For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic*

Today is DAY 1.
Day one of the fabulous trip to middle-of-nowhere-Wisconsin. Middle-of-nowhere-Wisconsin, with no cell reception and no one even remotely close to my age...
Day one of the potentially most boring week of my life.

My silver lining?
I'm currently stealing a wireless signal from the cabin next door.

That, and, I just had a Captin and Coke and am feeling pretty good =]

So far since I've been up here, I've napped, listened to music, started re-reading HP6 (before I continue with HP7), ate dinner, listened to more music...

My other silver lining?
This week away from Joe will probably be good for me. Good for us.
It'll keep me from killing him...

today is day one.
one down. six to go.

this isn't particularly deep or insightful or thought-provoking, or hell, even important.
I can only assume I'll get to that later tonight...when I post again...because I won't be sleeping.
Fabulous.




*Paramore

Ignorance Disgusts Me...

Yes, I'm obsessed with SYTYCD. We'll get over it.
The first thing that happened on tonight's elimination show was that Mia Michaels and Nigel Lythgoe APOLOGIZED to America. Now, I understand apologizing if any viewers were offended, but I don't believe that they should have apologized for their actions, because, in truth, they did nothing wrong. They exercised their freedom of speech. But to live in a world where people are forced to APOLOGIZE for their opinions?? There's something incredibly disturbing about that.

I feel the need to re-post this. This was posted on one of the message boards on the SYTYCD website...it's upsetting and disgusting...It's scary how ignorant some Americans are. Again, I am proud to be American and I support our troops. Being anti-war doesn't make me un-American, as this uninformed person alludes to.

I was completely disgusted by Wednesday night's anti-war show. And all the more after Lythgoe's (lack of) apology Thursday night. America didn't start this war, but we must finish it successfully. And, yes, Nigel, there are many patriots who, knowing what's at stake, want this war to continue to victory. Our troops voluntarily risk their lives so some leftist choreographer can trash their valliant effort. Thanks to their protective sacrifice, he can. But it wasn't just one dance. Or two or three or four or five or even six. Ten times!!!!!!!!!! Oh how America's enemies must be laughing as they replay the show. Yes, probably Osama and Al-Qaeda, too, we saw the list grow Wednesday night, didn't we?

And just as the Marines were offended by a judge's connived coat that made a premeditated anti-military statement, my wife and I were greatly offended by the misuse and abuse of "Amazing Grace" during Wednesday night's protest. The up-tempo routine danced to America's favorite hymn had nothing to do with its reverent message. How else can we take it except as another premeditated slap. Made us turn the other cheek, huh?

I suppose you expect us to believe the show's producers and Fox officials didn't discuss blatant airing of 10 anti-war performances or the total lack of sensitivity in misusing "Amazing Grace?" Of course both aspects were considered and approved. So you calculated and chose to insult the vast majority of Americans who make the luxury of dancing and entertainment television possible. You obviously don't care about salt-of-the-earth citizens.

Try another apology, but this time make it honest and heart-felt. Maybe a patriotic program to undo some of the great damage you've done? Yes, damage, because such anti-war protests embolden Iraq's terrorists to hold out longer and strive to kill even more of our boys to spark even more inappropriate TV protests. Thanks "So You Think You Can Dance." Thanks Fox. Blood soon will be on your hands, if not already. (Did you check the evening news for a jump in the latest body count?)

Now, I need to pack. Because I'm leaving for vacation in about 5 or 6 hours and haven't started packing yet. Fabulous.

Be the change you want to see in the world...

Yes.
another post.


I just finished watching tonight's episode of "So You Think You Can Dance."
And I have to say that I absolutely loved it. The new "obstacle," if you will, was that each dancer performed the same Wade Robson solo. It was danced to John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change" and each dancer wore white pants and a white t-shirt with a peach sign on the front, and a word stenciled in on the back. (Hope, Understanding, Communication...etc.)
These dances were so powerful and emotional. Some dancers danced them with anger, others with sadness, and others with hope for the future. I was definitely moved by these dances. They just showed how much can be conveyed through dance.

The theme was peace. That was all.

Peace.

Which, I think, is something that everyone, all Americans, everyone in the world, wishes for.



And then I went to the SYTYCD website and was looking on their message board. And I found an OVERWHELMING negative response to tonight's show. From people saying that...they were disgusted...by FOX trying to impose a political statement. And that FOX and Wade were USING these dancers to shove their personal anti-war feelings on the audience...These people said that they watched this show for the dancing...not to be lectured on politics.

...

I'm sorry......WHAT?!

First of all, dance is expressionism. Freedom of speech applies. People can use their emotions and choreography to express WHATEVER THEY WANT. and it was beautifully spoken.

Second, could someone PLEASE explain to me what is SO WRONG with anti-war? Yes, I support our troops. What they are doing overseas is extremely courageous. However, I want to get them home as soon as possible. I feel that war is unnecessary. Yes, I know that the notion of "world peace" is a bit idealistic, but we need to be able to dream. "The opposite of war isn't peace...it's creation." Our world needs to stop being so destructive. I don't understand what is SO WRONG with wanting our world to evolve...start fighting with ideas rather than nuclear weapons. If this show had promoted PRO-WAR ideas...would these people be happy?? I just don't understand.

Third...the theme tonight wasn't specifically "anti-war"...it was PEACE. Now, granted, one could argue that those are the same thing...However, even if we were not in the middle of a war...you could still dance for peace...



I guess I could understand where these people are coming from because they do tune into this show for the entertainment value...but these are people who don't understand the emotion of dance. They see fun hip-hop pieces...but don't realize how much emotion is expressed in other pieces. Everything has a deeper meaning.

Censorship disgusts me. These people want FOX to APOLOGIZE for tonight's episode. APOLOGIZE? for promoting a positive message?


Their message was PEACE. Their message was the same as John Mayer's in that song. We, as a younger generation, as people who are not making executive decisions regarding the war, as people who have a voice and want to use it...we need to stop WAITING on the world to change. We need to be the change we want to see in the world.




PEACE.

Pregnant at Seventeen

Today I found out that a girl at work is pregnant. She's seventeen.
It was almost uncomfortable talking to her about it. She was clearly confused on what her course of action should be...but at the same time, she seemed...not panicked enough.
I mean to say that she seemed relaxed. She had no problem telling everyone, whereas if it were ME, I don't think I'd tell ANYONE. Her biggest concern seemed to be the fact that she doesn't like throwing up, at that comes with the territory of morning sickness.
Now, to me, this girl doesn't seem mature enough to take care of HERSELF, let alone another person...

To be SEVENTEEN. and PREGNANT?
I couldn't even imagine.

On another note, I was late to work today because the normal 10 minute drive took me about half an hour. There was some horrible crash at the intersection right by my work and traffic was WAY backed up for quite a few hours. A girl I work with said that she thought she had seen body bags. I still don't know exactly what happened...


Isn't it strange how two completely different events seem to have the same response?
I mean, to have a baby when you're seventeen years old is often looked at as the end of the mother's life...or life as she knows it. It's no longer HER life, it's her and HER BABY's lives. It's almost seen as a tragedy. Of course, that's not to say that every situation ends negatively...some young mothers find a way to make it work. However, socially, people tend to feel sad for someone who gets pregnant at seventeen.
To have a fatal car accident is of course the end of a life. It's horrible to think about. People feel sad for the families of the victims...

One situation is the beginning of life, one is the end...however, both cause sadness. It's almost ironic...

I loved you, gray sweatpants, no makeup. So perfect.

so at about 5am last night (or this morning...) i turned on CNN to find the CNN/YouTube Democratic Debate on. I only caught the last half hour, but it was SO interesting. Rather than having some rehearsed journalist ask a question, REAL PEOPLE asked the questions. Rather than having someone ask the candidate's stance on gay marriage, two women who were holding hands ask "why can't we get married?" It sends a completely different message. If anyone knows when it's going to air again...let me know.

I don't really believe in political parties. Or, I should say, I don't put much faith into them. However, I would probably fall into the category of being a Democrat. I'm definitely liberal. I know that I am completely for gay marriage and domestic partnership. I know that I am pro-choice. I know that I believe that marijuana should be legalized. I know that I hate George W. Bush. (01.20.09. Let the countdown begin.) I know that I'm very open-minded and not bigoted. I love getting into discussions with people who have different beliefs than me. I do not try to impose my beliefs on other people, and I strongly respect those who do the same for me. I am just intrigued by why people believe the things they do. I'm not incredibly acknowledgeable in politics, but I find it to be very interesting and I love learning about them. Anyone want to have a political discussion?

I also know that I wish that the war would end and we could get everyone home. I wish America would do more to bring our troops home than to buy a magnetic ribbon to place on your car. It's scarier now that you actually, personally KNOW people over there. It's more of a reality. I found out today that a friend of mine, who is in the Navy, is in the hospital. He got hit in the leg with...something...I don't even know what... He currently cannot feel his leg and they don't know if he ever will again. That's too real for me. Please send positive energy toward him in Japan.



I never got out of my sweats all day. Fabulous. I could definitely just live in my sweatpants forever.

in the beginning, there was nothing...

i have to admit. the fad of myspace and facebook is dead to me.
well, that's not entirely true. BUT, i do need something new.
I've found myself with fewer people worth confiding in, recently. Ergo, I need somewhere to think.

This being my first post, I feel the need to introduce myself.

This is me.

I'm half asian. You can either find me in suburbia of Chicago or at school in Milwaukee. I'm a full time student at Marquette University, studying Public Relations and Theatre. My passion lies in music and dance. I talk fast and have a lot of energy. I'm opinionated and I love to have intelligent conversations and debates. I don't believe in god or organized religion. I believe in myself. I have a million acquaintances in my life, but only a handful of people who i truly care about.

My roommate is quite possibly my long-lost sister.
I truly believe that, had it not been for her, I wouldn't have made it through my first year of college the way that I did. We're alike in some many senses of the word, it's almost creepy. But I really don't know what I would do without her, now that I've met her.


This is Joe.
This is my absolute best friend in the world. He has been, ever since 6th grade, when he was my first boyfriend. Recently, we had dated for another 2 years. College and long-distance relationships are hard, so we're going back to the basics. He is the love of my life and he manages to break my heart everyday, without even knowing it. He's the reason that I am the person I am.


Calyn is more like me than I'll ever admit, but we're more different than any two people can be.
She's been there for me when everyone else has walked away. And, although we tend to fight a lot, she's a good friend when you need someone to count on. And I could laugh with this girl for hours. Despite whatever happens today or tomorrow, I know that she'll be there in the end.


"I want to hit her, really hard"
Yes. That's my sister. I used to hate her, but what sisters DIDN'T hate each other. Now, we go to the same college and get along a lot better. Of course we still fight, but I love my sister and I don't know what I'd do without her.
(and yes, those words up there were HER words when I was first born. loving, isn't she?)

Essentially, I've discovered who my true friends are in the past year. And I've realized who I can trust and who I can't trust. Trust is huge with me. I don't trust people easily and if I lose trust, it's SO hard to get back.

Three things you MUST know about me are:
1. I am a die-hard Cubs fan
2. The way to my heart is through mashed potatoes
3. I'm sarcastic more often than I am sincere


If you've made it this far in reading, I thank you. I'm not 100% sure what I'll post in here, but it's bound to be entertaining. I have horrible insomnia, so we'll see what comes out of emily's mind in the middle of the night, as she tries to put her jumbled thoughts into words.