40

When I initially found out that I was going to be writing forty blog entries this semester, I was hesitant that I would be able to do it. I have always been somewhat of a private person when it comes to sharing my thoughts and feelings in an extremely public forum. I didn't want to even put up an "about me" section on my Facebook page with all of my likes and dislikes.

Before I wrote my first blog entry, I contemplated for days about what to write...what would be interesting? Once I wrote my first, second and third blogs, it was as if my pen had taken on a life of its own. Blogging became a fun activity and no longer felt like an assignment. Most importantly, blogging has taught me to think outside of the box and to embrace my own thoughts and beliefs. I shouldn't be afraid to express my opinions. Having this confidence will help me to become a better person.

The Sound of Music

It took over 200 professional dancers to create this incredible stunt at the Central Station in Belgium with only two rehearsals. Onlookers are clearly shocked and mezmerized by this unexpected twist in their travel plans. However, it brings a smile to everyones face and is one of those little unexpected surprises in life that can make you stop and realize how magical life can be. "The Sound of Music" is one of my favorite movies of all time and I loved watching this clever and flawless stunt...I only wish I had been there!

Wasted Space

I went back at my parent's house the other day and I was sitting on the couch upstairs in the den. I was looking around the room when I noticed my black and white Fender electric guitar sitting in the corner. About five years ago I decided that I was going to try a multitude of new things, like learning how to play this guitar (which is why I asked for it for Christmas one year) and learning to show up the boys on a skateboard, to name a few. The sad thing is, is that I have never even picked up this nice guitar. It is simply taking up wasted space in my house.

Noticing this has made me realize the amount of things over the course of my life that I have planned to do, but have never accomplished. I've decided that there is no time like the present to revisit my goals and give them a try now. With three months off of school, maybe I should grab that guitar and take lessons...who knows? Maybe I will love it!

A Few of my Least Favorite Things...

1) Roller Coasters
2) Camping
3) Bugs
4) Long flights
5) Waking up early
6) Homework
7) Cheese
8) Finals Week

Wedding Bliss

Little girls begin fantasizing about their future wedding from the moment they realize what a wedding actually is. I too, have fallen into this category. When I was little, my Dad took me to see "Father of the Bride" which quickly became my favorite movie of all time and a movie that my Dad and I always watch together. One our favorite singers, Steve Tyrell, sings a majority of the music in the film and I have always wanted all of these songs played at my wedding.

This past Christmas break, I went to New York with my friend Rachel. We were sitting at Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle hotel, when I heard a familiar voice a few tables over. I could immediately tell that it was Steve Tyrell, by his distinct voice. Within a few minutes, I was talking with him and his wife! I told him how much I have always wanted him to play at my wedding and not only did he say he would do it, but he gave me his personal cell phone number and home number. Who knows what the future holds and when or even if I will get married, but it is always fun to dream.

Absolut

One of my favorite print ad campaigns is for Absolut Vodka. The name Absolut is so versatile that it can be used to create thousands of witty and clever taglines. The company uses a simple formula--their signature bottle in the middle of the page with their brand name at the bottom. If you just heard this and had not seen any of the ads, you would I'm sure consider this to be typical and unimaginative. However, the agencies behind the Absolut campaign have taken a simple concept and turned it into something rich, complex and intriguing.

Stereotypes

I have been asked the most hilarious question a couple of times when I have traveled to several cosmopolitan cities, like New York. When I have casually mentioned that I am from Dallas, Texas, a couple of people have asked me the question, "So do you ride a horse to school every day?" or, "How many cattle do you have on your ranch?" While I have to admit it's funny to think that these cosmopolitan creatures think that everyone from Texas is born wearing a ten-gallon hat, spurred boots, and is listening to the latest Toby Keith album, I can't help but think in the back of my mind about how seriously they take culturally-normalized stereotypes. It's no secret that the nationally renowned Texan stereotype resembles that of the common country music video: proud redneck livin' and workin' on the ranch, ridin' horses and herdin' cattle during the day and a country honky-tonk at night. But what worries me is the fact that these stereotypes can seriously mold their judgment and perception of an individual. Personally, I never try to allow myself to judge someone based on stereotypes.

I've always tried to actively show a genuine interest in people I meet for the first time, not only because I could always benefit from making new friends and acquaintances, but also because I would hope that person would want to treat me in the same manner should he/she be in my shoes. That's why I find all stereotypes, from seemingly harmless Texan judgments to racially-charged assumptions, to be a danger. Why? Because these stereotypes allow people to judge strangers before they can ever meet on an individual level, never allowing each other to break down those stereotypical, judgmental barriers and allow a true bond to form.