Drawing Lines

As far as I can remember, I've been drawing lines.

Lines on the sidewalk separated me from my enemies during simple games in the summers of my childhood.

Lines appeared, pre-determined and strong, after I became the socially reclusive teenager.

Even now, lines are written on the walls of my mind that limit me from people, places and things.

Self protection, invincibility, independence, being cautious, being smart - you can call it what you want but I know now that it all boils down to being scared.

I boast that I've learned the joys of throwing myself head-first into the unknown knowingly but have I done that lately? The simple answer is no...

The easiest solution to this would be to stop drawing lines in my life and take a leap of faith. Instead of a do-not-cross I should instead throw myself a life line - a line to pull me out of myself and into the world.

I know that I would regret this choice on occasion because I'm bound to be disappointed. Who isn't after all? I figure that as long as I find meaning and beauty in the pain, I will be alright.

There's no way that I will become the cultured, experienced and wise person that I aspire to be if I stay within the lines I've drawn for myself.

In fact, despite all the horrible and hurtful things I might experience on the other side, I'm pretty sure that the view from there would be spectacular....

On the Bandwagon

My celebrity look-a-likes. Hmm...lets see.


and Again...

http://www.myheritage.com

Yay for Nissan!

I thought this was pretty cool.

Let's just hope this doesn't count as one of the platinum features because I'm sure that many people would opt out of it if they are going to have to spend a ton to have their sweat analyzed.

My Refusal to be Prosaic

When writing papers the night before they are due, it is definitely tempting to abandon style and fluidity and just provide content. However, I seem to need that addition of "myself" in everything I write regardless of the amount of hours it takes me just to do that. Anyone can write something quickly and provide the content needed for debate/analysis but I am of the opinion that this is the easy way out. The catch: this choice for quantity over quality reflects not only the end result that is your paper, but it also reflects your ability to think introspectively and to have the courage and pride that it takes to put yourself "out there" in every thing you say and do.

I know, it sounds a bit abstract but in all honesty I think it's applicable.

Whether it be paper writing or conversation, I notice that many people just settle for getting the job done and disregard the real purpose of writing papers or having conversations - self knowledge. If you don't give it your all, how do you expect to get anything real out of the experience?

This is the problem that many students are encountering these days - they are missing the point of education. As a university student, I find myself lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of a community wherein discussion can be rich and worldly knowledge is high.

Why not take full advantage of the situation?

Put yourself out there. It may "waste your time" but in the end, trust me, you'll be gaining a lot more...

Natural Java Jolt?

How is it that I'm still awake? I've been up for more than a day now and I've been writing assignments

left...

right...

and center.

Luckily for me, I have only 4 more to go (that actually doesn't sound like a good thing...). Oh well, I'll sleep on Friday.

Having someone be there while you study is like some sort of natural java jolt. I suppose it has something to do with being secure and bouncing ideas off each other so you don't delay by second-guessing yourself. Apart from that, you just hurry up because you get worried about keeping the other person up too late.

On a side note: Out of all weeks to start a blog, I picked the where I have the most work due. Tool for procrastination...most definitely!