Choices, Choices, and More Choices
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | 5:39 AM
When you think about it we make choices everyday without realizing it. Our choices may be based on influences such as: the media, celebrities, athletes, peers, parents, teachers, and the list goes on. When we're so caught up in making the same choice as everyone around us, are we ever really making choices of our own?
"Life is an exercise in mindless conformity" - Unknown
What does that mean you ask? It means that throughout life we make unconscious decisions based on being like others. An example is a fashion trend. Once we see people wearing things like Ugg boots, Bench Jackets, or super destroyed jeans then it doesn't take long for the majority to crowd the malls with the same items in our hands as the person standing next to us. The "Y" Generation is crumbling and we're becoming less like individuals and more like clones.
A wise man, J. Martin Kohe, once said, "The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose." The choices we make shape the person we become. Making wise choices best suited for us rather than everyone else around us is an essential way of not loosing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the "trends".
Now with all that said I'd like you to answer these questions in your head. What's your favorite color, favorite movie, favorite book, favorite food, and favorite animal? How about your favorite class in school, or favorite sport?
Now stop! What were your answers based on? Were they based on something your friends would choose, something the media would expect, or anything else that might influence your decision? Probably not, right? You answered them the way you did because that's who you are.
If you think about it we also get to choose things like our attitude. We choose how we act and treat people. We choose what post secondary school we go to, if any. We choose what job/career we would like to have. We choose whether to get married, and have kids; or we could choose not to.
This month's virtue is Respect. So I challenge you to respect yourself by choosing not to be anyone but you. Don't try to make yourself look skinny because of the cheerleader on TV. Don't go out and buy a pair of jeans for $150 just because they're super destroyed and everyone else has them. Be proud to be yourself and who knows, you just might start "influencing" everyone around you to do the same!
Labels: blog, choices, think
Shoes This Fall
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | 3:35 AM
Keep your feet warm and cozy this fall. It's no longer October and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and that means family reunions, parties and no school. Shoes come in various sizes, styles, colors and designs. Each person has his/her own style. For example, one might like to wear sneakers more than heels, and others may like flats more than boots. There are many options of shoes to wear. Whatever shoe makes you feel comfortable, it's your choice.
Ankle Boots
These are nice and simple to wear, with heels, that go up to your ankle. You can wear them with jeans or leggings.
Long Boots
These are very helpful to make you look taller and they're very stylish.

Flats
If you either cannot walk with heels or you just simply love flats, the image below has some examples of this Fall's flats.
-- this is Clarisse saving up to buy FALL SHOES. :]
Labels: blog, boots, clarisse, fall, flats, shoes
RUNNiNG FREE..
Friday, October 30, 2009 | 6:34 PM
For months I have suffered being easily angered at being called "Dramatic". Not that it's bad or anything . . . it's just that I'm not.
I've been known to resort to violence first, and ask questions later. I am the girl known for her spoiled attitude and crazy aura. I bring shy people out of their shells and make their personalities shine. But I can't do that for myself. I try to help others before I help myself. And in this, I've been the more generous girl who gets hurt.
When will it be my turn to win?
I don't mean to cause fights. I don't mean to cause arguments. I mean, when will it be my turn to have a smile on my face without any pain behind it? When will my time to be the girl who I envy come? Why don't I shine as radiantly as her?
Because I hide who I am from the world.
I am spontaneous. I fit in with others because I hide my originality. I've let it show here and there, designing my own hair accessories, converting ear rings into nose studs . . . I am a creator. I am one in a million. I do my own thing with my everything. I've gotten into the habit of tearing my uniform clothing.
But . . . I only stand out physically. With the personality traits I use, I am not me. People like me for what I'm not, and I'm afraid they'll hate me for what I am. I haven't been the girl everybody hates in two years, and I'm not going back.
But the backstabbings are coming back. My reign is ending.
I don't want to be trapped by myself anymore. But what option do I have if I want to be one of everybody else?
I don't. And I won't.
I don't care if he does not like me for who I am. I don't care if she does not like my personality. I will be me, I will let my true colors show. I'll dance like nobody is watching, theoretically speaking.
I will be that nerdy chick who will seriously discuss math problems with you, who compliments your verb or adjective use. I'll be the punky chick who will stand up for herself. There's no hiding now.
So what if my friends are stabbing me in the back? Shows what friends they are. What about those girls who talk about me? I don't care! They obviously have nothing better to do than talk stuff, so I'll let them. Not like it's bothering me.
There's no hiding when you're being you and all of your personality traits are showing. Maybe then I'll find people who like me for who I am, and a boyfriend who appreciates my inner beauty.
There's no shame. No hiding. Nothing.
I'm running free now. What about you?
-adingnya:]
Labels: blog, clarisse, dramatic, girl, me, running free
Making The Grade
Sunday, October 18, 2009 | 1:49 AM
Homework, studying, homework, and studying! That's what everyone is doing this week. Isn't there an easier way to get it done faster? Of course there is!
If you are cramming over Sciences tests, or doing your Math homework all night there is obviously something wrong with your schedule. Take a break! If you're involved in 10 sports, or extra-curricular activities in one week, good for you! But most of the time it interferes with your homework.
If you cannot quit an activity, find some time in Study Hall or Free Period. In most schools, they have these. It allows students to take time out of their day to do some homework, catch up on some studying and sometimes use the library or the Internet for researching. If you have this in your school, take advantage! I have this is my school and I usually sit down and study. I prefer to do my homework at home, but if your schedule is busy, go ahead and do it. Use this time wisely though, don't fool around with friends! Do what you have to do and resume your day.
Pay more attention in class! The teacher lectures for a reason. You are there to learn so learn all you can. The more you pay attention in class, the better off you are when you're at home doing homework. The more you know, the quicker you'll get the answers and finish. If you are sitting next to a friend, or sitting by someone who distracts you, ask the teacher for a new sit privately. This happened to me once, the teacher was kind enough and understood. She moved my sit and it helped! Sometimes I have candy during Math. Math is hard for me, so eating something I love helps me! If you have a favorite candy, have some. Some schools will not allow this but if you really need it hide it in your backpack like me!
Get a tutor! Tutors are people who help you after school with any subject you need. I have a tutor for Math. Every time my tutor explains a lesson, I understand it more and my grades go up! Ask your school if they have tutors. Prices will depend on how many days you use the tutor, and how many hours you spend with him/her.
Purchase an assignment pad. These will allow you to keep track of every test, report and homework. You could find this at ANY office supply store. You can buy a really fancy one, or any old mini notebook! They really help. My assignment pad is a regular decorated mini notebook. I bring it to every class and home every day.
Studying helps you the most. No test or homework assignment is hard if you study and gather information from your notes or textbook. Sometimes I think the tests I take are super hard, but then I realize I didn't study hard enough and the next test I get it! Take your time, and study hard.
Only YOU could change your grades and now is the time!
Stay smart and more importantly . . . keep reading!
♥♥ CLARISSE ♥♥
Labels: blog, grades, homework, school, study