Ever After

Once upon a time, I awoke in a strange place. I turned around; a man, a toy, stood behind me. He told me that to return home, I needed to find and save his daughter, Princess Porcelain. He gave me a key, the one that would unlock the chest filled with the hearts of the toy soldiers, stolen by the evil Queen Carolina. I set off in search of Porcelain. I awoke in a forest clearing, in the dead of night. I felt a chill run down my spine. I spun around to come face to face with a women, Queen Carolina. Her beauty was intoxicating. She pulled me close and told me that if I join her and her army of toy soldiers, then I could have everything I ever wanted. I could not resist. All of my dreams. . . come true. There was a certain feeling I had around her. Somewhere inside, I knew that she was dangerous. However, she was all I needed. Whatever she wanted, I wanted because we were in love. I used to be somebody else until her. Then, everything changed. Carolina was toxic. Being with her was like drinking poison. I could not be away from her though, not even for a minute. I felt that if I did, I would not survive. She gave me this strength and security. I guess that my life was so hard before. And even though Carolina was killing me, I had to have her. The thought of her leaving made me nauseous. I was asleep. I was in a dream. A girl suddenly appeared, a smile on her face that could save a life. She took me by the hand and pulled me out of the shadows. She looked me in the eyes. I had found Porcelain. She showed me what life would be like without Carolina. A life of which I had never lived. I wanted it. I wanted to be happy, but I could not let go Carolina. Porcelain told me that it was going to be okay. I felt better with Porcelain. I was healthy. I knew this was the truth, no matter how much I tried to deny it. We arrived at the assembly line where all of the toys were created. Porcelain and I convinced the toy soldiers to overthrow their queen. We showed them what a real life would be like. The soldiers joined us on our quest to defeat the queen. We found the chest full of hearts. I put the key in the hole and turned it. . . The chest opened, a bright light emitting from the inside. The hearts found their way back to their origins. The queen fell to her death. Without the lives of others, she held no purpose for life. The toys were free, no longer under control. They were able to lead a normal, healthy life worth living. They were not miserable but happy, and as was I. I lost myself to a dream, a dream that my wishes come true without any consequences. I was spinning out of control. One day, I could not tell where the dream ended and real life began. Either way, it was going to end. I turned to Porcelain and stared deeply into her eyes. I wanted to return home, but I needed her to come along. I knew that she was the one, my lifeline perhaps. She saved me and mended my wounds. She would keep me safe from my demons, from all evil. I loved her. I knew this love was real. I was fully healed because of her. Sometimes, when my eyes see something that my heart cannot explain, my mind makes up a history to make sense of it all. I create a new story, one with a fairy tale ending that I deserve. I sit back, and I say to myself, "Once upon a time, I awoke. . . in a strange place. . ."

Repeating Apologies

In eighth grade, I had a best friend, Nykky. We met the previous year but had not talked that often. However, as the next school year began we talked more and more. Soon after eighth grade began, we became very close and practically inseparable. We knew almost everything about each other, and we did everything together. We both had been through very hard times and had issues, but we would always try and fix one another. She basically shaped me into the person that I am today. It was pretty much her and I against the world. I thought we were going to be friends forever, but I was wrong. Just as every friendship, we had are ups and downs. In May, we had a pretty big fight, over something I do not quite remember. We did not talk for a while because I was the cause of that situation. I apologized for my wrongs and tried to convince her to accept it and take me back. We reunited but remained friends for only about a month after that. I messed up again and ended our friendship once more. In August of that year, I realized that I still needed her in my life and tried to apologize again. Unfortunately, she said that she did not trust me and could not be close friends with me. Somehow, I regained some of her trust. Because our friendship grew unhealthy, we slowly drifted back apart and have not talked in over a year. Even though I still miss her sometimes, I am okay with the fact that we are no longer friends. I now have better friends, and I am sure that she does too. Losing someone that I truly loved was hard, but life went on and got better.

A Lesson Learned

I have been faced with more struggles this year than I ever have been before. My biggest struggle would be the amount of pressure I have had to handle. I have always been an honor student, so I am pressured to remain that way. Sometimes it gets rather difficult to tolerate it whenever I have a big test approaching or when the grading period is coming to an end. Since there is so much pressure to do well upon me, I have had to study more and become a bit more responsible. This was yet another struggle I have encountered. Previous to this year, I never really studied for any exams. This was not a wise decision on my part. I had no idea how frequently I needed to study this year, so it was difficult trying to adapt to that. However, I managed to change my ways which resulted in some accomplishments.

Be Prepared

The Ohio Graduation Test(OGT)that I am most nervous about taking is the history test. Overall, I am a good student. By that, I mean I pass my classes with fairly well grades. However, I struggle a little with history class. So far this year, I have always been border-line with my final grades in that class, barely passing with an A. I learn history lessons by copying notes given by the teacher, something that we do not do in class. Our teacher gives us reading assignments quite often which is unfortunate for me. I cannot read a history book for the life of me. I can read the assigned pages, but I cannot grasp any of the concepts. It is like the saying, "It goes through one ear and out the other." Another problem I have is that I find most of the lessons really boring. Thus,it is hard for me to focus in class. I am not that stressed about these state tests quite yet, but I know that I have to come up with a plan soon. A lot of my friends do really well with history, so I can ask them to help me understand the material that should be on the test. There are also many practice tests available. By taking these, I can get the idea of what I need to work on. The practice tests will also relieve some stress that I may have. However, since I still do well in school, it should not be too hard to pass the test.

Don't Wanna Be Like You

Although I have not earned this privilege, I have the privilege to be myself. Society, most religions, and many families do not accept and look down upon people who are different from their expectations. I believe everyone is born with the right to be whoever they please to be. For example, I listen to the music I enjoy, dress the way I wish to, and befriend the people I like. I know that if I was unable to do so, I would have never been shaped into the person I am today, and I would not be able to think or fend for myself. We do not have a very diverse society; I believe this is because society has created an image of what they think a man or woman should look and act like. Growing up, kids are subjected to this ideal persona, and they are forced to think that they should grow up to be exactly like that. Over the years, I have learned that it is better to be different because it expresses my originality.

Game Over

   Last weekend was a typical weekend for me, but may be unusual to others. I do not have much of a social life, which may be sad to say, but I enjoyed my days off all the same. Something that I like to spend my free time doing, is watching videos on YouTube. My favorite videos are made by a company called Achievement Hunter, a company affiliated with Rooster Teeth. The Achievement Hunter videos are of a group of men that play video games. Yes, it may sound like these people are "a bunch of losers" because they spend the majority of their time with a controller in their hands. However, they are very successful and so much more than a bunch of gamers.


   A few weeks ago, Achievement Hunter produced the Extra Life event, a twenty five hour live stream to raise money for charity. They ended up raising over eighty thousand dollars! After reaching a certain amount of donations, they would complete a certain challenge. For example, Michael ate twelve lava cakes and shaved his head. This would not be the first time that they have done something like this. Rooster Teeth also holds a huge, annual convention. This convention, RTX, only began a few years ago, but attracts many people and has been growing dramatically. The people of Achievement Hunter, interact with their fans, face to face, during this time.

   One thing that these grown men have taught me, is that this notion of a depressing, boring adulthood is nothing more than a misconception. They are actual, living proof that dreams can come true, when there is effort put into them. They show that it is possible to be a child at heart, yet lead a serious lifestyle. I have also learned that individuals from different places, ethnicities, and cultures, can become best friends, who act like family, and make a difference. This small group of people, hold an incredible amount of influence on me. It is my dream to be like them someday.


                                                      

                                                                     The Achievement Hunter logo



                                 

                                          From left to right: Ray, Gavin, Jack, Geoff, Ryan, Caleb, Michael, Lindsay

                                         

                                                    From left to right:
                                             Top: Ryan, Gavin, Geoff (pronounced like Jeff), Jack, Caleb
                                                            Bottom: Lindsay, Ray, Michael



  

  Michael "Rage Quit" Jones a.k.a my husband (even though he is getting married to Lindsay, on my birthday.)

           
                   

                                                   Gavin (I love him so much! He's British and has a big nose.)

                                                                                                                 

              Ray (He is adorable.)        

       

                        Together, Ray, Gavin, and Michael, are known as Team Lads.

Gavin and Ray, as their alter egos (Vav and X-Ray)

Michael, after he shaved his head for the kids!

          



Die For You

I am willing to fight for the music that I devote my life to. I would not only fight for my right to listen to it, but I will defend those who create the music, as well. I know that these people fight for their fans by working hard to make the music and go out of their way to help us, when we need them. It is not only the bands that save the fans. The fans save the bands too. There are many stories, that I have heard, of the musicians being positively affected by their admirers. They say that we are their inspiration. The saying, “We would not be here, if it was not for our fans,” is cliché, However, when many artists say that, they are truthful. I am proud to call myself a believer in these men because they influence my every thought, and they have changed my life. We give them a reason to fight, along with the will to live.

Somewhere In Neverland

If I could be something for a day, I would be a pirate. I would be a pirate, so that I could live in Neverland. As a pirate of Neverland, I would go on many adventures and experience many things. I would sail the seas with Captain Hook and his men or maybe take a swim with the mermaids. Our crew would fight the Lost Boys, led by "the all mighty" Peter Pan. Upon fighting our enemy, I begin to realize that Pan might not be the guy I was taught to despise. As I get distracted by the boy in the green outfit, I decide that being a pirate is not the life that I want to live. I stop fighting and drop my sword. Then, I run to the corner of the ship, and, shortly after, one of the Lost Boys comes over to battle me. I surrender and explain to him that I do not wish to be a pirate anymore. I ask if I could live with Peter Pan and the rest of the Lost Boys. He says that I will have to take it up with the Pan himself. The boy, dressed as some sort of animal, takes me back to the island, after I swear that I am no longer one of Hook's men. When the other's return, they seem quite confused as to why I was there. All of the commotion causes Peter Pan to come over, and he saw me. At first, Peter was very concerned ast to why I was there,and he got really angry. The boy, who took me to the island, explained to Peter that I was safe and the reason why I was there. There was a gleam in Peter's eyes, and I could see the hint of a smile forming on his face. While living on the island, Peter figures out how much he loves me, and we get married. We get to spend the rest of our long lives together, never growing old. We go on many journies together and experience many new things. I soon realize that I made the right decision to leave the pirate crew, to spend my life with my true love.

Desfile de Moda

Our Spanish fashion show! We look ridiculous, but we are cute. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hnIyWaou9Q

Save Rock & Roll

   Music is a huge part of my life. Music impacts my thoughts and emotions, so it has the ability to change the course of my day. I have heard many people say that they believe that the type of music I listen to has a horrible influence on me because the songs are just about self-hatred and suicide. However, it is the exact opposite. When the bands that I admire write songs, they aim to help and save a person. The meaning and effect these songs have on people is unbelievable.

   I can relate to each and every lyric that reaches my ears because there are more people that go through similar situations. No matter what the situation is, rather it be stress or depression, there is always at least one song that will help me overcome my plight. That is why I need music to survive.

Sing, Sing

   Imagine if money were no object in the world we live in. Would the world be a better place? Would we actually be happy?

   One perk of a world without money is that we would have the freedom to do whatever we please. Not that we do not have that ability already, but we could choose any career we want. We would not have to worry if it was "practical", or not. There are so many possibilities. For instance, I aspire to be a singer, yet that is not a life choice to rely on. Singing has always been my passion, just as music is the love of my life. When I sing, I feel like I am being heard.

   Music drowns out the world, and creates a peaceful sanctuary. It has a huge impact on me, and an influence on many others. The lyrics of a song can reach out and touch hearts, within seconds. That is what I want to do. I want the sounds that flow out of my mouth to be the same ones that save a life. 

You Kill Me (In A Good Way)

   One of my biggest hobbies is that I like to watch television shows that ruin my life. Well, maybe not actually ruin my life, but they emotionally damage me. It is true. Perhaps the most saddening, and my favorite, is Supernatural. Supernatural is a show about two brothers who hunt monsters and demons (no I am not a Satanist). Anyway, the show is either really sad or really funny. There is not an in between. I became emotionally attached to these characters, but they die a lot. This causes me to die as well. Why did I start to watch this..?

   Another show that I watch is Sherlock, a show based on the Sherlock Holmes novels. This show is very interesting to me, but also upsetting. A downside to this show is that there is only six aired episodes, and each episode is an hour and a half long. The last episode ended in the biggest plot twist/cliff-hanger ever (No spoilers!). However, that episode aired a year ago. 

   The last show, that I am still trying to finish, is Doctor Who. This show is about a Timelord who travels through time, fighting aliens, with his current companion. Doctor Who was actually an older show, and now they are adding on to it. I have not finished this show, yet I really enjoy it. 

   These shows can get really depressing, and I would not advise watching any of them. Although they may ruin lives, they are really great shows. Also, they are full of really skilled and attractive actors. 

If It Means A Lot To You

I have something to say
I will spit it right out
I would like to say thank you, to music
For letting me be here today

Music helps me through everything
No matter what the situation is
I know it seems silly
But it has never failed

I wish they knew my love for it
But I can not fathom my appreciation
For music has always been there, when no one else has
And that is all I could ask for

Music is my true escape
It is better than the other
I do not like to do that to myself
And the melodies distract me from my deepest secret

Sometimes I do not know how I feel
I cannot explain my thought
Music puts the words into my mouth
It always knows what to say

I cannot be sad when I have music
It takes away all the pain, stress, and troubles
And reminds me to love the person I am
No matter what they say

Throughout the times we've spent together
I have been inspired to keep on going
There may be some blocks in the way
But I know the music will be waiting

I want to be just like it someday
And save somebody, like music did me
Music is my love, my life
I will never forget it, thank you.

Gorgeous Nightmare

   Last night, I attended a showing of "The Runway Movie", a movie about a male fashion designer, from Lorain, Ohio. His name is Jevon Terence, and he started his clothing line in 2006. Since then, he has been very successful in his career.

   The majority of the movie focused on a fashion show, that took place in the Spitzer Center, at Lorain County Community College. The outfits presented in this show were from Terence's Gods and Goddess collection. These outfits were all very unique, my favorite being a t-shirt with a picture of Jesus holding a sneaker, on the front. I was very curious as to wear the inspiration for this piece came from.

   However, the movie was rather disappointing, unless someone was very interested in ugly clothing. I was expecting this movie to be the story of how Jevon made his dream come true. Although, there were only about 10-15 minutes of him actually talking about starting his business. The quality of this video was very poor, too. It was obvious that it was not shot by professionals with adequate equipment. I would have enjoyed the show more, if it was more focused on Jevon and not his work.

   Even though the movie was not that good, I thought it was inspiring how Jevon came from a small city and achieved a lot. It shows that if someone really wants something, they can work hard at accomplishing their dreams.

Face The Music

   One interesting thing that happened this summer was that I went to my first concert. My friend Sarah , two of her friends, and I, all went to the Marianas Trench concert. The concert was in Cleveland, during June. It was such an amazing experience, and I wish I could go back to that night. 

   Marianas Trench are one of my favorite bands, because their music is so beautiful. Their songs have a lot of meaning to them, and they help me through a lot. I have some problems, so when I am feeling down, I turn to music. Tons of people always ask me how these bands can mean so much to me. I do not always answer them because they would not understand. I know it may seem like a silly thing, but I could not make it without music. 

   Being at this concert made me feel so many emotions. I was so happy, and I had not felt that way in a long time. When I was at the concert, all of my problems seemed to have disappeared. I was into the music so much, that I could not think about anything else. I am grateful to have these four ordinary people in my life. They are such a big inspiration to me. 

A Devil For Me

Heather, the name given to me by my mother
She thought it was perfect, at best.
It was nice at first, I liked it, I did.
So here is the story, of how it became a pest.

It was a beautiful thing, that name Heather
It was all my own.
Then, they pointed out every flaw and mistake
And now I wish I were never known.

 So many meanings,
So many thoughts,
Their words cut like razors.
I did not know what to do, I was never taught.

 “Heather, that fat girl.”
“Heather, she is gay.”
“Oh Heather? She cuts herself.”
It happened every single day.

 “Heather,” she said so many times
“I need you, I do
You mean so much to me, do not let me go.”
I promised I was not going to.

 She said the name Heather was something special
That it saved her in her darkest hour.
I did not believed it at first
But she was convinced it held a certain power.

 She was my best friend
Maybe even more than that, like a sister.
It was me and her against the world,
And it is sad to say I kind of miss her

 ‘Cause she meant a lot to me,
I had some problems, as I do now.
She helped me through them all
Now she is not here, we kind of had a vow.

So now it is easy to see,
The reason why I hate my name.
It just reminds me,
Of the person I became.

 Now how stubborn are these scars?
They will not fade away.
But they are just a reminder,
That now are better days.

 And here I sit, with a single thought
Heather, who am I really?
What does it all mean?
These questions are all just silly.

 It is a simple answer
Heather, that is me.
I am a person, just as everyone else
Heather, it is who I am, you see?

Heather, that is me
Someone I am learning to love.
Heather, I am unique,
Who lives way above.

Above those who hate me,
Just for being Heather.
I am getting better,
Learning to live with the name

        Heather                  

Love Is Our Weapon

    Every individual should have equality as a characteristic, in their life. Believing that every person is the same as the next, can help someone through almost any conflict that they may be in. This belief can help them succeed at simple tasks, or even larger ones. A simple task, for instance, can be something such as working on a group project, or working with a coworker. 

    
   Most people want the world at peace. However, they are not willing to accept everyone for who they are. Accepting people and their beliefs, helps to make the world a better place. This is an example of a larger task. There are many groups, in America that are criticized for who they are. Examples of groups like this are gays, women, and people of a different, or religion.

    
   If we can overlook the dislikes and judgments we have for one another, the human race can accomplish anything. Thus, having equality as a rule in our lives can bring a virtuous impact on the world.