Images

Images. 

(Artist Jean Jullien)

They speak louder than words sometimes.

Each image you see produces a reaction.

 A thought, an emotion, something that moves you. 

I'm sure you noticed that filter Facebook created for Paris. It's quite possible that even YOU decided to get that filter and show your support. And while I may come across insensitive and rude, I really want to know what you think you accomplished by changing your facebook picture?

I realize you will say something along the lines of, "Well, Katelan, that was kind of rude, but I changed it because I wanted to show my support for France and for those that were lost in the attack. I wanted to show them that we are united."

As humans, we should all want to be united and I love that you are wanting to show your support but what does it do?

"The Filter? It helps create unity, like I said. It shows that I care about them and they aren't alone."

Again, that is absolutely great. We should have unity and we should be there for people in times of tragedy, especially when they have been there for us in our horrible times, but that being said, what about the others who are attacked and killed for no real purpose?

"What others? Oh. The muslims?"

Yeah. But not just the Muslims.

Your facebook filter does send a message, however, you aren't grasping the whole picture.

I've seen a lot of images lately, about the Paris attacks, ISIS (Daesh is what I will now refer them as) and refugees, which have stirred up a lot of conversations, debates and just plain hate. While I love how ingeniously beautiful the Eiffel tower peace sign is, the picture below caught my attention more so than the peace sign. 

(Artist Lee Marej)

People were shocked by the Paris attacks, naturally so. It's a safe place. People vacation there, it isn't a war zone, it doesn't have real beef with anyone to cause people to be in fear while living or visiting there. I understand that it's not a place where people are bombed and I see why it is receiving a lot of attention. However, what makes me sad is how little the places that are in war, the people whom live in fear, the people who get bombed daily, the places that have a higher and higher death toll, are not getting the attention they need. 

Or, if it does get covered, briefly, I see people say, "It's been happening for years. It's really just noise now."

Does that mean that we should continue to ignore?

You might say, "Oh, well, it's a third-world country. It doesn't really affect me, so it's not a high priority." Which I get, it doesn't personally affect you now, but don't you think that in the future it could? Don't you think that the tiny little bubble that you live in could somehow pop and expose you to the real world? It did for some people in France, when they got attacked. None of them were expecting a horrific event to take place. You know why? Because they live in a free, safe environment. "Where things like that aren't supposed to happen."

Oh, I'm sorry, but where exactly are they supposed to happen?
Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Somalia, and other parts of Africa are just a few places where wars, genocides, and destruction, are happening right now. And why are they supposed to happen?

I haven't been totally honest while writing this and I want to come clean.
I'm a hypocrite.

For the past 25 years, I have lived in a bubble, thinking that nothing can hurt me. Countless of times I have taken for granted the kind of life I live. I don't have to worry about vacating my home because men with guns are forcing me out, or relocating a bunch of times to stay safe. I don't have to worry about getting food or seeking shelter. I'm not going to get killed for the type of religion I practice, or the things I preach. Hell, I won't face anything by posting my opinions online. People will surely judge me, but I wont be hunted down and killed because I'm talking about the injustices of the world or the bad people who make it happen or the people, like me, who have lived in a bubble for so long they don't know what actually helping looks like. I have it easy. You probably have it easy.

But all of these places that don't, will continually have to live a life that they shouldn't have to live if we keep turning the other cheek and keep living within our bubbles. I haven't fully broken out of mine, but I'm tired of living in a world where I see hate spreading faster than fire. I want things to change and the only way for things to change is to start with yourself.

I'm not changing my facebook picture, because personally I don't feel that helps. I have nothing against people who do change their picture, and I know that it is all for good intentions, however, I feel it isolates the ones that really need the attention more. I stand for humanity and I hope you do too.

Please don't make prejudices on people who do not deserve them. Please research and don't make accusations. Please realize that the world is much bigger than you think and that not everyone is bad, because in reality there is a lot of good.

Please open your eyes and hearts and look outside your bubble. There are so many images you could be missing.

Bad Blood

Just a random little obsession post because I'm cool like that.

Last night, I watched Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video and became slightly obsessed because it was on repeat during my workout today.

Musically speaking, the song isn't the most amazing thing out there, but the power that the video brings is just purely awesome and greatly shadows the mediocre rhythm. I'm not a huge Taylor fan. As she's grown and changed, I like her more and more, but I don't particularly listen to any of her music except what plays on the radio. I saw a gif of the music video and I was instantly intrigued so when I found out it was Taylor's video, I was pleasantly surprised.

First, let me mention that I love badass women and this video is definition of badass women. Secondly, I want to talk about the fact that it references a shit ton of amazing movies like The Matrix, Tron, Sin City, Kill Bill, Sucker Punch, The Kingsmen, The Fifth Element and many others that I'm forgetting now. Third, in the vein of badass women, it's such a feministic piece. Yes, two types of women are battling, but within those two groups, they all come together and work as a team to fight for something they believe in, which is kind of stellar. Lastly, I just like to look at it visually. Action, fighting, crazy stunts, weapons, pretty ladies. They use the most cliche action movie scenes ever, but who cares? It's awesome. I love that it makes me pumped up and excited and motivated. Props to you, Bad Blood crew.

Only flaw to this video is the end when instead of actually battling, they throw a cat fight slap. I mean, c'mon. You just trained hardcore. Give an actual punch.

Okay, I'm sorry! My nerdy obsessions is over. For now.



Ps,
I will eventually cosplay LeeLoo from The Fifth Element.

My Acting Career

Look at what I found while cleaning up one of the drives at work. We were so in love. 

Also, something new is about to happen in my life! Stay posted!!! :) 

Change

Huh, my last post was posted the day after I had snuck over to my sorta boyfriend's house and had the time of my life. I was beaming, I was glowing. I was happy that I was with someone who I saw potential with. For the first time in a long time, I was excited for my future.

Isn't it crazy that you can look at a photo and still feel the emotions you felt that day? They are forever ingrained into your soul and just by looking at that photo, you feel it all over again. The love, the hope, the warm fuzzy feelings, the excitement. However shitty I feel now, I remember that day. I remember that feeling and I have it always. It is bittersweet. But it is mine.

"Write a paragraph a day about something interesting in your life," he said. And so I shall.

Week 10: Bye Spring Break :(

It is so beautiful today. I wish I wasn't stuck inside doing homework that I failed to work on over the break. My bad. I just really needed a break and working on a presentation and a 5 page paper just didn't sound too appealing. But now that I only have a day left of spring break, and since I did want to get ahead, I better start working on it now so I can enjoy other beautiful days in the future. Boo.

What did I do over spring break?

Friday I worked all day, so lets not go into that, because it's lame.

Starting Saturday night, I hung out with my friend Fatima. We were supposed to go to Plano, but it was super stormy out and neither of us really wanted to drive so we just chilled and grabbed a few drinks. It was pretty nice to be able to just chill and also have a blast.

Sunday I went and played Laser tag with John and his brother. John and I had are both a little competitive, so of course I talked a big talk... unfortunately, I sucked. I came in like almost last both times. And the second time we huddled together to work as a team and while they got third and fourth,  I still managed to come in last. Next time I will do better!

I started to work out on Monday! Pretty happy about that! I started cleaning out my closet. Got rid of a ton of clothes and dresses and cleaned up a bit so I could have some more room.

Tuesday I made a sneaky trip! ;)

Wednesday I hung out with Bekah. We went to the lake and talked and enjoyed the weather. Went to dinner, then Barnes and Noble. NOBLE. I always say nobles. Whatever. Took some cute pictures which I'll post here.

Thursday I woke up a little late, hung out with Eliza for a teeny tiny bit. I just met her at corner bakery, a little cafe, and talked. It was okay, we aren't as close as we were, so It's a little depressing. I don't really remember what I did the rest of the night. I worked on a little bit of homework and then played a game or something. All I remember is going to bed super late which was really dumb because...

I had to work all day Friday. Which was just awfully long for the first half of my shift. Fortunately, my favorite people were working and I was barely on register, so it worked out nicely. The second half of my shift just flew by which was excellent, but once I got off I was just super exhausted. My friend from work got minecraft, so we played a bit when I got home and then I just passed out.

Now it's Saturday, completely gorgeous out, day before St. Patties day and I need to work on my paper/presentation. But I just really don't want to. I mean... it's so flipping gorgeous. I guess I'll keep my  blinds open. Maybe that will be a little better.... or a little worse since it's just a big tease!

Besides the big school things, I still need to scan my drivers license and my proof of car insurance for Big Sisters, so I can finish applying for that... Also, I still need to get healthier food. Though I'm working out more and eating less, I'm still not eating completely healthy. Soon.

It's time to open my blinds, sit on my bed and get to writing. At least half. That's my goal. Half a paper. I can do it. Right?

Week 9: Little behind.

I keep forgetting to post on Wednesdays. Oops. Just as long as I do it weekly that's all that matters. Most of my days have been filled with school, and most of my nights have been talking with someone. So, really now a lot has happened. Which is unfortunate, but oh well. I have been going on ride bikes lately. I've missed it. It still amazes me that I'm able to ride a bike now. It's really strange to think that it took so long to do something so simple. Lukas was over here this weekend too. He's a pretty funny kid. We mostly played video games. His 8th birthday is at the end of this month. Ah. That scares me. Makes me feel so old because I really am. Damn.

Tomorrow is my first day of spring break!! Eeek. I'm so happy that I have a whole week off from school. I need this break so badly. However, even though it's a break, I need to work on a few things over the week so that during the rest of the semester I wont be as stressed. Get ahead of the game, ya know?

I'll give myself a few days break though. Don't you worry.

Let's make a list of all the things I need to do.
Here they are:

• Turn in my Literary Criticism paper 
•  Pay for Yeuris birthday gift 
• Finish my Big Sister application 
• Clean out my closet 
• Start my American literature paper 
• Start on my Presentation 
• Make a reading list
• Go grocery shopping for eating better 
• WORK OUT! 

Until next time!

Week 8: Keeping it short

Okay, okay... where do I begin?

The days for this week have dragged on, but the week has just flown by. It's weird how that happens.

Joe is gone. School still sucks. Spring break is next week and I cannot freaking wait. I'm going to be super productive... and by super productive, I'm going to be doing nothing!

 I have one paper keeping me from my peaceful break... but this is the biggest paper that I'm stressing about. Only because I have no idea what this class is about. I was forced to skip the inro class for this course and because I've been so overwhelmed with all of my other classes, and this one doesn't have any other grades... I may have skipped a lot of reading... because well it was the lowest on my priorities. Now it's EXTREMELY high. Shit. Shit. Shit. That's what I'm thinking.

So, I'm sort of on the verge to being in a relationship... or at least I think so? Clearly, I'm not quite sure, but I'm digging this guy and he's into me... That's really all I've got.

My allergies are pretty bad today and I feel a little burnt out so I'm going to get off the computer for a bit. Sorry this isn't very good.