Jersey Shore = horrible representation of humanity

So recently, I have heard people saying, "This is a situation" and "Its T-shirt time" everywhere I go. I was so confused. When I asked Nerissa why they were saying such things she explained that they repeating lines from this new reality show called Jersey Shore. I then asked what it was about and she said the entire show was about people getting drunk, doing not-so-appropriate things and looking like fools in the process. She said some episodes were funny at times but others went too far. I was curious so the next night it was on, I decided to see for myself what everyone liked about it (I do not like judging people, shows, etc. based on what other people tell me; I like to form my own opinion). I literally turned it off within the first five minutes. I was completely appalled at their behavior and crude jokes in that short time span. I could not imagine watching a whole hour of the same nonsense. First of all, that is not even close to what reality is. Second, why in the world is it a TV show? And third, who in their right mind decided to pay them millions of dollars for continuing to participate in such scandalous and immoral activities.
Personally, I am beyond disappointed of the fact that people are insecure and immature enough to look toward this show for entertainment. They are corrupting our youth by creating an unrealistic image of what is "cool". Adolescents are still becoming comfortable in their own skin and just want to be accepted by their peers. They do not need to witness such trashy behavior and think this is a way of "fitting in". Preserve our innocent youth, protest Jersey Shore!

Miracles can happen

I'm sure everyone has heard of the relatively recent rescue of the 33 Chilean miners that were trapped underground for 68 days. Personally, I don't think I would have been able to handle such small living quarters but I admire their faith in the Lord to bring them safely home. Events such as this remind me that miracles really can happen. When we are determined to do something, solve a problem, improve the situation, etc. anything is possible. This was the mindset I had when I was trying to figure out a way to save Antonio. I stayed calm, considered everything I knew about the situation and then it clicked. If I hadn't, he would have died due to the massive amount of blood loss. The rescue team for the miners shared a similar ultimatum: help or watch them die. The most brilliant men and women from around the world put their heads together to propose several rescue plans in the effort of determining which one would have the highest chance of success. There were some serious risks involved but that was a chance they were willing to take. The masterminds behind the mission did not, would not, just stand by and wait for someone else to do the dirty work for them. If they had relied on someone else to figure out a logical plan of attack, more than likely, the miners would have been stuck in that cave even longer and potentially resulting in death. This rescue has truly inspired me.

favorite tunes aka best songs ever

Pyramid: When I listen to this song, I always think that they are singing about the developing love Bassanio and I share. How the first time we met, I immediately started falling for him (the base/start of our relationship) and now look at us. We are engaged and have reached the peak of our pyramid of love. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who loves me for who I am.
Charice, feat. Iyaz. "Pyramid." Reprise Records, 2010. Metro Lyrics. Web. 12 Feb. 2011. 
        <http://www.metrolyrics.com/pyramid-lyrics-charice.html>.

Cleaning This Gun (Come on in Boy): This song never fails to fill me with mixed emotions. On one end of the spectrum, it makes me laugh because my dad would be doing the exact same thing as the father in the song, cleaning his gun (or sword I should say). On the other hand, it reminds me of dad's intentions behind his riddle. How even though he would not be able to approve of my husband, he could still be involved in the process. Thanks to my clever father, his plan was successful in intimidating the greedy men who asked for my hand simply for my wealth by giving them an ultimatum: love me or be forbidden to love any other woman. The test was set up to look out for my best interest, just as the dad in the song is protecting his little girl from all the crazy boys out there. I miss my daddy so much. :(
Atkins, Rodney. "Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)." Curb Records, 2006. A-Z Lyrics Universe. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.
        <http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rodneyatkins/cleaningthisguncomeoninboy.html>.

Stuck like glue: The upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics that refer to the ups and downs of a relationship remind me of when Bassanio gave away my ring. Initially I was upset, but when everything was all said and done, we worked it out and are enjoying every day of our lives together. We are virtually inseparable and will remain this way as long as we are together. I don't know what I would do without him. :)
Sugarland. "Stuck Like Glue." Mercury Records, 2010. Metro Lyrics. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.
          <http://www.metrolyrics.com/stuck-like-glue-lyrics-sugarland.html>.

Today was a Fairytale: Whenever I listen to this song the image that comes to mind is the moment Bassanio pulled my picture out of the lead box. That was one of the best moments of my life and I felt as if I were a princess in a fairytale book. Taylor Swift's voice is so calming and melodic; I always seem to be in a better mood when the song ends than I was before it played.
Swift, Taylor. "Today Was a Fairytale." Watertower Music, 2010. Country Lyrics, Tabs, Chords @ Cowboy Lyrics, Music.
        Web. 12 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/swift-taylor/today-was-a-fairytale-29231.html>.

Why Not: The catchy tune and lyrics of this song are simple yet meaningful. They remind me to not take the small things in life for granted. That I should stay open-minded and live every day to its fullest. Another concept this song refers to is taking chances, and not necessarily worrying about the risks involved; just being spontaneous (within reason of course). I hope to venture beyond the sheltered environment I've grown up in, and explore the other cultures of the world.
Duff, Hilary. "Why Not." Hollywood Records, 2004. LYRICS007. Web. 13 Feb. 2011.
         <http://www.lyrics007.com/Hilary%20Duff%20Lyrics/Why%20Not%20Lyrics.html>.

King of Anything: I absolutely love the lyrics of this song. Women of all ages can easily relate to them because sometimes the important men in our lives can be a little controlling. They subconsciously forget to take into consideration our thoughts and feelings and only look out for themselves. This should not be the case. They do not rule our lives. Men cannot tell me who I can or can't be. Only I have control over that. If they do not like me for me or what I stand for, then that is their problem. I am happy with myself and the life I have been blessed with and that is all that matters.
Bareilles, Sara. "King Of Anything." Sony Music Entertainment, 2010. Direct Lyrics. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.
         <http://www.directlyrics.com/sara-bareilles-king-of-anything-lyrics.html>.

counting down to the big day :)

Preparations are being finalized! This is all so exciting! Bassanio and I have decided that we are going to keep the wedding party limited to only our closest friends and family. Confession: while making the list of people to invite, I got a bit emotional when I accidentally included my father on the guest list. This was when I realized my father would not be able to walk me down the aisle; the cliche father-daughter moment that every little girl dreams of was no longer an option. For me, this realization was heart-wrenching. :( After a few tears and comfort from Bassanio, I continued on with my task and came up with a list of 60 people to invite. The ceremony is to take place on August 19th in the old church down the street from my house. The reception is going to be held at my estate. The servants have already out-done themselves with the decorations around the house and the wedding is still days away! I cannot even imagine what the house will look like when everything is finished. To be honest, they relieved so much stress off my shoulders that I am genuinely enjoying the anticipation to the big day. I simply could not have done it without them. I have a feeling that the wedding (or weddings I should say since Nerissa and Gratiano are to be wed at the same time as Bassanio and I) is going to be perfect. For the floral arrangements, I decided to have them centered around my all-time favorite flower, the cyclamen. They would be the dominant flower in the bouquet with accents of white Italian plum and bright green evergreens.
As for my dress, I have yet to pick one out! I invision myself wearing a dress with intricate beading and lace on the bodess with a dramatic train. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. :)

P.S. If you don't know what cyclamen look like, here is a picture.

CC image posted at Flikr by Kain Kalju