Horoscope

My horoscope from the SF Gate today. I thought it was very inspirational and true and wanted to share it!

"Every great accomplishment inspires equal parts admiration and envy.  It's what comes from standing head and shoulders above the rest."

:)

Stephanie, WWT

Laziness or Lack of Time?

BOOOO000ooooo. I haven't updated my blog in forever and now I feel horrible. :(

Anyway, now that that's over with! Here is my new schedule for this year and I have to admit, it feels weird to only be taking 4 classes as opposed to my normal load of 6 or 7. They all seem to be very interesting so far, as I've had one class of each now. 3 classes Tue/Thr and only 1 on M/W. Fridays are free! I don't know what I'm going to do with all of this free time!

Here's what I'm taking:

Social Psychiatry
Forensic Psychology
Psych of Gender and Sexuality
Race and Ethnic Relations

All of my Criminal Justice classes have finally finished after my VERY tough Senior Seminar last semester. All that's left are some Sociology and Psychology electives for my psych minor.

It does feel weird to be in my last EVER semester of college. I'm ready to leave, yet I feel that I haven't spent enough time. Never fear! I will be taking many more trips this year so hopefully I'll have lots of material to update on. I already have new posts lined up from over Winter break so we'll see if I can get those written in the coming months. Bear with me as my regular laptop is with my University's tech crew as they are trying to figure out just exactly what the problem is. God help them.

I am currently typing this on a loaner laptop, which, I have to say is much nicer keyboard-wise than my own despite them being the same model. Maybe it has something to do with my keyboard having been replaced 2x now... -_-

Anyway, apologies once again for not updating. I'll have some fantastic recipes and reviews on the way. If you get bored, head on over to my Shutterbug blog, even though I haven't updated the photos on there recently either. Oh well, I've been busy alright?

Best of luck with your New Year's Resolutions. I personally didn't make any, but if there's something I should be doing more of, it is blogging, so for the sake of you lovely reader(s) <-- not sure if more than 1 person actually reads this... but oh well... I will try to keep up and provide you with insightful little snippets out of my life.

Stephanie, WWT

P.S. Oh and by the way, I just turned 21!!!!!!!!YAY! :) Ok, back to your normal lives.

Writing

So, lately I've been thinking that I need to write. I'm not sure what, but just something. I don't even care if it were to get published or sit in my closet and rot, I just feel the need to get the creative juices flowing.  I find that writing can be extremely helpful in better understanding yourself, and is a great way to relieve stress.  I'm not sure if I'd be the best person to start undertaking the writing of a book or whether it would be a fictional novel, or just some musings from my own life. I can barely keep up on my blog right now let alone write a cohesive storyline!

I'm not sure where it comes from, maybe I'm just bored and waiting in anticipation of my last year of college. I'm sure then I won't have any time for any recreational writing. I'm not sure how the successful authors do it. I can understand the inspirations behind books and stories, but how can you invent so much material to compose an entire book series? It fascinates me and I'd love to be able to do it myself, but I still have a long way to go. I haven't even started the brainstorming stage yet lol :D

I can only hope that one day it will hit me, and I'll have come up with a brilliant idea for a book! Any ideas?Until then, I guess I'll try to blog more :)

Stephanie, WWT

10. Support A Government Designed and Run For All The People

#10... politics woohoo!

Basically, if your government is working hard for ALL people rather than a single interest group or "insane dictator" (yes that was in the text) then one should support it.

In cases where the government is not doing this then withdrawing one's cooperation might be the best solution because you are not directly opposing government or doing anything illegal. Fortunately in the United States, we seem to have a government that is taking into account all it's citizens.

A good suggestion that the WTH guide states is that government and how to govern should be taught earlier on in schools. Sometimes the language is intimidating to people who claim they don't like politics however it is important to be informed about the workings of our country. 

"A government cannot bleed, it cannot even smile; it is just an idea men have.  It is the individual person who is alive."

Stephanie, WWT

9. Don't Do Anything Illegal

9 down, 12 to go!

Illegal acts = those which are prohibited by official rules or law

I like one of the things expressed in this point, "ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law." In society, every member has a responsibility to know what is considered an illegal act. 

In my studies as a criminal justice student, I know there are always unfortunate instances of young adults and children that are influenced by gangs etc. and it's not always fair to hold them completely responsible. I do believe that juveniles should be given a second chance, because they're the ones that need it the most.  Many people often restrict their views of crime and legality to street crime, when  white collar crimes can have a greater impact on society. Crime is all about wanting to gain an advantage by breaking the laws, otherwise, we wouldn't have them!

It is important to resist peer pressure, no matter how much you want to fit in, or impress someone, there is no excuse or reason to commit an illegal act. "The way to happiness does not include the fear of being found out."

Stephanie, WWT

8. Do Not Murder

Point #8, these next few have to do with criminal stuff.

WTH guide starts off by distinguishing between killing and murdering. Murder is defined as:

"The unlawful killing of one (or more) human being by another, especially with malice aforethought."

Some exceptions that are stated are killing in self defense or killing animals for meat. We don't normally call this "murder."  Pretty straightforward in today's society. If you murder, you commit a crime and will be punished for it. This point is generally good to follow if you'd like to live a happy life...not in prison. lol

Stephanie, WWT

7. Seek to Live With the Truth

7 down, 24 more to go.

Certain parts of this are really confusing so I will just sum up the points as I have been doing. I think it has to deal with your beliefs and what is important and real/truthful to you. Something like that...anyway:

1) Do Not Tell Harmful Lies

(doesn't this remind you of Harry Potter? lol)
I like the explanation of this point so I'll just state it here, word for word:

"Harmful lies are the product of fear, malice and envy. They can drive people to acts of desperation. They can ruin lives. They create a kind of trap into which the teller and the target can both fall."

2) Do Not Bear False Witness

The WTH guide doesn't give more than a sentence about this, but basically, it discourages and warns against perjury, or testifying to untrue facts.

"The way to happiness lies along the road to truth"

Honesty is the best policy, right?

Stephanie, WWT

6. Set A Good Example

Point #6 from the WTH guide. 6 down, 15 more to go!

You influence many people throughout your life and the way you influence them can either be good or bad.

Basically, the point is, set a good example for others because they will respect you for it. The way this point was written was a little confusing to me, but that is mainly what I took from it.

So...yeah! You shouldn't be a hypocrite then I guess... lol

Stephanie, WWT

5. Honor and Help Your Parents

Point #5!

This point is one that I myself know that I need to take more seriously. So many times I find myself getting irritated or frustrated at something small with my parents and later I feel like it was unnecessary. All children will have disagreements about things with their parents, but it is important to always respect them.

As the WTH guide states, "One cannot overlook the fact that almost always, parents are acting from a very strong desire to do what they believe to be best for the child."

Another short and sweet point! Go tell your parents you love them :)

Stephanie, WWT

4. Love and Help Children

Point #4: A very short one, without any bullet points!

I'm not sure I really understand the spiel that is written in point #4 in the guide, it mainly talks about raising children and how to do it properly more or less in three small pages. There are steps that it lists to enable a child to live a life full of happiness, thus, doing/becoming what they love.
These steps can be modified by the following:

a) what the child can become due to inherent make-up and potential

b) what the child really wants to become

c) what one wants the child to become

d) the resources available

Like I said, I'm not sure I fully agree with their explanations, but whatever.  The guide also states that a child must be self-reliant and very moral. Having a strong network of friends also helps children.  As parents, some good advice that it suggests is:

1. try to find out what your child's problem is without crushing their own solutions
2. observe them
3. listen to what your child tells you about their life
4. let children help or they become overwhelmed with a sense of obligation (hmm... whatever)

The most important thing of course is LOVE. Love children because, "most of them have an abundance of it to return."

Stephanie, WWT

3. Don't Be Promiscuous

Point #3 - It's a short one today, but one that is important nevertheless.

1) Be Faithful To Your Sexual Partner

With all of the scandals we hear about in the news combined with the media today, it is easy to see that views of sexuality have drastically changed over the years.  My mom always remarks on how funny it is to watch early black and white television shows where parents were never seen sleeping in the same bed and instead had separate beds! Now, shows depict pretty much anything. The guide warns against feelings of guilt, jealousy, and vengeance that can result from infidelity.  Treat you partners with respect and dignity, and be honest.

Pretty straightforward right?

Stephanie, WWT

2. Be Temperate

Point #2

1) Do Not Take Harmful Drugs

The guide warns that although drugs may cause temporary feelings of happiness, they will ultimately destroy you physically. Drugs aren't healthy and if anyone you know has problems, encourage them to get help.

2) Do Not Take Alchohol To Excess

In our society today, drunk driving accidents are one of the top ten if not number one killer of people, especially young adults who aren't fully aware of how dangerous the effects of alcohol really are.  Please don't let yourself or others drive while intoxicated or even after they have been drinking.  Excessive drinking is also not that beneficial to your health, with the exception maybe of wine.

Common sense people! We all learned that drugs and alcohol are dangerous in school, respect what you have learned and know about the dangerous effects of them. Don't kid yourself into thinking that "I'll be okay just this one time" because one time is all it takes.

Stephanie, WWT

1. Take Care of Yourself

Point #1 from the Way to Happiness.
Now, keep in mind that this is a COMMON SENSE guide, so even though they may seem straightforward to most, others may often overlook these things or not have enough time in the day to focus on them.

1) Get Care When You Are Ill

Basically, the guide tells us that stubborn people often don't get help when they are sick and tend to isolate themselves. I know, because I've done this before. My mom constantly stresses that I go visit my school health center if I ever feel sick, and you know what? It's true! Being healthy makes you happy! Duh.

2) Keep Your Body Clean

For the sake of everyone around you, bathe please! Washing your hands also helps keep hands germ free, I mean think about how many things you touch daily! Now, the guide and I have differing opinions about one thing. It says that it is within your right to insist that others bathe and wash their hands. I'm cool with that, as long as you kind of know the person...I mean, walking up to a stranger and telling them to take a shower might not always be the best idea :P

3) Preserve Your Teeth

I really would love to advocate this message to everyone out there. I brush two times a day, in the morning and at night, and I also floss religiously EVERY day... yes I know, I'm crazy, but it makes me feel better! I know if I didn't floss for a day, I would feel dirty. Try your best at it people because it will help prevent gum disease and bad breath too!

4) Eat Properly

This is a hugely important message for our society right now. We are facing an obesity epidemic where many people are saying that the generation of kids who are 7-8 years old right now, will be the first generation to die younger than their parents because of diet and health related issues. Nourish your body and limit processed, packaged, junk and fast foods! It's okay to endulge every once in a while, but don't forget the importance of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. You will also have more energy during the day which will make you feel better :)

5) Get Rest

Another important point. Our society is filled with hardworking people that rarely slow down and take a break to relax.  I know many people in my family who have stress problems, that then lead to sleeping problems. Not only does getting enough sleep help you, but taking time out of your day to enjoy something that you love can also help reduce stress. Meditation and breathing techniques may sound corny, but they can really help to relax the body after a long day.


This first point seems easy enough to follow right? See, not too bad, just some life goals that we might not emphasize enough in our routines. Take some time to evaluate your health, slow down, and nourish your body!

Stephanie, WWT

The Way to Happiness: A common sense guide to better living

A while ago I was exploring different philosophies and religions and came across a publication titled The Way to Happiness on a Scientology website. IN NO WAY am I claiming to be a scientologist or anything! I decided to request my free guide to see what it was all about. What I found, was a guide that could appeal to everyone, that does not preach one religion, nor is associated with a Scientology doctrine.

In order to prove to you that I am not extreme, radical, or crazy in any way, here is the explanation taken from the back of the booklet:

"This may be the first nonreligious moral code based wholly on common sense. It was written by L. Ron Hubbard as an individual work and is not part of any religious doctrine."

Yes, it was written by Hubbard, the scientologist guy, but when I read the guide, I found bits and pieces of wisdom that can be helpful to anyone, no matter what you believe in.
I've decided to share from each point, the important things that I took away from the booklet, in the hopes that others might find some knowledge as well.

I will update posts with each main point described and my favorite parts of them in the weeks/months to come. I hope you will enjoy them and take away something meaningful. Then maybe we can all add a little more happiness into our lives :)

Stephanie, WWT

Stephanie: The Daughter

This is my first journal entry that I'm writing and sharing with you. Keep in mind that this is designed to be written freely and unedited so it may be all over the place. Don't judge!

Anniversary Dinner

I am a daughter, who is fortunate to have two loving parents that have given me everything in life. Although we have fought and had our disagreements, I realize now that they all pretty much surrounded petty, trivial, things. 

I am an only child, which has made me a more independent person I believe. Growing up, I became fluent in the art of imaginative play. Creating other worlds and surroundings out of toys and bedrooms, I think that definitely fostered my creative side. Of course I had friends and played socially with others at school, however when it came time to want to play a board game or something, I felt somewhat alone.

Don't get me wrong, I don't blame my parents for not constantly wanting to play games with me, but I always wanted a sibling.  I don't think only children get spoiled, at least, I never felt that way. I appreciate it now, knowing that I probably enjoyed the full experience of everything I did with my parents. Can you imagine if I had had a sibling with me in Disneyland to share the experience with? I probably never would have gotten to ride the rides that I wanted to! Ugh compromises! Still, I think siblings teach us something. I am thankful to be an only child though. I matured very quickly because of this I think.

Even now, there is nothing I look forward to more in my life than going home to spend time with my parents.  The stress nevertheless shows, and we end up getting in some stupid argument.  I really need to figure out why this is.

As a child I was always involved in sports. Swimming, basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, badminton, even archery.  I may never have wanted to voluntarily play golf when I was little, but my Dad pushed me to.  I am thankful for my parents opening me up to opportunities, even if I was never the best player on my basketball team.  I learned that you can't be the best at everything.  Now, I don't think of myself as being "forced" to do anything. My parents just didn't want me to be a quitter. I am fortunate to have tried many different things.

The same can be said for me wanting to play the piano. Yes, I admit, I am the one that begged my parents for a piano, and lessons. Honestly, I don't remember what sparked the desire for musical ability, but I definitely would get upset with it. I would sit crying playing the piano because I couldn't get certain notes right. I probably blamed this on my mom and her "making" me practice constantly. Now, I would thank her for it.  Although I did stop taking piano lessons after we moved, I completely enjoy it now. I love being able to sit down and create music, or revisit my old songbooks. I would like to thank my parents for that. I can understand how difficult parenting is now that I think about it. Having a kid that says they want to do anything is daunting for parents who aren't billionaires. 

I guess looking back on it, I can't fault my parents for anything. What may have seemed like something totally unfair when I was a child, I am thankful for now. Some tough love really is the best teacher. So here is a list of things I'd like to thank my parents for:

1. Thank you for teaching me to never give up, even when it gets hard.
2. Thank you for teaching me to be independent, but smart about it.
3. Thank you for pushing me to never be a quitter, and to follow through with things you start, no matter how much you begin to dislike keeping up with it.
4. Thank you for teaching me to be healthy while having fun.
5. Thank you for providing me with endless opportunities and experiences that will stick with me til the day I die.
6. Thank you for teaching me that while there are people that will always have more than you, there are also people that will never have as much as you. Jealousy and envy aren't flattering. Giving and charity are.
7. Thank you for teaching me that it is important to stick up for yourself, so you won't get trampled on. At the same time, you must know when to back off.
8. Thank you for teaching me to love myself and feel beautiful.
9. Thank you for giving me everything I've ever needed, most of what I wanted, and all of your love.
10. Thank you for putting up with my rants, no matter how pointless or confusing they might have been.

My parents!

Thank you Mom and Dad, I am so proud to be your daughter.

Everyone is a son or daughter to someone. Let them know how much you care and write/reflect on your life so far. Share your stories!

-Stephanie, WWT

Cross-Train Your Brain!

So I've been reading this book titled "Cross-Train Your Brain" by Stephen Eiffert.

Find it on Amazon here.

 

It essentially tells us that we don't use our creative side of our brain enough.  By developing our creative right hemisphere to dominate our thinking, we can begin to feel in-tune with our entire brain. By example, if we were in a difficult situation that we feel powerless to, our normal response would be to get frustrated and angry.  If we utilized our creative side, we might realize that we are thinking too negatively, therefore limiting our happiness. We might create a new way of viewing the situation or a new response to it. We might instead attribute it to external factors beyond our control, rather than blaming ourselves.  By thinking creatively and positively, we can begin to develop a healthy thinking lifestyle.

Here's an exercise to stimulate your right brain creativity that I will do myself and share in my blog over the course of the next couple weeks.

1. First, begin by writing your name in the middle of a piece of paper. Then think about all the ways that you can describe yourself. Draw them branching out from your name.
1. My example would be something like this (daughter, student, athlete, amateur photographer, niece, granddaughter, friend, neighbor, etc)
2. Now pick one to write about. It doesn't matter what you write, whether it flows, or how grammatically correct you sound. Just write! Writing every day is a great way to stimulate your brain.

By doing this exercise you are really taking a look at how you see yourself as well as the meaning that you attribute to your various relationships in life. What can you do to change negative aspects of yourself? A great way to keep up with this is daily journal writing. I know it's hard because I've tried before and I can barely keep up for a week. If you don't have time to physically handwrite in a journal, then type up your own diary or blog on the computer. Putting your thoughts into words helps to organize them, you'll be surprised.

A technique that has worked for me many times when I'm angry about something, is to write down my feelings.  Sometimes, I will write down what I would like to say to the person I am angry with. Then when I walk away and come back to it, I am always surprised by what I had written and how it sounds.  When you are frustrated, do you ever find that you can't think clearly? It is due to our left brain taking over and dominating our thought process.  We are less inclined to give into our emotional side and babble nonsense responses when arguing like "Because I said so!!"

So I will update my first journal entry soon, I'll probably start with daughter, the easiest, yet probably most detailed way to categorize myself.

Find ways to think creatively and positively. It will do more for your brain health in the long run!

-Stephanie, WWT

Facebook, YouTube, and Skype! Oh my!

I found these "vintage posters" on http://www.ufunk.net/en/insolite/des-affiches-publicitaires-vintages-pour-facebook-skype-et-youtube/

I thought they were great because they look like some of the old ads from 60 or 70 years ago. Enjoy these!

Facebook

YouTube

Your films will last forever! lol

Skype

"the healthiest, most economical, and secure way to keep vigorous family bonds miles away."

Only recently did I actually use Skype for the first time. I must say it was fun to see and hear people talking on your computer screen, but I'm not sure it's completely necessary unless you're communicating long distance. Still fascinating though.

I hope you had a laugh at these, I know I did. Just think how far we've come with regard to technology and communication. You can count it as a blessing or a curse, but this innovation is amazing and ever-expanding.

Stephanie, WWT

Bullying: Make It Stop

Many of us here in Pennsylvania have now gotten word of the tragic bullying incident that took place in Upper Darby on January 11th. The media has not given the case as much attention until recently, due to the release of the actual cell-phone video of the bullying and the arrest of seven high school students.

See the video here: http://www.hulu.com/watch/211590/nbc-today-show-teen-‘wolf-pack’-accused-of-bullying-boy

The incident goes something like this. Thirteen-year-old Nadin Khoury was walking home from school at around 1p.m. on January 11th when seven of his fellow classmates proceeded to beat, kick, torture, throw him in a tree, and even hang him on a fence by his jacket. Since when did it become okay in our society for seven kids to beat up on one? The cell-phone video lasting almost 20 minutes, filmed by one of the bullies reveals even more shocking evidence.  At one point a woman is shown walking by and does nothing to help the boy, not even call the police, despite his cries for help. 

Yesterday, the seventh suspect was finally apprehended by police, taken out of the High School in handcuffs, the same treatment that his fellow bullies received. Police Superintendent of Upper Darby Michael Chitwood said, “We took him out of school in handcuffs to send a message loud and clear that any type of bullying will not be tolerated.” I was fortunate enough to actually hear Chitwood speak in a class I had last semester and I know that he will take this incident seriously. Actions taken against the offenders will hopefully deter would-be bullies from partaking in this kind of behavior.


It was discovered that two of the seven offenders have prior criminal records. They attended The Opportunity Center, an alternative learning center, separate from the main High School campus. The bullies are being charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment and assault. They are being detained at the Juveinle Detention Center in Lima. It is sad to me that some of these high school students already have a criminal record.  I know it happens, and I'm not trying to be naiive about it, I mean come on, I'm a criminal justice student, I study this stuff! It just makes me sad to hear about cases like this where I often give my sympathy to the offenders as well.

 We need to show children and young adults that this behavior is not okay. Bullying used to be something that was never a big deal, sort of an integral process throughout your school years. I was bullied in high school, I'm sure all of us have experience with it, whether we were the victim, or the offender. In today's society however, bullying takes a much more hostile form, as evident by the video taken as proof or some kind of trophy to exploit on the Internet and show off to friends.

Today's technology whether it be cell-phones, facebook, or YouTube provides an easy, immediate way to share experiences. It has decreased our value of the personal face-to-face exchanges that used to be the main way of communicating.  What can we do to stop bullying? I think this question has been raised for years and no one seems to have come up with a good answer.  Bullying happens outside the reach of parents, teachers, and guardians. It can happen behind closed doors, on the Internet even. I think the police departments "get tough" attitude is exactly what society needs.

We will see what happens today at the right-to-detain hearing scheduled for 10a.m.
Stephanie, WWT

Loneliness

The reality of a 20 year old college student:
Many of us can think of a time when we have felt lonely in our lives. Whether you are ten years old or fifty years old, the feeling never gets any easier.  It may be for only a minute or two, or it may last for years. It seems to me that we reach points in our lives that seem as if we've taken a step backwards.  Why do you ask is a twenty year old college student writing about loneliness? What does she know! On the contrary, I've felt alone now for two years. And don't start accusing me of being dramatic just yet! I realize that my family loves me, but it's hard to be all the way across the country from the people who care about you the most.

Sure it was completely my decision to make the move to Pennsylvania to go to college, but I thought I would get a fresh start, which I did. It just didn't last...

My freshman year in college is what you might call typical of a college student nowadays.  I quickly made friends in my dorm, friends from orientation, and friends of other friends.  I was having fun every weekend and partying (yes I am guilty). Initially I started out with a group of about seven friends, but as others joined fraternities and sororities, our small group dwindled, which, I was actually quite happy about.  It brought me closer to the two guy-friends that I spent my entire year with. We were best friends, did everything together, even had movie nights every week. So why do I never talk to them anymore? I ask myself if our falling out after freshman year could have been prevented, but now I realize it was caused by a variety of things mainly, lack of communication, which frustrated me to no end.

Sophomore year changed. It didn't feel like it used to feel. It began with me becoming angry that they were late over thirty minutes for lunch.  It honestly wouldn't have bothered me if they had responded to my calls, texts, or messages, but when they finally showed up, a half hour later, they acted like nothing was wrong. It was no big deal and it was my job as a good friend to wait for them.  I guess after that, we really didn't hang out anymore. My sophomore year was filled with empty weekends and me pondering how it all changed so quickly.  Sure, I was still involved in a community service co-ed fraternity and played ice hockey on a club team, but I had really considered those two guys my friends. Now what would I do? A fellow player on my team assured me that I was just going through a Sophomore Slump. That this happened to her when she was in my year and it is completely normal. This gave me the slightest bit of reassurance.

I realized that I couldn't pick up the pieces of our old relationships and began to do things for me. I know how cheesy that sounds right? But it's true. I felt more confident and independent that I could do things completely on my own.  I took trips to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia by myself, something that my mother wasn't too fond of, but I did it anyway and I enjoyed it. Despite feeling that my life had changed for the worst, I knew I was still growing and learning as a person.

Now I sit here, in my dining hall, writing alone, blogging to no one about my lonely life. Sounds a little emo doesn't it? I'm not asking for pity or sympathy, simply trying to understand my life.  My junior year has been filled with much the same: lonely weekends, and meals alone.  The one thing that I want to slap myself for however is attempting once again to rekindle the dead friendship. Yes, I am guilty of being desperate.  In the first week of school I asked if either one of my "ex-friends" wanted to have dinner. One completely blew me off like a piece of lint, the other obliged, but brought along his friend (for company? I don't even know). Needless to say it was awkward and uncomfortable, and it is something that never happened again. My efforts to keep the friendship alive were never reciprocated.

I feel as if loneliness hits us all, and at the worst possible times. I realized last night, talking to my mom that if I died in my room, no one would find me for a month. She laughed and joked that I was lucky to have all of these friends. I asked her, what friends? Sure, I know people's faces and names, but that's all they remain to me are acquaintances. They are people who you can talk to about some common bond like class or sports, but at the end of the day, the most you would ever get out of them might be lunch, if they don't have any other plans.  They aren't people you can call and talk to if you need to, and you wouldn't hang out with them. I remain involved in my activities still and am planning a sightseeing trip to New York, but I do wish for friends to break this monotony of everyday life. I feel as if others see me now and feel sorry for me, which I don't want them to.

You can be lonely, but still be strong. That's what I try to tell myself.  I am the strongest most independent person I have ever been in all my twenty years of living... and I am alone.

Stephanie, WWT

Life In a Day

Many of us have heard of the Life in a Day production directed by Ridley Scott and Kevin MacDonald, but most importantly, by thousands of ordinary people out there that sent in film about their life in a single day. The instructions were to film anything that meant something to you throughout your day on July 24th, 2010.

The YouTube phenomenon has now been organized into a full length feature film that is premiering tonight at the Sundance Festival and on YouTube at 8pm EST. The film lasts for about 90 minutes and was cut down from over 4500 hours of footage from 80,000 different clips.

Sadly, my clips did not make it in, but it was still an interesting experience to participate in. I am interested to see how thousands of other people around the world went about their days like I did.  So if you're interested in watching too, tune in to YouTube tonight at 8pm and watch how the world experienced a single day.
Click here to go to the website and watch.

Enjoy life,

-Stephanie, WWT