Articulations from the Extroverted Introvert

The moment I have been preparing for months for has finally passed. That moment is the DECA State Competition. DECA is an organization of students learning about business and marketing and blah, blah, blah. For the past six or so months I have been writing a paper for my event. For this, I have missed many social engagements, avoided homework, visited numerous businesses, and wasted time thinking about it.

As for the social engagements that I have either missed or canceled due to this, I apologize. As for the avoided homework and wasted time, I’m pretty sure I’ll get over it. And lastly, to the numerous businesses I tirelessly annoyed with all of my questions, thank you.

Some of these businesses went above and beyond the call of duty and I would like to say thank you by mentioning them in this very blog (since it is so often read…hah!) and maybe creating a good reputation spurring others to use their services. Thank you to: Kinko’s, West Glen Leasing, Christian Photo, Apple Financial Services (AFS), and MetaBank. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

P.S. I won state at not only this event (the extensive paper about starting a business) but also in the Business Law and Ethics event…advancing me to Nationals in Florida! Yay!

Sometimes it is time for a change…here’s what is new today:

New haircut

A little fearful at first, I quickly adjusted to the new haircut. It was ever so impulsive on my part, but also much needed. I may have to quit this “one haircut every two years” habit, because I am loving running my fingers through the new length now several inches shorter.

New Norah Jones CD

The third CD of one of my favorites. As a fan from the beginning, I have long awaited the most recent songs of hers. With her familiar tone and a slightly different style, it will not disappoint you

New favorite bagel at Panara: Peanut Butter Banana Crunch

After the consistent favorite of Chocolate Hazelnut, with French Toast coming in a close second, Peanut Butter Banana Crunch takes it as Panara’s newest bagel, one that is sure to delight you.

I like new things.

Lyrics from Same Old Saturday Night by Frank Sinatra.

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror for so long that it gets a point where you do not even recognize yourself? That’s what a good, deep thinking session looks like.

In the movie Pride and Prejudice there is a scene where Elizabeth stares into the mirror for hours and hours without turning. I had never really understood why she was looking in a mirror until now. For whatever reason when you try to look at yourself for such a long time you try to figure out what you are thinking while thinking it. In the meantime you first find all of these things about your face, but then it begins to fade until you barely recognize it.

It is very strange.

Lyrics from White Daisy Passing by Rocky Votolato.

The Bible is such a timeless book. There is no question about it. There are so many complexities to it all the while being so simple. You could read the whole thing cover-to-cover every month for the rest of your life and still find things you never knew was there. A few nights ago I was reading different passages in the Bible because I was thinking about the Amish. An odd thing to consider, yes, however I can’t help but think that in some ways they are doing things the right way.

Say what? Live like an Amish? This blog would be non-existent if I were Amish, as well as many or almost everything else I am a part of. I realize this. Sometimes though, it makes sense. I really do not have a great knowledge about the Amish people or what exactly they believe, but what little I do know makes me wonder. They live a life that is simple, not within society, one that does not serve two masters. They do not work to please mankind. I would guess they do not worry about each day like we do, what they will wear or eat. There are other examples I’ve thought of before but aren’t coming to me now because I am so tired.

One thing though that I can’t figure out, how are they making disciples of all nations? Or teaching others (outside of their colony) what Jesus has commanded us? I mean, how can they be doing that if they seclude themselves from the world? So, in order to better understand all of this I read the last chapter or so of each of the Gospels to read what Jesus said before ascending into heaven. In the book of Mark, I found an interesting passage that I do not remember reading before now.

Basically, it said what the signs were that accompanied those who believe. One of those things was they ”pick up snakes with their hands.” Now you have to decide whether this is to be taken literally or figuratively. Pick up a snake??? With my hands?? WHat?! 

Do you see how this can just go on and on forever? It’s so difficult to know what to take from that. I get so confused, yet reassured all the same. The Bible is such a wonderful thing, however the confusion never ends.

Lyrics from The B-I-B-L-E

I hate predictions. I hate people’s expectations. I hate their preconceived notions. While you can’t change who you are and everyone has some tendencies to do certain things, I can’t stand the idea of being predictable and doing just what people expect.

I want to be someone that can randomly surprise people, so they give up guessing. I want to be someone that you cannot describe with three simple words. Someone that cannot be compared to with a common stereotype. I hate the idea of being stuck in this mold that fits so many other people.  While it is almost impossible to be completely orginial, I would like to possess some unique characteristics.

I’d rather be the one you can’t ever really figure out.

Lyrics from Be the Girl by Aslyn.

One small step for man and one giant LEAP for Sam.

Today, I faced one of my biggest fears. In fact, I have not visited it since the incident occurred. Today ladies and gentlemen,  I entered a car wash.

Yes, it’s true… car washes happen to be a fear of mine. The reason being a tramatic experience that happened a little over a year ago. November or December of 2005 on a warmer day I decided to get my first car wash by myself. Having had a car for all of 2-3 months at that point I thought it was about time. So I go to the counter, tell them my account (aka- discounted car washes heck yes), grab my ticket and go. Of course as the car approached the code thing I had to get out of my car just to enter in the numbers (how annoying). Once that was done I drove into the large contraption listening to the radio and fairly calm. I drove in until the sign flashed to stop! and then sat there….for an hour.

This is past the point when a person begins to get concerned.  I didn’t have my cell phone to call anyone and began to think of what my tombstone might say, “Girl trapped in car wash…idiot” I could barely see through the large garage doors of the car wash but at one point saw the guy working at Kum & Go attempt to “rescue” me before he ran away. So I sat there. Why didn’t I leave you ask? Probably because I had no idea where the door was and also was absolutely terrified of being sprayed by some powerwash.  

Finally, an brilliant idea came to me, and I put on my hazard lights. Thankfully, the lady behind me saved me by reading the sign located above the door of what to do in case of emergency. I had noticed it before entering.  After thanking her I drove away with a dirty car and plans to never return.

Last week the guy at the gas station gave me two free carwashes (Long story) and today was the day a flock of birds decided to mess my car up like crazy and I could take it no longer.

I went to the car wash and made it out alive.

Be proud.

Lyrics from Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

*** Edit: So you know how yesterday or last night or whenever this was written I told you to “Be proud” of my accomplishment? Yeah, definitely don’t be proud because I am an idiot. Seriously. I thought it was warm enough to get a car wash and get away with it but you know what? My mom drove me to school this morning because the key hole was frozen shut…still is in fact, even after using a de-icer made specifically for key holes. Why am I so dumb??

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching I wondered whether it would be too cliche to write a bit about the holiday or love or something associated with the card ’n candy madness. I have mixed feelings about the holiday we Americans worry about more than we should, but when it comes down to it, I am indifferent. I have always thought of it as rather cheesy, but it can be fun. It also can make thousands of people feel sorry for themselves for no real reason. Henceforth, I am indifferent.

Looking deeper (past the surface here kids), I have to think about the concept of love - the thing supposedly being celebrated February 14  of each year.  Are human beings actually capable of real love? True Love? Does it exist? This is something that is almost foreign to me therefore difficult to pinpoint. Before jumping to the conclusion that I have become “emo” or ungrateful, hear me out.

My examples of love almost always seem conditional. Act this way. Look that way. Help me out. Talk this way. Don’t do that. The list goes on and on forever. Do you have a friend that loved you before you did or didn’t do anything? I highly doubt it. It’s all purely conditional. I honestly do not think humans can show any other type of love. Can they?

Maybe I am just saying this because I’ve been told that I am nasty, rotten, and worthless one too many times, from which the same lips utter the phrase “I love you” mere minutes before. Surely, that can’t be love.

So what is?

Lyrics from Heart is in Your Hands by Cameron Jaymes. 

February 11, 2007

Fox Entertainment Group
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

To whomever it may concern regarding FOX television shows no longer aired:

It is to my utter dismay that the popular television series Arrested Development is no longer on the air. Like many famous painters, it was never truly famous until after it died. I myself own all three seasons and consider myself to be quite a fan, however while it was playing on television I had no idea it even existed. I am sure that I am not alone here either. Now that more and more people are falling in love with your show, I feel that it is only right for it to go back on television.

There are online groups devoted to their love of all the wonderful characters- Michael, George Michael, George, Lucille, Lindsay, GOB, Tobias, Maeby, Buster, the beloved narrator, as well as many others. Lines like “There’s always money in the banana stand!” “If I wanted to eat something that touched your thumb I’d eat the inside of your ear!” and “I know you’re the big marriage expert. Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot. Your wife is DEAD!” are so amazing that the whole world deserves to be exposed to such wonder. On behalf of the people on these many fan sites, I am begging you to continue to deliver lines such as these from the characters we hold so dearly.

The problem with the show was that in order to truly appreciate the sheer brilliance of it all, a person had to have a thorough understanding of each character. Without previous knowledge it almost seemed stupid and pointless, instead of absolutely hilarious. Perhaps more reminders in the future to clue the audience in would be helpful. With the witty writers you have, I am sure there is a way to cleverly explain the absence of the show for the past few years and get everyone up to date on each character. I’m not saying it will be easy, but nonetheless, very much worth it.

A show this good deserves a second chance, and possibly some better marketing strategies. Inform the public and watch in awe as it all pays off when millions of people tune in to the kickoff  54th episode. I have faith in you and your abilities to not let us down. Don’t hide this treasure, this gift, from so many would-be superfans of Arrested Development. Humor us- share it, flaunt it. Just please, bring it back!

Sincerely,

Samantha Carlson

Lyrics from Gone by tobyMac

There’s more to life than merely what’s seen on the surface.

Lyrics from Know’s My Name by Days Away.

“Girls take notes: 1. Football 2. Video Games 3. Cooking”    -Collin

A recent blog of the minute was called Xbox 360 vs. Girlfriend What Would You Choose? and it talked about how so many relationships end with the ultimatum of the “xbox or me.”

What is that all about? Are you kidding me? Do you girls really need to learn to love these things or compete with them? Of course, there is a time and place for each of these, but is it that difficult to learn to find a healthy happy medium? I feel as though some self-control should be exerted a bit more.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Lyrics from Crazy by Simple Plan