2009 - 2018: From Innocent Koi Pond to Public Cesspool.

This book! I am in awe. I absolutely love it when a book starts out mellow and it slowly seduces you. Without realizing it, you are a part of the story. At first I was having trouble getting used to the story being narrated by Death, rather than one of the characters. But the words and the feeling of this story are very artistic; maybe that's what held me. Before I knew it, I was living the story and it was breaking my heart. It brings out the true meaning of the ironic expression "terribly beautiful". Because it really is both terrible and beautiful at the same time. Liesel lives through so much tragedy and poverty. Yet through it all she finds beauty and the love of life in the smallest things. I loved her ability to see things with her heart, and how she was content with so little. Her relationships frustrated me because of how distant she remained. She loved so deeply yet remained aloof. (which is the heart breaking part.) Her love of words and desperate need of books, which drove her to steal, is mostly likely why I so easily "became" her. In her defense, her thievery did not make her a criminal morally. But I will refrain from explaining any further; if you must know more, READ THE BOOK! ;) The book is full of rough characters but her mother would have to be my least favorite. Rudy, the charming and mischievous next door neighbor boy who silently loves Liesel, is definitely one of my favorites! I think the roughness of all the characters results from the hard times they live in under Hitler. Because of this, Liesel's story stands out even more beautifully. Liesel and her family commit a major crime by hiding Max, a running Jew, in their basement. For years he hides in the basement losing his sanity from not being able to see the outside world. But because of the endearing girl who lived upstairs, the confining life in the basement was worth it. The friendship between Max and Liesel is very touching. Both of them suffer from nightmares because of death and tragedy in their past. The similar suffering forms a strong bond between them, and they spend many nights in the basement, writing and reading for hours. When Max finally moves on he leaves behind a roughly handmade book for Liesel. This story of love, friendship, loyalty and gut wrenching war does not disappoint! Another intriguing thing about this book is that its main language is German. With my first language being a dialect of German, often the English translations were not necessary. My favorite kind of book is one with a story about books! Thank you, Markus Zusak, for this extraordinary book! ************************************** "I opened a book and in I strode. Now nobody can find me. I've left my chair, my house, my road, My town and my world behind me. I'm wearing the cloak, I've slipped on the ring, I've swallowed the magic potion. I've fought with the dragon, dined with the King; And swam in a bottomless ocean. I opened a book and made some friends . I shared their tears and laughter And followed their roads with its bumps and bends To the happily ever after. I finished my book and out I came. The cloak can no longer hide me. My chair and my house are just the same, But I have a book inside me." ~by Julia Donaldson

Gain weight

Nonetheless, I am satisfied with my grades. It was a busy and productive semester, but it was a great way to start senior year.

The mash up I was thinking of doing and I find Sam's rendition! This is amazing.

If you don’t work to improve yourself everyday then you are wasting your life.

Although you may sometimes think there is a lack of talent in your networks, this is never the case. It is your sole responsibility to inspire, encourage and drive those around you to success. Failing to do so only confirms that you fall victim to that which you accuse others of. Change and greatness can be sparked everywhere, but bring it upon yourself to trigger it.

I realized I'm very picky with internships and I became skeptical of unpaid internships after hearing stories of being used as "free" labor. I'm going to try nevertheless and if it doesn't meet my expectations, I'll determine from there on out. I'll give a shot at it and see where it takes me or better yet where I'll take it. Sometimes you have to try and not have the internship satisfy you because you make the best out of what you get. Play hard, work harder. Have some fun, but stay motivated and work diligently.