Breaking status quo

Dang! I never realized how many dads (including "celebrity" dads) actually put the baby wearing gear on, it's truly endearing. These pictures just gave them extra brownie points from me. You have to check them out because they're utterly adorable.

I hope everyone is starting off the week strong! I feel as if everyone, at least most people in my life who are still in school are now done, and looking forward to an great holiday season. This year was so different because I wasn't coming back home from a tiring finals week, yet I still didn't finish all my Christmas shopping, I still have a few left. Oh the irony... But, this is totally my style, I am a deadline driven person, meaning I procrastinate but get the job done - adrenaline junkie.

Happy holidays everyone!

Little Bear

I am very proud of my younger brother, and I am so thankful to be his older sister. I'm his biggest supporter, cheering him on to a glorious and most successful future. Get ready world because I know my brother is going to create huge changes. He has all the potential, and it will be 6 months until it's unleashed when he enters college.

God Bless.

Going against the grain

Marvelous and damn right truthful speech by a high school valedictorian on the perils of our current education system.

http://blog.swiftkickonline.com/2010/07/valedictorian-speaks-out-against-schooling-in-graduation-speech.html

A dedication

I wanted to wish one of my girls abroad a very happy happy birthday. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN! 

You're 22, welcome to the club! :) 

<3

 

Sarah P.

Oh Sarah Palin... what on earth are you thinking?!

Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I hope that you are all enjoying some wonderful times with your loved ones, as I feel that Thanksgiving is the kick off to the holiday season. To all my loved ones abroad, I hope you're taking care of yourselves and staying warm! <3

Some things I'm always thankful for... (I sometimes I even take for granted...) 
I am thankful for the family I was born into - they are my rock foundation and that will ALWAYS be the one constant in my life, it was all just meant to be. :) I am thankful for those who I love and surround me with their love, and am happy to hear of their wonderful achievements and good health. These are my top two thanks. I am also thankful that you (yes.. YOU!) have read this blog. haha. Happy turkey day.

So, I know recently Black Friday has really no longer been the "Black Friday" I knew even 5 years ago. Most of the internet articles I read state that all the stores are promoting their online deals the entire week of thanksgiving, and can at times be cheaper than shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving. BUT, fear not, I love the tradition of waking up early and trying to snag some deals, so I will be one of the thousands of people in SFV braving the Santa Ana winds standing in line somewhere to get things I want. haha.

Toodle Loo Darlings.

Save the trees!

Do you celebrate the holidays with a real Christmas tree? If so, I think you need to check THIS out.

Future of our Nation

I watched an hour long online town hall meeting about the importance of math and science in our education systems hosted by former Vice President Al Gore. The town hall emphasis tried to further articulate what everyone in educational reform is trying to accomplish, how to change our school systems to have higher graduation rates and keeping students interested and passionate about the topics they are learning in school. I kept thinking how much has changed within students' study habits and teachers' methods of teaching even since the time I was in middle and high school. Technology and social media combined are playing a significant role in shaping our society today, and I could even confidently say that a majority of people are dependent on facebook, twitter, etc. to know what is happening within society. Due to the dependency of these sources, many students have other "bigger concerns" i.e. what's going on in Hollywood.

Americans are competitive and strive to be on top, as we have been doing for the past 100 years or so as the international hegemon. However, we are losing our luster and making other minute topics in life more important. I personally believe that media is at fault with swaying the interest of Americans; within any hourly news, all the stories are dramatic 15 minutes of fame type stories. The stories are usually dedicated to - Did you hear about that big accident? Did you know that the Hollywood "it" couple got a divorce? How many times has Lindsey Lohan gone to rehab?. REALLY?!  During the town hall, people got to see a very short version of John F. Kennedy's going to the moon speech, and I posted a video of clips of his speech at Rice University on del's inspiration. His speech is motivational and full of inspiration, letting Americans know that anything is possible in the future. Americans need to believe in JFK's message of great optimism and hope, and apply it to today's scenarios of overcoming the economic recession, faulty education system, and other debatable issues. We need to know our priorities.

"The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth." - John F. Kennedy