Never Too Young to Follow A Passion

In the past week, news about Abby Sunderland from Thousand Oaks, Calif. have augmented on whether or not she was too young to sail. Doesn't anyone remember being 17? I was a little bewildered viewing a poll that stated about 67% believing she was "too young and irresponsible." I think people are quick to judge and don't really place themselves in ones shoes often enough.

At 17 years old, you want to show people how mature you can be, or of how "adult" you can portray by making informed decisions - and I don't mean what outfit to wear to prom. It's at this age you make life-changing resolutions (i.e. college choices, opinions on debatable matters, career decisions, etc). Sure, you aren't quite recognized by the government as any more than a dependent, but when I was 17, I felt too old to be categorized as a kid based off my age. And as a young adult, you want to prove you can be accountable behind the wheel, or trusted to go away to college, and be ready to register to vote; in Abby's case, it was her passion since she was 13 to sail around the world solo.

There are many younger kids who prove themselves worthy of stepping out against all odds. Sure, there are those that flop and we all hear about it, but it's all learning experiences required for growth. How is it that when a 16 year old can sail and be the youngest to do so and succeed (Jessica Watson) and it's incredible and great, but when a girl like Abby attempts and fails, she's labeled too young? What about young entertainers? I don't hear anyone flustering over how young Justin Bieber is traveling the world and having girls trample each other just to see him. Or Miley Cyrus singing about moving her hips in clubs and whatnot (though she did get bad rep for implied pictures for Vanity Fair). We forget that age doesn't necessarily reflect maturity.

Abby acted very professional in my opinion. Not only was she fit for her sport and knowledgeable and equipped, but she recognized she needed help, and gladly accepted it. "She's obviously keen to have some assistance, but she is in very good spirits."

So let's not judge other people's passions and wish them the best of luck! I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned for one's decisions, but maybe just step back and see from their perspective before commenting.

"Wild Eyes and my trip have been the best thing I have ever done or been through and I don't ever want to forget all the great times we have had together, or the bad ones for that matter."

Goodbye America!

I gotta be quick about this (taking off rather shortly), but now that the stress of school and finals is over, my New Zealand trip is really exciting! I've planned on not being bored on the 13 hour flight with music, a book, sleeping, and watching whatever movies they have and eating (also have to make sure I move around since the ankles will really swell!). This first week will be exciting stuff - zorbing, bungee jumping, black water rafting (basically rafting in caves with glowworms), and then all family rest of the time. I can't wait... this has been way too long. From the shy girl with a unibrow and boy's clothing to the outgoing and adventurous me... time to show my family that change :)

Pressure Makes Diamonds

Here I am at 2 in the morning, sitting in my little walk-in closet with the light on and laptop handy, finishing an assignment. I've had since Wednesday to read, annotate, ponder, and write... so why on a Sunday night am I not in a cozy bed dreaming and am 4 hours away from my alarm's wake up call? Good question. You see, as a writer (or English major or a college student even), we get things called a "writer's block." Right, not an incredible excuse, but I find myself a more creative person when I procrastinate. Sure the late nights really suck when I'm nodding off in the classroom, but when I turn in a paper that reads like an A+, that's more rewarding to me than the C I could have received with sleep! How am I so sure my late work isn't "C worthy?" It's as simple as my experiences - for my Consumer Math class Junior year in high school, I turned in a portfolio of a vacation trip for two. My project was shown to the class on why one shouldn't procrastinate! Oh, the irony (my secret for those is always colored construction paper and scrapbooking skills). Oh, and no I don't work in my closet often - I was being polite as to not to disturb my sister while she rests herself all over my new bedding <--RUDE! :P

Listen to the Band

It's been 10 years since I claimed the Monkees was better than the Beatles (an atrocity to most people, I know). I couldn't help but smile when I reminisced last night with my twin sister of these four capricious oddballs chosen to be part of a sitcom/band. While everyone else was getting into the pop sounds of Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC, I was jamming to Last Train to Clarksville and spending my unoccupied nights on monkeegirl.com. My allowance (earned simply by taking vitamins, exercising, and eating dinner) curtailed quickly from the 12+ albums purchased at Media Play - luckily my sister shared the same appreciation. My poor dad was most likely puzzled having to replace the ink cartridge in no time from something Amy and I covertly created called "The Monkee Binder." Inside included a mini bio of each band member (Davy, Peter, Mike, and Micky), a list of all the show's episodes, lyrics to all songs, a small gallery, and even recipes! Yep, I was definitely smitten by them, enough to where I couldn't wait for the weekend to end just so I could wake up Monday through Friday to watch them in their typical red, 8-button shirts.

P.S. Thank you mom for getting me that autographed Micky Dolenz Monkees lunchbox tin!

P.S.S. Their movie Head was a total flop! You'll know it with only 2 minutes of viewing...

Leftover Vicodin for Sale! ...Not...

Just lying in bed feeling sleepy and lethargic. I took the day off from school, and am really glad my teachers are understanding (not thinking it's a hoax since just the other day I was perfectly ok!). Today was interesting and quite fun to be honest. My alarm went off at 6:10am, snoozed for 15 min, and got ready - easy peasy since it was comfy clothes with no bra and I was not allowed breakfast or even water to drink. Mum picked me up from my new apartment, and we were off to the Forrest Surgery Center near Valley Fair Mall. We were 30 min early - I was anticipating this moment all of yesterday since I've never experienced anything like this and have always been curious. It was nothing to be worried about really, so why not be positive? I started to journal how I was feeling and what was about to take place, when, after minor paperwork and proof of insurance and ID, I got called into the back. I had to undress and put on a hair net and garment and lie down on a gurney. A lovely heated blanket was placed on me and I was given socks, questions, and an IV in the right vein running down my arm giving a cold sensation. I was there for an hour, staring at everything rythmical - the drip-drip of the IV and the tick-tocking of the gazing clock. I eavesdropped on some chit-chatter from the nurses at a receptionist desk, and daydreamed how I would be in History class (discussing WWII currently) on a typical Wednesday. Distantly I could hear Kelly Clarkson and whatever else was playing under the gossip taking place (anorexic ballerinas who were here a few weeks ago). Another heated blanket was provided, and the anesthesiologist came by to double-check if I take any medications or was allergic to anything (nope, I'm pretty much a healthy bee). I had to initial my left boob and explain back to the nurse what will take place - "excisional biopsy on the left breast" was the technical term. Moments later two nurses approached.

"Ok Brenda, we're going to be wheeling your gurney to the surgical room now. It's colder in there so if you need another blanket let us know. How are you feeling?"

"Amazing!"

"Great, keep that smile on your face."

I was thinking how I wouldn't be able to, given that I would be put under shortly. The transporting was fun and comfortable, and as the new room approached, I was excited. It was brightly lit, very clean, and upbeat music was playing. The guy was right about the room being colder, but it wasn't an uncomfortable cold. Doctors were getting ready and joking - it seemed really fun to be a part of that atmosphere (kinda like you see in movies/shows). I was shifted onto a heated bed, and once the nurse checked my blood pressure, and maneuvered my body, I saw a head pop over mine, "Brenda I just gave you something that will make you feel very relaxed" "Yay!" In an instant, I felt a strong buzz, like I had a one too many glasses of wine. I always thought if I had this opportunity, I would be stubborn and try to fight wanting to sleep, but I decided to shut my eyes to get comfortable, and daydream. I blink open my eyes and shut them, and then continued opening and closing. Realizing I've been in the dark with thoughts turning for some time, I wondered when the surgery would take place. I have pure oxygen running through my lungs now, and I'm back in the room I lingered prior, but on the other side. I could feel my chest wrapped tighter, and I realized I was already finished with surgery! "Oh no, go back to sleep, go back to sleep" were my thoughts. I really liked being unaware of time and literally everything. I still felt a bit tipsy and my mum was brought in. I started to shake and my teeth were chattering, but this wasn't because I needed another blanket. These chills were inspired by trauma - like after doing something totally nerve-racking. Asides from that, I told her I had a fun time in there and loved all of it, and she just laughed and was glad I was weirdo to have enjoyed it.

Everything happened so quickly - I went to the doctor just 2 days ago about a lump on the left side, and here I am on a Wednesday night recovering from surgery! I have some Vicodin for my healing pains, and can begin showering and participating in light activities tomorrow. As crazy as I am about working out, I need to take it easy and rest. Well, my first surgery ever went well, and definitely was a very positive experience getting taken care of and all drugged up, hehe. As a result, I have major bruising, orange skin, and a bigger boob (from the swelling of course!). I couldn't eat at all before the surgery beginning midnight the prior, so as a hungry gal, I ate a delicious buffet meal with mum at Fresh Choice. They have really yummy pizza! Zucchini and yellow squash topped my favorite one. Their tapioca pudding also tasted better than usual. Alright, enough advertising. Have a goodnight!

P.S. The moon looks really pretty right now. Awesome to stare at before bed :)

Move Your Feet This Week!

It's National Dance Week (April 23-May 2) - take this opportunity to drop in a free class sponsored by a dance studio near you and explore something new and fun. To spice up my fitness routine, I tried pole dancing! And yep, pole dancing is definitely a workout (I know my triceps are gonna be sore and my abs a bit firmer!). I wished I brought my camera but I'm sure I won't forget what I learned. It was quite addicting actually, and I was uber-ecstatic afterwards and called mum and told her all about it (yes, i have a fantabulous relationship with her to do so, haha). So, even though its Dance Week this week, still doesn't give you an excuse to go out and try another week if you can't get out there before May 2nd.

P.S. The fitness pole dancing class is for females only :)

Progresso and Campbell Unite!

Wow, seriously? It's been a tad over a month since I've last written on here! Sorry for the lousy upkeep, but I've been uber-busy with two jobs, school, exercising, and last but definitely not least, MOVING!! I can officially say I'm moving out of San Jose, though I'm still in the neighboring town of 40,000 people called Campbell. The title is just my ironic way of stating that I'm "progressing" forward, and what better way than to use rival soup company's names?

I've been independent mostly for about 2 1/2 years, so it'll be interesting having to adjust to 2 new roommates (which shouldn't be a big deal, as I generally get along with everyone I meet and as long as I do my part and communicate, all is well, right?). The best part about my adjustment? I'm moving from a 200 sq. ft (yes, not a typo!) to a spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet! The swimming pool/hot tub, awesome fitness center with a movie rental box, big laundry room, and no creepy neighbors will be an outstanding bonus too. I feel this will be a positive experience for me, and I'm much closer to where I need to be in terms of transportation: cycling is still my favorite way to get around town.