Ever wanted to learn the history behind a fairy tale?
Perhaps this sounds a little random, but this is a presentation I put together for a class with my friend, Chris Kendall. I wanted to share this because Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite fairy tale stories. The implications of her resurrection and the ability for time to affect no mortal in the story is quite fascinating. More interesting than that, though, are the horrific stories from which our traditional Disney plot was derived.
All in all, I learn crazy and wonderful new things here and The King's College and like to share the things which most peak my interest! So, click on the link below to watch a Prezi presentation. Also, feel free to click on the source links at the end to get more info on the story's international history!
CLICK HERE FOR SLEEPING BEAUTY PRESENTATION
God Bless :) Updates on my life to come.
Hope
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
2011 RECAP
To be completely honest, this year has overwhelmed me. This post will be completely transparent as I want to share the growth and weaknesses this year has revealed about me. I'm also tying in songs that summarize my feelings about each month which correspond to the link below for my 2011 countdown playlist. This will be lengthy, but thanks for reading!!
January was wonderful and my final semester of highschool was closing in. I remember that sinking feeling of oncoming loss already setting in. I wanted to make the most of every moment because I was afraid of losing friends. Looking back, I was right. I lost a lot of friends because of distance and time constraints, but I don't love any of them less. To those of my friends about to go through this phase, allow yourself to prepare for this. Don't think you'll always be the exception, but embrace every moment now. The most defining moment of that month, though, was the moment I was hurt by the two people who love me the most. It was a trying time for us and I still hate that it happened. For the record, to me, it's not that incident which helped our relationship but rather my allowance for independence. I have so much love for them, but I hope that one day I will find a gracious way to forget how I felt that day. [The explanation for my song choice this month is too lengthy. If you know me well, you'll know why Falling by Florence + The Machine is perfect here.]
February was truly a month of love and surprises. I got my first bouquet of black roses which I loved and the school year was truly hectic. I couldn't decide on colleges, was hectically auditioning and applying for scholarships. Competition for One Act was in full swing and I was trying to live it all up. It's my favorite month and it was a good time. [Looking back, Judas by Lady Gaga seems appropriate. Do not, however, take this as a look back on my choices as ones I regret. I honestly wish if everything were fixed that things could've worked out.]
March was a month of broken hearts and dreams. I felt lost and scared and I realized I project hopes and dreams too much on those I love because I want the most for them. Flaw or gift, I do not know, but that forced me to be awoken by many harsh realizations. Sometimes God truly pulls things away from you to show you that you cannot make someone better regardless of the love and effort you put into them. They must want and realize God's dreams for them. [Amy Winehouse's song, Love is a Losing Game perfectly summarizes my feelings during this period.]
April was a time of turning over new leaves. I rushed into too many things trying so desperately to salvage the last of my happy memories before college hit me in the face. I gave someone my care and my pain in such a short time. I hate myself for hurting that best friend and damaging that relationship. But that was the month of my final highschool proms. It was the best proms I've ever had. I loved the nights and felt like a princess both times. It was a magical month with many lessons learned. [The friend I hurt will know why the song Firework has meaning. It's not because of the lyrics but because the artist is Katy Perry. For him, I must dedicate that song (which was a surprise song included in my recital) to the month of April.]
May was wild with graduation plans, parties, pictures, AP exams, recitals, college choices, and job searching. I've never felt so stressed thin and pushed for so many deadlines at once. It was definitely a time of growth for me. I was forced to make decisions about my future which I honestly couldn't prepare for. I spent more time in prayer this month than I ever do begging God for His direction (which I'm blessed to say, I honestly have found). I also began working like crazy to save for this lovely life I now live in the Big City![I sang Don't Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood and my senior recital and actually choked up a bit, but not as much as Taylor! lol But I honestly can't imagine a better song for my sentiments in May.]
June was when my relationship with Josh blossomed. I love what we have now, and I'm grateful every day that God has given me a strong man to trust. Things are always complicated and no one predicts the future, but I am secure in the present. I found a second family with Mommy, Pappi, Titi, Billy, Rita, Allan, Paola, Alejandro, and Sebastian. They all loved me so completely and gave me a safe and secure place to live, love and be myself. If God didn't bring these people in my life, I don't know that I would ever feel as safe away from home as I do now. [Josh showed me the song How To Love by Lil Wayne and that's when I began to appreciate this artist. It's our song.]
July was wild and crazy! I can't count all the times Pablo, Kyle, Omar, Nathan, Jackie, Rachel and I hung out. I was certainly out of my house a lot shopping, having sleepovers, and sleepily driving home after long days of socialization and work. I'm so glad that this month was the end to the summer of my life. [I'll never forget when I heard Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 in Jackie's car. It became the anthem of my summer.]
August was move-in time. I will be honest, I cried for 15 minutes after my mother left me at my New York apartment. I was scared for about that long, until my roommate Kacey came home. I was scared the money wouldn't work out and fearful that I wouldn't be able to handle the academic that workload. Even now, I find myself feeling those stresses again. After how smoothly everything went last semester though, and trusting that God will provide for His will, I'm no longer afraid. I am secure in Him now and that's all I have to remember. School started for me on my birthday and it was weird not celebrating, but I think it was better that way. Humility has always been a struggle for me. [Because it's cliche and overused, I almost feel obligated to place the song Empire State of Mind by
September was rather mundane. I was still job searching, studying hard, and avoiding a social life at King's. I have this problem of associating having friends with not having time to do homework. I had a super hard time settling in (though it honestly didn't affect me) and I just went about my studies. I was just beginning to get into a rhythm with things and adjusting to my roommate situation. There were many King's ceremonies and rituals and competitions thrust upon me at this time, but I suppose I liked it. I was definitely kept busy. I also met my Big B (like a big sister program in our house) and we became fast friends. [Invisible by Skylar Grey isn't how I felt about this particular time but rather a remembrance of how such anonymity use to affect me. Think of it like an expression of my growth.]
October was the month of tests. I had my first week of college midterms and was afraid for my life. I have come to define myself by my grades (a terrible habit!) and I hardly slept that week. This was also the month I started my job with the most wonderful boss in the world (Courtney) taking care of the most incredible kid I've ever met (Olivia). I had to get used to a 5:30 AM alarm daily for work. This was also the month I made a mistake. I trusted too easily again. I hurt people I love and I assumed someone's word as a friend was honest. I was naive and too forgiving of someone's obvious faults. I have learned now and I value those close to me so much more because of it. [Should this person read this post, he would know why Teenage Dream is the song for this month. Someone I cared about showed it to me and I just have to put it on the playlist though I've put it on a playlist before.]
November was a selfish month on my part. I was living for myself because I pretty much thought I could get away with it. I was working harder than ever in school, but also trying to hard to express my independence and ability to choose my own lifestyle. I let down my new family, and for that, I'm sincerely sorry. I temporarily lost one of my best friends, but I'm so glad she and I are good again!! I was blessed by finding a church home at Calvary at St. George's and 3 new part-time nannying positions. This was also the month of the theatre production at my school and I was thrilled with its success. I developed many friends and a mentor whom I highly esteem. This was the month I truly began to see my potential and future here in NYC. I also came home quickly for Thanksgiving and was reminded about all the things for which I'm working. It was a rejuvenating blessing. [Again, I know I've already used the song, Money by the Flying Lizards, but it's a great song. We used this is in our production of The Good Person of Setzuan in November.]
December was probably my most difficult academic month this past semester. I had finals which I was sure would be the death of me. I'm pretty sure I drank more espresso than is legal. I also worked more cumulative hours before I came home than I do in a normal month. I got sick just before I came home, but had the most marvelous 9 days. I love all the love everyone showed me and all the fun I had while I was home. To those who I didn't get to see: I'm genuinely sorry from the bottom of my heart. I had many familial demands as well as previously made plans, and unfortunately couldn't fit everything in. Just know that I love all of you have been there for me, lifted me up in prayer, and I never forget you even though I may not have time to communicate with you. [Dance (A$$ by Big Sean was introduced to me and became the funniest, dumbest, yet best dance song I heard in a long time!]
Well thank you everybody for following me these past few months! I admit December was a lazy month and I didn't do what I should for my blog followers, but I'm back and in full force! Please lift me up in prayer, though, because I have a 20 hour semester and I'm in 5 organizations and potentially in an exec position on one of them. I also lost the one professor I was closest to who was the best mentor I could've chosen for my college career. Just pray that God brings someone even better in my path and will help me have the energy to survive such an arduous path. I love you all and I would love for you to refer this blog, subscribe, comment, and +1 me!
CLICK HERE FOR THE CORRESPONDING PLAYLIST
To be completely honest, this year has overwhelmed me. This post will be completely transparent as I want to share the growth and weaknesses this year has revealed about me. I'm also tying in songs that summarize my feelings about each month which correspond to the link below for my 2011 countdown playlist. This will be lengthy, but thanks for reading!!
January was wonderful and my final semester of highschool was closing in. I remember that sinking feeling of oncoming loss already setting in. I wanted to make the most of every moment because I was afraid of losing friends. Looking back, I was right. I lost a lot of friends because of distance and time constraints, but I don't love any of them less. To those of my friends about to go through this phase, allow yourself to prepare for this. Don't think you'll always be the exception, but embrace every moment now. The most defining moment of that month, though, was the moment I was hurt by the two people who love me the most. It was a trying time for us and I still hate that it happened. For the record, to me, it's not that incident which helped our relationship but rather my allowance for independence. I have so much love for them, but I hope that one day I will find a gracious way to forget how I felt that day. [The explanation for my song choice this month is too lengthy. If you know me well, you'll know why Falling by Florence + The Machine is perfect here.]
February was truly a month of love and surprises. I got my first bouquet of black roses which I loved and the school year was truly hectic. I couldn't decide on colleges, was hectically auditioning and applying for scholarships. Competition for One Act was in full swing and I was trying to live it all up. It's my favorite month and it was a good time. [Looking back, Judas by Lady Gaga seems appropriate. Do not, however, take this as a look back on my choices as ones I regret. I honestly wish if everything were fixed that things could've worked out.]
March was a month of broken hearts and dreams. I felt lost and scared and I realized I project hopes and dreams too much on those I love because I want the most for them. Flaw or gift, I do not know, but that forced me to be awoken by many harsh realizations. Sometimes God truly pulls things away from you to show you that you cannot make someone better regardless of the love and effort you put into them. They must want and realize God's dreams for them. [Amy Winehouse's song, Love is a Losing Game perfectly summarizes my feelings during this period.]
April was a time of turning over new leaves. I rushed into too many things trying so desperately to salvage the last of my happy memories before college hit me in the face. I gave someone my care and my pain in such a short time. I hate myself for hurting that best friend and damaging that relationship. But that was the month of my final highschool proms. It was the best proms I've ever had. I loved the nights and felt like a princess both times. It was a magical month with many lessons learned. [The friend I hurt will know why the song Firework has meaning. It's not because of the lyrics but because the artist is Katy Perry. For him, I must dedicate that song (which was a surprise song included in my recital) to the month of April.]
May was wild with graduation plans, parties, pictures, AP exams, recitals, college choices, and job searching. I've never felt so stressed thin and pushed for so many deadlines at once. It was definitely a time of growth for me. I was forced to make decisions about my future which I honestly couldn't prepare for. I spent more time in prayer this month than I ever do begging God for His direction (which I'm blessed to say, I honestly have found). I also began working like crazy to save for this lovely life I now live in the Big City![I sang Don't Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood and my senior recital and actually choked up a bit, but not as much as Taylor! lol But I honestly can't imagine a better song for my sentiments in May.]
June was when my relationship with Josh blossomed. I love what we have now, and I'm grateful every day that God has given me a strong man to trust. Things are always complicated and no one predicts the future, but I am secure in the present. I found a second family with Mommy, Pappi, Titi, Billy, Rita, Allan, Paola, Alejandro, and Sebastian. They all loved me so completely and gave me a safe and secure place to live, love and be myself. If God didn't bring these people in my life, I don't know that I would ever feel as safe away from home as I do now. [Josh showed me the song How To Love by Lil Wayne and that's when I began to appreciate this artist. It's our song.]
July was wild and crazy! I can't count all the times Pablo, Kyle, Omar, Nathan, Jackie, Rachel and I hung out. I was certainly out of my house a lot shopping, having sleepovers, and sleepily driving home after long days of socialization and work. I'm so glad that this month was the end to the summer of my life. [I'll never forget when I heard Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 in Jackie's car. It became the anthem of my summer.]
August was move-in time. I will be honest, I cried for 15 minutes after my mother left me at my New York apartment. I was scared for about that long, until my roommate Kacey came home. I was scared the money wouldn't work out and fearful that I wouldn't be able to handle the academic that workload. Even now, I find myself feeling those stresses again. After how smoothly everything went last semester though, and trusting that God will provide for His will, I'm no longer afraid. I am secure in Him now and that's all I have to remember. School started for me on my birthday and it was weird not celebrating, but I think it was better that way. Humility has always been a struggle for me. [Because it's cliche and overused, I almost feel obligated to place the song Empire State of Mind by
September was rather mundane. I was still job searching, studying hard, and avoiding a social life at King's. I have this problem of associating having friends with not having time to do homework. I had a super hard time settling in (though it honestly didn't affect me) and I just went about my studies. I was just beginning to get into a rhythm with things and adjusting to my roommate situation. There were many King's ceremonies and rituals and competitions thrust upon me at this time, but I suppose I liked it. I was definitely kept busy. I also met my Big B (like a big sister program in our house) and we became fast friends. [Invisible by Skylar Grey isn't how I felt about this particular time but rather a remembrance of how such anonymity use to affect me. Think of it like an expression of my growth.]
October was the month of tests. I had my first week of college midterms and was afraid for my life. I have come to define myself by my grades (a terrible habit!) and I hardly slept that week. This was also the month I started my job with the most wonderful boss in the world (Courtney) taking care of the most incredible kid I've ever met (Olivia). I had to get used to a 5:30 AM alarm daily for work. This was also the month I made a mistake. I trusted too easily again. I hurt people I love and I assumed someone's word as a friend was honest. I was naive and too forgiving of someone's obvious faults. I have learned now and I value those close to me so much more because of it. [Should this person read this post, he would know why Teenage Dream is the song for this month. Someone I cared about showed it to me and I just have to put it on the playlist though I've put it on a playlist before.]
November was a selfish month on my part. I was living for myself because I pretty much thought I could get away with it. I was working harder than ever in school, but also trying to hard to express my independence and ability to choose my own lifestyle. I let down my new family, and for that, I'm sincerely sorry. I temporarily lost one of my best friends, but I'm so glad she and I are good again!! I was blessed by finding a church home at Calvary at St. George's and 3 new part-time nannying positions. This was also the month of the theatre production at my school and I was thrilled with its success. I developed many friends and a mentor whom I highly esteem. This was the month I truly began to see my potential and future here in NYC. I also came home quickly for Thanksgiving and was reminded about all the things for which I'm working. It was a rejuvenating blessing. [Again, I know I've already used the song, Money by the Flying Lizards, but it's a great song. We used this is in our production of The Good Person of Setzuan in November.]
December was probably my most difficult academic month this past semester. I had finals which I was sure would be the death of me. I'm pretty sure I drank more espresso than is legal. I also worked more cumulative hours before I came home than I do in a normal month. I got sick just before I came home, but had the most marvelous 9 days. I love all the love everyone showed me and all the fun I had while I was home. To those who I didn't get to see: I'm genuinely sorry from the bottom of my heart. I had many familial demands as well as previously made plans, and unfortunately couldn't fit everything in. Just know that I love all of you have been there for me, lifted me up in prayer, and I never forget you even though I may not have time to communicate with you. [Dance (A$$ by Big Sean was introduced to me and became the funniest, dumbest, yet best dance song I heard in a long time!]
Well thank you everybody for following me these past few months! I admit December was a lazy month and I didn't do what I should for my blog followers, but I'm back and in full force! Please lift me up in prayer, though, because I have a 20 hour semester and I'm in 5 organizations and potentially in an exec position on one of them. I also lost the one professor I was closest to who was the best mentor I could've chosen for my college career. Just pray that God brings someone even better in my path and will help me have the energy to survive such an arduous path. I love you all and I would love for you to refer this blog, subscribe, comment, and +1 me!
CLICK HERE FOR THE CORRESPONDING PLAYLIST
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