Caution: There's Mischief a foot

During the last few weeks of college this semester, one of my good friends brought over a book that sparked my interest and proved to entertain us for several hours.  The title of the book was: "Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Famous Writers and Obscure" by Larry Smith.  Now though the title is hard to merge through, essentially this book was collection of memoirs of hundreds of individuals, each of which were only 6 words.

 

Some of the memoirs were very "interesting", others, comical, and then some were more sentimental.

A few examples:

"Born in the desert, still thirsty." -Georgene Nunn

"The psychic said I'd be richer." -Elizabeth Bernstein

"One long train ride to darkness." -Wayne Colodny

"Brought it to a boil, often." -Mario Batali

"Liars, hysterectomy didn't improve sex life!" -Joan Rivers

 

As it states on the back of this book: Everyone has a six-word story to tell.

 

The intriguing part of this particular book was that once one is reading it, you can't help but wonder: "What is my six-word memoir?"....  For myself, it is hard to quantify my life in such a small amount of words.  Perhaps, when more years have passed in my life, I will be better able to solidify a six word statement that describes my life.  For now, my friends and I have begun doing six-word daily memoirs.  (Or memoirs that we can change around until we find one that fits...)

 

My memoir for today: "Despite everything, life still goes on."

 

   

 

 

 

 

When I was little I wanted to be a writer.  But I knew at that age that writers, unless they were amazing, had a hard time making a living.  It is for this reason that I made it my second choice to become an English teacher.  Nevertheless, I always kept the outlook of "author" right on the edge of my mind.  I spent most of my childhood writing stories, poems and on occasion doing illustrations.

 

The stories were mostly fantasy.  I tended to love the idea of a love triangle as well (perhaps a reason that The Phantom of the Opera has always been a personal favorite).  Now it sounds strange that at such a young age I was writing corny romantic fantasies....but I suppose I found a joy in it.  (Writing fantasy undoubtedly led me into the world of literary classic fantasy.  Lord of the Rings.  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  His Dark Materials.  Harry Potter.  In a world of rules, it is nice to be able to escape into one that "doesn't have to make sense".)

 

If you take a gander over at my occupation, however, you will notice that I am far from the English realm......  I never fully understood what happened to my dream of being a writer or English Teacher until just recently.  I was home perusing my baby book when I found a personal autobiography I wrote when I was 12.  I couldn't help but chuckle at my remarks about my life (especially those predicting what I would be doing at this precise moment in time!).  But something that the document made clear was that I wanted to be a writer.

 

Interesting how in less than a decade I had a "major career change".  The change happened in 9th grade, but three years after I wrote my "autobiography".  I had applied to be a member of the journalism group at my school and was turned down.  It was not my lack of talent...rather that I didn't have the right "connections" to get in. 

 

I was heartbroken at this loss.  Ironically, however, it is at this moment in my life, that I started developing my love for math (despite the fact that I had been good at it for a few years...).  Writing (and photography) then became my past time.  I persued my new found interest and it is it that I have to blame for my current career choice.  A choice that I couldn't be happier with.

 

Who knows...  Perhaps fate played a hand in the shaping of my life.  And by now, I do know is that rejection happens a lot in life.  It can either make us, or break us.  And if "a rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success"....here is hoping for the best in years to come!

A New Year. 

 

It is sad to think that I have left this space for so long.  But I assure you it has not been intended.  Class work and work in general have consumed my time. 

 

It is interesting isn't it?  When you start doing more things in your life, you must give up something else.  (Unless of course you have magic powers or something.)  And sadly for me, that something else, was this blog. 

 

So for now, I just want to do a very quick update.  And promise that soon I will be back up and running......

Michael Jackson.

 

Okay, I said it.  And now I can admit that I am currently listening to the "classics" of Michael Jackson on my Windows Media Player.  Now despite the fact that, in my mind, he totally ruined his image professionally, there was a time in which the man could sing.  Not only that, but he is one of the few artists that has literally been singing his whole life.  Much like the band U2, he is an artist that many generations can identify with.  (Remember when he was that cute kid in the Jackson 5?)

 

His genre of songs are amazing.  But more imparticularily, the lyrics and messages behind them.  Clearly, his songs vocalize issues that have been plagueing the world for ages: Racism ("Black and White"), Poverty and World Hunger ("Man in the Mirror"; "Heal the World"), Depression ("You Are Not Alone"), Segregation ("Come Together")... 

 

Little did I know when I was young singing along with many of these songs (I know, imagining that is kind of rough.  Especially with the woo-hoos!) that I was singing about such issues.  It seems that I have just come to realize this actually.  And now that I do, that doesn't mean I will stop singing, no matter how bad I sound.  Such issues should be addressed and thought about.  In music especially!  I am sure political campaigns, if expressed in good music, and then sold through iTunes would have a greater effect on generations than debates and articles.  (Just think, more people vote for Idol pop stars on television than their own president!)

 

So please excuse me while I crank up "Man in the Mirror" a little louder and get in the "groove". 

 

For those of you that would like to join me in song, feel free.  And trust me, your voice cannot be worse than mine.

 

 

In light of the 'hottest month of the year' here in Utah, I thought I might discuss a few 'hot topics' that have been floating around on my mind this month...  As many of you know by taking a quick glance at my "occupation", I am a student--but also (I hope) a scientist in the making.  I love the idea of scientific advancement for the greater good.  The ability to save many with a research idea drives me into a deep passion for the subject.

 

For any of you who have not been following the science front, stem cell research has been a topic of great hope as well as controversy these past few years.  Stem cells, with the ability to differentiate into other cells, provide potential hope to restore broken tissue and to repair organs through out the body.  Other applications of their use also include cancer and spinal injuries. 

 

The problem however lies in their origin.  While it is possible to get stem cells from adults and other sources, research has shown that embryonic stem cells show the most potential.  Cells which are extracted from the early stage of the human embryo.  And now the plot thickens.

 

Though the hope remains to find many potential uses of these cells, should scientists be allowed to conduct this sort of research?  Is it ethical?  Is it logical?  Or is such research considered 'sacrifice for the greater good'?  Perhaps another good question to pose on this issue is, when is something considered to be "alive"?  (Would you consider a embryo to be alive?)

 

I would love to know what you think concerning this issue. 

 

Think back to your final high school graduation.  What do you remember?

 

For me, there would be a few things I remember.  I wore a red cap and gown (nothing like a power color to graduate in, right?).  It was indoors.  There were about 500 people in my graduating class.  But what I tend to recall the most is what about half of the people spoke on that night.  The message was simple: Oh, the places you will go!  And it is that message that has been on my mind lately...

 

Our whole lives we are in a constant state of learning.  Yet it is up to us where we go with that knowledge.  Will it send us to the depths of Africa or to the cold of Greenland?  Will we choose to share it with others or use it to bring about good?  It truely is up to us on all these places we could go.  The key is not only to make realistic dreams, but to pursue them. 

 

I often tell myself: "Someday I will...[fill in the blank]".  But is such thinking just wishful?  If we are to truely "Seize the day" then perhaps such thinking should be: "Today I will..."  "In five years I will...".  And not only say such things, but write them down so we know and have a constant reminder about the places we are going to go.  Change is bound to happen of course, but where would we be without a place to start?

 

So in the words of Dr Seuss...

 

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

 

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own.  And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

 

...And will you succeed?

Yes!  You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!)

 

Kid, You'll Move Mountains!

 

So...

be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,

you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So get on your way!

I can not sugar coat this confession in anyway.  I am a reality TV show addict.  Though a good medical drama (House) or just plain drama (24) can easily "distract" me from my daily activities.  It is those darn reality shows that get me the most.

 

Five years ago (roughly) the "reality TV craze" struck the USA.  Sure there had always been the good game show to watch, but this was the dawn of Survivor.  The Amazing Race.  Fear Factor.  And who can forget Who Wants to be a Millionaire.  The list could go on from there.  Big Brother.  The Bachelor(ette)...  Though the one that caught my eye was the Simon Cowell creation: American Idol.  A show in which 'stars are born' (or at least theoretically).

 

I am sure many of you actually listen/own some of the 'Idols' music.  Kelly Clarkson.  Clay Aiken.  Carrie Underwood.  (just to name a few...).  Though being a "Soul Girl", this years winner, Taylor Hicks, really had my foot tapping.  The older I get, it seems the older the music is that I have to dig up to even find something that has a good beat (and decent lyrics as well).  Though a recent good performance will surface on occasion.

 

I would like to share with you a song sung by this new found "Idol" entitled "Do I Make You Proud". While you listen/read the song ask yourself, are you living a life that makes others proud to have known you?  Or one in which you are proud to have known certain people?  I hope that I am.

 

Below are the lyrics:

 

 

I've never been, the one to raise my hand,

That was not me, and now that's who I am,

Because of you, I am standing tall,

 

My Heart is full, of endless gratitude

You were the one, the one to guide me through,

Now I can see and I believe it's only just beginning.

 

This is what we dream about,

But the only question with me now,

Is do I make you proud?

Stronger than I've ever been now.

Never been afraid of standing out,

But do I make you proud?

 

I guess I've learned, to question is to grow

That you still have faith, is all I need to know

I've learned to love myself in spite of me,

And I've learned to walk, the road that I believe.

 

There is a sign in my advisor's office that proudly proclaims: "No Whining".  I often wonder if she tacked that sign up on the wall just to make us work harder; though I know in my mind why she did.  As I am thoroughly convinced that we are a society of whiners.  Whether you learn it as a child or as an adult, we all know the art of whining.

 

Now of course not all whining is 'bad'.  If one was to whine, plea and even "fight" (if you will) to save the world; I surely see no fault in that.  As it can be seen in history that well-behaved people rarely get things accomplished.  I think what boggles my brain the most is the fact that there are some people in this world that complain about things in which they THEMSELVES can fix.  I suppose that it is the engineer side in my mind that asks "Why" too much in situations like this.  Though perhaps by asking such questions, I am merely hoping that the world we live in isn't migrating towards a "quick-fix" and "instant happiness" way of life. 

 

A few days ago a glorious rain storm hit Utah.  And of course, the weatherman stated that at most, to expect "small sprinkles".  What happened?  Well I am sure you can guess.  I am on my way to work.  No jacket.  No umbrella.  And it starts to down pour.  By the time I make it to the building I look as if I have just gotten out of the shower.  (I kid you not!). 

 

A few hours pass and I am finally at the 'dry' phase in this chemical reaction.  Though to my dismay my hair has decided to have a mind of its own.  I think to myself...  What is something, in a lab, that could hold my hair back?  Or even just pin it back??  Now when I got to this point in the situation I had two options.  Get Mad.  or.... Get Creative (i.e. Find a solution).  As situation after situation will present itself, and only we have the decision as to what we will do.

 

My choice this go around?   .............I went and found myself a paper clip.

Sherlock himself could not deny the fact that I have been "Missing in Action" the past month or so.  And though I wish I had some miraculous story to explain my absence, like being marooned on an uncharted island or treking through the wilderness, I am sorry, but such isn't the case.  (Though how cool would those scenarios be?)

 

If there is one thing I have been able to do plenty of the past month, it is driving to and from work.  And it seems the only thing that can get me sanely through rush hour day after day are the tunes that I am jammin' to.  (I merely say jammin' as I can't seem to listen to music without tapping my foot, humming or even singing along with it.)

 

Interestingly enough, however, there will always be the few songs I can listen to for hours.  Merely for the fact that not only do I enjoy the beat and melody, but also the lyrics.  It could possibly be said that such songs would be listed somewhere on the 'soundtrack' of my life.  What songs would those be, you might ask?

 

For now I will share with you but two of them but then ask you the same question.  What are some of the songs that would be included on your 'personal soundtrack' and why, out of the many songs in this world, would you pick them?  As for me, the two I will mention for now are: Don't Stop Believin' by Journey and On My Way by Phil Collins.  My reasoning behind them is a combination of my interest in the lyrics/melody but also for the fact that often we are what we see, hear and expose ourselves too.  And much like the song title of one of them states, I am doing my best to never 'stop believin'.... 

 

 

Do you remember when cellular phones were luxuries that were only in 'fancy' cars?  Do you remember when the internet first came about?  How about the first computer?  What about the day you could trade your glasses in for contacts?  And perhaps some of you remember when color television came out, followed later by DVDs and CDs.

 

It is fairly obvious that technology keeps getting stronger.  We are now living in a world where most all carry a cell phone (freaking out when we forget it of course) and trust on our email more than regular mail system.  Heck, I even remember days when collect calls were advertised to the extent that cell phone plans are today.  (Please tell me you remember those cooky commercials!)

 

Technology has made our lives more fast pace in a sense that we are able to achieve more things with the time we are given.  Whether it be for the good or bad.  (As surely there is signs of both being apparent and such discussion for another post).  But looking at the technological boom of recent, one can't help but wonder what "is next"?  Surely Bell wasn't thinking of cellular and international communications when he invented the telephone. 

 

So I suppose my question for you is....

 

What do you think the future of technology holds?  And how do you think it will effect the way we live our daily life? 

 

Also, as a sidenote of this topic, here is a quote from the classic, Back to the Future,

 

"Wait a minute, Doc, are you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?"  "Precisely."  "Woah, this is heavy."  "There's that word again; "heavy".  Why are things so heavy in the future?  Is there a problem with the earth's gravitational pull?"

Firstly, I must tell everyone a big "thanks!" for the birthday wishes!  I honestly feel that no word in the english language could properly describe the many events that occurred on that day.  Perhaps the closest I could relate the day to would be an extension of the analogy that I mentioned in my previous post.  Today was merely the opportunity for me to indulge in a smoothie, with a variety of flavors and feelings that went along with them!

 

I not only had the opportunity to share this day with my family but close friends as well.  And I felt so lucky to be able to share this day with those that are close to me. 

 

When I was a child, I know that this was the last thing that was on my mind.  Birthdays usually meant one thing: the party.  Who would I invite and what would the "theme" of the party be?  Minnie Mouse, Princesses, Disney...  This of course always provided a challenge for my mother who thought it was her duty to make the theme-based cake.  (And looking back, she actually did quite well!)

 

Yet now I am slowly reaching the point in which birthdays are more a time to be able to contact and talk to the ones that mean the most in your life.  Presents are not required, as a simple "Hi" is the best present in the world.  As in the big scheme of things, you are bound to remember the way you felt after a conversation more so than how you felt opening a gift. 

 

And this year I think I can honestly say that nothing could and can compare to the gift of the simple word "Hello".

Okay.  It certainly has been awhile since I have been able to properly write an entry or visit your wonderful spaces!  But it seems that time is passing faster than I can seem to grasp.  Finals and job expectations are seeming to fill every minute of the day that is not spent eating or sleeping.  And if anything I am more mentally exhausted than physically exhausted.

 

This past weekend, though it served as an early birthday celebration, was the ever reminder that life is a blender.  One that for brief moments is not moving, and you are enjoying whatever it is that you blended.  And other moments in which things are moving and changing so fast.  The next two months hold many "new adventures" for me.  Not only will yet another year of schooling be over, but two more moves (one out of my current living situation and the other helping my parents move into their new house). 

 

Though new adventures mean new challenges.  And surely these next two weeks will be full of them: two finals, closings, moving...  But the blender of life is one of "rough times" and of "good times".  We just need to hold out long enough to enjoy the smoothie that we are creating.  Then when the time comes to enjoy it, not stop, but keeping adding new things to try for the "next go around".

 

And surely happiness and celebration will find its way somewhere among all of this.  Well, for me at least, on Thursday it will... 

 

It seems that the further I progress in my studies, the more I am given the chance to engage in conversations dealing with "modern day topics"; not that the locker room gossip wasn't exciting in my younger years.  Of course through the course of time I have picked up a few "favorites" to discuss, but it seems lately I have been constantly returning to the question of: "How does our environment effect us?". 

 

If you haven't guessed it by now, I am from Utah.  Where it is not uncommon to see snow in June and shorts as soon as the temperatures rise above freezing.  Utah is home to the "Red Rock" Country, many a ski resort and who could forget the Trax train.  There isn't a Starbucks on every corner.  Rather, a Jamba Juice (smoothie place).  The infamous "Utahn accent" is proclaimed with our "Mount-en in Lay-en".  A "fun time" to most would be considered a night out with friends, probably to a bowling alley, movie theatre or a staying at a friends house playing games. 

 

I am used to this.  It is my environment, my culture, and it has shaped the way I live my life.  Sweaters in April (and June) are surely nothing new.  Though I may not have beaches, I have lakes and rivers to which I can adapt to (i.e. learn things associated with these.  Fishing, tubing, white water rafting...).  The mountains have allowed me to learn how to hike, observe and partake in the ocassional hunt. 

 

If I had lived in Cuba or even Cancun since I was born, do I think I would still be the same individual?  No.  Because if I were to live in either of those places, surely "snow" would be a foreign word to me and surfing one that I knew well.  (Well at least boogie boarding...)  The environment, though ideal in many ways, would change the way I lived my everyday life.  My dialect most likely would change, the way I carried about my daily activies as well as job pursuits I established for myself.  (It is much easier to obtain education in certain subjects in different areas...)

 

So no matter if you are enjoying sunsets under palm trees, watching the busy city life around you or enjoying the mountains; just think about it, would you still be who you are today had you of grown up in a different place/culture?

I have now had this space for well over a year now and believe that I have yet to fully describe the meaning behind my space's title.  As one can see from what I choose to use my blog for, I am not the typical "mischievious" person to the blind eye.  (Though typical here is somewhat relative.)

 

The intent behind my title was ideally a double sided effect.  Firstly, I believe that every person has a "bag of tricks" somewhere within them.  A silly or playful side that may or may not be expressed frequently.  Nevertheless though, it is still present.  I would like to think of each one of us as a magician.  One who gets to choose when, where and what "tricks" they show. 

 

Secondly, it seems that the world that we live in seeks uniformed opinions and lack of this so-called "freedom of speech".  So when we do try to engage in such activities, surely they could be considered mischievious at times.  But if there is one thing I have learned it is that "feather-ruffling" is a good thing most of the time.  And though I consider myself anything but a writer, I have found passionate interests in writing about the issues and "wonders" that fill the world.  Perhaps the inner scientist in me just wants to constantly "explore" and the female just wants to be tricky.

 

Suprisingly enough, women are considered the trickier of the two sexes.  I wonder why that is...  Perhaps someone will eventually enlighten me on that one.