I write this IRJ reflection at 2:52 AM. I state that I write at this time in order to illustrate how my lack of time management and my excessive enjoyment becomes detrimental to my overall health. Since the early years of my childhood my mother has nagged me with the words no child enjoys hearing. These words consist of “all play and no work, makes Jack a dumb boy.” I see this statement in its clearest form right now (and hopefully that is not from being delusional from lack of sleep) and realize how I need to change the way I run my life, or extreme challenges await my future.

I will concisely tell the story of my weekend first to show how mismanaged time can ruin my working habits as a whole. On Friday after tennis practice, I attended a small tennis dinner. This dinner ended at 6 PM. I then spent the night at a friend’s house. Naturally at ssleepovers, one does not sleep until 1 Am or 2 and that did not stray from reality. In short, my lack of sleep on Friday, caused a Saturday full of a lethargic me taking a nap for six hours. Honestly, this clearly gives the impression of what I think a bum would do. Then yesterday, Sunday, I thought homework would be easy, so I went to a friend’s house with no lesson learned. I got back at around 9 PM and decided to start my homework. But the Olympics closing ceremonies blared on my television, so the homework process proved to be halfheartedly done. Eventually, I end up in this situation. It is Monday and I am doing homework at what is now 3:06 AM.

I have definitely learned my lesson from this blatant foolishness. I clearly had no restraint on my fun this weekend and showed no desire or concern to complete my homework. I think it is prudent that in order for one to succeed, they must plan effectively. I could have distributed my homework load over the hours of the weekend, but I lacked the sense to do something that intelligent. But I think this situation is applicable to more grand situations in real life. According to the news, a massive earthquake is set to hit California. But my family, nor many others take necessary precautions for this disaster. We have no plan. And in a short analogy, my carelessness with homework is similar to my family’s carelessness with the earthquake precautions. And my consequential catastrophe with my homework may be similar to the consequential catastrophe with a major earthquake that we could have planned for.

Many understand that poetry has the same ability to communicate a message as a novel or analytical writing. I definately advocate this fact with the poem, “Pescadero” by Mark Doty. The poem starts off by talking about a person who interacts with a goat in an intimate manner, similar to the way a person interacts with thier dog or cat. He mentions how a fence seperates the goat from the character and how the two characters bypass the obstacles by touching through the gaps in the fence. Doty represents the character to be extremely happy when the goat feels him. The exact verse states, “she likes me a lot, she takes interest in me, she doesn’t know me at all or need to, having thus acknowledged me. Though I am all happiness”.

Evidently, Mark Doty constructs this poem to illustrate how people strive to find any kind of affection in life. The goat represents affection and kindness in its purest form. As exemplified by the quotation, the goat as no idea who the character is, yet it finds comfort in showing compassion towards the person. Due to the goat’s actions, the man finds a real sense of happiness that cannot be cheaply emulated. This precious happiness derives from the man’s need for loving and care. Undoubtedly, this loving and care prove to be difficult to find at times in one’s life.

From shoddy parenting to ostracism, pure loving can be hard to come by. Kindness can also be false for the benefits that it may provide later on. One may show compassion to one’s boss so he may achieve the boss’s approval and rewards in the future. But this kind of compassion lacks realness. It simulates a much deeper, more meaningful emotion that seperates it from all imitators. The goat has no pre-disposed feelings towards the man, but it sees that the man’s lonliness needs to be resolved by pure affection. This entire analyzation brings me to the point that if a goat can show such innocent, untainted emotions, why is it so hard for humans to reciprocate them to people they do, in fact, know.

Throughout my life, people have told me that those who follow God, follow the path of truth and righteousness. Though this may be a exemplary thought process to live by, people who follow God blindly are not superior to those who do not follow God at all. Ironically, this can be proved best by the passage in the Bible. God inquires that Abraham sacrifices his son, Isaac, to God at the top of a mountain. While journeying to the mountain, Isaac asks his father where their sacrificial lamb is and Abraham replies by saying, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” (Gen. 22. line 8 )

As illustrated by the passage, Abraham lies to his very own child in order to fulfill the wishes of God. At the time, Abraham knew that he had been leading his own son to his own death, yet he showed a lack of mercy for Isaac. He demonstrates how a parent’s natural instinct to keep their children safe is deregarded when following God.  In this verse Abraham lies to Isaac and follows his lie by adding the “my son” tag. This almost conveys the point that he comprehends the intensity of the sin he is about to commit, but would rather just comfort his son before he dies. Granted, the God reaffirms his covenant with Abraham for his devotion; But why would God ask a man to do such a thing, as kill his own son? The intentions of God in this chapter confuse me. This quotation also contradicts the ten commandments that appear later on in the Bible. The sixth commandment states that one shall not murder, but by sacrificing Isaac, Abraham blatantly challenges a commandment of God in order to fulfill another mission from God.

In a more real world perspective, I realize that people take religion in a excessively serious manner. If there are those killing in the name of God, then how could they possibly be sinless people. Now I think the usage of God’s name in inhumane acts is inappropriate. One shall not kill another due to the wishes of a supernatural being, mainly because homicide has no benefits. Following religion is a different thing altogether. Religion helps develop values and respectful disposition. The situation that I address takes religion to an extreme level. One should think before he acts and not follow blindly. Because when one is blinded from morals and virtues, he might lead others into dark. And sometimes that darkness can be fatal.

As I read Time magazine, I came across an article named “Being Fat May Not Be All Bad–if you’re 70″ by Sora Song. In the article, Sora states that people ”ages 70 to 75 in the study, [] who were overweight were the least likely to die over 10 years, compared with people who were of normal weight or obese.” This article frustrated me because it contradicts years of studies that assert that an overweight nature decreases life span. These articles need to make a solid statement without it being contradicted subsequently.

In the past, being overweight has always been proposed as a detriment to a person’s life, especially in American society. As a young child, I held a very stout, chunky physique. Repeatedly, my pediatrician would enforce that I should exercise more because I weighed in excess for my height. He would say: “If you want to live long, you need to be healthy and basically less heavy.” Of course, at the time, the doctor’s comment offended me, but as time progressed I began to exercise alot, almost to a point of excess. I lost much weight and became detrimentfully underweight. At that, my parents forced me to gain weight so I would fall into the correct height to weight ratio. As a young child, the people around me encouraged my body to go on a roller-coaster with my weight. This weight change also supposedly increased my life span, but after reading this article, I do not think I should have hastily lost so much weight in a period of one summer. If being overweight helps one live longer as a senior means that eventually one day people need to become overweight in order to live longer. I do not see how scientists can justify themselves after contradicting themselves repeatedly and causing people to drastically change their lives.

In a more general perspective, the media misleads the majority of the population to the point where a person does not know how to diffrentiate truth from lies. The situation stands that the media says one thing and then soon contradicts it. How does one shape thier lives to these turbulent sources? I strive to find a way to tell fact from fib. I hope the media will solidly state something with certainty and have it not be disproved soon after.

Article: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1957491,00.html

When I think of jealousy, I imagine that the emotion developed over the progression of mankind. Today, in a matter of seconds, the bible disproved this theory when it states, “Cain rose up agaist his brother Abel, and killed him.” (Bible, 16)  Cain kills his brother Abel because Abel impresses god with his offerings of ship and thier fat, while God does not regard Cain’s gift of fruit. Cain demonstrates jealousy in its entirity by commiting the sin of marytring his own brother.

The irony of this situation lies with the fact that Cain and Abel are the progeny of Adam and Eve. Humorously, the brothers are second generation human and they exemplify one of the most flawed emotions know to man. If jealousy recently (the word “recent” used as a time frame of a couple thousand years) developed throughout mankind, then it would be missing from one of the oldest and sophisticated works of writing known to man. But this situation lacks relevance because it is not the case. Though God punishes Cain for his wrong doings, Cain illustrates how jealousy is an intrinsic sentiment. He clearly portrays that jealousy has existed since the beginning of time and will continue to exist because, if following a biblical thought process, Eve fell to the enticement of the serpent and ate the forbidden fruit.

In conclusion, the malevolent emotion of jealousy occurs throughout history time and time again, starting since the near the biblical beginning of time. So when a person states that “feelings never die”, their statement holds true when referring to those with an envious eye.

John Faa holds concern for Lyra’s safety when she wishes to travel to the village with Iorek but is reassured when Lee Scoresby affirms, “All bears are true, but I’ve known Iorek for years, and nothing under the sky will make him break his word.” (Pullman 207) Lee Scoresby’s statement verifies the idea that sincerity and loyalty hold to be some of the most respected values known to man.

Iorek’s genuineness and trustworthiness exemplifies why his character holds such importance throughout the novel. Iorek and the other bears, though ruthless, all hold loyalty to a patron. This loyalty makes the entire panserbjorn respectable as a race. The characteristics of Iorek also allow him to be the intimidating creature that he is. The fact of the matter stands to be that he cannot be bribed due to his dependability; therefore making him a supreme threat.

If a person has these traits similar to Iorek, he/she will have much success in diplomacy. Trustworthiness holds to be a universally venerable quality. In the real world, those who are diplomatic have a harder time creating animosity and diplomacy is synthesized by creating trust and loyalty between a group of people. Despite the fact that these people will develop some enemies, the enemies will hold respect for the person that devotes themselves to their beliefs. Iorek symbolizes the ideal human in the way that he is trustworthy and an effective ally. If a person shows loyalty, the person demonstrates an impressive value to uphold and that loyalty makes him dreaded by the adversary. Sincere people always finish their duty with their dignity and that in itself, makes them better than the common man.

Proposition: Sincerity and loyalty are key traits in a worthy rival and give a strong advantage to whoever holds these qualities.

Bart stepped onto the shinning dais of the auditorium glaring at the audience but blinded by the spotlight. He blinked several times to assure himself of this reality. Bart cleared his throat, readying himself for the most exhilarating he would ever do in his lifetime. He stood there for a couple seconds creating an awkward silence between him and the audience. Not long after a minute a laugh burst from a spectator but stopped in a matter of seconds. Slowly Bart leaned over to the closely placed microphone and whispered the line that preceded an explosion of laughter by every eyewitness: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am now ready.”

Bart had been identified as a “class-act loser” by everyone, including his family. He lived on 9^th street in a dingy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. His apartment compared to the size of any other lower class apartment: small and incites claustrophobia. He could not afford anything better than what he had. Finding a job provoked headaches due to his lack of credentials. Bart never completed high school, mainly because he argued that the curriculum consisted of copious “busy work”. But Bart did not act like the other New York residents and did not fall to the New York personality stereotype of impoliteness and discourteousness. Bart enjoyed making people smile. If he passed someone on the street, he would crack a small joke and end with a simple “nice talkin’ with ya”. Bart was included in the small group of people that actually stood outside during winter to observe their breath in the air. Bart enjoyed the simple things in life and did not fall to a materialistic lifestyle. Bart worked at a small gift shop in the suburbs of New York in order to make some sort of money but wrote jokes for standup comedy, his true passion. Despite the fact that the gift shop job made Bart miserable, he still made acquaintances with the patrons. He never realized that his humorous disposition would eventually lead to the pinnacle of his life.

One day, a lady named Barb Quincy entered the store. She claimed she was visiting from Hollywood and wished to purchase a souvenir. Barb gave the impression that she stood in the upper class of society. She dressed in designer clothing and spoke in a gaudy tone of voice. “What’s the most expensive item you sell?” she questioned.

“Well, since we don’t sell you, then probably our sweaters.” he replied with a smile.

Something about that statement really tickled Ms. Quincy. She chortled for a couple seconds and then broke out into uncontrollable laughter.

“I…..I…..You’re hilarious!” she spoke in between laughs.

Ms. Quincy confused Bart. Bart did not understand that he even said anything funny. His humor was just part of his intrinsic nature.

“I own a high-end comedy club back home in L.A. I think you should get a chance to become famous. I mean you’re better than half the people already performing at the club.” she ascertained, though Bart did not understand how she could make this assertion based off of one statement. “Gimme your number and I’ll call you by tomorrow. My flight to Los Angeles is in about two hours, so I have to run. Talk to you soon!”

Bart had total mixed emotions. He was happy but also very puzzled by the quick turn of events his life had taken. A day went by and surely enough he received a call from Miss Barb Quincy.

Cheerfully she addressed Bart, “Honey. I just bought you a ticket to Los Angeles. Pack your bags because you’re comin’ tonight.”

To Be Continued…

The other day, I pondered the idea of life’s importance and what my I strive to do in this lifetime. I thought, “Is my life goal to be successful? Is it to make lots of money or buy nice cars?” This question harassed me until I heard a powerful quote by Mary Kay Ash that put my contemplation to rest. Her assertion stated, “Some people drift through their entire life. They do it one day at a time, one week at a time, one month at a time. It happens so gradually they are unaware of how their lives are slipping away until it’s too late.” This statement incited the realization that a person only lives once, and if he/she spends his/her life waiting for something to happen then that person loses the chance to experience what life has in store.  

How to Live Life to the Fullest Through Personal Growth: A blog with tips on how to live life to the fullest. Posts written by people with effective methods on living a more fullfilling life.

Living Life to the Fullest Quotes: Inspirational quotes about living life to the fullest. Quotes said by some of the world’s most successful people

Since childhood, society encourages us to work hard, earn good grades, work in venerable field of occupation, and retire prosperously. Though this life appears ideal, many lose track of the beauty around them while striving for success. One of the biggest life goals stands not to be the ability to succeed but instead the ability to live life to the fullest. For example, a child’s family raises the child to be focused on academics and eventually financially thrive. The child decides to not make any friends or socialize but only to study. But he was no erudite; he just knew that if he did not succeed in life, his family would frown upon him. Eventually he does succeed and becomes the chief executive officer of a flourishing company. He grows old and retires alone. While alone in his mansion, he realizes that though he succeeded in life, he was not happy. He had materialistic happiness but not actual happiness. He did not get a chance to experience what life has to offer. The moral of the story stands to be that though one may be successful and wealthy, that does not grant that he/she has lived life to the fullest. Life should be an experience and not a chore as some make it out to be.

Granted, success is rewarding. But success itself should not be more satisfying than the journey one takes in order to succeed. The importance stands that success is gratifying only if it is accompanied by exposure and adventure.  

Proposition: Life is to be explored and fulfilled and anything less than that wastes the gift.

He spat on the ground as he sauntered through the corridors of West Ave High School. The time had passed over 30 minutes since class started, but he had absolutely no concern for where and when class could be. He spat again not worried of a “marring school property” punishment. Every time he felt the slightest pang of guilt for any of his juvenile actions, he would tell himself, “you have better things to worry about” but honestly, he did not. Though his first name existed as Jackson, he preferred to be called Pules. The reason for this stands unknown, but no one dared to question Pules about it. Pules’s attitude caused him to stay in the ninth grade for four years. Rumors say that because his disposition intimidated the Principal immensely, she allowed him to continue to the tenth grade. Pules daunted everyone, until one interesting day.  A small, stout boy named Arther Cremble came into the picture. He heard the stories about Pules and scoffed at what he heard. Arther wanted to fight the famous Pules and relieve the stress of his collegues. Immediately, he found Pules and desultorily started copiously punching him in the back as hard as he could, inserting swears between punches. Students whispered and commented about Arther’s deplorable punching style: some saying he punched almost similar to a monkey dancing. Pules turned around smiling. He almost enjoyed watching Arther flail his arms. Eventually, Arther ran out of breath and collapsed on the floor panting. While on the floor, Arther stared at Pules’s face in amazement and simultaneously attempted to crawl away. Pules caught Arther’s shirt with his foot. This event had turned into a lark for Pules. Pules would remove pressure of his foot on Arther’s shirt and if Arther tried to move, he would immediately press down again. Pules gazed at Arther’s disdainful face, leaned over, and whispered into his ear, “let’s not do this again.” With that Pules walked away sumptuously and did not turn around to see the response. Pules performed his daily life like the coolest kid in school, and eventually his reputation helped him reached that high honor. The story of Arther Cremble and many others give Pules the venerability that no one else has ever had at West Ave High School.