FOR THE KIDS!!

So yes, I am one of the crazy kids who did Dance Marathon and stood on my feet for 24 hours this weekend. I was very anxious going into the experience but was excited to see how it would turn out. The first couple hours were awesome as everyone just danced like it was a normal night going out. One thing that was really interesting throughout the 24 hours was seeing live performances by all the acapella and dance groups on campus. I didn’t even know some existed, so this was neat. Oh and I saw Georgia and we took a picture.  After like six hours, I began to feel extreme pain in my heels, knees, and calves. As I would try to position myself in any comfortable position on feet, nothing was working. I constantly was doing stretches as my body became more and more tight and uncomfortable. The middle of the night was dreadful, but we headed outside to Kenan Stadium to see the sunrise at 6:30 am. Even though it was chilly outside, I had never appreciated fresh air as much. Yes I understand I am making this sound like a prisoner who was finally set free, but I really enjoyed going outside. If you’ve never watched the sunrise in Kenan Stadium you should. The dance team was even out there dancing to cadences being played by the drumline. I was amazed at this point on how enthusiastic the team leaders were. I had no energy, but being outside sure was a good prerequisite for an 8am flash rave. This flash rave was honestly insane and so much fun. As the flash rave was going on, I realized the more I moved, the better I felt. Yeah, this theory didn’t last too much longer. Around lunch time on Saturday I looked like a Zombie. My eyes could not stay open and I pretty much kept falling asleep while standing up. The last three hours were very inspirational as families from the Children’s Hospital shared their unique stories and how Dance Marathon helped them afford everything. Seeing the actual kids made it all worthwhile. The end was very emotional, but definitely made me realize I was meant to be there. I strongly recommend doing Dance Marathon before you graduate. This experience was nothing like anything I have ever done before, and really has made an impact on my view of helping others. Do it FOR THE KIDS!!

Cupid Wears a Diaper?

Valentine’s Day: some describe it as a celebration of love between couples, where as others refer to it as Single’s Awareness Day. It’s whatever floats your boat. Even though most people think Valentine’s Day is overrated, I find it enjoyable. I miss the days in elementary school where I would make a Valentine Box and everyone brought Valentine cards and candy for every classmate. I used to get so excited to make a trip to Wal-Mart to pick out my Valentine’s each year. In fourth grade, I had a huge crush on a classmate named Morgan. She had a boyfriend named Brandon at the time.  I decided to get her a huge plastic heart full of skittles for Valentine’s Day.  When I gave it to her, she started to blush and said thank you. The next thing I know she is talking to Brandon in the corner of the room. She walked back over to me and asked me to be her boyfriend. Apparently Brandon didn’t get her anything for Valentine’s Day, so I had won the girl’s heart. I look back on this and laugh because it sounds like typical elementary school. My question is: Why should the present you get your boyfriend or girlfriend matter? I took my girlfriend to Build-a-Bear this weekend because that is what she wanted. It sounds elementary, but it meant a lot to her.  I also took her out to eat at The Chop House Grille.  My brother didn’t even get his girlfriend anything, and she was happy. Each relationship is different and unique, but most couples get each other something for Valentine’s Day. I’ve never pulled off a surprise on Valentine’s Day, but would like to next year.  I am amazed at the guys who always seem to do this. Next year, if time allows, I would like to do something really special for my girlfriend. And no, this doesn’t include actions like the UNC student who dressed like Cupid in a diaper and brought roses to his girlfriend in Poli 101. I found myself crunched for time this year as Valentine’s Day approached, and wish I would have planned in advance. I do feel very lucky to be in a healthy relationship with an understanding girlfriend. She even gave me gift cards to Franklin Pizza and Pasta and my personal favorite, Biskis, in a heart box full of chocolate kisses. Valentine’s Day can be seen as overrated, but always seems to be a positive and thankful day in my life.

Rock Your Body

The first memory that comes to mind when I hear about the SuperBowl halftime show was Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction in 2004. I was in sixth grade when this happened, so still very immature. If you don’t know what happened, here’s a brief memo. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were singing Justin’s song “Rock Your Body” together.  As Justin sang the last lyric “Bet I’ll have you naked by the end of this song” he reached across Janet’s chest and ripped off one side of her costume exposing her right breast for a second. Yes, very ironic with the lyrics. After this incident, There was much controversy over whether Justin accidently or deliberately ripped the costume. After watching a video on YouTube of this halftime show today, I realized it looked deliberate and meaningful. Even though this occurred seven years ago, it’s still a memory that pops in my head every time I watch the halftime show on Superbowl Sunday. Even though most shows since then have been unenjoyable for a younger population, I was really excited this year to hear that the Black Eyed Peas were performing during halftime. I was especially excited because I love their new song “The Time” and just because all their songs are fun to listen to in general.  However, I was a little disappointed with Fergie’s voice and performance.  Despite this fact, I thought it was a step-up from years past.  I have hated hearing people complain about Fergie’s performance though this week. Even though she sounded less than amazing, you have to take into account where she was performing. The Superbowl is in my opinion the biggest sports event of the year and most Americans even if they don’t care at all about football watch this game. I really get frustrated when all people do is point out the flaws in a performance such as this one. Even though Fergie’s voice was weak, the performance was not horrible and reached out to all Americans. I do have to say that Usher killed it though and was my favorite part. Moral of the story is that people don’t realize how hard it is to put on a show in front of millions of viewers. I definitely couldn’t sing in front of this many people. I am excited for the halftime show next year already, and I do have to end with this…GO PACKERS!!!!

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Facebook: the definition of procrastination in my book. I love the fact I get to socially network with friends from all over, but honestly I could live without it most of the time. However, it seems like others live their lives through Facebook everyday. There are multiple things people do on Facebook that drives me crazy. I know I’m guilty at times, but I just have a couple pet peeves.  First of all, this whole posting a single picture for thirty days is weird. As much as I love photos of myself, it’s a little obsessive to post a unique photo from your life every day. As it may look like a fun scrapbook of memories, it’s a sorry cry for attention in some cases. Another thing that drives me insane is 50,000 notifications of people liking pages. Everyone loves ice cream so you don’t have to like a page to show everyone. Next is the fact that some people always have song lyrics as their status. Yeah, we get that song is either your favorite or something depressing that describes your life, but come on..learn how to post something else interesting. A status every hour is also not necessary. Go read a book or go to the gym. Also, excessive bragging as well as sappy depression statuses only make you feel better..not the rest of Facebook. The weird photo tags with characters and words are sometimes funny but they get old. What’s the point of tagging yourself in your own photos? I know occasionally I have done so because I want it to show up in my tagged photos but tagging yourself in two-hundred photos in one album is a bit dramatic.  Along with multiple tagged photos, a changing profile picture every day or so is also annoying. When you have more profile pictures than tagged photos, it’s a problem.  So your relationship is Facebook official? That means nothing. Just because you write “I love you” on your honey’s wall everyday doesn’t make your relationship stronger. Finally DRAMA on Facebook is uncalled for. Learn how to talk to people in person instead of being “cool” by posting something  mean about them. So the point of this is not to yell at anyone in particular but just list my Facebook pet peeves. I am guilty of a few at times but try not to live on Facebook. Does anyone else have any specific pet peeves on Facebook?