Snow in October? Really?

I love snow more than most people. The white flakes falling down from the sky are so beautiful and peaceful. Even the smell is appealing to me. The way the flakes hit your warm skin and begin to melt...the way everything seems to get quieter...the look of trees covered in white powder...playing outside with my friends and family...I could go on and on and on.

Wait a second...isn't it only October 29th? What is going on??



Because of the snow, my life sucks. This strange early snow has ruined my weekend plans. On top of that, our house and surrounding block completely lost power due to fallen branches. How annoying!

But my weekend weather experience was still relatively pleasant compared to some others. Throughout the Northeast, this early freak storm has caused a lot of issues including power outages, plane and train delays, and even eight reported deaths. These people have suffered a lot more than my minor inconvenience. Yet again, my whining just makes me  selfish.
Click here to check out the reported issues. Other reports show the damage done as well.


Honestly, I'm lucky to have the kind of family who deals well with these circumstances. We know the routine to keep things fun and safe when we lose power. I'm blessed to have a family with a good sense of humor to keep us sane when the situation isn't the best. So although this early storm caused me some problems, I'll get over it. After all, I do really really love snow :)

But it's so far...

Sometimes, walking just sucks.

After a long day of walking all over campus getting from class to class and then work, the last thing I want to do is walk more. But, being a freshman on campus, I do not have the privilege of having a car. So when I'm in need of anything, I rely on my feet to get me into town.

Now the walk is only 10 minutes but after walking all day it seems like 10 miles. It's such an inconvience. It totally sucks.

My treck to the local store is through a nice suburban neighborhood. Along the way I typicall encounter some kids or maybe someone walking their dog. There are always very friendly people. Never once have I come across any conflict on my walks.

This makes me lucky. I'm not faced with road side bombs, prosecution, or attackers of any kind. It may be a possibly, but it's not a daily realily like it is in some countries.

Civilian deaths are the reality of may war-torn countries. On Monday, for example, in Syria, more than 20 civilians were killed when fighting broke out in the city of Homs. Within the past seven months, the United Nations has estimated around 3,000 people. Men, women and children are all affected by these militant clashes sometimes even on a daily basis.

I am blessed that this is not my realily. I would take an annoying but peaceful walk into town over this circumstance any day.

Shameless self-promoting :)

To get the word out about my blog, I have posted some notes around my dorm.

Here's me and my flyer on my dorm door :)

Keep on reading!
Thanks!

Gee, thanks Mom...

This past week has been annoying. So many times I have thought, "This sucks! Things could not be worse." Stressing about all my work is the main issue. So much to do, so little time.

On top of the endless piles of homework, my mom starts to nag me. Remember this! Do that! Work hard! Go to bed!

Uh...mom, I think I'm in college now...leave me alone! It sucks how I can't seem to get any space. I think I can handle myself...thanks anyway mom...

REALITY CHECK:
I'm privileged to have a mom who cares so much about me.

Reports all over the world reveal the high rates of child abuse. Statistics here in the States are incredibly high. They show in 2009 that there were 3.3 million cases of reported abuse involing approximately 6 million children. In addition, about five children die everyday from abuse. Abuse can be either physical, emotional, or sexual. Neglect is also a form of abuse. The perpetrator is not always a parent, however. In most cases, the child know the abuser in some way.

This is truly a sad reality that breaks my heart. These children are faced with lives full of fear and hurt because their parents, the ones who are supposed to love them the best, are abusive. Even neglect of the children can leave them scarred. The effects of abuse last throughout their lives, putting them in a cycle of possibly continuing the abuse themselves as parents.
 The fact that this is the reality for millions of children in the United States and around the world is extremely upsetting.

My mom has always wanted what was best for me and has given me everything I've needed...and more. So when I complain about the way she won't get off my back, I really should thank her for preparing to be able to handle things on my own. She gave me love that not all children get. And for that, I will always thank her.

What can  you do?
Abuse is very much present in our society. The first step in changing this abusive cycle is awareness. The lines between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship can sometimes be blurred. By recognizing abuse, you can help to stop it. There are also counseling resources for those who have experienced abuse. You just have to reach out and get help.