We As Humans

I heard some really disturbing news from my mother last night. I'm a little behind the times because this happened a month ago, but it doesn't make it any less frightening. I have lost a lot of hope in mankind.

I'm going to go ahead and warn you. This is creepy, disturbing, and bone chilling to me. My mother and sister both told me about this, and I have now read articles about it. I read the story. It's about a 22-year-old guy in Canada who was stabbed on a Greyhound bus on his way home. He was asleep, listening to music, and on his way home to see his family. The next thing he knows, the guy, a complete stranger, next to him stabs him. A blood-curdling scream exits his mouth and the guy is on top of him continually stabbing him. Oh. My. Gosh. The rest of the story just gets worse, but if you want to read about it, one article is linked to the title of this blog, and the other I read is here. I can't stop thinking about this horrific event.

This scariest part to me is that when the boy was stabbed, everyone ran. No one tried to help. Immediate action had to have taken place for anything to work. Yes, I know this dude is obviously crazy, but last a checked, a bus full of people against one? I think the odds are still in their favor. If people had acted quickly, I think something could have been done. Instead, the bus driver pulls over and ushers everyone off the bus. They all stood outside the bus--listening, watching, waiting. Could you imagine the next year or so of your life? Remembering the screams and knowing you sat and watched it? I know it's easier for me to sit here in my comfortable house and type about how action should've taken place, but what I know is all I did this morning when I woke up before my alarm was think of how I ways I could have tried to help the guy. This story is just the cherry on top of the dessert of no action, reminding me about how no one wants to help. 

I guess it's not just this instance that has me scared. Its the neighbors screams that no one calls about until it's too late. Or the car alarm going off that you tune out. Or the person who just stole beer from the convenient store that you turn your head to and walk away. We don't want to step up. This world really has taught me to fight for myself because I sure can't count on the kindness of strangers.

I'm apologize for the somber attitude I brought to this blog, but I have no itinerary for what I am going to write. I hope we all learn that everyone needs our help, if only we're willing to give it! 

In celebration of Labor day...

German word:

die Arbeit - Labor

This Day's gone like it's night.

Newsies

Rock on John McCain. 

That's right. I am completely pumped up about his VP pick, Gov. Sarah Palin. She's from Alaska, pro-life, mother of 5, and a  maverick. Check her out at wikipedia if you want to read why she's such a great pick! Or, guess you can also click on the title of this blog and see why you should vote for McCain and why he did such a positive thing by picking her.

Also, I talked to Katie H. and she's already evacuated New Orleans. She said things are getting a little hectic down there and could only imagine what it's gonna be like tomorrow. Isn't it quite weird to think today is the 3 year mark of when Katrina hit the MS coast and New Orleans? I think it's safe to say that the LA coast hates the end of August. Gustav has promise of bringing something nasty with it. I know just down here in Jackson people are stocking up on flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and gas for their generators. What can we say? We know that hurricanes do what they want. Good thing gas has already gone up a quarter. 

On that oh-so-positive note, happy Labor day weekend! Hope plans haven't been ruined like mine had (sorry for not getting in your Bachelorette party Kage!!) and that you still enjoy your Monday off. Happy vacationing!

German word:

der flughafen: airport.

This Day is gone like it's night!

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

These past few days I have had a lot of time to sit and think (because I've hardly had to work). I know--it can be a dangerous thing. I've been trying to think about all the things I said I was going to do, or just wanted to do, and figure out how to achieve them. One thing was learning another language. How cool is it to say you are bilingual? When I meet someone who can say that, well, I know I immediately want to be his/her friend. I guess I'm thinking maybe I can be cool by association. So .now, all you folks that are friends with me, maybe you will soon be cool by association as well. How, you may ask? Because Day Smith has gone back to her German instruction. That's right--German. The spit-on-every-other-word, rough but oh-so-beautiful Deutsch. I've already purchased a set of CDs from Borders (not Rosetta Stone, as I'd like to eat for the next two weeks). Maybe I'll start including a German word of the day.. or well, word of the blog.

Why, you ask? I believe firmly in the phrase, "Better late than never." I'm still young. I don't know if learning German will benefit me at all, but I'd like to think it will. For all of the people who think its too late to pick up something new, or something that was on your "To Do" life list, remember, it's not! Go learn how to play the piano, how to snowboard, or even do a flip-turn in the pool :) Make yourself proud. Ok, that's all I got.

Let's start off with an easy German Word:
der Apfel: Apple

This Day's gone like it's night.

Stop My Horse... Whoa Nelly!

Two posts in one week? Can it truly be happening? You betcha! That's what happens when you get to the point where your Friday night is spent watching a movie with your Dad on your weekend home. I watched No Country for Old Men. Good movie. Weird, but good. 

I just got home for a short weekend, visiting the parents, friends, and most importantly, helping with the shower thrown for Miss Katie Henry! I am excited to see her, as well as all my friends that I haven't seen in awhile. It's so refreshing to see those familiar faces that have grown so distant these past few months or years. Weddings aren't only bringing two people together--they're bringing decades of friendships to another stepping stone. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it's the only way I know how to put it. My friends, old and new, have become the core of who I am.  They talk; they listen. They help me discover so much about myself. I don't know where I would be without them to help me become the Chatty Cathy that we all know we really want to be. 

Speaking of Chatty Cathy, I recently discovered I've become one when I'm around my friends. I was actually called that twice today. Honestly, all my life I thought I was a decent listener. I tried to keep my comments about myself limited to only responses to questions. I thought I was doing a pretty good job. Then, as I got older, and by older I mean last year, I realized that I am not the great listener I thought I was. Don't you love getting a piece of humble pie? I'm actually the one who occupies most of the conversation. How did that happen? Who am I? Isn't it funny how the person you thought you were and the person you are, are no longer one in the same?  Can I ask another question knowing I won't get a verbal response? I've tried to, how shall I phrase it, "Simmer down now!" with the talking. There are a few friends who prefer it (God bless 'em). So to anyone who wishes I would stop with all the chatter, I'm working on it. For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about, looks like I've got a few less people to worry about.. score! 

Hmm, I'm pretty sure I had a main objective to this blog when I started. Now, I'm to the point that I have no point. I'm having writer's block. Am I not too young of a writer to have that?Maybe I should move on to my next event for the night: sleep. 

This Day's gone like it's night.

Yes siree!

So today was spent my most favorite way ever: no work, getting up when I please, and hanging out at Borders to waste the afternoon away. Honestly, I know it sounds super nerdy, but going up to Borders or any bookstore and hanging out in the coffee shop has got to be one of the most relaxing times in my life. I will go up there to study (not that I have to do that anymore, haha!), read, or, my favorite, to talk with a friend(s). If you've never tried it, go out and do it ASAP. I know its nothing new, but that's what I like to do on my days off. Yes, yes, pass your judgement on my boring life, but what can I say? I'm easily entertained. 

There was a new guy (or I hope for his sake he was new) working in the coffee shop, and it took him few times longer than necessary to take my order. Now, normally this wouldn't be a problem for me. Shoot, I know that when I first started working on the register at J. Crew that I took "a little longer than necessary." This case was different. When I see someone struggling at the register, I try to make them feel a bit better. You know, crack a few corny jokes to make them feel better and laugh at the situation. I think my comment today was about the stamp "hiding" from you whenever you need it (you know, I have one of the frequent buyer cards that gets stamped and earns me a free one every six coffees). Well, it was a flop. He gave me the pity laugh (I thought only my good friends were allowed that privilege!) and then went about his business. Well, see if I make you feel better about yourself, dude! I walked away feeling awkward and unfunny. Not something I care for feeling. Ah, well, at least I can laugh about it later.

In other news, I have successfully submitted my med school application and have zero responsibility on that front. Cha-ching! I don't think I have ever had an easier time in my life than right now. It's like I've converted back to the summers in high school. Who knew I'd get that time again? I am over at my brother's right now, and he's getting ready to "fire up the grill" for some sweet action hamburgers. Jealous? This time of year is great for grilling out. Actually, the majority of the year here in Mississippi is great for grilling out. It's hardly ever too cold to grill outside. I think there are about.. hmm, what 6 days during the year that it's a problem? 

Oh, and get this, my friend Amanda, who works as a tech at a vet clinic down here, is making a "house call" to help neuter a cat.... and my friend Nikki and I get to go help here. Weird, right? I can't wait to see what that's all about. It will probably confirm my decision to never go to vet school if I had to take a guess. I'll take people over animals any day. 

Welp, I am gonna head to the kitchen and wander around to see if there is any sort of help I can be.

 

This Day's gone like it's night.

Oh the Irony

   So, I sat there and wrote a blog about procrastination and what did I do? I waited a stinkin' month and a some odd days to write another one. Wow, I am super on top of it, aren't I? I am so glad I can laugh at myself. I shouldn't be surprised at my lack of organization and dependability on things like this. In the words of my mom, "Such is life."

   Now that making fun of myself is out of the way, guess I can move on to the writing. Since my last post, I have acquired a new job at J. Crew. The first store to open up in the whole state! Watch out everybody! For any guys reading this, it's an all women's store. How silly, right? I mean, I don't have the biggest problem with it because I can wear anything in the store, but I do feel sorry for the guys who've been waiting for a J. Crew to come to town. We good ol' Miss'ippi folks have to take baby steps. On a better note, this job has some great schedules, I must say. I don't work full time (only management gets that glory) but I have random days off. I never work a full 8 hours in a day, either. I think the most I have worked is 6 hours, including a lunch or dinner break. Yes, yes, I know you're jealous. Oh, and did I mention the wicked discounts? I didn't? Well, just know that I am getting a GREAT deal on these pretty clothes.

   In other news, I am starting to get nervous about sending in my medical school application. I talked to a friend about it today, and I am a little on edge. This isn't my first go round at it, but if I don't get into school..... well I don't really have a plan B. So, I guess there isn't an "if" kind of situation going on. I am going to med school somewhere next year. Be it here or the Caribbean, I am doing it. I've been waiting a long time to hear someone say Dr. Day. That sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Well, I guess I haven't considered the fact that you usually say Dr. in front of the last name. In other words, unless I tell you to, I won't ever get called Dr. Day. Well, crap. Guess I'll have to get me a big tricked out name tag.

   Has anyone been watching the Olympics? Haha, who am I kidding. That's like asking if anyone has had a mental thought today. Of course people have been. I have to admit, I got pretty emotional seeing our men's relays kick butt. Especially in the 400 m relay. Ah, when I saw Lezak out touch that guy at the end to be France by .07 seconds, I did a little dance! I mean, who are you "crushing" now, France??? yeah! NOT THE U.S.! *Click the title of this blog to watch the video* I think the reason I love the Olympics so much is that for once, people like to watch swimming. I think Michael Phelps helps things out a little bit. I'm no huge Phelps Phan, but you have to admit that guy can SWIM. I try to live vicariously through these swimmers, pretending that I should've stuck with it and made it there (because that could've happened and all.... not.) 

 Ok, I'm done ranting for the moment. I think my next post I'll include my adventures in first timer white water rafting. Who's excited?

This Day's gone like it's night.