Shopping can be fun if it's just a casual day out to the mall to look around. But more often than not, I find shopping stressful- especially when I'm supposed to have something by a certain time and then I have to rush to get it. Then there's the one type of shopping that is an exquisite waste of time, and that extra special one is car shopping. Car shopping can be fun if you can drive, or if you're getting a new car just for yourself, or if you know anything about cars at all. Unfortunately, I fit into zero of those categories, but I tagged along anyway with my family as we sought to find a new car for my brother. 

The entire field of science has always been so spectacular. I find the joy of science in the fact that it's mostly full of people who have failed in their experiments or endeavors but still have the drive to create something revolutionary just to help someone or to learn more about the endless amount of things in and beyond our world. Obviously, there are many different aspects to science, and sometimes they can be controversial- these are usually the innovations that combine the best of both science and technology. Recently, however, I came across some biotechnology marvels that are so fascinating and creative that I felt inspired just by hearing about them. 

There are certain things that every human needs to survive. Most of them are very basic needs that are necessary for our bodies to physically function- like food, water, sleep, and oxygen. Some are more arguable, like the need for technology or goals to aspire to achieve. But one thing people always seem to forget about is how dependent we are on companionship. If you've ever watched the movie Cast Away, then you know that it's hard to be stuck on a desert island without a friend to make you smile and support you. Any comrade helps, even if it's just a volleyball that you talk to which you also name Wilson. 
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Miami has an amazingly diverse population and really is such a unique city that in some parts of town, it's hard to believe you're really in America. I was able to visit the tropical, palm tree bearing, cuban-inspired community of Miami, Florida just this past December during my Winter Break. And I loved it. 

There's something vibrant and spirited about Spring that no other season can really compete with. It's the revival of people, animals, plants..... they just spring to life. I find it to be even a slightly liberating season, after being trapped inside from the dreary cold weather (even if you like snow, there's only so much you can take). You're able to rush into the outdoors to spend time basking in the sun and even garden a little bit to energize the nature around you. The blue skies reveal themselves, birds wander in and chirp their little songs, and the world no longer seems so silent and forgotten as it did in those minty winter days. Even rain is prettier when green leaves pop up to decorate the place, really!

I hate competing against others. It always makes me nervous and I tend to think that I'm doing everything wrong while they are doing everything perfectly. This is mostly why I don't play any sports (competitively, anyway) and if I do, I'm constantly laughing so that if I make a mistake, it looks like it's because I was acting playful and humorous. Basically, I'm a perfectionist. If I'm doing something, I have to be both confident and really good at it for me to think it's worth even a sliver of my time (this doesn't apply to homework- only hobbies and things I choose to do on my own).  And after that, I have to keep on doing it because no, I don't like competing against others, but you better believe I'll compete against myself.

A few years ago, my friend told me a story about how she put a little note that included her phone number into a balloon and then released it into the air (which I believe is actually harmful the environment), never to be seen again. Apparently, she did end up getting a response back, which I found pretty interesting. I don't know what the stranger said or the real purpose of this peculiar experiment- but it did make me think about balloons.

A plethora of people in the world share a love for all things Disney, visiting their nearest Disney park with loyal Mickey Mouse ears proudly displayed on their heads. The magic of imagination annually brings 20 million children and adults alike to the Disney World in Florida. But the real reasons behind Disney's intense following are their beloved characters: Minnie, Mickey, Winnie the Pooh, the Princesses.... the whole shebang. These animated cartoons teach complicated lessons in a simple way, and people are raised from a young age with these stories. There's enchantment, innocence, curiosity, and so much to be learned in these childishly amazing tales.

I have a teacher in school who is supposed to teach me World History, but instead finds a way to push projects that are important to her (and completely unrelated to history) into the curriculum of her students. Her favorite one to talk about is "The Positivity Project" which apparently is a campaign which pushes other people to be kind to each other through character traits that they think all humans should have. While I am all for kindness and generosity, I find this really annoying. I just want to learn about ancient civilizations and all that- this isn't the time to hear about why we need to have better teamwork and build stronger relationships with others! ​​