Day 22: What If?

Hello stranger,

So I actually started this post like, a few centuries ago, but things became so hectic and busy with school and I just kind of found other ways to spend my time (euphemism for "I lost interest" or "I was uninspired"). To add to that, when I actually remembered I had this blog and tried to get on it yesterday I couldn't remember my password, thus having to reset it. That's how long it's been. It's actually been a hell of a year for me. And not all in a good way. I don't know about you, though. I'm assuming you've been very productive with your time and done amazing things; helped an old lady cross the road, baked a cake, passed an exam, made someone smile, planted a tree... The bottom line is, I'm back. For good, I hope. We don't want to be speaking too soon now.

Anyway I'm carrying on from the topic that I was supposed to write about ages ago. This is actually kind of a perfect timing for me to write about this topic. It's quite a funny story, but to sum it all up I threw my capo (it's a common guitar accessory, Google for more info) at my laptop screen and now I'm officially laptop-less. It's about time I get a new one anyway. I'm currently writing this using my telepathic abilities brother's MacBook Pro. It just made me realize how frustrating things are without a computer to actually work on, without the internet, without having any access to your day-to-day browsing traditions and activities. It's pretty daunting. Come on, we all pretty much Google our way through life, YouTube our way through boredom, Facebook our way through fake friendships, Twitter our way through things we find hard to express, Formspring our way through questions we're afraid to ask or answer, and Tumblr our way through the miserable reality of what we call 'living'.

I guess what I'm trying to go for here is, what if there's no internet? "Whoa, don't joke like that" will probably be the first thing that will come to mind. Well, it was the first thing that came to mine, anyway. I know not all of us are internet junkies, not all of us find amusement in internet pop culture, but most definitely, not everyone understands. I don't think I can ever express the immensity of the loss it will be without the internet. Yes, it's my life. Pretty much. And if you're reading this, it's probably yours too. Denial is not the way to go, just so you know.

Let's put some perspective here, how much of your life is affected by the net? For me it's about... 60%-70%? I was actually going to say 90% but that'd be exaggerating. Yes, I do, however surprising it may sound, have a life. So say for the remaining 40%-30%, how much of that do you think you'd spend thinking about things net-related? About 50%, maybe? So 20%-15%? Not trying to be good at Math or anything. What I'm trying to say is that the internet has affected such a huge proportion of our lives (I'm speaking generally, but I still know that's not the case for the minority) in good and bad ways. It's a bit sad yet, the internet's also quite amazing. I mean, where would you have gotten all the answers to that English homework? To that History research? To that Chemistry project? The library seems like a reasonable answer, but where else can you get easy one-click access to the biggest archives around the world? The internet. That's where.

Without the internet: (starting with the positives) people would probably have a much more positive attitude towards 'body image' (although that kind of falls more under the loss of media or technology), people would read more, spend more time in libraries, we'd learn the art of chronological archiving, maybe be a bit more organized, actually have lives, better socializing and communication skills, lower rate of plagiarism, and we'd be able to interact more with each other; (now with the negatives) some people won't be as open-minded, traditional (and harder) ways to work, generic and simple ways of learning, no free information, slow individual brain development, limited access to creativity, limited opportunity when it comes to self-expression, no lolcats (relevant), no easy access to new music (buying from iTunes OR illegal/legal downloading - unless of course you buy them from shops but that doesn't really count as 'easy access' now does it), and harder ways of being up-to-date with pretty much everything.

I guess I could've focused on other things too like "What if the sun didn't shine?", "What if animals can talk?", "What if animals can give messages from the other side?", "What if you had a one-night stand with your celebrity crush?", "What if everyone got along?" (now wouldn't THAT be interesting), "What if the world got invaded by rabid mutant hamsters?", "What if electricity wasn't invented?", "What if we lived in Mars?", or "What if we lived in a fantasy world where elves and dragons and giant trolls existed?" (okay that last one got a bit out of hand), but the internet thing was just the most relevant one. I should start a 'What If' blog. That's actually pretty exciting, putting mind-blowing rhetorical questions into the brains of innocent humans. One day.

Next time: Life Advice

Day 21: Hopes and Dreams

Hello stranger,

It's been a while. A lot of things have changed... I guess. Just recently, my friend lent me her 'Twilight' book to read. (Which was covered with the world map because she was embarrassed that she had it. Now doesn't that say a lot.) So anyway like a good friend, I told her I'll read it. And I did. I was. I didn't have time to finish reading it because my friend suddenly wanted to read it again. But seriously, apart from the fact that the protagonist is obsessed with some creature that sparkles under the sun and apparently calls himself a 'vampire', it's not such a bad read.

So on to the topic that I've been putting off for decades. What do you hope and dream for? There's a difference, of course. Okay, I'll tell you a little bit of mine. Let's start with my hopes, shall we? Well for starters, I hope that all the disasters and catastrophes of this world would end. Because it's hurting a lot of people. And I know there's really nothing much we can do about it especially with natural disasters, but maybe we can start by being a little nicer to Mother Nature? For the past sixteen years I never really gave much thought about how bad some people's actions are affecting our world, it wasn't until recently when we all heard about the Japan tsunami and earthquake that I thought, "Man, we really are all screwed up."

I would be lying if I said I'm not afraid. I am. I'm afraid of what's going to happen next, I'm afraid for the people who will be affected, I'm afraid for myself, for the people I care about, for everyone. Then again this is when we find out if the world is really coming to its end, although I still believe the theory to be an utter hoax. I believe that what's happening to the world is somewhat in our hands. If only we tried a little harder to make an effort on making the world a better place, if only we stopped caring about any other unnecessary things... If only it was that easy for everyone. I just hope that one day, things will get a lot better from now.

As for my dreams, it's pretty simple. I dream to live care-free. I dream to share my music with everyone. To be be heard. To let people know that I existed. To be remembered. To prove to people that there's so many things that I can do, and that I will succeed. To make everybody who ever underestimated me regret that they ever did. To make my parents proud, and let them know that I'm not choosing music only to disappoint them. I dream to be a better person. To be able to make something great out of what I've been given. I dream to be happy.

There are so many beautiful things out there that don't even get appreciated. It's about time some people get over themselves and just CHILL, you know? We have all the time in the world. And if we care enough to want to make the most of it, we can make it through. The reward will be very much worth it. You'll see.

Next time: What If?

Day 20: 'Harry Potter' vs. 'Twilight'

Hello stranger,

So this past week I've been... Well, not babysitting. In other words I've been doing absolutely nothing. Nothing. Except sit here in front of the laptop and do whatever on the internet. Sadly enough I 'haven't had much time' to focus on my thoughts about today's topic. So today I'm just going to write whatever comes up (which is what I pretty much always do anyway). Because I thought I've put off this topic for long enough.

Now to warn 'Pro-Twilight' people, or as hardcore opposers would say, 'Twitards', (I just happen to have much higher class to call them that) I am in fact, a very huge fan of Harry Potter. Which means this is going to be a biased post. I'm not going to lie, I highly, greatly, very much, gravely, dislike hate Twilight. I'm not even going to apologize for saying that. As to why I do, I don't think there's really any particular reason. Just kidding. I have quite a lot.

Reason numero uno, it contains a high amount of factors that cause me great annoyance. In short I can't stand it. At all. I mean I personally have not read any of the books, and I do not intend to. I couldn't even finish watching the first film of the saga. But of course, because of its 'over-publicity', I can say that I do know some stuff about it. Like the fact that 'Edward Cullen' likes watching 'Bella Swan' sleep, or something. I mean to some extent, it's sweet, but come on, seriously just... Come on.

I also know the fact that the characters stay half-naked almost throughout the films with their rather fake abs. Maybe not completely fake, but we all know well that they exaggerate everything. They're not even that good-looking. And also the fact that they started this whole idea that vampires apparently 'sparkle'. What? What is this? Reason numero dos, VAMPIRES ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SPARKLE. I don't know how else to emphasize that statement. 'Dracula' (mind you, who is a real vampire) would be so disappointed. Vampires die under the sun. They don't sparkle idiotically like fairy dust.

Anyway I've decided to spend the next few paragraphs discussing the greatest creation of all time, do I even need to say it? Don't make me. Don't. Oh, fine. Harry Potter. Magic in my mouth. So let me point out some of the things that make Harry Potter one of the most unforgettable experiences in one's life. Well for one, it's not Twilight. Two, wizards and witches against vampires and werewolves? They won't even last 5 minutes against 'Albus Dumbledore'. Three, J.K. Rowling is the god of literature.

Harry Potter opens up a whole new world of imagination and wonder, while Twilight just promotes perversion and false impersonations of vampires and werewolves. I really don't see anything great about Twilight. Other than it's written just for the hell of it. In my opinion anyway. Just like 'Stephanie Meyer' said: "The whole story and idea of Twilight came to me in a dream." Well, I'm sure that was a very great dream. I'm not saying that just because an idea came from a dream it would be utterly pointless. I'm just saying, Twilight is. As opposed to Harry Potter which was clearly well-thought of and beautifully written without any exaggerations.

Perhaps, I'm being too biased. I just don't see the big fuss about Twilight. Harry Potter is something that will stay with you forever. Twilight's just another fandom that people will shortly get over with and replaced with another soon after the fourth movie comes out. Unless they decide to give it a twist or something. Release a Twilight series (which if ever happens, I am willing to just curl up and be wiped off from existence), Twilight cartoons, Twilight magazines, whatever. I don't even know why Harry Potter and Twilight are being compared with each other, they're obviously not on the same level.

The bottom line is, IDGAF. I'm just glad to get this post over and done with. And I know I said I had a number of reasons why I hated Twilight, I guess most of them come under the fact that it really, really, just annoys me. I'm sorry Stephanie Meyer. But I'm entitled to my opinion. And you're entitled to your dreams. I guess it wouldn't have been too bad if the series remained in book form. Maybe I would've even read it. Who knows.

Next Time: Hopes and Dreams

Day 19: Out with the New, In with the Old?

Hello stranger,

Wow, I haven't blogged since last year! Terrible, terrible blogger I am. Anyway I hope this will be another fun-filled year for us. 'Fun-filled'. So remember when I said on my very first post that I'd be looking forward to writing everyday? (Oh yeah of course you do.) Well, procrastination is slowly taking over me completely so now I'm starting to write a few days after each post. I don't know why, maybe it's the fact that I'm running out of good topics to write about. I'm slowly losing ideas for each topic. Or maybe I just haven't been able to think of one that really interests me. I actually started writing this post two or three days ago, then I tried to continue it yesterday, but for some reason I can't think of much ideas for this particular topic.

I do though, have a little idea of what I'm writing about. Now that I've finally started actually working on the post. Anyway, 'out with the new and in with the old'. Ring any bells? Think about it. Here's what I've come up with: slight hypocrisy. This idea more so only applies to let's say, the 'younger' and much alive generations of today. What point am I really trying to make? Okay, let me break it up for you. In my time, which is, the 'younger and much alive generation', we hated the old stuff. Don't even try to deny saying that the old stuff was 'lame'. Because as young people, we all have. Although I've always liked The Beatles, Chicago, Phil Collins, and especially Bob Marley. Partly because my dad always listens to them. And they're, well, amazing.

Nowadays, a lot of artists have been adapting to the old music. Taking choruses from famous old songs and changing up the beat and the verses, using old music styles... But of course there is still the rise of modern music. Although my point is not only music-wise. Before, if you were seen wearing a floral skirt or anything that goes high up your waist you'd look stupid. Now, everyone wears them. Except for me, I find skirts quite uncomfortable. I still think they're adorable though. Take high waisted jeans for an example, that was the fashion way before I was born. Now, they're pretty much 'in' again. I just don't get it. Especially with people in my generation, it's as though everyone's just trying to copy everyone. Like they're doing it to look 'cool'. Not because it's who they are.

I believe that the way a person dresses gives us quite a big idea of their personality. Although these days it's quite hard to make that judgment because everyone basically wears the same type of clothing. I can't say that they're all just wearing modified old fashioned clothes just to look 'cool'. Because a lot of people might actually be dressing because they love vintage and old fashioned stuff, or it's who they are. But let's be real, it doesn't apply with everyone else now does it. Sometimes I don't understand why people have to try so hard to fit in when they can easily stand out. And wearing the same type of clothes as everyone else surely doesn't make you stand out in any way. I'm not saying that I'm a 'unique' dresser, but I at least try to differentiate myself from all the other people of my generation.

Nobody can deny the fact that some people actually do say that they like something old fashioned or from the older days just to make themselves sound... I don't know, better than they are? I seriously tried to think of how to put it less harsher than that. To those people who are true, you have my full respect. To those... I won't even bother. I don't write to hate. I write because I'm cool that way sometimes you just have to speak your mind. Or write your mind for that matter. For the record I almost have absolutely no idea what I was blabbing about. Have you ever had those moments when you know what to say but couldn't? I mean in a sense that you can't even put it into a simpler context because it's all already too complicated for you? Nothing personal, just saying. Have a great day.

Next Time: 'Harry Potter' vs. 'Twilight'

Day 18: Two Thousand and Twelve

Hello stranger,

Okay, so maybe this isn't 'later' or 'tomorrow' but at least I'm finally getting on with the post right? Yes. Die procrastination. So how was your Christmas? Good? Mine was pretty okay, I didn't get what I originally wanted, but I got a new phone. And I'm loving it. I could write a whole post about my Christmas but I thought I could do that on my next post. Or maybe never. It's probably not even worth knowing about.

Today's topic is indeed, about the '2012 phenomenon' or in other words, apparently the year when it all ends. Or begins, as some optimists would say. Uh yeah... No. So why is the year 2012 such a big deal? To be honest, I have no idea. I mean does anyone even care about it? None that I personally know of. But someone out there might actually be praying their hearts out right now or preparing for this... Am I allowed to say 'hoax'? Of course. This is my blog. Problem? I mean no hating, I just like stating my opinion.

If you've never heard about such thing, don't keep reading. This will be a total waste of your time. Just live on and we'll see each other in 2013. Otherwise, it's basically just a rather 'rumored' apocalypse. It was predicted by the Mayans that the world and all existence will be wiped out in the year 2012 because it is the end of some calendar or something. I don't know. I didn't really do any research, so my words would be quite inaccurate. You might want to do some 'googling' if you want to know more.

Now before you go off panicking about the idea, let's first take into account that this isn't the first time that an apocalypse has been predicted. So how do we know that it's real this time? We don't. No one does. The Mayans? Oh yeah, definitely. Not to talk disrespectfully of them but, really? I'm sorry, I disagree. I strictly believe that this one could be just like one of those chain messages that could 'kill' you if you don't pass them on to others. I have probably died a million times not sending them.

The very main reason I chose not entertain this idea is because of the lack of proof. Or maybe I just don't want to believe it because I don't want to die at age 18. I'm far too young and I have plans for the future. Sort of. But I didn't waste most of my life at school just to die. They even made a movie about it (of course, called '2012') starring 'John Cusack'. In the movie the earth just started splitting in half out of absolutely nowhere and there were huge tides. In the end everyone died quite a number of people survived because of some base or a fortress kind of thing that was made in America (I think, I didn't watch the movie very well). Either way, so much for not making people panic. That fortress thing better exist and save many lives when the apocalypse happens. Well, IF the apocalypse happens.

In one of my previous posts, I talked about a 'zombie apocalypse'. That, I at least understand, could be highly possible, even though no one's really looking into it. I don't think. But this '2012' idea is everywhere. The internet, the media, the back of our minds... I can almost imagine people going on about it once we hit 'January 2012'. What a big surprise that would be. The said date of the actual apocalypse would be sometime in December 2012. That'd be quite a Christmas for some people. But I sure will be here on 2013, making excuses for my late posts. Like always.

Next Time: Out with the New, In with the Old?

Side Note

Hello stranger,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you're having a great holiday and I hope you got great presents. Take care always and God bless.

Yours truly.

P.S. I'll be writing about the next topic maybe later today or tomorrow.

Day 17: Friends Forever

Hello stranger,

It's been a while, again. I haven't had much time to write recently because I've been going out with my family these past few days. Also, I'll be starting my summer "job" (babysitting) tomorrow so I'll probably be really busy during the day and tired by the time I finish. I will still try to keep my blog updated though. Anyway, today was pretty upsetting because I found out that 'Josh Farro' and 'Zac Farro' (brothers), Josh the lead guitarist and Zac the drummer for Paramore, are leaving the band. If you're a Paramore fan, you'd know that they are a really huge part of the band. Not only because they're the lead guitarist and drummer, but because they have been in the band ever since it started. I still wish the both of them the best, though.

I guess that was a great way to start this post, talking about friends leaving, and meeting new ones. When you've known someone for a very long time, it really is hard to let go. This applies not only with friends, but also on a lot of different aspects. It seems, the more you get attached to someone, the more painful it gets when you know it's time to say goodbye. Especially when it is a permanent separation. But we know that we have to move on, and hope for nothing but good things towards that person. It doesn't mean that you have to forget them, because you don't and you mostly can't. Not when they have been a very significant part of your life. You just keep all the memories you had with them and live on. And hey, you get the chance to make new ones with the new friends you make along the way.

Friends, as much as family is, are a really important part of anyone's life. Our friends are the first people we run to when nothing seems to work out. You may expect them to say something to make you feel better, or maybe just knowing that they're there for you makes you feel more at ease. Sometimes you need them to tell you that everything will be okay, sometimes you just need them to listen. Whichever helps. Either way, what would our world be like if nobody were friends? It's almost unimaginable. Although I do understand that there are people who find it hard to get along with other people and prefer to be alone. I have nothing against that, but this post is about friends after all.

So is it true that when you're close to someone you'll be friends forever? It's very easy to say 'no', but after I gave it some thought, my answer has now changed to a 'maybe'. During my sixteen years of living, I have met people whom I've considered as one the closest friends I've ever had. But through time a lot of changes have occurred and now it's almost as if we never knew each other at all. It's such a pity. Losing someone that easy, or someone simply forgetting all the things you've shared together as though they never existed. So that's the partial 'no' to the question. The 'yes' part is still valid because there are still people that stick by you no matter what. However far the distance between you two is or however long you haven't seen each other for. Friends like that, are the friends that are worth keeping. I mean I know it's never easy to forget someone, but sometimes it's what you have to do to be able to move on.

Friendship is a very special bond between people. Just like all the other kinds of relationships, it shouldn't be abused in any way. It's a matter of trusting each other and making yourself worthy of that trust. Trust is probably one of the things that are easy to break, but takes almost a lifetime to repair. Being betrayed by a friend is a very heart-shattering feeling. If you value your friends, you'd be an idiot to betray that trust.

Next Time: Two Thousand and Twelve