Today I read a new book called ''Magic Tree House Dolphins at Daybreak.'' One day Jack was thinking about a dream he had about the tree house. Annie had the same one. That told them that the tree house was back. So they went into the woods and the tree house was back where it used to be.
Morgan was waiting for them. She told them that they will become Master Librarians if they solved four more riddles. So they went to the first place in the book she pointed to and saw some dolphins, one shark, and one octopus. They also saw a mini-sub which they got into. That is when they met the Dolphins the octopus, and the hungry shark. Unluckily for them, they did not know that the mini-sub was broken. So they had to swim. After a lot of minutes of swimming they were tired. Lucky for them the dolphins let Jack and Annie grab there fins. They swam to the beach and that is where they found the first clue. Ashleigh
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In honor of New Years being upon us in a few days, I think I'll give you all some quotes about change. New Years seems to mark the time that everyone decides to start changing themselves. Everyone resolves to start a diet, or to stop drinking, or to start exercising, or some such bullshit. Some people even make efforts to change their mindsets- and hey, if you want to try to change and need a set day to do it, more power to you. Good luck and all that. I personally don't believe that change needs a marker- if you're going to change, don't put it off waiting for a set date. Anyway, that's just me. Here are some quotes. Happy New Years folks.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but nobody thinks of changing himself." “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.” “Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.” “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” Today has brought me to the realization that I really hate today's TV shows. Don't get me wrong, I've always been not too keen on the idea of wasting away in front of the idiot box- but as I sit in a hospital waiting room it's being drilled into my head that I really can't take it.
I had to accompany my grandmother to her doctor's appointment and not wanting to follow her in, opted for the waiting room. Had I realized a small child was going to walk in about 45 seconds later, I would've chosen to go in with her. The child's arrival cued the secretary to turn on the television which had previously been off... and thus my torture has begun. I don't understand how so many people enjoy TV. You could just as easily read a book or even play a video game- neither of which have been scientifically proven to drop your IQ and make your attention span shorter. Actually, studies have proven that video games (particularly first person shooters) increase awareness and attention span and even peripheral vision. On top of this, watching the tv show I am currently just shows me why today's children can be such little snots. The TV show seems to be going out of its way to display and even promote bad behavior and throwing in automated laughs every other minute to make it seem amusing. I don't know about you, but I'm not laughing. I've seen the negative effects that too much TV have on younger children and I've made the choice to live without it. - maddie I got a lot for Christmas. I got a skate board, and helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. I also got a number of stuffed animals, including a couple of little ones, and a pair of matching stuffed rainbow zebras. I also got a tea set, movies, a Monster High doll, a Barbie doll, and a stuffed dog, and fox. I also got a Troll coloring book, which I love.
Daddy got a shirt with a hamburger on the back of it, and a sweatshirt. He also got chocolate. I gave Maddie ear buds. We also got an Xbox1 and lots of games for it. I played with my skate board today. I also played Dragon City. I got a new dragon but I forgot what kind it was. It was some kind of ice dragon. It is cool. Ashleigh Today I read a new book called ''Magic Tree House Midnight on the Moon.'' One night Jack and Annie went to the tree house to find there friend Morgan.They found a new book about the moon and went there.On the moon they they saw a moon man, an American flag, a note, an air lock, and some suits.There suits only lasted for two hours so they tried to hurry.
When they saw the moon man, they got in a moon buggy. A rock blocked there way. Lucky for them the moon man came to help. Once they where on the other side of the rock they wrote a little note for the moon man. When he read it he made a constellation of stars. When they found out that the fourth M thing was a mouse they went home safe and sound. Ashleigh Given we are nearing the end of the year, I thought I'd go through some of the pictures I took this year. There is a lot of beauty in the area that I live, but for the first time in my life I took a train trip across the country, and some of the views that I saw took my breath away! We truly have a beautiful country. In 2017, I plan to take another trip to see things I have only flown over. Some people think I am crazy to take the train. I flew across much of the United States when I was younger, going to one conference or another, and I can tell you, any trip is better by train. For some people, their vacation is the destination. For me, it is the journey. . Below, are some pics of the beauty I saw this year. Not all of the pics are from our cross-country trip. Some of from my home state of New Hampshire... A place I am proud to call home! The above pictures were in the Sierra Nevada's. Those were shots from San Francisco, a very beautiful (but expensive) city. The pictures above are from hikes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These pictures are just some of my favorites. The last one was taken in 2007 or 2008 at the top of Pak Monadnock. It reminds me that I have to dream and reach for those dreams. Merry Christmas all!
I know that I added this quote to my last post, but I wanted to take this post to say that I disagree with it entirely. Not only do I not see Christmas as a necessity- but I do think that we're here for ourselves! I mean, think about it- the human race has developed into the most advanced (known) race and it's all for the sake of self-preservation and making things easier for ourselves. If it weren't for trying to make our own benefits, we wouldn't have progressed this far at all!
Secondly, if we really want to go with the theory that we need a day to remind us that we're here for "something other than ourselves", then it shouldn't be Christmas! If our moral code is THAT important, then we should be applying it all the time... not just on certain days. On top of this, we shouldn't need to be reminded of something if it's that important. Christmas is not and has never been a necessity for me. I've said it in previous posts, but it's just a source of stress and sadness at this rate. I'd rather just spend the day relaxing with those I love... which hopefully will be a reality this year. Previously, it has only really brought ,me stress. Throughout the rest of the year, I try to live a life of peace and happiness. Christmas is advertised as such- but I feel that people throw themselves too much into things and forget to uphold these "morals" for the rest of the year. I don't know. Maybe I've just over-thought this quote, as well. I'll leave that for you to decide. - Maddie I know, I know- I said I'd refrain from these quote compilation posts. But seeing as it's almost Christmas and I've nothing interesting to write about, I figured I'd go searching online and find some Christmas quotes. The mood has been anything but joyous in my house, particularly today- the holidays that supposedly bring tidings of peace have instead brought a tidal wave of stress and cleaning. This being the case- here are some happy Christmas quotes to start your day off on the right foot.
“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.”' “Christmas works like glue, it keeps us all sticking together.” “Christmas is a bridge. We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.” I found this quote while looking through Tumblr and it spoke to me. I see it as a metaphor for people, honestly- and it's something I can say that I personally appreciate. Before I go off on a tangent about this quote, I'd like to give my interpretation of it. Naturally, I may be wrong, but I see it as a metaphor for someone who is strong and independent; hard to get, even. I have many friends who play hard to get with boys/girls, but I think the quote is conveying that message in a different light.
Instead of "playing hard to get" in a negative way, such as being bothersome, I think that the quote means to display the person as someone who is strong enough to hold themselves up along with others, but despite being wanted by many has enough standards where they seem to "slip through the fingers" of their suitors. I don't quite know if this quote suits me... I'm independent and carry my own issues along with the issues of others, yes; but I don't think I'm "hard to get", really. I'm pretty open and accepting of people, and while I have standards, I refuse to allow them become discriminatory. When reading the quote, upon further reflection... it almost seems as though it hints towards discrimination. Who knows. I may be reading too far into it. I like the quote as a whole, but analyzing it makes it seem... off, in a way. Maybe it's just because I don't like the idea of "playing hard to get" because it's happened to me before.... but that's an entirely different blog post. - Maddie Inspired by the 12 Days Of Christmas, I'd like to spend today's post listing 12 things that I'm thankful for as Christmas is just around the corner. It's nothing too long- I'm not really inspired to be writing for now.
- Maddie I have a lot of fruits that I like. I like cherrys, apples, bananas, and watermellon. My sister maddie likes pinapples. Daddy I don't know. Neema likes apples, and bananas.
Lucky likes eny fruit. As soon as you drop somthing on the floor it is gone. I ate two cherrys tonight they where good. Daddy was making me laugh when I was eating. Funny Daddy. Ashleigh I love getting ready for Christmas. Daddy has already put the tree in the living room. I bet I'll get a lot of toys. Tonight I am setting up the stable. I am going to leave a plate of cookies for Santa.
We already put the snow men into place. Soon, we will put the Santa rug right in front of my computer! A couple of weeks ago, I made a Christmas ball ornament. I also got an ornament when I went to CCD. It is really pretty. Ashleigh Today I read a new book called ''Magic Tree House Sunset of the Sabertooth.'' One day Jack and Annie were going home from swimming class. Annie wanted to go to the tree house to look for their friend Morgan, so they did. They found a book about the Ice Age and magically went there. They found two caves.
They went into the caves. One of the caves was a cave bear's, but the other was not. The second one had a fire, and coats made from animals skins, which they borrowed. They also saw some paintings on the wall. One wall had a picture of a sorcerer. When they got out of the cave, they steped into a trap. A sorcerer came to help. When everyone was out of the cave the sorcerer was gone. A little later they saw a mammoth and the sorcerer helped them up. He also gave them a Mammoth bone to help there friend Morgan. When they where up on it's back it went to the tree house. They saw a Sabertooth on the way. Once they lost him they went to the tree house and went home. Ashleigh “Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that.” I came across the above quote while reading online, and I figured I'd write about it today because it set off a lot of thoughts in my mind. First, I'd like to go over my interpretation of the quote. I read it as a metaphor for friendship, and how it can change over time... how you may drift from someone, but it doesn't change the past or the memories you've already made with them. In a way, the quote is trying to say that this ties you to that person forever... but I disagree.
Maybe I'm just disagreeing because the prospect of being tied to someone forever is terrifying... albeit through memories. But while that is the case, there are a few other things I'd like to bring up. Having memories with someone doesn't tie you to them forever. It just means that they were a part of your life at some point, and while yes; you can't change that- it doesn't mean that you have to be tied to them forever. I certainly know that I have memories with people who I'd never wish to be tied to ever again. Unlike the quote, I can safely say that the people who have drifted from me have drifted for a reason- and I'm glad that I'm NOT tied to them anymore. If people are in my past, they are there for a reason. Had I wanted any ties to them, I either wouldn't have cut communications or I would've made an effort to keep them in my life. If you are no longer in my life, it is because I do not want you here. In the end, I think this quote was entirely wrong- both in saying that you're glad to have ties with people who are no longer in your life, and in saying that memories tie you together forever. The only thing that can tie two people together is the desire to have a bond- nothing else. Friendship is a two way street, my friends- make sure you keep your end of the street clean. Today's post is going to be less quote interpreting and more opinionated. I'm sorry if you came here looking for quotes- I'm sure if you scroll back, you can find a few of my older posts and certainly some of my Dad's to entertain you.
In any case, today's matter is that of religion. Don't worry, I won't start picking out details and going to town on them. My issue today is church, and personally- attending it. For those who don't know, I consider myself to be a spiritual agnostic. If you don't know what that is, I urge you to look it up- I could do an entirely separate post on my beliefs, honestly. Since I was about 8, I've been going to church. It used to be an easy hour of visitation for my mom and I was, at one point, involved with my church's choir. It was a good way to get out for me and I was actually taking singing lessons at the point- it just seemed to make sense. I'll admit, I've always had my questions about religion in general... and I haven't always agreed with the morals and guidelines of the ones I was raised in. At about 12, I started addressing these questions and researching online as much as I could. I studied different religions, trying to see what each was composed of- and none seemed to fit me. I consider myself to be a spiritual agnostic because I don't lack a belief in god or the afterlife, I'm just not certain what they are. In any case. I'm now 15 and I've had this beliefs for about 3 years now. I've continued going to church with my family, but I have since stopped singing in the choir. At this point, I no longer get anything from church. It wakes me up early for no reason and wastes an hour of my time. I've tried listening to what's being said, but it never really benefits me. I feel like it's the same thing week after week. I've participated for 7 years. I'm ready to stop. I've never made an issue about going, but at this rate I do think it's fair that I have slightly more choice. My dad has even said himself that if it weren't for my grandma, he wouldn't be going. So let me ask you: when not even the adult TRULY sees a point in going, why should that same adult force someone who they know has very different beliefs to waste an hour of their time each weekend? I just don't see the point. But hey, that's just my opinion. I doubt I'll see a change any time soon. Even despite this. - maddie Last night, I went to a Christmas party at my friend's house. I got to see one of their games. It was really cool. Then we went upstairs to her room, and played with her toys. A little later we came down, ate, and wached a movie.
After that I played with their dog. First it was licking me, then it was biting me. I also had fun with their parrot. The sad thing is I didn't drink anything while we were there. The happy thing is I got two presents and I am having fun with them. Merry Christmas to everyone! Ashleigh "The mind is everything. What you think, you become." That's a quote by Buddha. To a certain extent, he is right. You do have the potential to become whatever you think. It takes more than thinking, though. The thinking needs to be followed up with concise actions toward your goals.
When I was a child, I wanted to be an archeologist. I found the past very interesting and always though that digging up a treasure or a dinasaur would be really cool. As I grew older, I didn't think that there would be enough money in archeology, though, to raise a family or do other things away from archeology, so I looked for a career where I could make good money and have the time to raise a family. I decided on a career in finance, and the rest is history. I never pursued classes in history or hobbies where I could go on archeological digs. I did take classes in finance, and look for jobs where I could gain experience to work as a stock analyst. And so as I thought and acted, so I became. Even so, I think Buddha was talking at a deeper level. I really don't think he had careers in mind when he threw out that quote. I think he was talking about the full human experieince. Think peaceful thoughts, and you would inevitably become a peaceful person. Think evil thoughts, and you had a greater chance of becoming evil. What mattered to Buddha is what you are as a person and what you become... Not careerwise, possibly not even in this lifetime... but for all time. Buddha was concerned with Nirvana. Nirvana is "a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth." It represents the final goal of Buddhism. I don't know about you, but I am far from a state of Nirvana. Pleasure, pain, happiness, sadness... I expereince all of those emotions, and more, on a nearly daily basis. I want happiness for my children, and I want the end of sorrows. Not just my own, but everyones. Although I have meditated in the past, I meditated to explore my mind. If I had reached Nirvana, it would have been to marvel at it and the incredible feeling it must (in my mind back then) bring about. By thinking that Nirvana was a buzz or a trip, I nearly guaranteed that I would never experience true Nirvana, no matter how much I meditated! Now, although I know what Nirvana is truly supposed to be, I don't try to attain it. I am not ready for it. Instead, I want my girls to experience life, and enjoy it. I want them to be happy and avoid as many pains as I can help them to avoid. I want them to learn ... and love learning. Instead, of wishing Nirvana for them, I want them to be, and experieince all that life has to offer them. I want them to live on their own terms. The mind IS a beautiful thing. Think and you will become. I thought, I think, and I became. I shouldn't ask for anything else. But I do! Today I read a new book called ''Magic Tree House: Afternoon on the Amazon. One day Jack and Annie were going to the tree house. When they got there, they found the mouse that they found during Night of the Ninjas.They saw a book about the Amazon and went there. They saw a monkey, some piranha fish, a crocodile, and a snake on the way.
They also heard army ants. Once they got away from the ants, they saw a canoe. That is when they saw the crocodile, and the piranha fish. When they were gone, they saw the monkey. When he was gone also they saw jaguars. When they were in the tree house, a monkey came through the window and gave Annie a mango. This was the second thing they needed for Morgan's spell. They need two more things to free her. Then they went home. Ashleigh Before I sign off for today, I just wanted to clear up why I haven't been posting as consistently recently. For starters, I've been extremely focused on catching up with my geometry and other courses- I was slightly behind and I have only 3 weeks left to finish the first half of my courses before I get the second half for the year.
Secondly- I was extremely sick yesterday and actually wound up throwing up blood twice. It hurt me to even stand up, and even the most minimal movements resulted in me blacking out and losing vision. Because of this, I was bedridden and not able to do much in the way of writing OR work. In any case, today I caught myself up in one of my classes and the rest of my week will be devoted to catching up in the other two. Blog posts will be scheduled AFTER my classes, so they may be out a bit late (in the day) for the rest of this week (and possibly next week). I've caught up for this week's posts now. My most sincere apologies for the delays- I hope you enjoy what I do manage to write. - Maddie This quote is and has been one of my favorites for a very long time. It captures so many elements in my life... because I've seen so many people around me destroy themselves despite the efforts of others to help them.
I've said this countless times before, but I have extremely high empathy levels. Due to this, I tend to try to help people resolve their problems as much as I possibly can. In the past, I've lost friendships due to my inability to help people... but I've also formed many great bonds with those who I have been able to help. At the end of the day, those who I've been able to help have truly wanted to change, and have sincerely wanted a solution to their problems. I really think that's what it comes down to- desire to change. Some people claim that they want to change, yet refuse to take the necessary steps to. This can range on a small to large scale- from being dis-satisfied with the job you have, to addiction and life decisions. If you have no motivation, you won't change... no matter how much people help you. It's all in the mind. I think it's really important that everyone is aware of this, too- because it can prevent those who have tried to help others from feeling immense guilt that is not their fault. My mom was a severe alcoholic and she passed away 3 years ago. My dad tried to help her for all of their time together. Unfortunately, he didn't understand the extent of her mental illness. Did this change the fact that he did all he could? Certainly not. He just didn't know the extent of what he was dealing with. In his case, it wasn't a matter of my mom not wanting to get better- it was a lack of knowledge of her condition. This lack of knowledge drives a core interest in my life, and that's psychology. For those of you who didn't know, my aspiration in life (aside from being happy) is to become a psychologist. I wish to help others, so no one else has to go through what my dad and I endured a few years back. I never want anyone to lack the knowledge to deal with their issues. I don't ever want unnecessary suffering to take place because of not knowing. I don't know... I kind of traveled away from my quote here, but hey, I guess that's where my train of thought has led me today. Hopefully, I inspired yours. - Maddie |
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