I have a love/hate relationship with technology. Always have. But, the same things I hate seem to be the same things I love.
I usually get annoyed by how connected we are to everything at all times. I feel as though most don't appreciate life and the things we have because everything is so easy to access now. I think back several decades to a time where my grandparents or great grandparents were mechanics, architects, plumbers, farmers, and so much more. The thing is, they were all these things IN ONE! In order to survive they had to do everything themselves. They couldn't pull out their smartphone to navigate routes, use "google search", or buy their groceries online.
Now, most of the population is lazy and dependent. Do you know how many people don't even want to handle walking a flight of stairs because they are that lazy? It is no wonder obesity is becoming an epidemic. The movie Wall-E wasn't that far off when it comes to the future of humans. I digress...
Communication has changed since the internet and every advance in technology. Because of this a lot of people have become socially awkward in real life situations. They also feed their own egos when they post every mundane detail of their lives as if anybody gives a shit.
So what is there to love? My father who died and came back to life over the summer, who also lives a few hours away from me, I can see and talk to through Skype. We haven't had much of a relationship in the past, but due to a life changing event he has become a new person, and now I have a second chance at getting to know my father.
Also, my boyfriend and I met over the internet. We definitely were not looking for love online... We are both from NH and had mutual friends. We met in real life and when we weren't hanging out we had chat clients like AIM to stay connected. When I moved to LA, Facebook and AIM allowed us to stay in touch more frequently. And now, as my love is flying across America, I still have a sense of him being close even though he is 3,000 miles away. Thanks to Digsby, the internet, and technology.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Costa Rica Bound
After a night of doubt, the results are in... I'M GOING TO COSTA RICA!!
Last summer I started to research the Costa Rica study abroad program offered through my school. The more I learned about it the more I had to go on this trip! I spent the next several months writing and perfecting my essay and application requirements. I also spent months preparing myself for the interview. During random parts of my day, every day, up until the interview, I would ask myself questions I thought would be asked during the interview. I even started running several days a week to start preparing myself physically if I were to be chosen.
The night before the interview I stayed up late writing out bullet points and answers to memorize. I had to make sure that in the case of blanking out because of anxiety, that I wouldn't! I sat and rehearsed my answers for hours. I put every piece of myself into this. I haven't wanted something so bad since Tom Hiddleston.
Ok, ok... I haven't wanted something this bad since Emerson College.
After my interview I felt good about everything. I felt confident about the quality of my interview and I knew I had a very strong essay. Though I wasn't being over confident, I still knew I gave it my all.
I was told come January 11th decisions for study abroad would be made. The anticipation was gruesome.
January 10th rolled around and suddenly several friends of mine received phone calls informing them of their acceptance into the study abroad program. I kept waiting for my phone to ring too... it never did. Once 5:00 pm rolled around, the time at which the International Center closes, I started to lose hope. I would get texts and read posts on Facebook about everyone's acceptance.
Even though I knew I gave a good interview, I started to think maybe my luck wasn't changing after all. I am use to a life where a lot is taken and not much good is given. A life where I am given more hurdles than breaks. I am so use to putting myself out there and receiving nothing in return... In fact, more would be taken from me.
I started to question my possibility of getting into the program. I gave it my best and what if my best wasn't enough? What if I am not meant to have nice things? What if I will never be chosen for anything I set out to be a part of?
I know that might seem like a lot of emotions for "just a study abroad trip"... but this trip represents so much for me. Since attending Bunker Hill I am actually making REAL progress in my life. Being chosen to go to Costa Rica would show that my hard work really does pay off. It would show that maybe I really am good enough to accomplish what I set out to do. It would also give me the opportunity to experience something life changing. Studying in Costa Rica has become a dream of mine; just like interning at the BBC has been a dream of mine.
With that said, I was bummed out the whole night of the 10th. My boyfriend kept trying to be optimistic but I'd rather be hurt that night and pleasantly surprised the next day than get my hopes up just to be let down. The whole night I had dream after dream about going to the International Center and asking about my acceptance. Every dream ended with me being chosen. When I would wake up, I would feel all sad again because it was all just a dream.
I knew that I had to put myself out of my misery by calling them. I needed to get an answer, whether it was a "yes" or a "no", I just needed to know. That way I could deal with it and move on. The office opens at 9:00 am but I didn't want to be that eager and call right away... So I waited for 9:40. haha
My heart raced as I called the office.
Office: "Hello"
Me: "Hi, I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Office: "Ok, hold one moment please."
Heather: "Hello, this is Heather speaking..."
Me: "Hello Heather, my name is Sarah LaFlamme. I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Heather: "Have you received a phone call yet?"
Me: "No, I was told today was the day to find out so I wanted to call."
Heather: "Ok, let me access the files. Please give me a moment."
Me: "Ok."
Heather: "So, you're going to Costa Rica?"
Me: "I hope so. That is what I applied for."
Heather: "You have been awarded the scholarship to study in Costa Rica."
Me: "Oh my gosh, really?! Thank you so much!"
Heather: "You actually did really well!" (talking about the point system/my grade)
Me: "I am so happy to hear that. Thank you!"
I was then told that I will be receiving a call in the near future with more information, as well as receive an acceptance package in the mail.
I am so happy and excited. I am also very proud of the hard work I put into this opportunity.
Maybe my luck is starting to change?
Last summer I started to research the Costa Rica study abroad program offered through my school. The more I learned about it the more I had to go on this trip! I spent the next several months writing and perfecting my essay and application requirements. I also spent months preparing myself for the interview. During random parts of my day, every day, up until the interview, I would ask myself questions I thought would be asked during the interview. I even started running several days a week to start preparing myself physically if I were to be chosen.
The night before the interview I stayed up late writing out bullet points and answers to memorize. I had to make sure that in the case of blanking out because of anxiety, that I wouldn't! I sat and rehearsed my answers for hours. I put every piece of myself into this. I haven't wanted something so bad since Tom Hiddleston.
Ok, ok... I haven't wanted something this bad since Emerson College.
After my interview I felt good about everything. I felt confident about the quality of my interview and I knew I had a very strong essay. Though I wasn't being over confident, I still knew I gave it my all.
I was told come January 11th decisions for study abroad would be made. The anticipation was gruesome.
January 10th rolled around and suddenly several friends of mine received phone calls informing them of their acceptance into the study abroad program. I kept waiting for my phone to ring too... it never did. Once 5:00 pm rolled around, the time at which the International Center closes, I started to lose hope. I would get texts and read posts on Facebook about everyone's acceptance.
Even though I knew I gave a good interview, I started to think maybe my luck wasn't changing after all. I am use to a life where a lot is taken and not much good is given. A life where I am given more hurdles than breaks. I am so use to putting myself out there and receiving nothing in return... In fact, more would be taken from me.
I started to question my possibility of getting into the program. I gave it my best and what if my best wasn't enough? What if I am not meant to have nice things? What if I will never be chosen for anything I set out to be a part of?
I know that might seem like a lot of emotions for "just a study abroad trip"... but this trip represents so much for me. Since attending Bunker Hill I am actually making REAL progress in my life. Being chosen to go to Costa Rica would show that my hard work really does pay off. It would show that maybe I really am good enough to accomplish what I set out to do. It would also give me the opportunity to experience something life changing. Studying in Costa Rica has become a dream of mine; just like interning at the BBC has been a dream of mine.
With that said, I was bummed out the whole night of the 10th. My boyfriend kept trying to be optimistic but I'd rather be hurt that night and pleasantly surprised the next day than get my hopes up just to be let down. The whole night I had dream after dream about going to the International Center and asking about my acceptance. Every dream ended with me being chosen. When I would wake up, I would feel all sad again because it was all just a dream.
I knew that I had to put myself out of my misery by calling them. I needed to get an answer, whether it was a "yes" or a "no", I just needed to know. That way I could deal with it and move on. The office opens at 9:00 am but I didn't want to be that eager and call right away... So I waited for 9:40. haha
My heart raced as I called the office.
Office: "Hello"
Me: "Hi, I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Office: "Ok, hold one moment please."
Heather: "Hello, this is Heather speaking..."
Me: "Hello Heather, my name is Sarah LaFlamme. I am calling about the study abroad decisions."
Heather: "Have you received a phone call yet?"
Me: "No, I was told today was the day to find out so I wanted to call."
Heather: "Ok, let me access the files. Please give me a moment."
Me: "Ok."
Heather: "So, you're going to Costa Rica?"
Me: "I hope so. That is what I applied for."
Heather: "You have been awarded the scholarship to study in Costa Rica."
Me: "Oh my gosh, really?! Thank you so much!"
Heather: "You actually did really well!" (talking about the point system/my grade)
Me: "I am so happy to hear that. Thank you!"
I was then told that I will be receiving a call in the near future with more information, as well as receive an acceptance package in the mail.
I am so happy and excited. I am also very proud of the hard work I put into this opportunity.
Maybe my luck is starting to change?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Tickle those ivories!
I put on some classical music and suddenly I'm in the mood...
...to blog.
Yesterday was the last day of filming for Plastic, a short film written, produced, directed, and starring my friend John. I had a pretty significant role, I suppose. My character expressed the most emotion. Which was a really cool experience for me. I haven't acted in quite some time and since my initial awakening back in July I have been taking steps towards being an actress once again.
You can view my post about rediscovering my love for acting here: The Flame Flickers No More
I have been working on my anxiety when in front of new people or a crowd. So far I am pleased with the results. I do not over analyze nearly half as much as I use to. I am much more confident in who I am and my abilities. I am not a professional by any means, but I now have the courage to put myself out there in order to gain experience, learn, and grow. This role in Plastic gave me the opportunity to push through my insecurities and emote. I'd say it wasn't half bad considering.
Being a part of Plastic not only gave me the opportunity to act and assist in directing, but it also gave me the opportunity to network with a group of people who are just as passionate and enthusiastic about film and production as I am. I can tell we are all going to continue to collaborate on each others projects in the future. Which makes me extremely happy. Finally, I am finding those who take the arts seriously. I look forward to what is to come.
On another note, I am submitting my Common Application materials to Emerson tomorrow. I have a folder filled with all the required materials I cannot submit online. Then, before January 22nd, my essays will have been proof read and revised, making my application ready to submit! AHHH!
Well, I am off to watch Doctor Who and cuddle with the boyfriend. <3
Good night.
...to blog.
Yesterday was the last day of filming for Plastic, a short film written, produced, directed, and starring my friend John. I had a pretty significant role, I suppose. My character expressed the most emotion. Which was a really cool experience for me. I haven't acted in quite some time and since my initial awakening back in July I have been taking steps towards being an actress once again.
You can view my post about rediscovering my love for acting here: The Flame Flickers No More
I have been working on my anxiety when in front of new people or a crowd. So far I am pleased with the results. I do not over analyze nearly half as much as I use to. I am much more confident in who I am and my abilities. I am not a professional by any means, but I now have the courage to put myself out there in order to gain experience, learn, and grow. This role in Plastic gave me the opportunity to push through my insecurities and emote. I'd say it wasn't half bad considering.
Being a part of Plastic not only gave me the opportunity to act and assist in directing, but it also gave me the opportunity to network with a group of people who are just as passionate and enthusiastic about film and production as I am. I can tell we are all going to continue to collaborate on each others projects in the future. Which makes me extremely happy. Finally, I am finding those who take the arts seriously. I look forward to what is to come.
On another note, I am submitting my Common Application materials to Emerson tomorrow. I have a folder filled with all the required materials I cannot submit online. Then, before January 22nd, my essays will have been proof read and revised, making my application ready to submit! AHHH!
Well, I am off to watch Doctor Who and cuddle with the boyfriend. <3
Good night.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Super Dork
In anticipation of investigating Waverly Hills, I decided to parody "Beverly Hills" by Weezer. The lyrics are accurate in accordance to the paranormal claims at Waverly Hills.
Due to limited resources Ryan (my boyfriend) and I had to make due with what we had...which was a free karaoke version of "Beverly Hills" (with backing vocals), a mic, Sonar, clever lyrics, and one heck of a dorky gal.
Enjoy!
Where they come from there’s a high death rate
experiments like pneumothorax
purposely make your lungs collapse
Then there is thoracoplasty
The patients were treated cruel
There’s a spirit named Mary
She plays ring around the rosy
And I got a PX in my pocket
Waverly Hills – That’s where I want to be! (Kentucky Kentucky)
Hunting in Waverly Hills…
Waverly Hills rollin’ down on a gurney! (Kentucky Kentucky)
Hunting in Waverly Hills…
Due to limited resources Ryan (my boyfriend) and I had to make due with what we had...which was a free karaoke version of "Beverly Hills" (with backing vocals), a mic, Sonar, clever lyrics, and one heck of a dorky gal.
Enjoy!
Where they come from there’s a high death rate
experiments like pneumothorax
purposely make your lungs collapse
Then there is thoracoplasty
The patients were treated cruel
There’s a spirit named Mary
She plays ring around the rosy
And I got a PX in my pocket
Waverly Hills – That’s where I want to be! (Kentucky Kentucky)
Hunting in Waverly Hills…
Waverly Hills rollin’ down on a gurney! (Kentucky Kentucky)
Hunting in Waverly Hills…
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