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After reading the many books by Alice Hoffman, Here on Earth is definitely the one that touched me the most. I would say, the best one so far. In this book, Hoffman is able to portray love as how it is in real life, cheating, real love, reality and somehow still able to collaborate her usual magical writing style.
*Some spoiler are present. But not to the extreme 
This is one book that I HIGHLY recommend to anyone out there who loves reading about fiction that portrays love, life, romance, family, and different individuals. Perhaps Hoffman has been able to cover quite a numerous amount of different types of individuals within this one book. One which interests me in examining individually: their motives, characteristics, behaviors and personality.
There are some dark sides to this book, though. It hurts me whenever Hoffman writes a sexual intercourse scene in a really rough and dirty way. I feel as if when she writes this, it makes me really dislike to whole situation. Maybe that’s what’s she’s trying to make the readers feel, and that’s exactly the results. There are scenes where Hollis, the “Mr.Death” as one would say, were having sex (note: not making love) with March Murray who’s been in love with him since they were young. I am glad that Hoffman separates Hollis as a young and Hollis when he grew up because they are two completely different individuals.
I’ve learned quite a bit by just reading this novel. That love could drive a person blind, so blind that they would let themselves be abused, beaten up and even stranded to die. Yes, there are a lot of abusive actions going on the books. Hoffman portrays Belinda (Hollis’ first wife) as to one that is too kind and so kind that she won’t admit that she’s being abused. And that’s exactly what abused women do, they are so kind, so in love, so distorted that they are unable to make choices for themselves. They believe in a surreal reality, lost in dreams, unable to make out the reality any longer. Friends and family tried to help, but they can only do so much because the only person who could stop the abuse is the woman herself. Yes. The woman herself is the one who has the full power to leave the relationship and get legal help. Thankfully that’s exactly what March Murray did. She finally awakens at the end of the story. She finally open her eyes to reality.
Another lesson is how a wife could love her husband so much that even when her husband is in love with another woman, she stayed by his side so lovingly. Until they grew old and died together. This type of love makes me cry, because the man has never meant to hurt the woman’s feeling. But he can’t help but falling in love with the other woman. Until the other woman (who’s loved by everyone in town) died. The man still loves the dead woman, but his wife is still by his side. As his best friend, he would feel, but she loves him much much more than that.
As soon as I closed the book (which only took me about 4-5 hours to read by the way), I was trembling. Abusive men are scary. Just reading Hoffman’s story makes me scared and tremble. The way they could make a woman feel like they’re the only one in the world, the way he could make them stay, shut up and the way they could control them anyway he wants. Such manipulation, it’s scary. Oh I can only wish that my man won’t turn into such beast. Such beast who deserves a new perspective in life – which is almost impossible to do.
The abusive man, Hollis, is one who has nothing and received everything at one. All just to proof to the world that he’s worth a lot more than what used to. But his ways are evil, he used trickery, and nothing legal. All to proof that he’s powerful. So powerful that he could have any women in town feel like their the only one he loves. So powerful that he could let his wife die in his own house of acute pneumonia. Scary. Real scary.
Hoffman even mentions how a judge thinks of domestic violence cases. How impossible it is to help the victim, when the victim her/himself does not speak out. How easy it is to tell a lie out of a victim, all to get themselves away from safety. What can a judge do? No proof. No charges.
Basically, this book is one worth reading and examining. It makes you rethink about what real love is all about. How your perception of love could change when you’re 15, 20, 40 and 60. Or if that “love” have anything to do with it all, maybe it’s something else entirely but we simply have no word for it? Maybe that feeling of possessiveness, of ownership, of wanting each other so much is not love? Interesting, right? They said that one could love a man/woman that they would do anything for them, even if it includes being beaten up and abused? What kind of love would that be? Is that really love at all?
Maybe we should rethink the word “love” by itself…
They call it the energy of the soul that has spent their days on Earth and won’t leave. Do you believe this? That even those who died, their energy would still linger much longer than their bodies, here on Earth. I do. I believe in the energy of the souls. Imagine all of that energy that one human could produce, you think it would just be eliminated in an instance? I don’t think so.
Maybe their energy is being left behind as chill, or heat. Maybe as you touch their items, you would feel their energy once they’re gone. Or being in their space. Or maybe that energy is being presented as shadows, black figures, wind, light. Maybe that goosebumps behind your neck, as if someone is watching you, but really, there isn’t anybody. Yes, that energy indeed. And some may see a complete figure – well, I don’t know if that’s luck or quite the opposite.
Do you believe that places could be haunted? That you yourself could be haunted? Individuals could be followed by that energy. Or maybe it’s just in the person’s mind. For he/she who couldn’t forget those that have left them, they let those energy linger within them, and all around them. Which would you agree with?
The only person I have personally known and lost is my grandmother and I often feel her presence. My mom told me that I may have a sixth sense. Do note that I come from a very spiritual-believing family. We believe in fate, in wandering souls, in ghosts and in other spiritual beings. That being said, I know that my grandmother is watching me. Sometimes I could feel her sitting right next to me. We had a bond, which we unfortunately could not make any much stronger since she left when I was young. We were apart. She wanted to see me during the last minutes of her life. That tore my heart apart. Where’s Santi? I want to see her… And I was 15 hours flight apart, separated by land and sea. But now her energy is here, often, but not always. Is it because I let it? Or does it have a mind of its own?
That which we can not see, we question endlessly. What we can not touch, what we can not proof with science, are nothing but dreams, thoughts and imaginations. But could this be true? Then how is it that I could feel or sometimes see the energy during times when I least expected it to?
I believe in ghosts. How about you?
Girls, did you know that once you hit the age of 18 you’re supposed to start seeing a gynecologist? It does not matter whether you are sexually active or not, but it’s the fact that you’re reaching that age of turning from a teenager to a young adult. In fact, if you are sexually active earlier than the age 18, then you SHOULD quickly consult a gynecologist.
Why? What do you know about your sex organ, ladies? Unless you really paid attention in upper-level health classes, you really don’t know much. I was surprised of how much information I’ve been missing.
But isn’t seeing a gyno only important once you have sex? WRONG. The fact is, you can’t really know what’s going on unless an expert comes and check you out. What could go wrong before you have sex? Cancer, viruses, bacterial infections, and other health related risks you could possibly have but don’t know. It’s sad to see a girl of 14 year of age being diagnosed with ovarian cysts but didn’t know about it until later age.
But I’m too shy. What are my friends going to think? Are you thinking for yourself or for your friends? The fact that you are aware of your health is far more important than worrying about what your friends think. Better be safe than sorry
I’m sexually active, but I’m sure nothing is wrong. How would you know this? Did a health expert (gyno) told you this? Did you know that a lot of STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) does not show symptoms or very little of it? Did you know the many ways that you could get pregnant? Do you even know how to perform a vaginal exam yourself? Let the expert do their work, you just sit and relax and know for sure that nothing is wrong.
Why do I have to see a gyno to obtain birth control pills? Because every woman is different and every pill out there is different. If you look at the labels of birth control pills, it has different amounts of hormones. Remember that birth control pills are basically hormonal pills, which releases exact amount of hormones into your body. Only an expert could really determine which pills would be best for you. Which is why they need to go through an extensive exam to make sure that you’re getting the right pills. They will give you “test pills” and see how your body reacts. Once they’ve found the right pills for you, you’re good to go.
Fine, I guess I’m going to see a gyno. What now? Simply look for the closest gyno through your insurance health care directory. Another way to find a good gyno is through referrals. Make sure that they accept your insurance! There are bad gynos and good gynos out there It’s basically like finding the right doctor!
Yearly Exams: What is it?
It is suggested that females get a yearly exams. These exams include pap-smear and sometimes chlymidia tests (through lab). And of course external and rectal exams. (Rectal: to make sure there are not cysts, tumors and cancers in the rectum as well as the uterus.)
If your are a first timer, let your gyno know of this. They will make sure that they will make your first time as comfortable as possible. Don’t worry, there will be a nurse present whenever the gynecologist is a male. Sometimes nurses are present when the gynecologist is a female, but not too often.
They will talk through every step of the way, even if it’s your 70th time going to the gyno. It’s great because you will know what’s going to happen. They will definitely let you know if a procedure is going to hurt: the pap smear test.
The pap smear test:
This test is done to see if there are any cancerous cells present within your cervix. Once they inserted the “opener” (I really don’t know what they’re called), they’re going to insert a cotton-bud and take a sample tissue from the lining of your cervix. If you don’t know what a cervix is, you really better go find out. Learn your anatomy! They will send that cotton-bud into lab and they will send you the results through mail.
That would really be the only painful procedure. But some doctors know how to do it so then it wouldn’t be as painful. This is why finding the right gyno is important. It’s nice to have your procedure as comfortable as possible.
How long will I have to spread my legs?? The whole procedure as whole should not take more than 5-10 minutes. That’s it. 5-10 minutes once year could change your life. It’s quick, almost-painless and yet very important for your health.
You will spend a lot of talking with your gyno and this is a good time to ask whatever question you have in mind. I mean, ANY question(s)!! Don’t be embarrassed because in the health care industry, nothing is really embarrassing if it concerns your health. If you feel that something is unusual or wrong, ask your gyno about it. Also remember, if you are sexually active, tell your gyno about your sexual life. They will definitely ask you questions, but if you have further concerns, simply ask. It’s nice to know as much as you can about your own body and the health of your sexual life.
So, have you seen a gyno this year?
P.S. As far as I’m concerned you spell “gynocologist,” but I have red dots under that one, and it said the right spelling is “gynecologist.” Hm…
As requested, here is one of the articles I found on using eco-friendly materials in cleaning your home. You’ll save money, and it’s really cool! This article is taken from the Better Homes and Gardens magazine about “[helping] the planet and get squeaky-clean home with these easy (and inexpensive) formulas for eco-friendly cleaning.”
The Basic Ingredients
This works best on proteins, grease, and animal messes. Because it’s slightly abrasive, it can be used for scouring — and, of course, it’s a natural deodorizer.
This mild acid works on alkaline substances, dissolving scale, inhibiting mold, and cutting soap scum. It’s terrific for stains such as coffee, rust, and tea.
Try castile soap, made with olive oil, or a vegetable-based soap. Both attach to soil at the molecular level, so you can rinse dirt away with water.
Soft Scrub
Add enough soap to 1/8 cup baking soda to make a creamy mixture. Apply with sponge to clean; rinse the surface well. Use and discard.
Appliance Cleaner
Dry baking soda shines up small appliances and even removes bread wrappers burned onto the toaster. Try rubbing a teaspoon onto your grubby blender or food processor with a clean flannel cloth.
Toilet Cleaner/Deodorizer
Sprinkle toilet bowl with 1/4 cup baking soda. Drizzle with 1/4 cup vinegar, then scour with a toilet brush.
Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle oven with 1/2 cup baking soda (more if needed) and spray with water. Let sit for several hours or overnight before scraping up stains and spills. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Hardwood Floor Cleaner
In a pail or bucket, mix 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar in one gallon warm water. Mop wood or linoleum floors, then rinse with water, making sure not to leave large pools to dry.
Commercial Green Cleaners
Polish Wood
Choose a vegetable-based soap to polish wood floors and furniture to a glow. Murphy’s Oil Soap, 32 fl. oz., about $5; most grocery stores.
Wash Dishes
Choose detergents free of chlorine, phosphates, and synthetic chemicals. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Powder, 48 oz., $5.55; shopnatural.com. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap, 16 oz., $4.99; mrsmeyers.com.
Clean Surfaces
An all-purpose, plant-based cleaner removes grime from almost everywhere — walls, windows, countertops, and appliances. Shaklee Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 64 oz., $42.97; shaklee.com.
Scour Grime
Biodegradable scouring powder with mineral abrasives cleans countertops, grout, outdoor furniture, grills, microwave ovens, showers, sinks, and stoves. Bon Ami, 14 oz., about $1.50; most grocery stores.
Whiten Surfaces
A nonchlorine oxygen bleach cleanser tackles stains on grout, sinks, bath tubs, and toilets. Jason Heather’s Oxygen Bleach Cleanser, 14 oz., $2.39; vitacost.com.
Linda Mason Hunter is a publishing professional specializing in home ecology, residential design, and the art of living in the 21st century. She is also the co-author of Green Clean. Visit her Web site at www.hunterink.com.
Recipes from Green Clean, by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin (Melcher Media, 2005; $16.95).
I hope this article has found some good use for your home!
Since I lost the original magazine copy, I found this article online:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/1188589521879.xml
Taken on 2/22/2008 02:35pm.
Enjoy!
In all of the things that we do, discipline is something which we must have. When we were young, luckily we always have our mentors or adults who tells us what to do. Then you get older and you are expected to do the things you used to be told to do. These “things” range from simple things such as taking the garbage out, making our own breakfast or taking a shower. Then the things that the adults know we’re going to want to know how to do when we grow up: cleaning, cooking, education and so on.
Then here you are, without adult supervision whatsover, doing the everyday things which seemed to be easy when you had that “motivator” behind you. Suddenly, it’s all based on one single motivator: discipline. Well it’s not really the motivator, but simply the working system in which we make ourselves as our own motivators.
The reason why I am mentioning this today is because I just realized how lazy I could become sometimes… This is the simple problem. Too lazy to clean up my own room, too lazy to clean, too lazy to… Then it continues on to the more complex things: running, dancing, playing guitar, singing, photography, studying… All which requires a certain level of discipline.
To be honest with you, I am never satisfied with any of my skills. It seems as if I am doing everything half way. Yes I can sing, somewhat. I can play guitar, but only so far. I can’t read notes anymore. I rarely run, now even lost my running shoes (how, I don’t know). It’s snowing out, and it’s really hard to really find a good quiet spot where I can take shots. Studying? Don’t even ask… The longest I spend reading a book is an hour. One time I could read for 3 hours, but that was before 6:00pm, and after that, don’t expect me to be able to sit and read textbooks and study.
Right now I am just thinking of all the things I could’ve achieved if I had spent more time in every single of those hobbies. You know how they say “practice makes perfect” ? Well, practicing is very hard when you don’t have the discipline. Especially for me, I feel as if I should push myself extra hard to just go out and really do something good for myself.
I admire individuals with the discipline to actually master their skills. The runners can run for miles, the musicians can read well and perfect their music-playing skills, the photographers spend days printing and looking for new ideas, the dancers practice… and so on. Mastering the skills that they have. Not half way, but ALL the way. Where do I stand? Half way of course.
This is just a reminder to myself as well as you readers If you realize that you really could spend your time perfecting whatever skills you wish you really could master, do it. Otherwise you will only be doing things half way… Like where I am right now
Good luck!
I feel pity for the thousands of homeless people who are scattered all over Baltimore. Sure, but only for so much. It’s sad to see how people use suffering as a way to get their hands on things that only bring them further suffering (i.e. alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, etc.) Would I give money to those who beg? Absolutely not. They will not get a penny from me, not at all.
My last experience trying to help a stranger happened during summer 2005. I was on my way home from work in Washington, DC when a lady asked me for a favor. She started asking me about the parking lot across the metro station, particularly about the time they re-open. This lady’s clothing was quite raggidy, but at the time, it didn’t appear as worth suspecting. She was and seemingly frail, and apparently she was having trouble going back home because her car is stuck in the parking lot which is already closed. She asked for my name, and I gave it too her, not my real name of course. This conversation went from okay to worse. This stranger started asking me for money, about $50 she said. Quickly I realized just what situation I’ve gotten myself to. I stepped back, gained my common sense and told her that I was unable to help her. She went ballistic on me! In the middle of public she started screaming that I am “one careless person who wouldn’t want to help a helpless old lady.” Well I walked away right away of course, leaving the scene and leaving the lady in distress. That was the last time I tried helping a stranger.
If you really need help, wouldn’t you go for more reasonable ways? Maybe call the cops if you really don’t know where you are, I’m sure they will direct you to some social services somewhere along the way; they will certainly help you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Asking favors from people rushing through the streets is not an idea. Plus, how would I know that you really need help. Am I right?
If you are helpless, jobless and couldn’t figure out what to do, there are programs out there reaching out for you trying their best to get you back to life. For those refugees who’ve lost their homes to the hurricane, for those who are kicked out of their homes because they couldn’t get out of debt… I wish I could help them directly, but mixing between the I-lost-all-my-money-to-cocaine crowd does not make the job easier.
From the way I see it, there is almost no way that you could find no job; no way of making a living. If you have a social security, you are basically given a list of jobs that you could work for. And that list could only go on and on and on. We hear it all the time, people who started out as the trash collector, ended working for the company for a long time and joined the management team. There is always a way to work up the hierarchy. Only if you have the willpower, which unfortunately a lot of people in the U.S. do not have.
Haven’t they realized just how many immigrants fight their way into this country because of the job opportunities around? Haven’t they realized that people actually row boats and swim across borders to get their feet here in the U.S., the land of opportunity. They fought to get a working permit, to be allowed to work, to be allowed to make a living. Yet here many who are given the opportunity choose to waste it to drains.
If I have my way of helping these individuals, I would rather help through programs that I believe in. I’m sure there are programs out there to help these homeless people to get back on their feet and use the opportunity that they are given out there in the working world. I’m sure there are such programs. I just don’t believe in simply giving. I believe in training those people. Train them to be able to realize what they have, and train them to able to battle it out there out in real world.
Maybe I went from feeling pity for them, to feeling how they are pathetic. Sad, huh?
*Note the grammar on this sentence, if someone would fix it for me, I’d be glad to fix it *
As a Sunday night entertainment, my boyfriend and I chose to see The Spiderwick Chronicles. Directed by Mark Waters, Spiderwick certainly brought childhood back into our imagination. With magical creatures and plots filled with adventures, this movie is an entertainment for all ages and perfect for the family. The actors are perfect, including two of my favorites: Freddie Highmore (August Rush) and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds).
There are some scary scenes that might be just a tad too scary for children younger than 5 (maybe not the boys) Creatures ranging from the beautiful flower-like that sings and make you forget about time, and the dark and devil-like Mulgarath who is trying to take over the world. Great special effects and attention to detail were presented with the movie, making us older generations enjoy the movie just as much.
The plot line is fairly simple and predictable: Move in to old house, found an old book, the old book turned out to be a knowledge that’s too dangerous to find, Mulgarath would like to steal the book, adventure begins, and yadda yadda yadda, you can figure out the ending. There are some fun twists and cool introductions to new creatures, making it not so predictable after all.
My only concern is that there aren’t that many creatures in this movie. Spiderwick described the world around us as having many magical-like creatures, but the movie only gave an example of a few. Some flowers, some goblins, a bird-eating pig and a housekeeper. I expected more creatures in the movie, some that would fancy adult humor, but I guess not.
Also I would say that Mark Waters could step this movie just a notch. It was great overall, but I felt as if it needed a little bit more of a “kick.” Maybe it’s the short amount of time (90 minutes) or maybe it’s simply the number of creatures (or lack thereof)
Recommended? Absolutely.
I’m very disappointed when I found out many of my friends have little or almost no sex knowledge. I know that it’s a sensitive subject and I know that it involves strong opinions from different cultures and beliefs. I see it as a matter of health issue. Let’s face it, there has been approximately “750,000 teen pregnancies in the United States, including over 215,000 abortions” (4parents.gov). Why? Simply because parents and schools are afraid to be open about sex and would rather “keep it low” rather than let it be an open subject for all. When you think that the only affected individual is the pregnant teen, you’re wrong. How about the teen’s parents, the school and especially the government. The government spent “at least $7 billion anually” (pregnantteenhelp.org).
*
Don’t even try and mention STD’s. Do you even know how many different types of STD’s are out there? Do you know them from the back of your hand like you know the different types of seasonal sickness that you have? Well it’s time that you should. There are many STD’s that can be transmitted not only sexually but simply from touch. For example, a male/female who has genital herpes may transmit the disease through oral sex. This will cause a blister-looking infection on the lips, sometimes very small you may not even recognize it. Then imagine that affected person kissing another person. There, a transmit has occurred. Just like that.
Then there are other types of diseases that are more violent: viruses, especially the HIV. It can kill you and until this very day, there is no 100%-one-for-all cure for HIV. If you still don’t know how HIV could attack your immune system, well you better get online and start searching about it. Just imagine how important of a role our immune system has on our body, to heal scars (both internal and external) and to kill bacterias and unwanted viruses: basically to protect your body. The HIV cells can multiply at a MUCH faster rate than normal cells in our body. Worse, they use our existing cells to duplicate, which is why it is very difficult to detect because they hide behind the mask of our existing cells. It’s like having to sit next to a person looking exactly like you, only that person could destroy and kill you in seconds.
The topics mentioned above are in a lot of our sex education class (thankfully) although many schools still refuse to include sex education in their health curriculum thinking that it will promote sex but it will actually do quite otherwise. Imaging showing a video of a female giving birth – it gave me the creeps when I first saw it. Definitely something I wouldn’t want to go through with just anybody, especially during the teenage years.
There are so many myths about sex out there that many people think are true. This is the side of sex that they didn’t mention in sex education. Facts such as the life of sperm when they’re in water or in chlorine water for example. Truth be told, not all 100% sperm cells will die during water-intercourse. Guess how many you need to get pregnant? One. Also other myths such as sexual intercourse during menstrual period will prevent the female of getting pregnant – I really don’t have to explain this one. Doh! Other funny myths include how some people actually think that oral and anal sex are not actually sex because they are not vaginal intercourse. They do involve sexual arousal and I would say that anything involving sexual arousal (including touching, kissing, etc.) is part of sex.
Then the myths spread to not just the method of sex, but the prevention of pregnancies through contraception. Some people thought that condoms will prevent STD’s. It won’t. Or, putting double condoms will prevent pregnancy: wrong! You will actually trigger the tearing of condoms by wearing 2 of them. Then the birth control pills.
Let me just talk briefly about birth control pills and how their usage varies from being simply a birth control method. Birth control pills are also called hormonal pills. Maybe if we call them that, we won’t think birth control pills as strictly a birth control method. The way the pills work is just like any other hormonal methods out there (patch, nuva ring, etc.), they secrete hormones into your body and control the hormone levels (both progesterone and testosterones). For birth control advantage, they control the production of eggs in your body. For other advantages, they: control acne, cramps, heavy bleeding and any other difficulties women face resulting from hormonal changes. Also, since the pills will control your hormones, many women who are trying to get pregnant are actually prescribed with the pills so their menstrual cycle will be regulated, resulting in a predictable time of when the women can get pregnant.
The myths surrounding birth control/hormonal pills? That they will screw your hormones for the rest of your life. It won’t. The moment you stop taking the pills, your hormone levels will go back to its normal state because you are no longer controlling it. You will definitely get blood clotting. Yes, there are some risks to taking hormonal pills and so there are risks of taking acne-control pills and cramps-reducing pills. Also, pills that are more likely to cause blood-clots are slowly being taken out of market because of the slowly more aware consumers. Plus, if you are thinking of getting pills, try and research the pills that you are about to take as well as read the labels!
Well this is just a point or two I’d like to make about sex education and everything else that revolves around it. We see banners everywhere today promoting safe-sex talk with your children. Also how teens should talk freely about sex with their friends as well as their partners. Research about it, talk about it, be smart about it. It’s sad how intellectual individuals does not have enough information on sex – where I would say, it’s just like any other important science topics, only this one involves your body. Children are starting to get curious about their sexuality as early as the age of 8. So when parents (maybe you) think that there is no way your children is going to even thought of sex when they’re 9, think again. It’s better that you inform your children as many good informations as you can and make them decide on their own just how risky sex is. It’s better knowing that your children is open about their sexuality as well as knowing that they’re safe rather than not talking about it and having your children knock on your door with a pregnant belly or a handful of STD’s.
Maybe a good line would be “before you have sex with a guy/girl, make sure see their test results for HIV and STD’s…“
*Image taken from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/teenagepregnancy.html
Many believes that personality changes. But really, it’s not our personality that changes. This is something I learned in Personality Psyc (yes I paid attention). The fact that, surprisingly, our personality remain steady throughout our entire life. So what really makes us think that “people change”? What really changed is not the person, but it’s their needs, and perhaps their principles.
As I was talking to a couple of my friends, we discussed simple issues of when we were young. How we always thought of tattoos and ear piercings are taboo. How we (at least I) always thought that the color pink is a color worth despising. Guess what, I have grown to love the color pink and piercings as well loving the idea of a tattoo. And so did my friends.
That’s the simple portrait of change that we go through in our life: our change of perception or viewpoint towards the issues around our environment.
I remember how I think when I was 13, or 14 and 15… Now that I’m looking back at myself back then, how I always thought that I’m “mature” but really I’m not. I was just another egoistic-self-absorbed teenager who happens to be hit with life’s tiny little troubles. And I thought I was special. Huh. I’ve grown to understand that every family has their own dark spots and every life has their own bitterness. And I shouldn’t asked for sympathy.
Then we come to relationships and how we change throughout our entire life. I would say that a good-working relationship is one which both partners are able to grow and change alongside each other. Yes, when I said “change,” it certainly means our needs and principles. Also to grow and mature into adulthood and be able to support each other when both are changing rapidly.
It may sound easy, but it really isn’t. Change is one the most common reason for relationships to end (according to my own experience, yes I am making a weak inductive argument here). I see people around me break up because they are unable to provide or receive their needs. We mistakenly use the common term “he/she simply changed, we’re not quite fit with each other anymore” when really nobody changed, but their needs changed.
As you can see, as we grow older and maturer, we discover new things in our life and we will “bloom” into one step a better person each time. We learn new things everyday – this part is true, but we also grow each time we learn something new. If you are able to withstand alongside your partner(s) (friends, romance, family, etc.) while you constantly change then your relationship can be concluded as strong.
I would say that this is a good time to examine ourselves and how much our needs have changed in the past and how our perception/viewpoints grew. The word “wise” would be a better fit here; as we discover new things, we grow wiser. Also examine those around you and cherish those who’ve been with your for a long time. Your parents included (your needs have changed and so did theirs), are your relationship strong? Have you adapted? Or have you simply rejected the other partner’s change in perspective/needs/principles and leave them?
Cheers.
I was watching “Six Degrees Could Change the World,” a special by National Geographic Channel. This is by far one of the most touching prediction anyone could have ever made. Most of the talking is done by Mark Lynas, author of the book “Six Degrees.” The focus of the argumentation is of course global warming, and what a difference it could make to this world when the Earth reaches six degrees.
One of the most touching videos was one that they made on Amazon river during its dry season. Yes, we all know that during the dry season, some of the water will surely dry up. But this:
This is certainly only a faint example of what global warming has done to our darling Amazon river. The sad thing is that we could have stopped this. We could have cut some of our carbon emissions, we could have saved more trees, we could have… we could have… Unfortunately this sad event has already happened and there is nothing we could do but watch our Earth becomes dust.
Mark Lynas stated how the Inergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has already outlined that the Earth’s temperature is going to rise between 1.4 degrees and 5.8 celcius by the end of the century. That is only about 90 years from now, guess what? Our children are going to have to through it, and we will going to go through the beginning of it as well.
With the IPCC’s report, Mark Lynas lays out the expectations with every celcius degree rise. Imagine at 3 degrees, no more amazon, and the whole sheet of ice atop of Greenland will melt. This is only half way. By the 6 degrees rise, the heat would wipe out most of the Earth and basically a big chunk of humanity. Us. Our children.
It’s sad that we are not looking into this more now while we worry more about other things such as war and politics. So many countries suffer of economic deprivation. Yet only a few of the human race recognize the danger that’s about to approach within a century from now. Is this how we want our next generation to live? A life in bare heat, constant changing climate (dust storms, formation of more deserts and loss of winter weather?) How about the hurricanes and tornados thats going to appear in affect to the changing water’s temperature?
I certainly would not like my children to go through this. Everyday I keep thinking: There’s gotta be a way that we could let the world know of what really is going on. We really need to make this our main focus. Why? Whatever’s going to happen the human race? Whatever’s going to happen to our children? Sure homo sapiens has adapted many climate change in the past and so did our ancestors, but it happened within thousands of years. This ever EMERGENCY change is going to happen within 100 years. 100 years is not a long time, our children will live through that 100 years and so will their children. Would you like that?
Please everyone, do whatever you can to help us make this Earth better. We still have a chance to make a change.
Picture taken from:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2005/20051024_amazontrickle.jpg
Mark Lynas’ “Six Degrees” can be found in major bookstores.
* Facts are taken from Editorial Reviews of “Six Degrees”
