Faith in Humanity: Regained

Faith in Humanity: Lost

A World of Difference(s)

"Always remember you're unique... just like everyone else."

Alison Boulter

 

Right you are, Ms. Boulter! Unfortunately, many people misinterpret this saying. The tone of the quote implies that because everyone is different, everyone is the same. Since each one of us is unique, and everyone else is also unique, it no longer seems like such an exclusive club to be part of. Many automatically think that the quote disregards them as an individual and places emphasis on the similarities of the human race, while in reality, it does the opposite and draws on the differences.
I believe there are two ways to interpret the quote. The first one being the more pessimistic way, and the way many people think of it - "because everyone is special, I'm no longer special." The second way, and the more accurate one in my view, goes something like this - "everyone is different, so I'm different from everyone."
Saying that all people are alike because they're all different is like saying all food items at a potluck lunch are the same because they're each unique. That doesn't make any sense, right? Chicken nuggets are unique, and so is Caesar salad, and gimbap, and samosas, and barbequed steak... Sure, they're all food (just like we are all human), and some of them may have similar ingredients (personality, traits, appearances), but on what planet can you say that they are the same?
I don't know which way Alison Boulter meant for us to interpret her saying, but I hope that she tried to instill the human virtue of understanding in us, to remember that everyone is unique; and because people accept our differences, we need to accept the differences of others.

A Year in Quotations: 38/365

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him."

 

Romans 10:12

Money from the Sky

Absolute favorite evening-time activity during early winter? Zipping up my favorite jacket, walking through the cold to Starbucks, enjoying a hot cup of frappuccino, and laughing with you. I can't wait.

What am I listening to: If You Really Love Me (Busker Busker)
What am I thinking of: how much I love this song
What I should be doing: homework, I guess
What I want to do: learn to play this on the guitar...

U-turn

Change is so difficult to initiate and accept, it almost seems as if it's not worth it to even try. When you're heading down the wrong path, it's frightening and almost impossible to stop in your tracks and turn back toward the faint glowing light. It's easier to hunch your shoulders in defeat and let your feet propel you forward, into the darkness of the abyss...

Luckily, life allows for U-turns. On our personal journeys, we encounter people who are going in the same direction, and our common goals allow us to become either friends or enemies. And sometimes, we encounter those who are moving in the opposite direction from the light, which creates struggle as both of us try to push past each other. Choices are made and chances are taken, and the tiresome trek up the hill begins. Slow progress, setbacks, achievements, failures, feelings of regret and guilt, all mark the journey which we now share, leaning on each other to be able to walk a little straighter. On days when the clouds cover the sun, giving up and moving on may feel like the smarter option, and definitely the less troublesome one. There is never a guarantee that months of hard work will pay off and that all will be well. But if you succeed, your journey will likely become one that you won't readily forget, and be filled with lessons that won't easily slip your mind. Overcoming obstacles is often the best way to forge the strongest bonds.
The hardships are absolutely nothing compared to the joys felt when you step off the dark and treacherous path onto the sun-bathed road together. What has this part of my journey with you taught me? Persevere, try your hardest, trust, and always keep the heart a little softer than the head.

정말로 사랑한다면

 

I can't love you with just the words, "I love you"

My obvious words are hurting you

Words spit out too easily; love that is too easy

Is a lie

JustKidding

Bart as Asian Mom... Doesn't get much better.

A Year in Quotations: 37/365

"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent - not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."

2 Corinthians 2:5

Triforce

A day spent exploring Lanayru Desert is never wasted. It was so much fun! Judging from today's experience, it looks like I'll be playing Skyward Sword from the Legend of Zelda game series fairly often until Christmas. Or maybe beyond that, it's quite lengthy. Unfortunately for me though, I'm fully booked for tomorrow so I won't be able to continue adventuring until Monday. Sigh...

 

 A little somethin' for you pop-culture conscious people..

What am I listening to: the clock ticking
What am I thinking of: playing Skyward Sword, duh
What I should be doing: my homework, duh
What I want to do: eat some flaky pastry from Anna's Cake House

Poetry vs. Reality

Click on the YouTube button to watch the videos on a larger screen.

 

 

Puck.

 

I used to laugh at the Canadian romance with hockey, and wonder how the nation could be represented by a sport. Now, due to the Lockout, I realize that hockey was my drug too.

Although I was never one for watching the game, I recently understood that the real reason I love hockey season is because it unites people of all ages and backgrounds. Much like Christmas, the spirit of hockey is contagious, whether you are a follower or not. I can't help but smile when the talk in class turns to last night's game. Hockey season gives us reason to either hotly argue over who the best team is, or to go crazy over an impossible shot. Cheering for a team and feeling like part of a nationwide family of hockey lovers is what makes the game truly dear to the heart.

A Year in Quotations: 36/365

"Compare

Where you are and where you wanna be

And you'll get

No where"

Sara Bareilles, Uncharted

Our lessons

100 questions; 1 answer

The Truth about Perfection

 

I could say that it's a waste of time to seek perfection. I could say that flaws are what make everyone human; that a perfect person is dull. I could also say that bullying will stop because Amanda Todd committed suicide. But then I would be lying. So I'm going to say that perfection should always be sought. Individual perfection. Perfection will never be reached, it is humanly impossible - but what harm is it to get as close as we can?

Fangirl

Sigh, I used to be such a dedicated fangirl. What happened..?

fangirl (noun): a rabid breed of human female who has crossed the line between healthy fandom and indecent obsession. Known to squeal, hyperventilate, endlessly rant, and tackle at the mention of their idol. Usually, members of this label are seen as insane, idiotic, and scary.

- totally reliable source, UrbanDictionary.com

Ehem. Let's clear a few things up before jumping to conclusions. First off, there are 3 different types of fangirls. It is crucial to understand and be able to distinguish the differences.


Exhibit A

Below Average Fangirl
Barely allowed to call themselves a fangirl, this type is least likely to cause mayhem and annoy non-fans with useless facts about their idol. Own several objects of official merchandise (exhibit A), and know a fair amount of facts without crossing too many boundaries. May rant from time to time, but know that it is boring for others, so they try not to go overboard. They are aware of their slight obsession, but are mature about it and are able to laugh at themselves for it.

Average Fangirl
The most common type of fangirl, generally harmless but easily insulted. Prone to squeal at high frequencies, overload on rants, write fanfics, and own an impressive collection of images, gifs, and video clips of their idol doing regular activities such as brushing their teeth. Usually have a couple of friends who are fans of the same object/person. Have watched several hundred interviews, movie appearances, music video shoots, and God knows what else. Believe they are the girlfriend/wife/ideal type of their idol. May have flown to the other side of the world on cheap airfare to see a few performances.



Exhibit B (click to enlarge)

Above Average Fangirl
Crossing all healthy boundaries of fandom and taking the Average Fangirl tendencies to the next level, they are the main reason celebrities have passionate haters. Repelling people with their endless rants, high levels of immaturity, and uncontrollable drooling, they are also capable of  producing inhuman sounds at the mention of their idol's name. Fangirl to the point where it physically hurts them (exhibit B). Can become dangerously violent upon hearing that they are worshipping a two-dimensional character or someone they will never meet.

Now that you are well-learned in the different kinds of fangirls, you may openly judge me. Yes, I used to love SHINee to bits. I own a digital archive of roughly 200 images. I listened to all their songs. I watched some subbed interviews. I have two posters, a keychain, official photo-shoot photos, and a calendar. I ranted to my friends, even though I knew they didn't care, I told them only a fraction of what I really wanted to say. Was I an Average Fangirl? I think so.
Now, I fit into the Below Average category quite nicely. I still silently cheer whenever they win an award, and love their music. I want to learn the Lucifer dance. I still think they're extremely handsome (Jonghyun, ahhh~).
Well, my attitude toward SHINee is now positively healthy, instead of borderline psychotic. All those fangirls, whether below average or above, will also come to their senses eventually - they just need time  ^_^

Love: what is it?

Sometimes... I get scared.