tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26707894720566514162024-03-12T21:42:24.025-05:00I'll Take the StairsOne small step for ingenuity. One giant leap for inner peace.Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-72446980644764477712012-02-26T12:02:00.003-06:002012-02-26T12:05:23.327-06:00Great Song Lyrics: Part I<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I wanted to compile a list of some of my favorite song lyrics. As this is obviously non-comprehensive, I'm sure Part II will follow eventually. It also is not representative of all my favorite artists, just favorite lyrics. Because many great songs are obviously great <a href="http://youtu.be/k6kQT-tRwWc">without having great lyrics</a> (mmm, yeah that's what I'm talking about).</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>And just as a little note: you can visit my site, <a href="http://jessicamathisinc.com/">jessicamathisinc.com</a>, for more formal, well-thought out posts. Sort of.</b></div>
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">"Some like their water shallow, I like mine...<i>deep, so very deep.</i>"<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> -The Black Crowes, "Nonfiction"<br /><br /></b> </span></span></li>
<li>"We are not permanent, we're temporary, <i>temporary</i>. Same ole story." <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-The Foo Fighters, "The Pretender"</b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"Well, sooner or later the ground's gonna be holding all of my ashes, too.<b>"</b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />-The White Stripes, "300 MPH Torrential Outpour Blues"<br /><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></li>
<li>"Just keep me where the light is."<b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">-John Mayer, "Gravity"<br /><br /></span></b></li>
<li>"To lessen my troubles, I stopped hanging out with vultures--and empty saviors like you."<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-The Black Crowes, "Sometimes Salvation"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains; carried the cross of my shame. Oh, my shame. <i>You know I believe it. </i>But I still haven't found what I'm looking for."<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> <br />-U2, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"And I--I'm a little divided. Do I stay or run away? Leave it all behind." <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Foo Fighters, "Times Like These"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Yeah. Holy Water is rusting me." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-Soundgarden, "Holy Water"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Down crooked stairs and sideways glances comes the king of second chances. Now throw him in the FLAMES!" <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-Foo Fighters, "Bridges Burning"<br /><br /><br /> </b></span></li>
<li>"I mingle with the gods; I mingle with divinity." <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik" <br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li> "Cheat the odds that made you, baby try and gamble at times."<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-Black Crowes, "Jealous Again"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Words you say, never seem to end up like the ones inside your head; the lives we make, never seem to ever get us anywhere but dead"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> <br />-Soundgarden, "The Day I Tried to Live"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Damn the water if it's life you want to drink." <br />-<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Soundgarden, "Holy Water"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Innocence is heaven; innocence is hell." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-Stereophonics, "Jealousy"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"There were pictures and paintings of freaks like me." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />-Stereophonics, "Madame Helga"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older" <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Pink Floyd, "Time"</b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie."<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Bob Dylan, "Things Have Changed" </b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"And I might even find myself. But then again, what happens if I do?"<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Black Crowes, "Cursed Diamond"</b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"I'm not a martyr; I'm not a prophet"<br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Audioslave, "Cochise"<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I've got no patience now; so sick of complacence now."</span><b><br />-Rage Against the Machine, "Know Your Enemy<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li>"Used my inspiration for a guillotine."<br /><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">-Soundgarden, "Drawing Flies"</span></b><br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li>"Lately, I've been living in my head; the rest of me is dead. I'm dying for truth."<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Foo Fighters, "No Way Back"</b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"I'll tell another lie for you. Tell you what you wanna hear, but that don't make it true."<br />-<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stereophonics, "I'm Alright"</span></b><br /><br /></li>
<li>"Did you get to trade your heroes for ghosts?"<br />-<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"</span></b><br /><br /></li>
<li>"Some folks say she must be a Cadillac, but I say she must be a T-model Ford."<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-John Lee Hooker, "Katie Mae"</b></span><br /><br /></li>
<li>"There's nothing ever wrong, but nothing's every right."<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-Shinedown, "Burning Bright"</b></span></li>
</ul>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-19849289767821776842012-02-12T22:28:00.000-06:002012-02-25T17:51:14.741-06:00More Cliches and Why They SuckI am guilty of cliches, like I said in <a href="http://illtakethestairs.blogspot.com/2012/01/popular-cliches-and-why-they-suck.html">Part I</a>. I use some of these and sometimes; they can get the message across. But usually, there's a better, more powerful way to say exactly what you mean. We just get in the habit of saying the same old thing and it becomes ineffective.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Sleepless Nights</b> - This is a legitimate phrase that everyone says, including myself. But let's be honest here: you're almost always exaggerating. Exaggeration and hyperbole are great ways to be theatrical and dramatic sometimes, enhancing your point.. However, if you are telling the mother of a newborn baby that you've had "so many sleepless nights" since you started Chemistry class, you're not going to get much sympathy. I would use it sparingly.<b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>It's going to get better</b> - This phrase sucks when used alone. As a dependent clause though, it can work a little better. If I say it at all, I use it in conjunction with something else: "It's going to get better; you are working on finding another job, you're taking great care of your family. You just need to spend some time by yourself right now." By itself though...not helpful.<br /></li>
<li><b>You've gotta run before you can walk</b> - This is just illogical and ignorant. Of course you can't run before you walk. You can "hit the ground running", I suppose. So go with that cliche instead. I approve.<br /></li>
<li><b>Toe the line</b> - Contrary to popular belief, it isn't "tow the line". Because that would make sense. Instead, toe the line means to conform and follow the rules. Be on your best behavior, basically. I think of someone tip-toeing next to a boundary, tempting the possibility of crossing it. In principle, towing the line is still a nice, trite phrase to use, but because of the confusion, I would just say something else all together.<br /></li>
<li><b>Different day, same ole shit</b> - Different day, same ole cliche. This isn't clever or cool or edgy. For your information.<br /></li>
<li><b>You catch more flies with honey than vinegar </b>- I would say you catch more flies with disgusting, rotting cheese but whatever. If the metaphor is supposed to be that the flies will literally get stuck in the honey though, that's not very analogous to being nice so that you get niceness in return.<b></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Straight from the horse's mouth</b> - Well, who would believe anything a horse says?<br /></li>
<li><b>I trust them about as far as I can throw them</b> - Obviously, you're saying that you can't physically throw a person, therefore, you don't trust the person at all. Am I to then conclude that you trust babies since you can physically lift and throw them? <br /></li>
<li><b>The exception that proves the rule</b> - I have never liked this phrase and don't even understand how an exception can prove a rule. Seems like the very opposite to me. Even when there are exceptions, that's why they are called such--the rule applies to everything EXCEPT this one thing. It doesn't prove the rule though.<br /></li>
<li><b>It's not written in stone</b> - Yeah, actually, nothing is anymore. At least not for official documenting purposes. I suppose this would be appropriate if you were working on the engraving of a monumental statue. <br /></li>
<li><b>You've got egg on your face </b>- This is a lame way to say that you did something embarrassing or regretful. It's not descriptive or telling, and does a poor job of conveying the message. Also, I would love to have egg on my face because it's delicious.<br /></li>
<li><b>No bones about it</b> - Literally, until today, I never knew the actual meaning of this phrase because I've always seen it as a play on words (with a skeleton at halloween or in a documentary about boneless people). Or maybe I have always assumed it's a play on words because it has never made sense to me. The meaning is to not hesitate or to be bold and clear about what you say or do (apparently). It's a stupid way to say that you're being forthright. No one says forthright anymore. Say that instead! That would be anti-cliche.<br /></li>
<li><b>The buck stops here</b> - Well, what do you know: this phrase means that you are taking responsibility and not making any more excuses. Again, never knew the real meaning because people use it to be an intimidating, aggressive sentiment, like saying "I ain't takin' no more crap". In case you're wondering, it's derived from the term "pass the buck" (pass the blame) in poker and was made famous by President Truman. For sheer failure of usage and lack of clarity, I'm putting this on the list.<br /></li>
<li><b>Shoot the breeze</b> - I say this, but it's dumb. I know, I know. It's a cool, idiomatic expression to mean "just hanging out". But really, think about it: pure dumbness. Honestly, I say it simply because it does sound cool--I think of two old men, sitting on the front porch, in their rockers, holding a glass of whiskey and reminiscing about the war. <br /><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Shoot to Thrill</b> - Sorry, AC/DC. This one isn't cool. <br /></li>
<li><b>It's what's on the inside that counts</b> - Yeah, sure. Is that why you're working out so hard, watching your diet, buying really cute clothes, and wearing makeup? <br /></li>
<li><b>That's nothing to sneeze at</b> - Am I to deduce from this that there are things worth sneezing about? In all fairness, sneeze is derived from the Old English word "fneosan", which means to sneeze or snort. Thus implying that the possible truer meaning is "nothing to snort at", which makes a little more sense. However, that's not what the phrase's wording is now, so I can't excuse it.</li>
<br />
<li><b>I'm so hungry I could eat a horse</b> - I have never been this hungry. I know, that's the beauty of hyperbole, but if you're going to exaggerate, how about not using a big, ole, nasty farm animal. How about a house? Thereby removing all doubt that you might be exaggerating. </li>
</ul>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-9053503752574095472012-01-15T10:59:00.000-06:002012-01-16T21:56:32.870-06:00Popular Cliches and Why They SuckI use a lot of cliches. Sometimes, they are appropriate, but usually, they are overused and ineffective. Here is a sampling of some bad cliches that get under my skin. I bring logic, fierce wit, and of course a little self-righteousness, to tear these apart. <br />
<br />
<b>"Quitting Cold Turkey"</b> - Hey! I happen to like cold turkey.<br />
<br />
<b>"Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time." </b>- Well, people don't commit crimes because they don't think they can do the time. They commit them because they think they can get away with it.<br />
<br />
<b>"It's always darkest before the dawn." -</b> Sure, this means that it's going to get worse before it gets better, or brighter days are just around the corner, but factually, it's just as dark right before dawn as it is at any other time. Midnight, 2 AM, 4 AM--all the same amount of darkness.<br />
<br />
<b>"He's in a better place now." - </b>If you want to comfort a grieving friend, don't say this. It absolutely, 100% of the time does not help. A simple "I'm here for you" or "I love you so much" are appropriate.<br />
<br />
<b>"I'm so sorry for your loss."</b> - See above. It's just overused, even if you're being sincere. It will automatically come across as being the exact opposite. Say the same thing only differently, "My deepest sympathy to you and yours; may he rest in peace." That's a little better. Actually, it's better to offer a meal or a hand around the house than words. A hug is nice, too.<br />
<br />
<b>"I could care less." </b>- Actually, you couldn't. If you're truly that apathetic, you are already at your lowest level of caring. But more likely, you have been obsessing, thinking, and talking about whatever has you upset for a long time, which really seems contrary to the idea that you could or couldn't care less. Hey, I'm guilty of it, too. But these are the facts behind the words.<br />
<br />
<b>"Have a good day!"</b> - Retail employees are admonished to say it, cordial co-workers feel obligated to say it, loved ones automatically say it. We all say it; but do we mean it? Even if you do, the weight of your intent is trumped by the triteness of your expression. Surely there's a better way to show concern and interest in the general and daily well-being of someone who is most likely a complete stranger. Although none are as succinct and easy to say. I see the dilemma now.<br />
<br />
<b>"It's plain to see."</b> - If one more poem or song uses this, I will simply have to kill someone. Although, what bearing does their ineffective word usage have on me? None. But words are all I have. Well, that and mac and cheese. God forbid we run out of mac or cheese.<br />
<br />
<b>"It takes one to know one."</b> - No, it just takes an intelligent, keen observer. Idiot.<br />
<br />
<b>"I was told"</b> - This is less of a cliche and more of just an overused, annoying phrase that I hear a lot, especially at work. It takes the blame and responsibility off your shoulders by passively re-directing the source of your actions or thoughts. Usually said when just proven wrong or presented with something contrary to what you think to be true. It makes it sound like someone else should be responsible for what you do or believe, which is totally inaccurate, as long as people still have capable minds and free will. Just say "so and so taught me this way" (source of your knowledge) or "I interpreted it this way". Take responsibility.<br />
<br />
<b>"It goes without saying."</b> - Who has ever, EVER said this in the history of all mankind and language without still saying?<br />
<br />
<b>"I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not."</b> - None of the people who quote this actually mean it. It's usually insecure high school girls who are trying to justify the fact that some idiot guy ignores her. I'm just going to stop there because I could dissect this one for paragraphs.<br />
<br />
<b>"Good things come to those who wait."</b> - Not always. Usually, good things come to those who lie, cheat, and steal. But in the interest of being more positive: good things come to those who try hard, work toward their goals, and actually put forth a daily effort into what they want to accomplish. Mediocre things come to those who wait. Or nothing at all comes to those who wait. I could go on.<br />
<br />
<b>"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."</b> - So, if my boss is being irrational or ignorant (let's just say), I'm supposed to...go make lemonade? Or, instead of being a smart ass, I'm supposed to "take the good and take the bad" and just "make the most of it"? I can't solve this without using more cliches! My solution is to just to get a different job. I guess that would be like taking the lemons and throwing them at your boss? I don't know, I suck at making metaphors.<br />
<br />
<b>"Three's a crowd" </b>- I always thought that was a good thing. You know, "the more the merrier". But whatever. I don't exactly like a crowd, but if someone says to me, upon my joining their twosome, "three's a crowd", I'd be like, "alright, we're set then!"<br />
<br />
<b>"Keep your nose to the grindstone."</b> - Ew. That sounds gruesome.<br />
<br />
<b>"A watched pot never boils."</b> - Well sure it does. Your triteness does not affect science. Come up with a better way to say "be patient" or "find something productive to do while you wait". How about, "be patient" or "find something productive to do while you wait"? Should I re-phrase this in the form of another metaphor? I already told you I'm no good at them.<br />
<br />
<b>"Dead as a doornail."</b> - Alliteration aside, this is irrelevant because doornails are neither alive nor dead because they are inanimate objects. How about "dead as a dead person"? Oh, I guess that doesn't have quite the same analogical component since you're comparing death to death. Welp, I've got nothing then.<br />
<br />
<b>"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - </b>You'd actually just float in the continuum of space, but I see your point. Metaphorically though this is poor because if you're desiring to become a doctor and you don't make good enough grades, you'll likely just end up in a nursing home wiping butts. Does that sound like the stars to you?<br />
<br />
<b>"Rules are made to be broken."</b> - If you're an anarchist, you may be able to rationalize this one. Even if you're just a rebellious teenager, you might say this to justify breaking into a teacher's desk to get test answers. But anyone who actually makes rules does not want them to be broken. To get away from the judicial system, congress, police men, and corporate America, I'll use a more local example: family. You do not make rules for your children so that they may be broken. You may understand that they will be broken, but there will be ramifications; you do not set the rules in hopes that they will be broken. Only punk rockers and hackers use this cliche seriously.<br />
<br />
<b>"The bottom fell out." </b>- This is a poor euphemism for raining because, to us, the sky is the top. Would it not make just as much sense to say, "the top fell through"?<br />
<br />
<b>"You only live once."</b> - And what about those who believe in reincarnation? Do they say, "well, we're gonna get a do-over if we screw this up."?<br />
<br />
<b>"The greatest thing since sliced bread."</b> - Oh, so nothing that has been invented since sliced bread is worthy enough to replace this expression? It's been 100 years. I'm pretty sure we can move on.<br />
<b><br />"Winning isn't everything."/"It's not who wins or loses, it's how you play the game."</b> - False. Winning is the entire point of playing. If you wanted to just exercise your skills, go practice. Hippie.<br />
<br />
<b>"Today is my Friday."</b> - Again, false. Today is your Thursday, just like everyone else; you just took Friday off. Is it not as exciting to say, "I'm off tomorrow!"? Sounds exciting to me.<br />
<br />
<b>"It's all hunky dory."</b> - This just annoys me. I'm sorry, there's no other reason that really makes this bad, unless you include the fact that "hunky dory" sounds like it should be a synonym for incredibly dorky. Well, there you go, now there's more to it than my sheer annoyance.<br />
<br />
<b>"White in color."</b> - Describing a shirt, a car, a house, any object that you might want to describe, by saying the color and then saying "in color" is wasteful and stupid. You don't sound smarter and you don't sound more descriptive. "It's a red 1999 Pontiac Sunfire." Well, yes, red is a color, but I'm having trouble understanding if you mean that it's red in color or in diameter. Please specify.<br />
<br />
<span class="status">CPBK9RB43F7Z </span>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-50545721103869667002012-01-06T18:57:00.000-06:002012-02-04T17:05:09.444-06:00A Single Woman's Rant on Stupid Girls, Men, and SettlingProven fact: women are needy, desperate creatures that are completely dependent on having a man in order to function. I find it sad to see girls settling for some douchebag just so they won't be alone. They go from man to man, afraid to be single, unable to comprehend concepts like "self-worth" and "respect". Psh, who needs that when you have the warm indifference of a guy you've been dating for three days? I feel for these girls, but I'm also angry for them. Really? You're going to marry some chump that acts like an ass to you in front of his friends or has nothing interesting to say? "Oh, but he can be sweet." Yes, he can also be a condescending, insensitive, emotionless bastard and he doesn't understand at all what you need.<br />
<br />
What does a girl need? Well, let me be the first to say that there are a few basics: personal integrity, honesty, attentiveness, kindness, sensitivity to people's feelings. I would like all these qualities, please, along with a sense of humor, good looks, and the acceptance that we are two equal people (not that I belong in the kitchen). I sometimes think that my standards are too high, but let me tell you something, if you're feeling the same way: they're not. We deserve everything we could want in a man and we shouldn't have to settle for anything less. How come other women don't feel the same? How come they do settle? Are they that afraid to be alone? I wish girls would take more pride in themselves and what they can get in a man. I know they got a good bargain on their model, but there are better values out there.<br />
<br />
Why is it so hard? Why are all the good ones taken? Hell, why are the crappy ones taken? I don't know what has perpetuated the cycle of whiney, arrogant man-babies and the hoard of insecure, dependent girls, but it's pissing me off. I'm frustrated when all the guys I'm attracted to reject me and when all the guys who want me don't quite have the chemistry I'm looking for (or x, y, and z, for that matter). Sure, I stick to my principles and never settle, but it's hard not to get down on yourself and feel incredibly lonely.<br />
<br />
I see the couples in Barnes and Noble, with their matching thrift store flannel shirts and their edgy hair cuts and Buddy Holly glasses. I see them in Target with their 4 kids and their buggy full of cereal and smug happiness. I see them in Walmart with their pound of pork and their missing teeth, and I think, "why can't I have that?" I want pork love, too. <br />
<br />
My main point though is that most women seem to settle. We all knew these girls in high school: high need for attention, always had a boyfriend, totally insecure about their appearance even though they were beautiful. Devastated after each break-up, she found her comfort in the next boyfriend's arm and only feigned confidence while she was on his arm. It's offensive to all of womanhood and those of us who aren't like that.<br />
<br />
To those of you who break the mold, kick a lot of ass, and have a mind of your own, I salute you. To those who are insecure, unsure what their opinions are, and in constant need of the love and affection of males, I pity you. I may despise your ways, but really, at the heart of it, you're just a lost, scared, mindless person. I wish I could set you free, but that's your decision, one you likely won't ever make.<br />
<br />
For those of us who are changing the face of womanity, let's be an inspiration. Keep on being you, ladies. And don't ever settle!Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-3947721292608408692012-01-01T11:01:00.000-06:002012-01-01T21:49:51.974-06:00Grown Up Thoughts on Nick Jr. ProgrammingAfter a year of watching Nick Jr, I can't help but being analytical and critical of the shows and their storylines. I get bored. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmgBRN91VhA/Tv-gdaS-l_I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Eq2ZWw75gFA/s1600/max+and+ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmgBRN91VhA/Tv-gdaS-l_I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Eq2ZWw75gFA/s200/max+and+ruby.jpg" width="200" /></a>
1.<u><b> Max and Ruby's parents are never around. </b></u>Sure, their grandmother is sometimes, but generally, they run amuck all by themselves. Also, Ruby has a tendency to be negative and discouraging to her little brother. Someone needs to parent her.</div>
<ol>
</ol>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pOnJVghwLU/Tv-ijwtwQxI/AAAAAAAAAQI/jwvroYc4a_0/s1600/the-backyardigans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pOnJVghwLU/Tv-ijwtwQxI/AAAAAAAAAQI/jwvroYc4a_0/s200/the-backyardigans.jpg" width="200" /></a>2. <u><b>The Backyardigans are legitimately cool. </b></u>For the songs alone, this show is enjoyable for adults. Their version of the "12 Days of Christmas" was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vBiChj6Rf8" target="_blank">surprisingly amazing</a>. And don't try to crush my review by saying it's autotuned and studio formulated. Of course it is! But it's still wonderfully crafted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djhNapBKY2g/TwEUCIxGfZI/AAAAAAAAARA/DOOaAQiIYVg/s1600/wonder+pets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djhNapBKY2g/TwEUCIxGfZI/AAAAAAAAARA/DOOaAQiIYVg/s200/wonder+pets.jpg" width="200" /></a>3. <b><u>How can Lenny of <i>The Wonder Pets</i> be a girl?</u></b> I appreciate that this female character is the leader of the group and does not adhere to typical female stereotypes like wearing pink or being cutesy and girly, but at the same time, Lenny (the hamster) is a little butch. It's sending confusing messages.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTfV3W9Y9x8/TwETSS7mB6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/LPJ4F7Ci6so/s1600/team+umizoomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTfV3W9Y9x8/TwETSS7mB6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/LPJ4F7Ci6so/s200/team+umizoomi.jpg" width="200" /></a>4.<b><u>Team Umizoomi could probably get more done if they would stop screwing around.</u></b> It seems that in every episode I see, the team stops so often to practice their math skills or learn shapes that they get critically sidetracked from their mission. It's just bad time management skills. Umifail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl8w_6-hx0o/TwEjZz_hLjI/AAAAAAAAARM/zHgzgnGkxXc/s1600/yo+gabba+gabba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl8w_6-hx0o/TwEjZz_hLjI/AAAAAAAAARM/zHgzgnGkxXc/s320/yo+gabba+gabba.jpg" width="320" /></a>5. <u><b>There is no one that could appear on <i>Yo Gabba Gabba</i> that would surprise me.</b></u> I don't care if it's Mike Tyson or Charlie Sheen or the Pope. They've already had Jack Black, the Roots, and My Chemical Romance, to name a few. Guest starring is a good career move for anyone and everyone loves this show. Personally, I find all of the characters annoying (they are over the top and just obnoxious), save for the one human, DJ Lance Rock. It takes a real secure black man to play a DJ on a kid's show.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cil9AF8-ISE/TwElG9lCQ1I/AAAAAAAAARY/9CGcS0D5K08/s1600/steve+and+joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cil9AF8-ISE/TwElG9lCQ1I/AAAAAAAAARY/9CGcS0D5K08/s320/steve+and+joe.jpg" width="320" /></a>6. <u><b></b><b>Without Steve, <i>Blue's Clues</i> is straight crap.</b></u> Steve was a total dork. But he was so genuine and so good at the role. Joe is just plain retarded. No offense out there. It's just, I don't believe him; I can tell he's acting. And he's being a condescending ass most of the time, not a true child-like, sincere person like Steve. By the way, Steve never overdosed on drugs or anything. <a href="http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/bluesclues.asp" target="_blank">He voluntarily quit in 2002.</a><br />
<br />
And there you have it. Just a few things that go through my mind, unstopped, while watching sweet, educational children's shows. I smell a sequel.Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-14683793056278432592011-12-29T23:10:00.001-06:002011-12-30T18:14:37.931-06:00How to Not Be An IdiotIt is not the smartest thing that I've done: composing a blog entry on a weekday night, when I have my alarm set for 5 am and my son will be up at 1 am to unnecessarily suckle at my teat (he's almost 1; the jig is up). So, the irony surrounding this entry's topic of how to not be an idiot is quite delicious. Let me educate you on this topic from my personal first-hand experience, as well as that of others. Because I know you don't want to be an idiot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">How to Not Be An Idiot </span></b></u></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Speak and Write English CORRECTLY</b></i> - This is the number one way to not be an idiot. Even seemingly smart people can look moronic by confusing "your" with "you're". Other popular offenses include incorrect use of "its" vs "it's", the baffling three-way puzzler of "there", "their" and "they're", saying that you "seen" something yesterday, when really, you "saw" it, and apostrophe misusage that is off the charts (no, I don't want 2 slice's of pizza; I want 2 slices...). If English is your first language, it seems to me that you should have a working knowledge of it past 7th grade. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Stop Being Oblivious</i></b> - Whether you're a pedestrian or a vehicilist, taking a mere second or two to scan an entire area prior to changing directions and cutting someone else off can do wonders. Now this may detract from changing the music on your radio/IPod, or from texting your hot man slice, or even thinking for a millisecond that the world doesn't revolve around you, but I promise it will just be a second. Realizing that others are around you before wildly pulling a cart out at the super market or before moseying out in front of 19 cars that are leaving the parking lot will make you seem much more decent and kind. And not an idiot.</li>
<li><b><i>Traffic Etiquette </i></b>- You most likely don't have enough room to pull out in front of me on the highway. I'm doing 50. You're doing zero. You suck at math. "Reasonable distance" has become far too subjective and if I have to put on my brakes to keep from rearending you, then it's not reasonable. Of course, you don't know that because once you pulled out, you don't so much as glance at your mirror to see me nearly careen into the back of your Lexus. But that's another reason I'm writing this--Public Service Announcement. Now you know that I'm not honking my horn to say hello. I'm honking to say that you're a dick.</li>
<li><i><b>Know When to Stop</b></i> - This may fall more under the category of "How to Not Be Annoying", but being annoying is often synonymous with being an idiot. If you've been told you possibly talk too much; if you constantly get shot down for dates because you're creepy; if you consistently bomb when you tell jokes; or you have been put in jail numerous times for the same offense, then you should probably stop. Stop all of that idiocy. Learn your biggest weakness, whether it's a minor faux pau or an actual crime, and put a cap on it. Really, being annoying is synonymous with being an idiot. My annoying habit? Writing lists about how much I hate stuff.</li>
<li><b><i>Don't Talk Out of Your Butt</i></b> - You probably don't realize it, but you don't know everything. Disputing every fact that anyone states or randomly giving out information you believe to be correct is not only annoying, but it's really stupid. Nobody likes that. Know-it-all is pretty much a fancy term for idiot. The worst part is that you always think you really are right. There is no arguing for the sake of arguing or simply sharing information. You actually believe with all your heart and mind that you are right about any and every topic. The reality is that people very adamantly disagree with you all the time and very often prove you wrong. For some reason though, you don't get the hint--and no one likes you. Unless you have an actual source to quote or something right in front of you, consider prefacing your stories with "I think..." or "I'm not entirely sure, but I believe" or "I may be wrong, but". You'll be more likable! And less of an idiot.<br /><br />I am stopping at five entries for fear of seeming too negative and angry. A little bitter sarcasm never hurt anyone! Oh, sure it has, but no time for semantics. The blog entry is ending! Who says entry? I'm so unhip. Well, I hope this has been educational and fun. I know it has been writing it. Peace.<br /> </li>
</ul>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-9956585838079204102011-12-25T17:39:00.000-06:002011-12-25T17:39:59.248-06:00Platitudes and Parenthood<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> May 8th, 2010.</i></span> I unceremoniously peed on a stick that Saturday morning. I had received a negative response not even a week before and only took another one to satisfy the skepticism of my family. Without anticipation or eagerness, I routinely held the test out. I expected nothing. However, a mere ten seconds into my wait, the word "PREGNANT" flashed onto the screen. It might as well have said Complete Utter Devastation, but I don't think that would have fit. Shocked and horrified, I ran out to the front yard of my dad and step-mom's house (leaving the toilet unflushed) and, in tears, embraced my family. What about my life? What about what I want to do? Why did this happen? Why me? This isn't fair! As I sobbed uncontrollably, my dad and step-mom stopped setting up their yard sale to comfort me. My dad broke the somber moment: "Is that pee on the stick?"<br />
<br />
Some 19 months later, I have the happiest, sweetest, cutest boy and through the tears, messes, diapers, breastfeeding ups and downs, inexplicable screaming fits, and thousands of dollars, I have come out the other side surprisingly okay. Alex will be 1 year old on January 8th and I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Baby's first year is basically like mommy boot camp. I think I survived okay. He's taught me patience, unconditional love, and the joy of simple things. I've taught him peek-a-boo.<br />
<br />
As a parent, you give up a lot. I gave up 3 inch pumps, sleeping all night, my own apartment, and sometimes, showering. I wanted to go to school, in addition to working, and live a fulfilling life of travel, philanthropy, writing, and lots and lots of music. I was going to learn Spanish and take guitar lessons. Get my Masters. Move to California. I had a grand to-do list and a child wasn't on it.<br />
<br />
Instead of pursuing all these things full force and living a rich, romantic, selfish life, I now look forward to the biggest, most sincere grin of a loving, sweet child at the end of a long day. I cuddle with him at night as we're falling asleep. I see the look of wonder on his face as he learns how to turn the TV on and off. The look of mischief as he races up the stairs, but pauses long enough to see if I've noticed. The intense concentration as he flexes his motor skills. I gave up my dream life, but I wouldn't trade the one I got for anything.<br />
<br />
For all you soon-to-be parents and those who want a family some day, it's everything you hear. It's awful and wonderful. You fall in love with them as newborns, you overcome the hard days, you learn a lot along the way. You will hear the same trite expressions over and over. The same words of wisdom will be repeated often. Nothing ever prepares you (that's another one) and sometimes you just have to do what you think is right, not what your mom or the Doctor or the book says. The good thing though is that it's a daily thing. You don't have to learn 18 years worth of knowledge in 9 months of pregnancy. That's also the horrible part. I'm a big "learn it all in advance" kind of person. Read the instructions, figure it out before doing it. Another thing Alex has taught me: spontaneity. Live in the moment. It's better that way. You can't control a child, anyway. You can only guide them.<br />
<br />
Well, I've still got about 17 years--and the rest of his life. I still want to purse all the other goals and dreams that I have, but I'm a mom now, and Alex comes first. And that's just the way I like it.Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com0Spring Hill, TN, USA35.751179 -86.930002335.699633 -87.0089663 35.802725 -86.8510383tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-20788978363091287582011-12-11T20:32:00.001-06:002011-12-24T20:51:17.834-06:00The Will: All About Willpower<br />
"People do not lack strength; they lack will." <b>Victor Hugo</b><br />
<br />
This essentially sums up the entire point I'm about to make. You may be emotionally toughened by life's harsh realities, by many-a trampled heart, by too-soon tragedies, but my friend, your mental fortitude to do or not do something severely lacks. In short, your will power sucks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In general, the will to do something could be the same as wanting to do something. However, they are technically very different. You may want to have a cleaner house, you may want to stop smoking, you may want to start exercising, but you lack the motivation, the energy, the time. All excuses. What you really lack is the true fervor and inner zest to push yourself beyond the unpleasantness and mental blockades to actually do it. I even use "want" in a loose, slangish sense because I believe that you don't truly want to do any of these things. You feel like you need to; you feel obligated. You want it on some level, but you don't want it the way you want to sit down with a slice of pizza and watch TBS for two and a half hours or the way that you troll facebook until 2 AM.<br />
<br />
It is a scientifically-proven fact that humans are lazy, complacent, and love to whine. When we fall into a rut or find ourselves in the all-too familiar patterns of every day existence, the real question, when faced with the possible reality that we must change, is this: do we REALLY want something or do we simply desire it or lust for it in some part of brains, much the way we desire to one day drive a Ferrari, but know we never will. <br />
<br />
You understand the benefits of a clean house, of not smoking, of being in shape. You think these things all sound good and picture yourself having a better life because of it. However, you do not think you are in the "right place" in your life to make that change yet, i.e. you do not feel like putting in the effort to further think about it and motivate yourself to actually do it. You are too tired today. You have to think about it more and you'll do that later. You have to do x, y, z first. You are either afraid of change, a huge procrastinator, or just a big ole coward. <br />
<br />
Not to judge; I say most of this in light-hearted jest. But the sentiment is still true to a degree, even non-maliciously. People do what they really do want to do, even if that means the bare minimum, mediocre, half-baked life of crap. This is not to say that you suck ass because you don't have a 6 figure job or because you didn't go to college. This is to say you are lame for saying you want to change when you clearly do not.<br />
<br />
It starts with the true will to do something. You truly want to change. You are ready to invest the time and energy and mental fortitude into something. If you're not sure or you crumble under the pressure or you keep putting it off, you are too weak at the moment. But if you are fed up with your situation and passionately seek to change, at whatever cost, putting it as your top priority, then you really are ready for a change! But you have to want it on all levels of your subconscious and in all parts of that little brain--not just the unattainable dreams, put-it-off-until-later part. <br />
<br />
I've done this a thousand times and I've been through both phases. For instance, I want to clean out the garage and go through my room, to clean out, organize, and get rid of crap. I want it eventually, but I know I'm not ready to. I don't complain about it everyday, whine about it on FB, or berate myself for putting it off. I simply don't want to do it right now, but I do want it. Going to school while trying to work 45 hours a week (or more), raise an infant, and get a decent amount of sleep at night is something I want more than anything. I have the will to do it. No matter what, I have made time for it. Whether or not I'm succeeding is a subjective analysis and should be considered separately, but still, the point is that I have the will to do it.<br />
<br />
If you are at a similar place in life where you want to make changes, but you're not quite at that level, ask yourself why you're hesitant. Do you not want to invest the time? Do you not have the resources yet? If you figure out why you can't or don't want to do it at this exact time, figure out what the next step would be (getting a better or second job to save up more money, pay off some debt first, etc). Or you could entirely re-focus your priorities with things that you can accomplish right now--getting up at 6 instead of 8 to work out in the mornings, taking up a hobby or class to supplant your loneliness and boredom, writing in a journal to get in touch with your feelings because you're taking out your repressed bitterness on everyone.<br />
<br />
You don't have to do everything. You don't have to change the world or even change yourself. Nobody said you have to. But if you're feeling in a rut and you whine constantly about all the stuff you need to do, think about what you truly want, not just what you feel you must do. Re-focus your priorities and you will usually figure out what you actually have the will to do. Maybe you should simply focus on getting enough rest and eating right, if you're feeling that stressed out. I've been there--no time for shower or shopping or washing baby's bottles, mama needs to eat a whole meal and go to SLEEP. If you prioritize, it will come. And by it, I mean will. Then things will change.<br />
<br />
<span class="sqq" style="color: black;">“Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.” Walter Russell</span>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com0Spring Hill, TN, USA35.751179 -86.930002335.699633 -87.0089663 35.802725 -86.8510383tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-39643439449580220162011-11-24T15:39:00.001-06:002011-11-25T01:00:14.274-06:00Not Every WomanAs Whitney once sang, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7_sqdkaAfo" target="_blank">"I'm Every Woman, It's All in Me". </a>Women have their own opinions, beliefs and choices. They even have rights, apparently. The women's movement that caught fire in the 60s has evolved over the years from an eye-opening event to one of innovation and discovery to a place of acceptance and challenge. Now, it sort of blends into the background. Yeah, we have the choice, the legal rights, and the brains, but we don't use them. 50 years of liberation and women want to use their sexual prowess and feminine wiles to get ahead instead of sheer will and hard work, or worse--they lose sight of any hopes and dreams once they get married and/or knocked up. Yuck.<br />
<br />
We could argue that women have barely even made progress--that we still make less money than men, that we still are over-represented in many fields (teacher, therapist, social worker, secretary, nurse) and under-represented in others (coaching jobs, construction, CEO), that there are still sexist undertones in the gender roles of movie and TVs, that Disney and Nickelodean are sending the wrong message to kids. But the real problem here is women themselves.<br />
<br />
We don't respect ourselves enough as a collective womanhood. We do not make good choices for ourselves. We do not have self-confidence and we do not not have minds of our own.<br />
<br />
Whether we did not have a daddy or did not have a mommy, growing up without the attention and acceptance of one of your parents is bound to screw up a female. It will make her insecure, constantly longing for the affections of a partner and her peers. It will make her want to hide behind makeup and glamorous clothing, try risky things, and generally act out for attention. Parents are extremely crucial to proper development of self-esteem and the psyche. Also, puberty and hormones have been proven to have the same effect. It's just biology, not sexism, that women are more insecure, more emotional, and have more psychological issues. I'll admit I'm guilty of it and that I've witnessed it; to deny otherwise is just foolish, not chauvinist. <br />
<br />
These insecurities lead us women to behave like morons. Once we hit 18, we are all over the club scene. Mini-skirts, stilettos, plastered-on cake face. Getting drunk, having sex, smoking, driving recklessly, hanging with the wrong crowd. Our lives briefly mean nothing and we'll pass out anywhere, throw up on anyone, dance on anything, and kiss anybody. Living every weekend like you're part of Motley Crue is not the way to show that you're a confident, smart, ambitious and focused young woman. When you're insecure and seeking the validation of others and, really, yourself, you make poor choices, do stupid, regrettable things with so-called friends, and generally act much more moronic than you are capable of being. It's a waste of brain space to behave like this on a consistent basis. Come on, girls. We're better than this.<br />
<br />
The supermodels in magazines, our own gorgeous, but catty peers, and critical bitches at work or in the media make us feel bad about ourselves. If you grew up with someone who always had a comment about your outfit or your hair, then you are twice as likely to feel bad about yourself. But don't push all the blame off on the world just yet. We need to realize, as a group of women, that we are responsible for our actions and our reactions. Someone may have put you down, but you don't have to stay there. Realizing our own self-worth and our own beauty, strengths, and capabilities should be our number one task for feeling good. Do you have beautiful eyes? Do you think you have killer hips? Do your legs have a fantastic shape? Is your smile great? Physically, we all have at least a few desirable traits. We all know that looks do matter and if you feel fat or just plain ugly, then you are going to be down on yourself all the time. However, you can take responsibility of those feelings by focusing on what you do love and how you can change what you don't like.<br />
<br />
For instance, I complain about not being at my pre-baby weight. Well, I eat pizza and cake and don't exercise so why would I expect to be at my pre-baby weight? I am going to make a point to do the yoga DVDs in my room or start taking walks with my son. I also have a problem feeling self-conscious about my appearance. Simple solution: oil-control foundation, cheap eyeliner, and mascara. My wardrobe is looking worn-out and outdated, so I am buying a piece or two of apparel every few weeks. I'm taking the steps and taking action. It makes me feel so much better. Complacency and bitching do nothing to change your circumstance!<br />
<br />
We women also need to understand how to develop our personalities and opinions. This goes beyond just developing the ability to talk at parties or giving your thoughts on the latest war or American Idol episode. It's about your hobbies, your passions, your goals. What do you want to be defined by? Who are you? What are you good at? Hanging out with friends and doing what they want because you want to be liked is absolutely and completely fine. But letting it become you is not. If you want a degree or you want to be a massage therapist, stay your ass in school. If you want to be a singer, work on your vocals and song-writing abilities. If you want to work at McDonalds for 24 years, then keep smoking pot and drinking every night and living with your mom. This generally goes for everyone, but girls really get caught up in peer-pressure and boyfriends and tend to follow the crowd, ending up wherever they land instead of where they truly want to go. My advice is to pick up a camera and become an amateur photographer; sign up for a blog on Blogger; become a mentor for younger kids; start getting arty with paint or pencil. Do anything and everything to stimulate your mind and your interests--and when you find something, don't let go. <br />
<br />
Women lose sight of themselves, and not just in high school. They only want to find a man, settle down, and have kids. Their life's dream is to just get a husband or a baby. They have no thoughts, goals, or passions--their life is just one big unfulfilling crap bag until they have a man to give it meaning. Or a baby. They'd rather do diapers and Elmo and pureed meats than college, careers, or creativity. Which is fine--I'm not knocking a woman who wants to be a housewife. Not the idea in of itself. It's just the idea of a woman who gives up on herself because she shouldn't have to think anymore or be a real human being because she "has a man"...or a kid. Women lose themselves for men and babies, or worse, never develop in the first place. The result is a weak woman and personally, I don't want you representing my gender.<br />
<br />
No brains, no thoughts, no personality. It's boring, offensive, and it pisses me off.<br />
<br />
Final topic: I know I'm not like every woman. Maybe it's because I had a strong male role model, maybe it's because my grandmother was a stubborn, hard-headed lady and I got those genetics, or maybe it's because I was homeschooled and I'm a little, tiny bit off in the head. Whatever the reason, I'm not a barbie doll clone. I'm not dying for the affection and approval of anyone except myself (and I fail a lot). I can be self-conscious but I'm never insecure and I know exactly my passions, hopes, and dreams. I can fall in with my friends a lot and get lost in the excitement of the moment, but I always come back around to me and I make sure my personality shines regardless. I fell in love once and I'll never lose myself like that again. I don't even know if I want a compromise; I want a man that I can be the man of. Hey, if they can do it and admit it, why can't I? I want to be the Alpha dog! I'm also not changing my last name. At all. No hyphen, no nothing. Because that's my last name, my identity and to compromise half of that is losing the entire battle in my opinion. Why are women so excited to lose their identity and adopt another one? You don't see any man giving his last name up. They don't call that hard-headed, crazy, stupid, or whatever else (words I've been called for it). They call it tradition.<br />
<br />
Traditions can kiss my ass. My name is Jessica and I'm the new woman.Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com0Moultrie, GA, USA31.179908 -83.789063131.071229000000002 -83.9469916 31.288587 -83.63113460000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670789472056651416.post-9103359033262455892011-10-14T14:37:00.000-05:002011-10-30T12:48:42.152-05:00I Am A Stairway<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:enableopentypekerning/> <w:dontflipmirrorindents/> <w:overridetablestylehps/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Actually, I’m Jessica, to be perfectly literal. Well, to be perfectly literal, I am a homosapien, female, Caucasian, but I digress.<br /><br />I am a lot of things and honestly I don’t know where to start. I feel like the first sentence or two you use to describe yourself says a lot about you, the most about you, really. And maybe that says a lot about me right there—I want to do things right and those things that I do right mean a lot to me. I’m passionate. I’m also motivated and I have a lot of ambitions. I want to blog and write a column for a living. Eh, make that, as a second job/hobby. What I actually want to do for a living is help the victims of child abuse and prevent new victims. I’m trying to volunteer more in my spare time (wherever that is) for helping those victims. If you love something, do it for free. Similarly, I’m writing this blog and I’m pursuing a few other avenues in regards to writing because I also love doing that, in any format.<br /><br />Ah, my two big dreams. It’s not an end-goal fulfillment type thing. I should re-define my definition of a dream for you: it’s something I want to live out, continuously. Even as I’m writing this, I am living out that dream. My ongoing, every day desire is to be happy and content. Simple motto: if it makes you happier, do it; if it makes you less happy, don’t do it. Writing and volunteering make me happy. If I don't become a famous blogger or columnist and if I don't own my own child abuse prevention agency, I will still be happy by still being in those industries in some way or another. Another revelation: realizing that everything you do IS your choice, even if you feel that it wasn’t. I’m choosing to work my corporate job because I don’t want all my bills to go to collections, I don’t want my car repo’d, I don’t want my phone shut off! And then there’s my son, who I went two paragraphs without mentioning. I have the most beautiful, precious son. I love him with every piece of my heart, and even though my long-term plan was not to have a child, settle down, and raise a family, I still give him every part of me and want the very best for him because I did fall in love with him and I am going to raise him with love and care like he deserves. Back to my original point, I’m choosing to work a job that isn’t my career choice. I’m choosing to live with my dad, since I am a single mom with absolutely no help of any kind from the baby’s father. I do not define myself as a 23 year old single mom living with her dad. I define myself as a passionate, ambitious career-focused young woman who is dedicated to helping child abuse victims, getting her sociology masters degree, and writing whenever and whatever she can. Sounds better, yes?<span style="mso-no-proof: yes"> </span><br /><br />I think people are full of excuses. I think people are lazy shits. I think people like to be complacent and/or miserable. I think people are all talk. I admire the stupid CEOs and dumbass executives I worked for, because they did something in their lives to get in that corporate office--made an investment, took a risk, sacrificed something important, spent a lot of time and money on an education and skills-training. And the little slumdog poor folk working for them are just mindless drones—unless you have a big idea or a big passion and realize that your job is just a stepping stone, you are going to get stuck working for the very man that you supposedly hate. That’s not my dream, to live out someone else's! It’s only temporary for me and others may curse those guys, and hell, I do, too, but at the same time I can admire them. We are lucky to live in a damn capitalist society, bad as it can be sometimes, where we actually have the freedom to build our own businesses and become </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:enableopentypekerning/> <w:dontflipmirrorindents/> <w:overridetablestylehps/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">entrepreneurs</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">. As someone who has big goals, I can appreciate that. Funny how the people who work for successful business men will curse their boss, yet they fawn over guys like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.<br /><br />I think that my personal destination and my success it totally dependent on me. I have to make it happen, I have to make the effort, I have to take the next step. I don’t want to take the easy way out, take shortcuts, cheat, or do anything else that would not only belittle the value of what I’ve accomplished, but would cheapen the taste of victory. It’s like taking the escalator. Easy way out. I want the real thing. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. I want everything that I’ve dreamed of. I don’t use the word impossible. I really don’t. And I don’t quit or give up if something is too hard. If I want something, I will find a way to get it. If I “stop trying”, it’s because I just don’t like something or don't want it anymore! The beauty of success and of passion is that it’s pure, unadulterated energy and potential. And it really is all inside you. The key though is believing that and staying committed to what you want to achieve.<br /><br />I believe it. And that’s why I’m taking the stairs. <br /> </span>Jessica Mathishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509303823596918608noreply@blogger.com0