy their inner desire.
In essence, materialistic people create conflict with responsible people. They find it rather challenging to function without securing their materialistic wants. Moreover, materialism makes people rude, unthoughtful, inconsiderate, and irresponsible. Materialistic people use materialism as an act of desperation to live in the public eye. Materialism is the epitome of evil.
In essence, materialistic people create conflict with responsible people. They find it rather challenging to function without securing their materialistic wants. Moreover, materialism makes people rude, unthoughtful, inconsiderate, and irresponsible. Materialistic people use materialism as an act of desperation to live in the public eye. Materialism is the epitome of evil.
Visit MaterialismWorld.com to ready more about materialism
Farmer's Annual Mileage Survey
Farmer's recently sent me a mileage survey to track how many miles I anticipate to drive in the upcoming year. Farmer's outsourced my auto insurance through one of their affiliate companies - Mid-Century Insurance Company. Mid-Century estimates me to drive 35,454 miles in the next year.
I'm not sure where Mid-Century Insurance Company obtains their estimates from, but not many people drive that many miles in any given year. How can that estimate be the average miles driven? The external sources claim that the average person drives 35,454 miles annually. Are they also averaging in truck drivers in calculating those estimates?
Since I don't commute to a physical work location, I don't drive that often. In the next year, I don't plan to drive more than 7,500 miles. Maybe I will drive less frequently because I don't have time to travel.
Regardless, I'm baffled by the 34,454 mile estimate. I understand that driving excessive miles increases insurance premiums because there is a greater chance that a motorist may get involved in an accident.
Farmer's Insurance is a good company. I have auto insurance on two cars, life insurance, and renter's insurance with them. I've had ongoing coverage since March 2003. The only thing that puzzles me is how they figure out the estimated miles to be driven. Other than this mileage survey, I have been happy with Farmer's.
Ridesharing drivers wanted on Uber. Drive with Uber. Sign-up in month of November 2015 and complete 20 trips. Get $600 bonus! Signup here.
I'm not sure where Mid-Century Insurance Company obtains their estimates from, but not many people drive that many miles in any given year. How can that estimate be the average miles driven? The external sources claim that the average person drives 35,454 miles annually. Are they also averaging in truck drivers in calculating those estimates?
Since I don't commute to a physical work location, I don't drive that often. In the next year, I don't plan to drive more than 7,500 miles. Maybe I will drive less frequently because I don't have time to travel.
Regardless, I'm baffled by the 34,454 mile estimate. I understand that driving excessive miles increases insurance premiums because there is a greater chance that a motorist may get involved in an accident.
Farmer's Insurance is a good company. I have auto insurance on two cars, life insurance, and renter's insurance with them. I've had ongoing coverage since March 2003. The only thing that puzzles me is how they figure out the estimated miles to be driven. Other than this mileage survey, I have been happy with Farmer's.
Ridesharing drivers wanted on Uber. Drive with Uber. Sign-up in month of November 2015 and complete 20 trips. Get $600 bonus! Signup here.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The possible reason people become teachers
While hanging out a college four years ago, I talked to another student about screenwriting. The student was interested in hearing about writing. He told me to continue writing and don't accept less in life.
I mentioned whether it would be be good to teach writing to others. He made a reference regarding teaching. He said that, "Teaching is for people that failed at accomplishing their dreams." What he suggested is that instead of abandoning their goals, people decided to teach others to live their dreams.
Also, before the student left, he told me to not imitate other writers. He said it was best to develop my own style of writing. He told me to avoid teaching because then I would accept failure. No disrespect to any hardworking teachers that help to educate millions of students each year, but the student made me think about the reason a person becomes a teacher.
Should teachers be looked as people that failed at accomplishing their dreams? Do people that fail at accomplishing their dreams take on teaching because they still want to remain in their field of interest? Do teachers really enjoy their jobs? Would a teacher leave their job if they had another chance at living their dream? Do teachers dream to teach in school?
However one looks at the analogy, the student brought up an important point.
I mentioned whether it would be be good to teach writing to others. He made a reference regarding teaching. He said that, "Teaching is for people that failed at accomplishing their dreams." What he suggested is that instead of abandoning their goals, people decided to teach others to live their dreams.
Also, before the student left, he told me to not imitate other writers. He said it was best to develop my own style of writing. He told me to avoid teaching because then I would accept failure. No disrespect to any hardworking teachers that help to educate millions of students each year, but the student made me think about the reason a person becomes a teacher.
Should teachers be looked as people that failed at accomplishing their dreams? Do people that fail at accomplishing their dreams take on teaching because they still want to remain in their field of interest? Do teachers really enjoy their jobs? Would a teacher leave their job if they had another chance at living their dream? Do teachers dream to teach in school?
However one looks at the analogy, the student brought up an important point.
Book Hug, Book Holder - keep book pages open and reduce neck strain
Have you ever struggled with keeping a book open? Did your pages start turning on their own?
Last week, I tried to write a book review. The book pages kept turning and I couldn't get them to stay in place. I started to get frustrated. I put my wallet and another book in place to keep the pages from turning. I'm sure that many other people have experienced the same problem.
Today, I walked into Barnes & Nobles to browse around. They always have a cool selection of books, office supplies, organizers, and art supplies. I found a Book Hug, Book Holder.
The unbreakable steel item holds your book open. Prop the book on the holder to keep the book open and at reading level. Imagine how easy the Book Holder will make reading books.
Whenever we have problems, another person experiences the same exact issues. A person invented a book holder to make it easy for people to keep the book pages open and to prevent neck problems.
I can now read a book without getting a stiff neck. As a freelance writer, the Book Hug, Book Holder keep me working - it reduces neck strain and prevents frustrating page turns.
The cost of the holder is $12.95. If you're a student or a person that enjoys reading books, I would highly recommend the Book Hug, Book Holder.
Have fun reading with your
New Book Hug, Book Holder.
Chase Credit Card
Recently, Chase decided to close my brother's credit card account down. He first opened his credit account in 2004 with Providian. Because of the 2008 Wall Street fiasco, Chase recently took over Providian. My brother never missed a payment, never went over-the-limit, and kept his account in great standing. Why did the company close down his account then?
Chase claimed that they had the right to close down the credit card. They don't have to warn a customer. Does that mean we have the right to not pay our bill? My brother has great credit. He always pay his bills. The representative told him that she closed down the account because he wasn't applying for new accounts. Surely, that doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Why would they require a customer to apply for 2-3 accounts a year to obtain more credit?
She outlined the following rules of credit:
- Keep credit card balances below 50%
- Apply for 2-3 accounts a year
- Pay your credit cards on time
- Keep accounts below the limit
- Avoid having too many small accounts
- Don't close down credit cards after paying them off
My brother followed all of those rules except applying for more accounts. He has Capital One accounts, ones that have been open for 11 years. They never decided to just close down a account without warning you first. The only warning came in the form of letter, which claimed they have decided to close down the account. After arguing with Chase, the close was reopened.
Be very careful in what credit cards you open. Providian was an awesome company. Chase made a $3 billion profit last quarter because they are an unethical company.
Would you want to dine at a restaurant that refused to serve you, but never gave a reason as to why they were denying the service? What if you were pulled over and the officer told you that he was going to tow your car because your license was revoked without you knowing so? While driving is a privilege, we have a right to know.
There is no way we can feel comfortable about having an account with a credit card company, especially when they just decide to close it down for no apparent reason and without no warning.
Chase is a poor company. I will avoid opening a Chase credit card. My brother liked his Providian account, but is contemplating whether to close down his Chase account.
Chase claimed that they had the right to close down the credit card. They don't have to warn a customer. Does that mean we have the right to not pay our bill? My brother has great credit. He always pay his bills. The representative told him that she closed down the account because he wasn't applying for new accounts. Surely, that doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Why would they require a customer to apply for 2-3 accounts a year to obtain more credit?
She outlined the following rules of credit:
- Keep credit card balances below 50%
- Apply for 2-3 accounts a year
- Pay your credit cards on time
- Keep accounts below the limit
- Avoid having too many small accounts
- Don't close down credit cards after paying them off
My brother followed all of those rules except applying for more accounts. He has Capital One accounts, ones that have been open for 11 years. They never decided to just close down a account without warning you first. The only warning came in the form of letter, which claimed they have decided to close down the account. After arguing with Chase, the close was reopened.
Be very careful in what credit cards you open. Providian was an awesome company. Chase made a $3 billion profit last quarter because they are an unethical company.
Would you want to dine at a restaurant that refused to serve you, but never gave a reason as to why they were denying the service? What if you were pulled over and the officer told you that he was going to tow your car because your license was revoked without you knowing so? While driving is a privilege, we have a right to know.
There is no way we can feel comfortable about having an account with a credit card company, especially when they just decide to close it down for no apparent reason and without no warning.
Chase is a poor company. I will avoid opening a Chase credit card. My brother liked his Providian account, but is contemplating whether to close down his Chase account.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Learning about the University of California, Santa Barbara
Attending a new college can be stressful, lonely, and frustrating. Before you dive into a new college, you must become familiar with the campus. Sit down, relax, and focus on what resources are most valuable in pursuing your academic journey. When I first attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, I struggled to find certain buildings, places to eat, the computer room, and offices.
As a student, you will need to where the following places are: Health Center, Financial Aid Office, University Center, Library, Parking Office, Police Station, Isla Vista, Bookstore, and the locations of your classes. Look on the university map - the one provided in orientation - to get familiar with the campus. You will never be fully comfortable until you take a trip to these landmarks.
Art, film, engineering, and communications, English, and other programs are located in different areas. Many of the film courses are offered near Ellison Hall, near Campbell Hall. Art classes are next to the Storke Tower - near the University Center. Engineering courses are next to the front adjacent entrance, on the outer edge and near the 217.
On the first day, UCSB's campus can be somewhat confusing. The campus is nestled in the hills and near the Pacific Ocean. If I'm not mistaken, UCSB is one of the very few colleges to have its own beach. During class breaks, some students go out for a job in the hills or surf on waves.
Many students that elect to live on campus ride bicycles. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to avoid getting run over. Cross the bicycle paths with extreme caution. I have seen quite a few bicycle accidents. A majority of these accident occur because riders are not courteous, are in a hurry, don't yield to others, and assume that others will stop for them.
The library is a tall building that is located near the center of the campus. Many sponsors tend to hold activities near the library. Look at your map; the library is located before Storke Tower. If you use a compass, the library is Southeast of the Storke Tower. Traveling north will take you to the Isla Vista. The library is in the opposite direction of Isla Vista.
In the library, you will find several stories of good literature. On the main floor, before entering the library, students use the 24 hour Study Room to work on homework, use their computers on the free Wi-Fi university network, and study for exams. Inside the library, on the opposite end, they have a room where you can view primary sources using a film reading machine. The main floor has computers, resource references, and a few information stations. The elevator will take you to the other floors, where you can find places to study and to screen sources.
Whenever you get lost, make sure to use the Storke Tower as an identifiable landmark.
The University Center located next to Storke Tower. Many students use the computers there. The Bookstore and the Travel Agency are also located in the University Center. There are many eateries - a few above and a few down below. On the lower floor, there is an arcade room that has some cool games. They have a Wendy's, Panda Express, and some other food locations. The Post Office is located down hallway. The University Center is a cool place to hang out, especially during class breaks.
The Isla Vista, coined the IV, has some good places to eat. I used to eat at a place called Freebirds. They made the biggest, and best burritos there. The place was so popular, past students sent photographs from all over the world to express their gratitude for the restaurant.
Down the street, West of Freebirds, there is a place that has Asian Food. The restaurant is called Little Asia. They have Chinese. Japanese. and Korean food. Try the Beef and Pork Bulgogi plates. The cost of the dishes is affordable. I haven't eaten there since I graduated in the Summer of 2007. I'm sure the restaurant hasn't raised their prices due to tough economic times.
Many UCSB instructors tend to use Readers in their courses. The Readers can be purchased at the University Center. If you can locate the course Reader there, then there is a small shop located behind Freebirds that sells them - near the police station.
Many students rent out rooms in the Isla Vista. I noticed that many students live like bums. In a few classes, I had to work on group projects. Some of those students kept their rooms so messy, I felt as if I were walking on trash at a dump site. Clothes, old fast food, and anything else you could imagine formed another layer on top of the carpet. I guess keeping a messy room is a college ritual next to being an alcoholic.
UCSB used to have the most insane Halloween celebrations in the country. As of late, I think West Hollywood took over their reign. I never been to one of the Halloween bashes there, but I heard that people would burn cars, get drunk, and just party like there was no tomorrow. It was similair to one of those end-of-the-world celebrations made popular in Hollywood films.
The Health Center is located next to the main entrance. Once you enter the main entrance, keep driving until you near the campus. On the right side, the Health Center sits alone on the outskirts, next to one of the pathway entrance to the IV.
The Financial Aid office is located near the front of the college. Look at the map, the FA will be next to the one of the main parking structures. When you walk out of the parking structure, take the elevator to the second floor. Billing is in the same building, but on the first floor. I never visited the Final Aid office that much because UCSB has one of the most effective systems in place. I never had any problems with receiving aid. They offered direct deposit, which was always accurate and arrived on time.
There is no enough time during orientation to locate all the landmarks. If you have time, make sure you visit the campus before class begins. Familiarize yourself with the campus. Never hesitate to ask another students. Most of them will take the time to help you locate your classroom. Just in case you're out of time, be sure to visit the classroom ahead of time. On my first day of class, I struggled to find Embaraderro Hall. The structure was located in the IV, acrosss the street from the Theater.
Lastly, the best instructors in the writing program are Roy Vallis and Michael Patraca. In the film program, Paul Poteges (teaches film & television screenwriting courses) and Janey Walker (teaches documentary film, trauma and memory, and film history) are awesome.
At first, my goal was to attend UCLA's Film Program. When I was rejected, I debated between UC Santa Cruz and UCSB. I enjoyed my junior and senior undergraduate years at UCSB. Even though I was a commuter, I had some cool friends at the college. After class, we used to walk down State Street and discuss our screenplays.
If you have any questions or concerns, the ucsb.edu website is very helpful. Make the best of your time in college because life travels fast. Good luck on your college experience.
As a student, you will need to where the following places are: Health Center, Financial Aid Office, University Center, Library, Parking Office, Police Station, Isla Vista, Bookstore, and the locations of your classes. Look on the university map - the one provided in orientation - to get familiar with the campus. You will never be fully comfortable until you take a trip to these landmarks.
Art, film, engineering, and communications, English, and other programs are located in different areas. Many of the film courses are offered near Ellison Hall, near Campbell Hall. Art classes are next to the Storke Tower - near the University Center. Engineering courses are next to the front adjacent entrance, on the outer edge and near the 217.
On the first day, UCSB's campus can be somewhat confusing. The campus is nestled in the hills and near the Pacific Ocean. If I'm not mistaken, UCSB is one of the very few colleges to have its own beach. During class breaks, some students go out for a job in the hills or surf on waves.
Many students that elect to live on campus ride bicycles. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to avoid getting run over. Cross the bicycle paths with extreme caution. I have seen quite a few bicycle accidents. A majority of these accident occur because riders are not courteous, are in a hurry, don't yield to others, and assume that others will stop for them.
The library is a tall building that is located near the center of the campus. Many sponsors tend to hold activities near the library. Look at your map; the library is located before Storke Tower. If you use a compass, the library is Southeast of the Storke Tower. Traveling north will take you to the Isla Vista. The library is in the opposite direction of Isla Vista.
In the library, you will find several stories of good literature. On the main floor, before entering the library, students use the 24 hour Study Room to work on homework, use their computers on the free Wi-Fi university network, and study for exams. Inside the library, on the opposite end, they have a room where you can view primary sources using a film reading machine. The main floor has computers, resource references, and a few information stations. The elevator will take you to the other floors, where you can find places to study and to screen sources.
Whenever you get lost, make sure to use the Storke Tower as an identifiable landmark.
The University Center located next to Storke Tower. Many students use the computers there. The Bookstore and the Travel Agency are also located in the University Center. There are many eateries - a few above and a few down below. On the lower floor, there is an arcade room that has some cool games. They have a Wendy's, Panda Express, and some other food locations. The Post Office is located down hallway. The University Center is a cool place to hang out, especially during class breaks.
The Isla Vista, coined the IV, has some good places to eat. I used to eat at a place called Freebirds. They made the biggest, and best burritos there. The place was so popular, past students sent photographs from all over the world to express their gratitude for the restaurant.
Down the street, West of Freebirds, there is a place that has Asian Food. The restaurant is called Little Asia. They have Chinese. Japanese. and Korean food. Try the Beef and Pork Bulgogi plates. The cost of the dishes is affordable. I haven't eaten there since I graduated in the Summer of 2007. I'm sure the restaurant hasn't raised their prices due to tough economic times.
Many UCSB instructors tend to use Readers in their courses. The Readers can be purchased at the University Center. If you can locate the course Reader there, then there is a small shop located behind Freebirds that sells them - near the police station.
Many students rent out rooms in the Isla Vista. I noticed that many students live like bums. In a few classes, I had to work on group projects. Some of those students kept their rooms so messy, I felt as if I were walking on trash at a dump site. Clothes, old fast food, and anything else you could imagine formed another layer on top of the carpet. I guess keeping a messy room is a college ritual next to being an alcoholic.
UCSB used to have the most insane Halloween celebrations in the country. As of late, I think West Hollywood took over their reign. I never been to one of the Halloween bashes there, but I heard that people would burn cars, get drunk, and just party like there was no tomorrow. It was similair to one of those end-of-the-world celebrations made popular in Hollywood films.
The Health Center is located next to the main entrance. Once you enter the main entrance, keep driving until you near the campus. On the right side, the Health Center sits alone on the outskirts, next to one of the pathway entrance to the IV.
The Financial Aid office is located near the front of the college. Look at the map, the FA will be next to the one of the main parking structures. When you walk out of the parking structure, take the elevator to the second floor. Billing is in the same building, but on the first floor. I never visited the Final Aid office that much because UCSB has one of the most effective systems in place. I never had any problems with receiving aid. They offered direct deposit, which was always accurate and arrived on time.
There is no enough time during orientation to locate all the landmarks. If you have time, make sure you visit the campus before class begins. Familiarize yourself with the campus. Never hesitate to ask another students. Most of them will take the time to help you locate your classroom. Just in case you're out of time, be sure to visit the classroom ahead of time. On my first day of class, I struggled to find Embaraderro Hall. The structure was located in the IV, acrosss the street from the Theater.
Lastly, the best instructors in the writing program are Roy Vallis and Michael Patraca. In the film program, Paul Poteges (teaches film & television screenwriting courses) and Janey Walker (teaches documentary film, trauma and memory, and film history) are awesome.
At first, my goal was to attend UCLA's Film Program. When I was rejected, I debated between UC Santa Cruz and UCSB. I enjoyed my junior and senior undergraduate years at UCSB. Even though I was a commuter, I had some cool friends at the college. After class, we used to walk down State Street and discuss our screenplays.
If you have any questions or concerns, the ucsb.edu website is very helpful. Make the best of your time in college because life travels fast. Good luck on your college experience.
Including Mistakes in Personal college admission essays
College and high school students that are looking to apply to a university, state, and private colleges should make sure they include hardship, mistakes, life lessons, and other material in their personal essays. The mass thinking is that one must try to impress with their 4.0 G.P.A. In writing your personal essay, include your hardships, life experiences, learning lessons, and mistakes.
Don't be fooled that the good grades you earned in the past will be enough to be admitted into a program. Millions of students apply each year to thousands of colleges. There is so much competition, you will be amazed and even shocked with how hard it is to get into one of your dream colleges. Many times, colleges are unfair and they admit the wrong students into their programs. What do they look for in an admission package?
Some programs have minimum GPA requirements. When I applied to UCLA's Film Program in 2004, the minimum GPA was 3.0. The college also looked for the overall GPA in major courses as well. The personal essay is a great tool to evaluate an applicant. Make sure you include why you didn't earn a good grade in a class and what you learned from the course. 4.0 students assume they're smarter than others. If a students always earns max points out of every assignment and end up receiving an A, are they challenged to try harder? What is they are used to taking on the same strategy in everything they do?
I always ranked in the middle and never earned the highest grades. After applying my education, I was able to learn more outside of college than in a top ranked university. Being able to analyze content without letting outside influences manipulate your perception is not that common. Some students will back away from offering their perception because others criticize them. The lesson here is to acknowledge that good grades don't make a student more intelligent than another that earns average grades.
In writing a personal essay, write the essay in a manner that includes what you learned from earning lower grades in challenging courses. An A student will more than likely remember why they earned a B grade than an A mark. A person will struggle to remember all the good moment in their life, but find it hard to forget the bad experiences. The bad experiences are a learning process. When you make mistakes, you try to avoid the same decisions again. Films operate on the same theme; enduring obstacles and conflict help a person to accomplish their goals. Write the hardships, bad experiences, learning lessons in your personal essays.
I earned a C+ in a creative visual writing course. I was very frustrated with the grade. Throughout the quarter, I worked hard in the class. I always revised all of my work. My final projects was creative and resourceful. The instructor was very strict. Since he was also a writer, he challenged me to produce work that was more closely related to his expectations. I earned A's in all of my creative writing courses. It was hard for me to accept the C+. I sent an e-mail to the instructor concerning my grade. He was on vacation in Israel at the time. I'm sure he wasn't happy about me challenging the grade. After a few e-mails, he changed my grade to a B-. Though I didn't earn what I thought I deserved, the moral behind the experience was that I remember the course.
The instructor used to remind the class to avoid passive writing. A passive sentence would start off in the past and end with the present tense. You have to make sure that you include the subject in the beginning. When I write, I don't slip in and out of the past or the present tense. If you write about the past, make sure to use verbs that have -ed, was, could, would, and other ones that represent the past. Present writing use verbs such as can, is, will, has, and other action verbs that can also end with an "s."
Also, when including it, make sure to establish what "it" are you referring to. It was a dumb mistake. What was a dumb mistake? If you mention the mistake before the sentence, then it will work. If not, then make sure to clarify what "it" means. Because of earning a lower than expected grade in the visual writing course, I always remember to avoid passive sentences and to keep the sentence in either the present or the past tense. Use the above advice in your personal essay. Balance out the good accomplishments with the bad - the life experiences and the mistakes you learned from. What experiences made you change?
Besides your grades, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and goals, make sure to include life lessons, learning experiences, mistakes, and what you learn in the process. That piece of information may give you an edge over another applicant. Good luck on the admission process.
Don't be fooled that the good grades you earned in the past will be enough to be admitted into a program. Millions of students apply each year to thousands of colleges. There is so much competition, you will be amazed and even shocked with how hard it is to get into one of your dream colleges. Many times, colleges are unfair and they admit the wrong students into their programs. What do they look for in an admission package?
Some programs have minimum GPA requirements. When I applied to UCLA's Film Program in 2004, the minimum GPA was 3.0. The college also looked for the overall GPA in major courses as well. The personal essay is a great tool to evaluate an applicant. Make sure you include why you didn't earn a good grade in a class and what you learned from the course. 4.0 students assume they're smarter than others. If a students always earns max points out of every assignment and end up receiving an A, are they challenged to try harder? What is they are used to taking on the same strategy in everything they do?
I always ranked in the middle and never earned the highest grades. After applying my education, I was able to learn more outside of college than in a top ranked university. Being able to analyze content without letting outside influences manipulate your perception is not that common. Some students will back away from offering their perception because others criticize them. The lesson here is to acknowledge that good grades don't make a student more intelligent than another that earns average grades.
In writing a personal essay, write the essay in a manner that includes what you learned from earning lower grades in challenging courses. An A student will more than likely remember why they earned a B grade than an A mark. A person will struggle to remember all the good moment in their life, but find it hard to forget the bad experiences. The bad experiences are a learning process. When you make mistakes, you try to avoid the same decisions again. Films operate on the same theme; enduring obstacles and conflict help a person to accomplish their goals. Write the hardships, bad experiences, learning lessons in your personal essays.
I earned a C+ in a creative visual writing course. I was very frustrated with the grade. Throughout the quarter, I worked hard in the class. I always revised all of my work. My final projects was creative and resourceful. The instructor was very strict. Since he was also a writer, he challenged me to produce work that was more closely related to his expectations. I earned A's in all of my creative writing courses. It was hard for me to accept the C+. I sent an e-mail to the instructor concerning my grade. He was on vacation in Israel at the time. I'm sure he wasn't happy about me challenging the grade. After a few e-mails, he changed my grade to a B-. Though I didn't earn what I thought I deserved, the moral behind the experience was that I remember the course.
The instructor used to remind the class to avoid passive writing. A passive sentence would start off in the past and end with the present tense. You have to make sure that you include the subject in the beginning. When I write, I don't slip in and out of the past or the present tense. If you write about the past, make sure to use verbs that have -ed, was, could, would, and other ones that represent the past. Present writing use verbs such as can, is, will, has, and other action verbs that can also end with an "s."
Also, when including it, make sure to establish what "it" are you referring to. It was a dumb mistake. What was a dumb mistake? If you mention the mistake before the sentence, then it will work. If not, then make sure to clarify what "it" means. Because of earning a lower than expected grade in the visual writing course, I always remember to avoid passive sentences and to keep the sentence in either the present or the past tense. Use the above advice in your personal essay. Balance out the good accomplishments with the bad - the life experiences and the mistakes you learned from. What experiences made you change?
Besides your grades, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and goals, make sure to include life lessons, learning experiences, mistakes, and what you learn in the process. That piece of information may give you an edge over another applicant. Good luck on the admission process.
Cash for Clunkers
The federal government approved a program - part of the stimulus bill - for car owners to turn in their gas guzzlers for credit towards a newer car. The main goal is to remove polluters off of the road. Be aware that websites are trying to use this as a way to conduct identity theft.
Don't be fooled and be careful about giving out information. Don't trust a site unless it is a credible one such as a notable news or government websites that end in .gov.
As for your clunkers, read the following website for what and what doesn't qualify for the program.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/cash-for-clunkers-the-rules.aspx?GT1=33009
Please do research on the new vehicle you plan to buy. While dealerships are give the option to take advantage of this program, they may bend the rules; like adjusting the vehicles that are part of the program.
I once worked at a dealership where management decided to adjust the price of all cars to $4000 over the MRSP. They planned this strategy as a way to make a profit and to withstand negotiations. When prospective buyers negotiate, the dealership would be able to make what they planned because they receive at least the MRSP. Before you leave your home, carry a printed out sheet, detailing the value of the new car and what it goes for in the area.
Dealers are unethical businesses that only care about making money. Don't think they are trying to be nice to help you. That is the main reason that I never made it as sales associate. I never could take advantage of people in way that management wanted me to. My actions would cause families, couples, and students to restructure their life because of a massive car debt. Of course, you may find some random sales associates that are nice and are willing to help you out.
Take advantage of technology: print out the cash for clunkers information, new car literature, and also stay within your budget. Please don't buy a car that you don't like or need. My little brother bought a Honda Accord Coupe last year. Before he left home, his goal was to buy a family car because he was expecting his second child. Now, my brother and his wife, are having another child this upcoming December. He already struggled to strap down his two kids in the back seat of a coupe, but now has to figure out what to do with a third child. Also, his original budget was $4,500. He ended up spending $16,500. Please know what you want beforehand and be prepared to fight off the sales vultures to purchase the car you need most.
Know ahead of time what you want to buy, how much you will spend, and to don't allow the sales associates and management to take advantag of you. Without customers, the dealerships are nothing. As a customer, you fund their business. Sales associates hate selling cards to customers with advertisements in their hand. The high performers would rather push those customers off to the rookies and take advantage of the other people that are easier to manipulate.
Bring everything you need to get the best deal possible. It is better to do research then to spend a bundle on the total cost of the vehicle. My mother was tricked into settling for a deal that included a $5000 cost after she paid off her car. She went along with a friend that was so excited about her finding the right car, that she was not of any help to negotiate on the car and to find a deal that was best suitable for her budget. The sales associates made a fortune off a woman thhat works into 2am in the morning doing custodial services for a child development center. Simply put, she has to clean toilets, mop floors, and do other duties. She is 62 years old. If I lived in the area or knew that she planned to buy a car that day, I would have went along with her to prevent her from getting ripped off. Adding another fee on top of the cost of the car was a bad deal.
Lastly, don't leave home without new car literature, cash for car clunker rules, guidelines, and the cars that qualifiy for the program, and be assertive. Just know; you don't have to buy your car from that dealership, especially when there are many other places you can go. Dealerships may try to tell you that your car doesn't qualify, when in fact it does. I would also take advantage of consulting the Internet department of a dealership because the sales associates there sell in volume and are not worried too much about making profit off of each sale.
Just a last note, California also offer a plan on www.smogcheck.ca.gov If you don't want to make the necessary repairs on a car that you don't think is worth the money to fix - to pass smog - the State offers $1000. You can take advantage of the program twice a year. With the way California is fumbling around with cutting programs and being unabel to decide on a budget, the program may not be properly funded. Go out on the site and determine whether California is still honoring the program.
Good luck on your future car purchase.
Other helpful websites
www.kbb.com/ (check the value of your car - if it doesnt qualify)
www.Toyota.com/CashForClunkers (explains about the cash for clunkers plan)
Don't be fooled and be careful about giving out information. Don't trust a site unless it is a credible one such as a notable news or government websites that end in .gov.
As for your clunkers, read the following website for what and what doesn't qualify for the program.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/cash-for-clunkers-the-rules.aspx?GT1=33009
Please do research on the new vehicle you plan to buy. While dealerships are give the option to take advantage of this program, they may bend the rules; like adjusting the vehicles that are part of the program.
I once worked at a dealership where management decided to adjust the price of all cars to $4000 over the MRSP. They planned this strategy as a way to make a profit and to withstand negotiations. When prospective buyers negotiate, the dealership would be able to make what they planned because they receive at least the MRSP. Before you leave your home, carry a printed out sheet, detailing the value of the new car and what it goes for in the area.
Dealers are unethical businesses that only care about making money. Don't think they are trying to be nice to help you. That is the main reason that I never made it as sales associate. I never could take advantage of people in way that management wanted me to. My actions would cause families, couples, and students to restructure their life because of a massive car debt. Of course, you may find some random sales associates that are nice and are willing to help you out.
Take advantage of technology: print out the cash for clunkers information, new car literature, and also stay within your budget. Please don't buy a car that you don't like or need. My little brother bought a Honda Accord Coupe last year. Before he left home, his goal was to buy a family car because he was expecting his second child. Now, my brother and his wife, are having another child this upcoming December. He already struggled to strap down his two kids in the back seat of a coupe, but now has to figure out what to do with a third child. Also, his original budget was $4,500. He ended up spending $16,500. Please know what you want beforehand and be prepared to fight off the sales vultures to purchase the car you need most.
Know ahead of time what you want to buy, how much you will spend, and to don't allow the sales associates and management to take advantag of you. Without customers, the dealerships are nothing. As a customer, you fund their business. Sales associates hate selling cards to customers with advertisements in their hand. The high performers would rather push those customers off to the rookies and take advantage of the other people that are easier to manipulate.
Bring everything you need to get the best deal possible. It is better to do research then to spend a bundle on the total cost of the vehicle. My mother was tricked into settling for a deal that included a $5000 cost after she paid off her car. She went along with a friend that was so excited about her finding the right car, that she was not of any help to negotiate on the car and to find a deal that was best suitable for her budget. The sales associates made a fortune off a woman thhat works into 2am in the morning doing custodial services for a child development center. Simply put, she has to clean toilets, mop floors, and do other duties. She is 62 years old. If I lived in the area or knew that she planned to buy a car that day, I would have went along with her to prevent her from getting ripped off. Adding another fee on top of the cost of the car was a bad deal.
Lastly, don't leave home without new car literature, cash for car clunker rules, guidelines, and the cars that qualifiy for the program, and be assertive. Just know; you don't have to buy your car from that dealership, especially when there are many other places you can go. Dealerships may try to tell you that your car doesn't qualify, when in fact it does. I would also take advantage of consulting the Internet department of a dealership because the sales associates there sell in volume and are not worried too much about making profit off of each sale.
Just a last note, California also offer a plan on www.smogcheck.ca.gov If you don't want to make the necessary repairs on a car that you don't think is worth the money to fix - to pass smog - the State offers $1000. You can take advantage of the program twice a year. With the way California is fumbling around with cutting programs and being unabel to decide on a budget, the program may not be properly funded. Go out on the site and determine whether California is still honoring the program.
Good luck on your future car purchase.
Other helpful websites
www.kbb.com/ (check the value of your car - if it doesnt qualify)
www.Toyota.com/CashForClunkers (explains about the cash for clunkers plan)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Final Hit
The film above is a student film. I didn't use high quality sound, lighitng, and or special effects that others tend to use. You may find it not of your taste. Since making this film in early 2005, I have learned more techniques. After graduating film school, I bought more books, read other literature, and practice.
When filmmakers and students make films, they know beforehand; there is no way they can please everyone. As long as they give the audience enough information to understand the film, then maybe more will like the people than hate it.
Filmmakers produce films to entertain and sometimes they look to incorporate allegory and motifs to encode hidden messages. Watch films to enjoy them, but also try to look for the religion, political, and other themes in the film. Alex Proyas's Knowing makes good use of the Christian theme. Pay attention to the obsidian looking rocks, the Aliens with wings, and the ending.
As for this short film, it made just to make people laugh and for entertainment purposes. When I showed it to a film class, they were confused and more than likely hated it. We all transform our skills. Be innovative and take chances. Not every filmmaker produces great work on their first try. The three short films included on this blog were experimental and not intended to be great.
Surely, if I were to make a film now, I would incorporate motifs, allegorical themes and also use a variety of twists, manipulate the plot, and employ other techniques. Making a film is a learning process. We are always learning and growing.
When filmmakers and students make films, they know beforehand; there is no way they can please everyone. As long as they give the audience enough information to understand the film, then maybe more will like the people than hate it.
Filmmakers produce films to entertain and sometimes they look to incorporate allegory and motifs to encode hidden messages. Watch films to enjoy them, but also try to look for the religion, political, and other themes in the film. Alex Proyas's Knowing makes good use of the Christian theme. Pay attention to the obsidian looking rocks, the Aliens with wings, and the ending.
As for this short film, it made just to make people laugh and for entertainment purposes. When I showed it to a film class, they were confused and more than likely hated it. We all transform our skills. Be innovative and take chances. Not every filmmaker produces great work on their first try. The three short films included on this blog were experimental and not intended to be great.
Surely, if I were to make a film now, I would incorporate motifs, allegorical themes and also use a variety of twists, manipulate the plot, and employ other techniques. Making a film is a learning process. We are always learning and growing.
Don't be a Cheater
The film above is a student film. I didn't use high quality sound, lighitng, and or special effects that others tend to use. You may find it not of your taste. Since making this film in early 2005, I have learned more techniques. After graduating film school, I bought more books, read other literature, and practice.
When filmmakers and students make films, they know beforehand; there is no way they can please everyone. As long as they give the audience enough information to understand the film, then maybe more will like the people than hate it.
Filmmakers produce films to entertain and sometimes they look to incorporate allegory and motifs to encode hidden messages. Watch films to enjoy them, but also try to look for the religion, political, and other themes in the film. Alex Proyas's Knowing makes good use of the Christian theme. Pay attention to the obsidian looking rocks, the Aliens with wings, and the ending.
As for this short film, it made just to make people laugh and for entertainment purposes. When I showed it to a film class, they were confused and more than likely hated it. We all transform our skills. Be innovative and take chances. Not every filmmaker produces great work on their first try. The three short films included on this blog were experimental and not intended to be great.
Surely, if I were to make a film now, I would incorporate motifs, allegorical themes and also use a variety of twists, manipulate the plot, and employ other techniques. Making a film is a learning process. We are always learning and growing.
When filmmakers and students make films, they know beforehand; there is no way they can please everyone. As long as they give the audience enough information to understand the film, then maybe more will like the people than hate it.
Filmmakers produce films to entertain and sometimes they look to incorporate allegory and motifs to encode hidden messages. Watch films to enjoy them, but also try to look for the religion, political, and other themes in the film. Alex Proyas's Knowing makes good use of the Christian theme. Pay attention to the obsidian looking rocks, the Aliens with wings, and the ending.
As for this short film, it made just to make people laugh and for entertainment purposes. When I showed it to a film class, they were confused and more than likely hated it. We all transform our skills. Be innovative and take chances. Not every filmmaker produces great work on their first try. The three short films included on this blog were experimental and not intended to be great.
Surely, if I were to make a film now, I would incorporate motifs, allegorical themes and also use a variety of twists, manipulate the plot, and employ other techniques. Making a film is a learning process. We are always learning and growing.
Don't let Life Defeat you
The Moment of Truth is about a young man that graduates college. He has prepared for this moment - applying for jobs and trying to survive. Life seems to work against him. He must deal with honoring his parent's wishes - for him to have a good life - and also realize that his girlfriend is not going to return - she passed away.
The young man tries to continue on, but faces the pressure of surviving a life he thinks is not worth living anymore. This was an amateur film I shot using a K-3 camera and Kodak 16mm black and white film. I want to make some changes, but have to save up money. I have the original film spindle and need to pay to transfer the content to a mini DVD. Since I shot this film, my editing and audio skills have vastly improved.
My main goal is to write film. In the film, I tried to convey that this young man is lonely and has no support. Please share some insight and some good constructive criticism. I'm always interested in your feedback. The film needs some editing, more focused shots, and also better sound. Some out-of-focused shots work to establish that the young man lacks focus. Thank you.
The young man tries to continue on, but faces the pressure of surviving a life he thinks is not worth living anymore. This was an amateur film I shot using a K-3 camera and Kodak 16mm black and white film. I want to make some changes, but have to save up money. I have the original film spindle and need to pay to transfer the content to a mini DVD. Since I shot this film, my editing and audio skills have vastly improved.
My main goal is to write film. In the film, I tried to convey that this young man is lonely and has no support. Please share some insight and some good constructive criticism. I'm always interested in your feedback. The film needs some editing, more focused shots, and also better sound. Some out-of-focused shots work to establish that the young man lacks focus. Thank you.
Slowing down
Many times we try to rush results. Instead of listening to others, we try to carry every conversation. Sometimes we just need to slow down.
Don't try to race through every yellow light. Don't try to take 6 courses so you can graduate early. Don't complain when you don't get that promotion. Don't treat others bad because you feel life didn't go the way you hoped it would. Keep the moments simple.
Go to the beach. Have a nice dinner. Go watch a baseball game. Shop in little shops in a small town. If you live in California, take a walk in downtown Sausilito, State St. in Santa Barbara or even Pasadena. Be adventurous; do things that you have never done before.
Slowing down your life will keep you from being negative. Your success needs your positive energy. Live life the way you imagined, but take your time in transforming those obstacles into accomplished dreams. We try to take on too much in life. Managers, family, and friends expect us, and make us feel obligated to speed things up.
Imagine if your heart continued to beat out of control. Sooner or later, you will have health problems, maybe even a heartache. Speeding things up will make you lose your mind. Slow down your life. Make use of all your resources around you - read books, listen to music, write a story, share your thoughts with your mind, and just be happy.
Rushing life is what John Ortberg's The Life You Always Wanted identifies as the "hurrying sickness." After reading the book, it made me think about the many books I purchase to help me live a better life, but I never find any time to read them. I try to take on too much, leaving me with no time to do the most important things.
You don't have to be a Christian or practice other religions to adopt Ortberg's spiritual disciplines. He delivers a system to leading a spiritual life. Just know that slowing down is better than rushing.
Analyze the turtle and rabbit race. It uses the same theme, as slowing down will make you a winner. Learn to slow down your mind to lead a spiritual life. Make time activities that will seal your fate. More than likely, slowing down will help you to realize your dreams.
Slowing down is the key to living. Some people may find it hard to slow down because time is money. Employers may rush results due to upper management pressure. Would you rather be one of those people that looks like they are about to explode or be the other that is well in control of their destiny?
The most successful people in the world are usually the ones that stop to think. They utilize good decision making. When you watch Congressional hearings, they look incredibly boring. Would we want lawmakers rushing decisions? The government appears to be working slow, but they know what issues need immediate attention. Slowing down helps one to make better decisions.
Slowing down is not waiting for luck. Don't think of every bad situation as an unfortunate event. Learn from them. Change the way you confront those processes in the future. The next time you find yourself racing through to make it through a yellow light, slow down. Complaining and being negative only complicates life. Have you ever noticed that the same people that rush results are the ones who do most of the complaining?
Slowing down is the key to success. Try it. Learn it. Adopt it. Make slowing down a part of your life.
Don't try to race through every yellow light. Don't try to take 6 courses so you can graduate early. Don't complain when you don't get that promotion. Don't treat others bad because you feel life didn't go the way you hoped it would. Keep the moments simple.
Go to the beach. Have a nice dinner. Go watch a baseball game. Shop in little shops in a small town. If you live in California, take a walk in downtown Sausilito, State St. in Santa Barbara or even Pasadena. Be adventurous; do things that you have never done before.
Slowing down your life will keep you from being negative. Your success needs your positive energy. Live life the way you imagined, but take your time in transforming those obstacles into accomplished dreams. We try to take on too much in life. Managers, family, and friends expect us, and make us feel obligated to speed things up.
Imagine if your heart continued to beat out of control. Sooner or later, you will have health problems, maybe even a heartache. Speeding things up will make you lose your mind. Slow down your life. Make use of all your resources around you - read books, listen to music, write a story, share your thoughts with your mind, and just be happy.
Rushing life is what John Ortberg's The Life You Always Wanted identifies as the "hurrying sickness." After reading the book, it made me think about the many books I purchase to help me live a better life, but I never find any time to read them. I try to take on too much, leaving me with no time to do the most important things.
You don't have to be a Christian or practice other religions to adopt Ortberg's spiritual disciplines. He delivers a system to leading a spiritual life. Just know that slowing down is better than rushing.
Analyze the turtle and rabbit race. It uses the same theme, as slowing down will make you a winner. Learn to slow down your mind to lead a spiritual life. Make time activities that will seal your fate. More than likely, slowing down will help you to realize your dreams.
Slowing down is the key to living. Some people may find it hard to slow down because time is money. Employers may rush results due to upper management pressure. Would you rather be one of those people that looks like they are about to explode or be the other that is well in control of their destiny?
The most successful people in the world are usually the ones that stop to think. They utilize good decision making. When you watch Congressional hearings, they look incredibly boring. Would we want lawmakers rushing decisions? The government appears to be working slow, but they know what issues need immediate attention. Slowing down helps one to make better decisions.
Slowing down is not waiting for luck. Don't think of every bad situation as an unfortunate event. Learn from them. Change the way you confront those processes in the future. The next time you find yourself racing through to make it through a yellow light, slow down. Complaining and being negative only complicates life. Have you ever noticed that the same people that rush results are the ones who do most of the complaining?
Slowing down is the key to success. Try it. Learn it. Adopt it. Make slowing down a part of your life.
Writing Articles with technology
Can we trust technology to write articles? Why do I question technology? I was writing a superb and witty article on "Almost Educated." What happened to the article?
Somehow, the template had a mind of its own. Without warning, the iGoogle tried to search for something, which then erased everything that I had written. I put a great deal of time and thought into the piece.
I know what message I was trying to send out there to people, but the examples and the creative analogies were lost.
Whenever you have an idea to write something creative, go back to using the traditional methods - notebook and pen. Your original ideas are usually the best. Don't take a chance at losing your creative ideas.
Somehow, the template had a mind of its own. Without warning, the iGoogle tried to search for something, which then erased everything that I had written. I put a great deal of time and thought into the piece.
I know what message I was trying to send out there to people, but the examples and the creative analogies were lost.
Whenever you have an idea to write something creative, go back to using the traditional methods - notebook and pen. Your original ideas are usually the best. Don't take a chance at losing your creative ideas.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Student Loans
How are students able to make a living after graduation? With $160K worth of student loans, I find it impossible to generate what I spent in college alone. Considering that my dream is to become a film writer, the odds are against me.
I never expected to be in this current situation. Simply put; if I don't become successful, my life is over. There is no way I could ever afford to purchase a home. I can be positive and nice to people, but that will not change my current situation.
Millions of students are currently in the same position. They owe a ton in student loans; they don't have any way to fit in future payments. I have 3 college degrees, strong writing and communication skills, and have accumulated a dozen years of customer service experience. I am a dependable, reliable, teamwork oriented, and an effective leadership.Instead of just stating that I'm a leader, I know what is expected of a leader.
My Air Force experience, working as a medical technician, has been outdated for the past decade. I was unable to utilize my medical skills because I failed the nursing test three times in a row because the computer examination was tricky and it never asked for any questions regarding what I studied, learned, and avoided covering hands-on content, with which I gained over a span of 4 years.
Civilian jobs tend to ignore what experience I gained in the service. I have been out of the service since January, 1998. I am no closer to making it in the film industry than I was when I decided to pursue the dream in 1994. Besides the military, college, and customer work experience, I haven't attracted any employment opportunities.
Will I be able to accomplish the goals I set back in 1994? As hard as I try, luck is definitely not on my side. I know that film writing is a competitive field. I am also willing to take up on other writing gigs. I considered writing a book, maybe that will help to recoup the cost of my education. As I type as this very moment, 75% of my loans are generating more than 11% APR per year. Currently, I'm looking at $40,000 in interest alone.
The sad truth is that if I don't become successful, with being a writer, then it looks like I will never be able to make a home purchase and may die with a ton of debt and a lifetime of unhappiness. Imagine trying to pay $200K worth of loans. There will be no way I could purchase a home. I have written over 2 million words in the past two years alone. That still doesn't entice any employers to accept me as a writer anywhere.
While I tend to be a positive person, I'm also a realist. I know what is at stake and what it takes to make a living. The first step is to pay off the student loans. The only way I can do that is to be successful. I set myself up to fail. That seems to be the case.
Maybe my student loans are responsible for causing me to dream about never-ending examinations that I refuse to give up on. Dreaming about examination symbolizes unfulfilled dreams in the waking life. The instructor that times the test is suggesting that I have a time limit to accomplish my dreams. In addition to the examination dreams, overflowing toilets are also a recurring theme. Those two symbols are signs that I am struggling to the point where I am lost for answers, but want to continue on course.
Anyways, I know that I'm alone. There are millions of students that are unhappy about their current situation. Because of student loans, I have a ton of pressure in accomplishing my dreams sooner than later. I pray for each and every student and worker that is struggling to make a living. This is the worst time to be having financial struggles and unresolved goals.
When I applied to be an sales associate for Equity, they questioned why I wanted to work there because I didn't fit the description for the position. The interviewer told me that I was overqualified for position. How is that possible? I was eager to take the position. Since I have lived in their units for the past 3 years, I know a lot about their company. The interviewer suggested that I look for management positions, but none were available to apply for there or anywhere else. Besides, you need management experience to obtain such positions.
The next time around - if you're one of those people that judge another for refusing to attend college - know that independent students have it really tough with paying for their education. Allow a person to make their own decisions. The only thing I can do is to remain positive, be patient, and keep trying, otherwise I will lose my mind.
Being held hostage to student loans
Right now, my student loans are holding me hostage to a lifelong debt. What do you do when you are unable to find employment opportunities?I never expected to be in this current situation. Simply put; if I don't become successful, my life is over. There is no way I could ever afford to purchase a home. I can be positive and nice to people, but that will not change my current situation.
Is experience better than education?
My college degrees were not worth the time and effort. I learned more serving in the Air Force and freelance writing than I did throughout my academic career. I basically paid a fortune for an education that is doing nothing to make my life better. It's really hard not to be depressed about what life I should have and what it has now amounted to. College, lack of employment, and student loans; the universal theme
Millions of students are currently in the same position. They owe a ton in student loans; they don't have any way to fit in future payments. I have 3 college degrees, strong writing and communication skills, and have accumulated a dozen years of customer service experience. I am a dependable, reliable, teamwork oriented, and an effective leadership.Instead of just stating that I'm a leader, I know what is expected of a leader.
Civilian versus Military Experience
My Air Force experience, working as a medical technician, has been outdated for the past decade. I was unable to utilize my medical skills because I failed the nursing test three times in a row because the computer examination was tricky and it never asked for any questions regarding what I studied, learned, and avoided covering hands-on content, with which I gained over a span of 4 years.
Civilian jobs tend to ignore what experience I gained in the service. I have been out of the service since January, 1998. I am no closer to making it in the film industry than I was when I decided to pursue the dream in 1994. Besides the military, college, and customer work experience, I haven't attracted any employment opportunities.
Student loans compromise dreams
Will I be able to accomplish the goals I set back in 1994? As hard as I try, luck is definitely not on my side. I know that film writing is a competitive field. I am also willing to take up on other writing gigs. I considered writing a book, maybe that will help to recoup the cost of my education. As I type as this very moment, 75% of my loans are generating more than 11% APR per year. Currently, I'm looking at $40,000 in interest alone.
The sad truth is that if I don't become successful, with being a writer, then it looks like I will never be able to make a home purchase and may die with a ton of debt and a lifetime of unhappiness. Imagine trying to pay $200K worth of loans. There will be no way I could purchase a home. I have written over 2 million words in the past two years alone. That still doesn't entice any employers to accept me as a writer anywhere.
While I tend to be a positive person, I'm also a realist. I know what is at stake and what it takes to make a living. The first step is to pay off the student loans. The only way I can do that is to be successful. I set myself up to fail. That seems to be the case.
Student loans and college translate into nightmares
Maybe my student loans are responsible for causing me to dream about never-ending examinations that I refuse to give up on. Dreaming about examination symbolizes unfulfilled dreams in the waking life. The instructor that times the test is suggesting that I have a time limit to accomplish my dreams. In addition to the examination dreams, overflowing toilets are also a recurring theme. Those two symbols are signs that I am struggling to the point where I am lost for answers, but want to continue on course.
Anyways, I know that I'm alone. There are millions of students that are unhappy about their current situation. Because of student loans, I have a ton of pressure in accomplishing my dreams sooner than later. I pray for each and every student and worker that is struggling to make a living. This is the worst time to be having financial struggles and unresolved goals.
I served in the Air Force, used my GI Bill for college - when it wasn't worth nothing - and now have to figure out how to survive. I sometimes feel that I wasted my time going to college. A majority of my old friends have good jobs, homes, a savings, and experience. All I have is outdated Air Force medical experience, a decade worth of customer service experience, and three worthless college degrees sitting on the shelf.Instead of preparing me for the future, college has set me back - student loans.
City employment bust
The last real opportunity that I had was when the City of San Francisco considered hiring me as an eligibility worker. Before I scored a high examination score - earned a rank 1 - I was originally denied to take the test. I had to wait a year from the moment they denied me to the time I took the test. The city sent job postings; they told me to apply for a few dozen positions. Every time that I applied, they denied me. Because of the economy, the city blocked all hiring. Even though I scored a high score on the test, had college degrees, and experience, the city never invited me for an interview. I made it past the screening and testing process, but was rejected from taking part in the interview phase. Essentially, I don't have what anyone wants. Equity told me that I wasn't the right fit - so it didn't benefit me one bit
When I applied to be an sales associate for Equity, they questioned why I wanted to work there because I didn't fit the description for the position. The interviewer told me that I was overqualified for position. How is that possible? I was eager to take the position. Since I have lived in their units for the past 3 years, I know a lot about their company. The interviewer suggested that I look for management positions, but none were available to apply for there or anywhere else. Besides, you need management experience to obtain such positions.
Don't judge - be supportive
The next time around - if you're one of those people that judge another for refusing to attend college - know that independent students have it really tough with paying for their education. Allow a person to make their own decisions. The only thing I can do is to remain positive, be patient, and keep trying, otherwise I will lose my mind.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Writing APA papers
When you are assigned APA papers, you should purchase the newest and most up-to-date writer's handbooks. People that write many APA papers need writer's reference guides for resource purposes. How should one start an academic paper?
Before a student begins to write an APA paper, they should first understand their instructor's guidelines. Every instructor has a different set of rules. Read the syllabus, ask the instructor, review the first graded paper, and ask questions.
Gather credible sources, read the literature, write down words that fit the area of expertise, and prepare a reference list. Use creative vocabulary to add flavor to your APA papers. Make sure these words are used in the right context so they don't interfere with the sentence structure.
Reading the literature first will help a student or respective writer get into a good writing rhythm. Writer's block delays the writing process because a person loses interest of the writing process and tries to find outlets that will take them away. Reading will help to alleviate writer's block, which in result improves the overall process.
Try to use quotes sparingly. Avoid abusing and adding quotes just for the purpose of taking up space. Write your APA papers the same exact way that you communicate with your family, friends, and in front of classmates. Some students have a sense of fear that people will judge their writing with the same criticism as society does in being negative. The revision process us useful for repairing any work that doesn't meet one's personal standards.
Incorporate good quotes that latch onto your thesis. Whatever you're writing about, support the content through sharing other author's ideas. Employ a variety of APA techniques. If you use the author's name in-text, include the date in paretheis after their name. If the sentence also contains a direct quote, place the page number (p. 1) after the sentence. Another way to quote is to start the sentence with an idea, then merge right into a quote.
Cite the sentence with the author's last name, year, and page number. If you paraphrase, include the author's last name and the year. Beginning with an author's name in-text, include the year afterwards in parenthesis. If you're not directly quoting, then just end the sentence like any other sentence.
Try to balance APA papers with less than 30% quoting versus roughly 70% personal perception. Some students overuse quoting; they essentially avoid incorporating their own ideas or even responding to the material. Quotes are like road signs that lead you to final destination.
Write a strong introduction that sets the APA paper into motion. Everything discussed in the introduction will be further expanded in the body of the paper. Make sure that each paragraph begins with an opening sentence that indicates what is to be discussed. End the paragraph with a good transition sentence, which then will carry on to the next paragraph - an open sentence that guides the new paragraph.
Preparing an outline keep APA papers organized and on topic. Once you work through the body, then close the APA paper with a strong conclusion that begins with reaffirming the thesis. Discuss briefly what was covered in the course of the APA paper. With writing many papers, the introduction usally imposes the greatest challenge. The body requires more organization than the introduction and the conclusion.
In essence, the conclusion serves as a recap to what was discussed in the course of the APA paper. Whenever I write any papers, I use this same strategy. Remember; the more you write, the more experienced you become, which makes the writing process effective each and every time. Good luck on writing your APA papers!
Before a student begins to write an APA paper, they should first understand their instructor's guidelines. Every instructor has a different set of rules. Read the syllabus, ask the instructor, review the first graded paper, and ask questions.
Gather credible sources, read the literature, write down words that fit the area of expertise, and prepare a reference list. Use creative vocabulary to add flavor to your APA papers. Make sure these words are used in the right context so they don't interfere with the sentence structure.
Reading the literature first will help a student or respective writer get into a good writing rhythm. Writer's block delays the writing process because a person loses interest of the writing process and tries to find outlets that will take them away. Reading will help to alleviate writer's block, which in result improves the overall process.
Try to use quotes sparingly. Avoid abusing and adding quotes just for the purpose of taking up space. Write your APA papers the same exact way that you communicate with your family, friends, and in front of classmates. Some students have a sense of fear that people will judge their writing with the same criticism as society does in being negative. The revision process us useful for repairing any work that doesn't meet one's personal standards.
Incorporate good quotes that latch onto your thesis. Whatever you're writing about, support the content through sharing other author's ideas. Employ a variety of APA techniques. If you use the author's name in-text, include the date in paretheis after their name. If the sentence also contains a direct quote, place the page number (p. 1) after the sentence. Another way to quote is to start the sentence with an idea, then merge right into a quote.
Cite the sentence with the author's last name, year, and page number. If you paraphrase, include the author's last name and the year. Beginning with an author's name in-text, include the year afterwards in parenthesis. If you're not directly quoting, then just end the sentence like any other sentence.
Try to balance APA papers with less than 30% quoting versus roughly 70% personal perception. Some students overuse quoting; they essentially avoid incorporating their own ideas or even responding to the material. Quotes are like road signs that lead you to final destination.
Write a strong introduction that sets the APA paper into motion. Everything discussed in the introduction will be further expanded in the body of the paper. Make sure that each paragraph begins with an opening sentence that indicates what is to be discussed. End the paragraph with a good transition sentence, which then will carry on to the next paragraph - an open sentence that guides the new paragraph.
Preparing an outline keep APA papers organized and on topic. Once you work through the body, then close the APA paper with a strong conclusion that begins with reaffirming the thesis. Discuss briefly what was covered in the course of the APA paper. With writing many papers, the introduction usally imposes the greatest challenge. The body requires more organization than the introduction and the conclusion.
In essence, the conclusion serves as a recap to what was discussed in the course of the APA paper. Whenever I write any papers, I use this same strategy. Remember; the more you write, the more experienced you become, which makes the writing process effective each and every time. Good luck on writing your APA papers!
How to start writing academic papers as a form of employment
As a writer, many people ask how I am able to write a dozen student projects within a given time. You can train yourself to write. A few years ago, I struggled to produce academic projects.
Besides writing screenplays and creative writing pieces, the routine academic essays, term papers, midterm and final exams, and research papers caused me headaches.
Film papers allowed students to share their subjective opinions, but instructors seemed to mark off points because they had different view.
If you want to master academic writing, you should practice writing. The more you write, the better you become. Some people would never think of writing academic papers as a way to make money. There is demand for such work. Many websites are looking to hire writers to do such work.
Google, "Hiring Academic Writers." Though, before you decide to apply as an academic writer, it would be best to prepare yourself first.
You should sign up for a few of those databases that give you access to many diverse articles. If you don't have a library account, sign up for one. Take advantage of the library website, which contains many valuable resources, including articles, newspapers, PDF files, and magazines. Purchase widely used books from Amazon. Sometimes you can find some for very cheap. Communication, government, film, psychology, art and business books are most popular.
Strengthen your citing skills. APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and Turabian are accepted citing guidelines in an academic forum. Out of the group, APA and MLA are most widely used. Purchase the most up-to-date writer's handbook. As an academic writer, you have to be familiar with proper citing because you don't want to plagiarize.
Visit your local office supply store. Walmart also has good office supplies as well. Buy writing tablets, organizer notebooks, pens, a stapler, highlighter, and any other usual supplies that you feel will make writing more efficient.
Before you apply, try a test run. Develop some random topic that confronts a specific issue. You will gain experience in writing academic papers, but try to avoid placing yourself in a stressful environment without first understanding what is expected of you.
Barnes & Nobles has good books on procrastination, writing academic essays, research papers, and other valuable material. Always try to stock up on things that you may need in the future. Know where the local libraries are and take advantage of bookstore sales.
The most important process of being an academic writer is being confident about writing. Don't take on too much work. Give yourself time to gain experience without losing your mind in the process. Becoming a good writer is something that take time. There will be times when a student may dislike your writing. Be able to accept criticism; use it as fuel to better your writing skills.
Once you have been writing for awhile, ask for higher rates. Purchase one of those freelance writing books on how to become a good freelancer. There is always demand for good writers. Try to be orginal - develop your own writing voice. Good luck on writing and most importantly, have fun.
Besides writing screenplays and creative writing pieces, the routine academic essays, term papers, midterm and final exams, and research papers caused me headaches.
Film papers allowed students to share their subjective opinions, but instructors seemed to mark off points because they had different view.
If you want to master academic writing, you should practice writing. The more you write, the better you become. Some people would never think of writing academic papers as a way to make money. There is demand for such work. Many websites are looking to hire writers to do such work.
Google, "Hiring Academic Writers." Though, before you decide to apply as an academic writer, it would be best to prepare yourself first.
You should sign up for a few of those databases that give you access to many diverse articles. If you don't have a library account, sign up for one. Take advantage of the library website, which contains many valuable resources, including articles, newspapers, PDF files, and magazines. Purchase widely used books from Amazon. Sometimes you can find some for very cheap. Communication, government, film, psychology, art and business books are most popular.
Strengthen your citing skills. APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and Turabian are accepted citing guidelines in an academic forum. Out of the group, APA and MLA are most widely used. Purchase the most up-to-date writer's handbook. As an academic writer, you have to be familiar with proper citing because you don't want to plagiarize.
Visit your local office supply store. Walmart also has good office supplies as well. Buy writing tablets, organizer notebooks, pens, a stapler, highlighter, and any other usual supplies that you feel will make writing more efficient.
Before you apply, try a test run. Develop some random topic that confronts a specific issue. You will gain experience in writing academic papers, but try to avoid placing yourself in a stressful environment without first understanding what is expected of you.
Barnes & Nobles has good books on procrastination, writing academic essays, research papers, and other valuable material. Always try to stock up on things that you may need in the future. Know where the local libraries are and take advantage of bookstore sales.
The most important process of being an academic writer is being confident about writing. Don't take on too much work. Give yourself time to gain experience without losing your mind in the process. Becoming a good writer is something that take time. There will be times when a student may dislike your writing. Be able to accept criticism; use it as fuel to better your writing skills.
Once you have been writing for awhile, ask for higher rates. Purchase one of those freelance writing books on how to become a good freelancer. There is always demand for good writers. Try to be orginal - develop your own writing voice. Good luck on writing and most importantly, have fun.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Runway Model
Around 12 years ago, I heard - on the radio - that a popular San Francisco hotel was holding a free acting seminar. Since my goal was to be an actor, I decided that I would make the drive to the city.
I lived about 50 miles away from the location.When I arrived there, I parked in a parking garage that I was most familiar with, which was near Union Square.
The hotel was busy; many eager people waited in the lobby and near the conference room. They were excited about hearing the guest speaker discuss potential acting gigs. I sat in the middle, next to the right side - near the edge of the wall. I had a good view of the stage.
The speaker talked about what agents and agencies were looking for in performers. I listened and took mental notes about what it would take to realize my dream. The seminar allowed me to gain a perspective of what it would take to be an actor.
I had already studied theater arts and acting for television. It was time to make the transition into the film industry.
At this exact moment, the film industry was a goal of mine for the past 3 years. I was still serving in the Air Force as a medical technician. I would be separating from the service in four months thereafter.
After the seminar, I talked to the speaker about his acting experience and what he did to get voice-overs, acting for television and film jobs, and how he made it on Broadway.
During the conversation, a small person, a 5'0 male asked where he could get literature for modeling. He said that he was interested in being a runway model. I tried to keep from laughing.
Mostly women want to be runway models. If males take on modeling gigs, they are usually 6'0 or taller. The speaker told the the guy that height wasn't on his side. What made the situation funny was the fact that this guy was really serious about being a runway model.
The guy made himself believe that he actually had a chance. If you transformed him into a female, he would still would have been several inches too short to be a runway model.
The acting seminar proved that there are diverse people in the world that hope for bigger things in life, even if they want to be a 5'0 male runway model.
I lived about 50 miles away from the location.When I arrived there, I parked in a parking garage that I was most familiar with, which was near Union Square.
The hotel was busy; many eager people waited in the lobby and near the conference room. They were excited about hearing the guest speaker discuss potential acting gigs. I sat in the middle, next to the right side - near the edge of the wall. I had a good view of the stage.
The speaker talked about what agents and agencies were looking for in performers. I listened and took mental notes about what it would take to realize my dream. The seminar allowed me to gain a perspective of what it would take to be an actor.
I had already studied theater arts and acting for television. It was time to make the transition into the film industry.
At this exact moment, the film industry was a goal of mine for the past 3 years. I was still serving in the Air Force as a medical technician. I would be separating from the service in four months thereafter.
After the seminar, I talked to the speaker about his acting experience and what he did to get voice-overs, acting for television and film jobs, and how he made it on Broadway.
During the conversation, a small person, a 5'0 male asked where he could get literature for modeling. He said that he was interested in being a runway model. I tried to keep from laughing.
Mostly women want to be runway models. If males take on modeling gigs, they are usually 6'0 or taller. The speaker told the the guy that height wasn't on his side. What made the situation funny was the fact that this guy was really serious about being a runway model.
The guy made himself believe that he actually had a chance. If you transformed him into a female, he would still would have been several inches too short to be a runway model.
The acting seminar proved that there are diverse people in the world that hope for bigger things in life, even if they want to be a 5'0 male runway model.
How experience builds trust
Gaining trust takes a considerable amount of time. In order to build trust, a person must be reliable. Reliability can be proven with experience. The more reliable a person is, the more trust they gain in the process.
Would a person trust another they never worked with before? Many people have learned through bad experiences, trusting a person they never worked with before is risky.
Surely enough, a person must first earn respect before they can hope to be trusted. Rather then employers or people taking a chance on poor results or missed deadlines, they will look to hire trustworthy people that have a good track record.
Good workers are not always the most reliable ones. There are many good workers that tend to have time management issues. People are not expected to be perfect all the time. Finding time to complete work is mainly a challenge in this day and age.
Scheduling fun time will help a person resolve their time management problems. The next time you find that your time is unaccounted for, be sure to schedule the things you enjoy most to build a rhythm with the processes that create scheduling conflict. Making deadlines is something that is consistent with being reliable, which in result attract respect.
Why is experience necessary to build trust? People that don't have experience lack effective communication skills. These people may have potential to communication, but they need to interact with other people or even engage in a strict work regime to complete assignments. Experience depends on gaining respect, being reliable, and building trust.
It feels good when a person trust you, especially ones that has never met you before, but they know what type of person you are through regular communication. Don't be afraid to go out there and gain experience.
Would a person trust another they never worked with before? Many people have learned through bad experiences, trusting a person they never worked with before is risky.
Surely enough, a person must first earn respect before they can hope to be trusted. Rather then employers or people taking a chance on poor results or missed deadlines, they will look to hire trustworthy people that have a good track record.
Good workers are not always the most reliable ones. There are many good workers that tend to have time management issues. People are not expected to be perfect all the time. Finding time to complete work is mainly a challenge in this day and age.
Scheduling fun time will help a person resolve their time management problems. The next time you find that your time is unaccounted for, be sure to schedule the things you enjoy most to build a rhythm with the processes that create scheduling conflict. Making deadlines is something that is consistent with being reliable, which in result attract respect.
Why is experience necessary to build trust? People that don't have experience lack effective communication skills. These people may have potential to communication, but they need to interact with other people or even engage in a strict work regime to complete assignments. Experience depends on gaining respect, being reliable, and building trust.
It feels good when a person trust you, especially ones that has never met you before, but they know what type of person you are through regular communication. Don't be afraid to go out there and gain experience.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
When writing creates stress
After producing four Power Point slides on change management, the impact of doing such research, writing, and producing the main slides overloaded my mind. While I enjoy writing, there are times when the stress of doing it just makes me feel burnt out.
Whatever it's worth, I need to find time to rest. There are times when I am able to write at a highly efficient level and then there are other moments where I struggle to produce quality work. Maybe I am too critical about the quality of my work. Exhaustion produces criticism.
Yesterday, I had a massive headache, my muscles were aching, and I just felt like I ran a marathon. For the last decade, my body has been feeling the stress. Every unfortunate event has taken a toll on my mind, which in result makes me feel overloaded and overworked. Sometimes a person just needs to relax. The simple things in life don't seem that easy anymore. Time always becomes an issue. Scheduling in activities is something one has to do
Going to the beach, watching a movie, and hanging out at a bookstore are good ways to reduce your stress. I need to schedule those activities in so I rejuvenate my mind. While I enjoy writing, the type of projects I currently work on are the complete opposite of what I like and want to do. Maybe I will better after I take some time to recoup my energy.
Whatever it's worth, I need to find time to rest. There are times when I am able to write at a highly efficient level and then there are other moments where I struggle to produce quality work. Maybe I am too critical about the quality of my work. Exhaustion produces criticism.
Yesterday, I had a massive headache, my muscles were aching, and I just felt like I ran a marathon. For the last decade, my body has been feeling the stress. Every unfortunate event has taken a toll on my mind, which in result makes me feel overloaded and overworked. Sometimes a person just needs to relax. The simple things in life don't seem that easy anymore. Time always becomes an issue. Scheduling in activities is something one has to do
Going to the beach, watching a movie, and hanging out at a bookstore are good ways to reduce your stress. I need to schedule those activities in so I rejuvenate my mind. While I enjoy writing, the type of projects I currently work on are the complete opposite of what I like and want to do. Maybe I will better after I take some time to recoup my energy.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The quest to find a used Honda Accord
Car salesmen will do anything to make a sale. In 2004, we were looking to buy a Honda Accord 4- door vehicle. Since we lived in Northern California, we have to travel down to Southern California. Though we had a few leads, we decided to do a cold search.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Garden Grove. While the Garden Grove hotel is close to Disneyland, it is still a little further than the other notable hotels located near the park. I like the location because they have high speed internet, the room is comfortable, and the hotel serves breakfast.
We started our search at the Car Max near Irvine. The moment we walked onto the lot, the car salesman attached to us like a leech, trying to suck our money dry. The vehicle inventory was not as we expected and the prices were ballooned. Our new goal was to get out of there as soon as possible. I just told the vehicle sales consultant that we changed our minds.
While driving, I called a few car dealerships in the area. I heard that Honda World had a good selection and some affordable prices. What I immediately found out; most of their inventory was older and the prices were not as low as advertised.
On a hot Saturday afternoon, it was around September, we drove down to a small car dealership, next to Sepulveda Boulevard, near the 405. Sepulveda is one of those roads that extends for over 40 miles. I believe the location was past Sherman Oaks.
The dealership advertised a 1996 Honda Accord 4-door. I knew that when we arrived at the dealership, we were going to take the vehicle for a quick test drive and if we like it, we would make an offer.
The blistering heat was a killer. I was driving a rental car at the time. Luckily, we had the luxury of AC, otherwise we would have been dehydrated.
We passed the dealership, which was on the left side of the road, right after the 405 - the interstate bride was right above. I made a U-Turn down the street, returned back, and then entered the dealership.
Right at the exact moment I docked in the dealership, the car sales associates were hovering over us like vultures, waiting pick our minds.
Most car salesmen usually drive with customers. Their main goal is to sell the car through building a rapport. In this case, we were instructed to take the car out for a test run without them. Did I mention it was a hot day at the end of Summer in Los Angeles?
When we drove that Honda off the lot, we were burning like grilled steak. The windows were broken, the AC failed to work, and hot, steaming air poured-in through the vents. What made it worse is that I was hoping the engine would not fall apart. It sounded as it I were driving a lawnmower. She told me to drive the car back to the dealership before it exploded.
What the dealership trying to make us drive the car so it would breakdown? After we pulled into the dealership, the sales associates was eager to make the sale. I mentioned all of the broken parts
The electric window mechanism was broken. He said, "We'll fix it." The air conditioning didn't work. He said, "We'll fix it." The engine sounded like a ticking time bomb. He said, "We'll fix it." "What about the stereo player that is missing?" I said. He said, "We'll fix it." If the dealership were to fix everything that was wrong with the vehicle, they would be spending more for the repairs than I would in buying the car. I looked at her and sent off a stare like, we need to go.
The car salesmen seemed as if they were programmed to tell the customer what they wanted to hear. This Honda Accord was a disaster. I was surprised that it wasn't in a junkyard. The body of the car looked as if someone had pounded it with a sledge hammer. The interior was stripped, and we were there viewing it after the theft. A chop shop wouldn't take the chance in buying this morbid disaster. We left the dealership right after.
Eventually, two days later, we found the perfect Honda Accord in Escondido, near the I-15, close to San Diego. That was also an interesting experience too. This small dealership was located in the middle of the mountains, before Harrahs Casinos. The lighting was poor and the area was deserted.
The salesman was dressed in shorts and a tank top shirt. His name was Wally. I felt as if we were at Sea World. Wally was eager to sell the Honda. We wanted to pay part cash and other other part with a cashiers check. Because of the nature of the transaction, trust was indeed absent from the moment.
Wally wanted us to leave the full amount for the car. There was no way we would leave $3400 with a stranger we didn't know. She was too afraid to do that because we didn't know who this guy was and how would we prove he had our money if he cut out.
In order to feel more comfortable about the situation, we took the keys to the car, left $100 as a deposit, and had him fill out a piece of paper with signature on it. We only did this because, the day before, he claimed that another person was looking to buy the car and they could return again. We drove into the local city, about 20 miles back.
Once we purchased a few money orders and took out more cash from the ATM, we returned back to finalize the deal. There was some negotiation going on, but he was willing to lower the price of the car from 3950 to 3400. This car had about 175,000 miles on it. It was definitely driven a lot, most likely freeway miles.
Wally gave us a sales receipt. He claimed that the car was registered under another lady; he was still waiting for transfer of ownership. On that very night, we had over 500 miles to drive back home with a car that smelled like it was burning oil and an alarmed that wouldn't stay quiet. I followed behind the Honda with the rental car.
A few months later, I was pulled over a few times, concerning the registration, which the police officer claimed was under another owner. After waiting for more than 4 months to receive new tags and the title, we called Wally a few time regarding the issue. He kept making excuses and never seemed to resolve the matter in a sufficient amount of time. I filed a complaint against him using a DMV form.
The title and sticker finally arrived. We had the car for 5 years now. It hasn't drive for the past year, but just needs minor repairs and a smog. Last summer, we drove the car down to Mexico. This car is defintely dependable because I invested over $1700 in repairs to fix the belts and the cooling system last year.
On the last note, watch out for car sales associates. They will do anything to make a sale. Keep in mind; you don't have to buy a car that you have doubts about. Take your time in making a purchase. Use the Internet to do research. Know what your budget is beforehand and stick to it.
In the end, you are the one that has to pay for the vehicle. Be sure to use good decision making the first time around to avoid having any regrets and losing a ton of money in the process. Because of finance charges, repairs, and for other unforeseen issues, you may pay triple the amount for a used vehicle. Good luck on your vehicle search; be direct and you'll get a good deal.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Garden Grove. While the Garden Grove hotel is close to Disneyland, it is still a little further than the other notable hotels located near the park. I like the location because they have high speed internet, the room is comfortable, and the hotel serves breakfast.
We started our search at the Car Max near Irvine. The moment we walked onto the lot, the car salesman attached to us like a leech, trying to suck our money dry. The vehicle inventory was not as we expected and the prices were ballooned. Our new goal was to get out of there as soon as possible. I just told the vehicle sales consultant that we changed our minds.
While driving, I called a few car dealerships in the area. I heard that Honda World had a good selection and some affordable prices. What I immediately found out; most of their inventory was older and the prices were not as low as advertised.
On a hot Saturday afternoon, it was around September, we drove down to a small car dealership, next to Sepulveda Boulevard, near the 405. Sepulveda is one of those roads that extends for over 40 miles. I believe the location was past Sherman Oaks.
The dealership advertised a 1996 Honda Accord 4-door. I knew that when we arrived at the dealership, we were going to take the vehicle for a quick test drive and if we like it, we would make an offer.
The blistering heat was a killer. I was driving a rental car at the time. Luckily, we had the luxury of AC, otherwise we would have been dehydrated.
We passed the dealership, which was on the left side of the road, right after the 405 - the interstate bride was right above. I made a U-Turn down the street, returned back, and then entered the dealership.
Right at the exact moment I docked in the dealership, the car sales associates were hovering over us like vultures, waiting pick our minds.
Most car salesmen usually drive with customers. Their main goal is to sell the car through building a rapport. In this case, we were instructed to take the car out for a test run without them. Did I mention it was a hot day at the end of Summer in Los Angeles?
When we drove that Honda off the lot, we were burning like grilled steak. The windows were broken, the AC failed to work, and hot, steaming air poured-in through the vents. What made it worse is that I was hoping the engine would not fall apart. It sounded as it I were driving a lawnmower. She told me to drive the car back to the dealership before it exploded.
What the dealership trying to make us drive the car so it would breakdown? After we pulled into the dealership, the sales associates was eager to make the sale. I mentioned all of the broken parts
The electric window mechanism was broken. He said, "We'll fix it." The air conditioning didn't work. He said, "We'll fix it." The engine sounded like a ticking time bomb. He said, "We'll fix it." "What about the stereo player that is missing?" I said. He said, "We'll fix it." If the dealership were to fix everything that was wrong with the vehicle, they would be spending more for the repairs than I would in buying the car. I looked at her and sent off a stare like, we need to go.
The car salesmen seemed as if they were programmed to tell the customer what they wanted to hear. This Honda Accord was a disaster. I was surprised that it wasn't in a junkyard. The body of the car looked as if someone had pounded it with a sledge hammer. The interior was stripped, and we were there viewing it after the theft. A chop shop wouldn't take the chance in buying this morbid disaster. We left the dealership right after.
Eventually, two days later, we found the perfect Honda Accord in Escondido, near the I-15, close to San Diego. That was also an interesting experience too. This small dealership was located in the middle of the mountains, before Harrahs Casinos. The lighting was poor and the area was deserted.
The salesman was dressed in shorts and a tank top shirt. His name was Wally. I felt as if we were at Sea World. Wally was eager to sell the Honda. We wanted to pay part cash and other other part with a cashiers check. Because of the nature of the transaction, trust was indeed absent from the moment.
Wally wanted us to leave the full amount for the car. There was no way we would leave $3400 with a stranger we didn't know. She was too afraid to do that because we didn't know who this guy was and how would we prove he had our money if he cut out.
In order to feel more comfortable about the situation, we took the keys to the car, left $100 as a deposit, and had him fill out a piece of paper with signature on it. We only did this because, the day before, he claimed that another person was looking to buy the car and they could return again. We drove into the local city, about 20 miles back.
Once we purchased a few money orders and took out more cash from the ATM, we returned back to finalize the deal. There was some negotiation going on, but he was willing to lower the price of the car from 3950 to 3400. This car had about 175,000 miles on it. It was definitely driven a lot, most likely freeway miles.
Wally gave us a sales receipt. He claimed that the car was registered under another lady; he was still waiting for transfer of ownership. On that very night, we had over 500 miles to drive back home with a car that smelled like it was burning oil and an alarmed that wouldn't stay quiet. I followed behind the Honda with the rental car.
A few months later, I was pulled over a few times, concerning the registration, which the police officer claimed was under another owner. After waiting for more than 4 months to receive new tags and the title, we called Wally a few time regarding the issue. He kept making excuses and never seemed to resolve the matter in a sufficient amount of time. I filed a complaint against him using a DMV form.
The title and sticker finally arrived. We had the car for 5 years now. It hasn't drive for the past year, but just needs minor repairs and a smog. Last summer, we drove the car down to Mexico. This car is defintely dependable because I invested over $1700 in repairs to fix the belts and the cooling system last year.
On the last note, watch out for car sales associates. They will do anything to make a sale. Keep in mind; you don't have to buy a car that you have doubts about. Take your time in making a purchase. Use the Internet to do research. Know what your budget is beforehand and stick to it.
In the end, you are the one that has to pay for the vehicle. Be sure to use good decision making the first time around to avoid having any regrets and losing a ton of money in the process. Because of finance charges, repairs, and for other unforeseen issues, you may pay triple the amount for a used vehicle. Good luck on your vehicle search; be direct and you'll get a good deal.
The more you write, the better your skills become
Open up a blogspot account and just write. When you have time, write about your day, what makes you happy, and share your learning lessons with others. People want to read about other people's experiences.
Think about what you can do to help out people. Is there an experience or a skill you can offer another? Every person is capable of becoming a better writing through practice and experience.
When you have a moment, open up a blog account and then write about whatever you think is interesting. There are millions of people that enjoy reading blogs. Any person can improve their writing skills. The saying that practice makes perfect is right on target.
Write about your dreams, daily experiences, past experiences, college, work, school, jokes, and whatever else comes to mind. The most important part of writing is to have fun.
Think about what you can do to help out people. Is there an experience or a skill you can offer another? Every person is capable of becoming a better writing through practice and experience.
When you have a moment, open up a blog account and then write about whatever you think is interesting. There are millions of people that enjoy reading blogs. Any person can improve their writing skills. The saying that practice makes perfect is right on target.
Write about your dreams, daily experiences, past experiences, college, work, school, jokes, and whatever else comes to mind. The most important part of writing is to have fun.
Writing blogs on Iphone
If you want to write blogs using an Iphone, sign up for a blogspot and a gmail account. Activate the blogger feature, which will let you write blogs from your igoogle account. You will then be able to write blogs anywhere at anytime. Sign up now; write blogs and have fun.
Hate your job?
Do you hate your job? Don't leave your job quite yet. Just because you dislike your co-workers, management, and the customers, or even feel you deserve better in life, suck it up.
Since the economy is sporadic and unpredictable, there is limited opportunity for employment success. Don't quit your job for the wrong reason. Be patient about your employment situation. As long as you don't rush the process, you will get what you want out of life.
Good luck on your career.
Since the economy is sporadic and unpredictable, there is limited opportunity for employment success. Don't quit your job for the wrong reason. Be patient about your employment situation. As long as you don't rush the process, you will get what you want out of life.
Good luck on your career.
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