Almost Christmas, Almost Done with School

Bring out the stockings, bring out the ornaments, and hopefully bring out your good spirits. Christmas is around the corner and so are those enjoyable, memorable moments. I have to say, I am a little nervous about this Christmas. I feel that last year was so pleasant having everyone on my mother's side travel down to Florida for close to a week and be reunited after a couple years. I'm sure this year will be just a memorable in a different way. Tonight we just picked out our Christmas tree. It is about 8 feet tall and smells wonderful! Amidst the holiday cheer, my college semester is coming to a close.

College is one of those things that you enjoy in waves. At least for myself. I do like coming home after Thanksgiving and feeling confident in the final moments of fall semester. It's another goal almost checked off a list. A shining beacon in a desert of loneliness. A somewhat special treat one savors for a short time. I personally struggle sometimes with myself and my personal anxieties. School sometimes can be helpful in keeping me moving towards a goal. Which, currently is to graduate with a four-year degree. I feel proud of myself for sticking it out regardless of some struggles I've dealt with. God is good. Hopefully, whoever browses over this post will feel a little more confident in themselves too. I wish everyone in life a happy day and that you can continue to fight your battles. Life is worth the ride. 

World Religions

So I'm very excited! Because I've just started back in college and am learning about world religions. The teacher has already assigned readings and I'm currently finishing up chapter 1! Last class we already jotted down dates for our personal presentations. I chose to do mine on Ainu religions. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan. Kinda like the Native Americans of Northern America. Nobody, unfortunately, knows much about them. I decided to take advantage of this. My teacher seemed excited about my decision. Google Scholar is my savior! I already found 5 sources that could potentially help my presentation. Thankfully, I was able to choose my date late this year. November third to be exact! Ok that's all for today.

Jason Statham/ Mechanic Movie

So tonight I treated myself to a movie! Yeah, I know cheesy way to treat oneself. Anyways my main decision was Jason Statham's Mechanic Resurrection film. Surprisingly, an old Hollywood icon reappears: Jessica Alba. She was my favorite in Fantastic Four back in the day. Her acting was on point and she showed her sophistication throughout the movie. Basically, Jason Statham's character "Bishop" is on the run from his past and escapes all the way to some remote island in Thailand. Eventually his past, by chance of course, catches up to him and he is introduced to Alba's character, Gina. An ex-military woman who, against her will, was sent to reel in Statham. The two eventually set aside their flaws and become close. Overall, the film's plot was a warm-hearted damsel in distress (Jessica Alba) desperately seeking closure from Jason Statham's character.

Excitement for the Near Future

So tonight was the last few times I could spend the time with my twin brother and friends before they all return to college. I miss the times in high school when everyone was more available and we'd all play Minecraft on our Xbox 360s. Although I do not miss the acne! This past night we spent the beginning at one of our favorites, Panda Express! Then, after chowing Lo Mein and conversing about Pokemon Go, we heading towards the local theater to see Sausage Party. Monday's aren't everyone's happiest days but in this case it was one of mine. The theater was nearly empty and no lines for concessions! Amongst our laughs and snickering, I was reminded of what truly matters in life. Friendship and family is what is most important in life. Now as I look onward to my third year of college, I reflect on my pastime experiences. It really is true that we learn from our past. I'll admit I am a little weary to continue college. I guess I'm just concerned about the unknown. Deep down I know everything will work out. Anyways, I had a wonderful night with my high school friends. Good night.

I Currently Hate Florida

Ugh, all the rain today has made Tampa ugly. I understand Florida's weather patterns, I really do. But after driving through flooded streets, getting my iPhone drenched on my run, and being stuck in Panera, I have come to a conclusion. I hate Florida. I literally just flew in yesterday from Wisconsin and this is what I come back to. "The Sunshine State" is a partially accurate statement. Yes, on a sunny day Florida is heavenly. What nobody seems to bring to light, no pun intended, is that 50% of the time it is raining in Florida. I can be walking in a Publix parking lot at 3:15 and then at 3:30 exiting the store to a heavy rain shower. This is what's frustrating about Florida. The unpredictable storms that plague our skies.

Parks and Rec Nite

So tonight was really fun. I got to catch up with a grade school friend, see Suicide Squad, and then after all of that, have a "Parks and Rec Nite". It's funny how a simple sitcom can change your entire perspective on life. I could be depressed from some horrendous situation and then watch Parks and Rec and be laughing my ass off. I think that is why staples like Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory, and Everybody Loves Raymond hit it off. It's not about money, it's about realistic comedy. The grandfather in Everybody Loves Raymond is like my own grandfather. Sheldon in Big Bang is like my engineering friends. Lastly, George from Seinfeld is like my self-absorbed friend from high school. Weird how sitcoms relate to our own lives. Anyways, Parks and Rec will always hold a special place in my heart. Netflix...please don't get rid of Parks and Rec.

So Bored

So I just got home from the gym and felt incredibly exhausted and dizzy. Who knew that a little Lean Cuisine Mac n Cheese and Pretty Woman could cure my ailment? That's the thing I love about old movies, especially on cable channels. You are forced to sit and wait through the commercials to figure out what happens next. Therefore on the edge of your seat. I love that thrill. Especially, critically acclaimed films such as Pretty Woman. I just find the characters so relatable to my life. Sometimes I feel myself questioning my own age group, then other times I'm caught up in my fantasies. Julia Roberts' "Vivian" reminds me of my pondering self. In the end of course everything is magical and lovey dovey...something only Hollywood produces. The movie is still a favorite.

Game of Thrones Trial

Finally, after consistently hearing about this GoT rage, HBO's fantasy television show has grasped my curiosity. I've just started book one, A Game of Thrones tonight. So far, I have made it to chapter 1 (I'm a slow reader) and have watched three quarters of "Winter Is Coming" on HBO NOW. Man, you have to get into this show! There is so much you can miss! Now I understand why my Aunt told me, "It's a show you really have to pay attention to." 

Unfortunate Outcome, Thrilling Experience

So I ended up heading to Barnes & Nobel today, trying to find Julie Powell's Cleaving. Surprisingly, the bookstore clerk pointed to his computer monitor and was regretful to inform me that, "We don't have any in stock, but I can order them in for you." I winced. Why would I drive all the way from Tampa just to order Julie Powell's novels? I could of done that on Amazon in the comfort of my home. Oh well. The man was trying his best to cheer me up.

Afterwards, I browsed through the store and scanned through some interesting novels aka The Demonologist by Gerald Brittle.  Whenever I can not find something decent to read, I wind up in the middle of some scary, intriguing book. I hate passing the paranormal section because of this. Actress Vera Farmiga from the famous Conjuring films referenced this book for her role. Those nights after reading paranormal books, my mind naturally conjures up those documented incidents. Restlessness isn't fun, as everyone knows. Oh well, I love the Conjuring movies and saw the recent on my 20th. It's a love hate relationship.

Julie Powell, I Love You

Just started reading Julie Powell's semi-new book Cleaving. As much as people hate it, I love it. Her story has the perfect balance of internal struggles and external. Powell's book reviews are true examples that, "art is in the eye of the beholder." Although I was reading from my phone's insignificant screen, I thoroughly enjoyed the text. Even though it is 11:16 pm, I feel as if I could hop in my civic and journey to the nearest bookstore! Well, at least I am less than an hour away from that day. Too bad bookstores are not open 24/7.

Why Are People So Quick to Judge?

The Lack of Respect in Society

Ever encounter that one person who, no matter what, always makes some abrupt comment about your life? Well, if so, you are in the same boat as my friends and I. Often the problem today is that if you are not starting a career after college graduation or in your own apartment, something is wrong. This is bull because I have met tons of people who have part-time jobs or working on college degrees and are living at home. If anything, they are smarter and more frugal than the on-campus students that are up to their necks in student loans, drinking underage at parties, or missing class for the heck of it. You can save a surprising amount of cash by simply commuting from your childhood home. The way I look at it is that everyone is on their own journey in life. It is not up to me or anyone else to control a person's choices and life decisions. Why must there always be that person who questions everything you believe in like its their own life? Mind your own business and do not worry about me! If I was in dire need of support I would have cried for help already. 

July in Florida...whew!

Get out your window units, sunblock, and bathing suits...it's summer in Florida. So I already visited the nearby beach today and I much say it is HOT but beautiful too. If any of you reading this blog are not from Florida, I recommend visiting the Tampa Bay area before you die. Fort De Soto Park has activities for all including: surrey biking, kayaking, camping, and fishing. Also, downtown St. Petersburg is home to multiple art galleries and boutique shops. Anyways, hope my readers have a blessed summer. Just wanted to check in and say hello during this scorching July day!

Go and Play Pokemon GO!

Well, Pokemon GO is out and the world is literally going crazy over this new application for Androids and iPhones. I can't blame them because I have downloaded the game and are already a level 7. Places like Tokyo, New York, and Paris have specific landmarks where you can train, battle, or trade your pokemon with other trainers. In Florida, I have captured water types in Atlantic Beach, St. Pete Beach, and nearby renown Don Cesar Hotel. If you win a gym, your pokemon can guard the captured gym until a trainer defeats your beloved pokemon. Anyways, I better be getting back to enjoying summer and capturing more pokemon. Hope whoever is viewing this has an epic day! 

Where do I start?

Hey world! My name is Mark and I want to share my journey with all of you. Currently, I am a college student in Florida studying communications. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with family and taking photographs. Animals are dear to me and I have four pets. My furry friends consist of a Lop rabbit (Harry), two Westies (Rosie + Ralphie), and lastly my Calico cat (Heidi). Oh, and I am the older fraternal twin brother of my family. I guess my main goal now is to graduate and hopefully start a career in New York City. I would love to get into some form of art, preferably acting and if not then creative writing. I give credit to Julie Powell for inspiring me to blog. Julie & Julia is by far one of my favorite films. Ok, well it's getting late so just wanted to put this out here...