Useful Little Things

Skype logo from website

            Have you ever been miles and miles away from someone you love? Whether it is with a significant other, a family member, or a good friend, long distance relationships can be very challenging. Fortunately, technology and social media has made it possible to bring people closer together at the touch of a button. Software applications such as Skype, help alleviate some of the communication pressures that are synonymous with these types of relationships.

According to their website, “Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles.” Using the program is so common today that it has become its own verb. The trend of “skyping” or going home to “skype” is spreading at a rapid pace. http://about.skype.com/

Distance takes away almost all of our five senses, excluding hearing because of the common use cell phones. Skyping bridges that gap and allows for a sense of sight in a long distance relationship. One does not know how much the sense of sight affects our lives until it is taken away. Not being able to see a loved one, even on a computer screen, can become lonely and make you miss that person more and more. This program fills some of the void of my boyfriend not physically being here. After a long, hard day, seeing his smile and as we talk online makes all the bad go away.

Skyping on Halloween '09

            Honestly, if it was not for the Internet and Skype, I do not know if my boyfriend and I would have made it as long as we have. We have been together for almost a year and a half and he lives 1,400 miles away in Texas. One of our favorite things to do is pop in a DVD on our respective entertainment systems and press play at the same time while skyping simultaneously. It makes us feel as if we are in the same room watching a movie together like the old times when he lived in California. We also like to video-chat and play online games together. Sometimes we “spend the day together,” as we call it, and skype for hours while doing daily tasks around the house such as watch TV, cook, do homework, etc. I even finished skyping with him a moment ago because he wanted to say goodbye before he went to work.

This program has opened up a great deal of new opportunities to stay in communication – one of the most important elements of a successful long distance relationship. I encourage anyone to give Skype a try as a new form of communicating with loved ones. It is not only fun, but it is also convenient, helpful, and free.

Little Thing, Big Heart

Leslie, Derek, and I

A couple years ago, my best friend from high school, Leslie, had a baby. She had him when she was 18 years old and with him came all the criticism that goes with being a teenage mom. I promised Leslie that no matter what, I’d be there for her if she needed help and that I’d love her son as if he was my own family.  I consider both of them my family and know that they will be in my life forever.  Her baby has become the biggest joy of her life and has had a huge impact on my life as well.  

Leslie’s son, Derek, is 2 years old right now and quite the handful. Although in his “terrible twos” stage, I can’t help but give him unconditional love. That little boy melts my heart. The pure love and excitement that pours out of him on a daily basis is something only found in a child. There is not much to life in his mind, but he loves the people in it with all of his heart. Derek always has the best intentions, even if he has the wrong idea. For example, he likes to take care of his fish and put objects in its tank if necessary. He threw a carrot in the tank when the “fishy hungry,” he dunked his grandma’s cell phone in when the “fishy wanna talk,” and put post-its in the water when the “fishy wanna draw.” The other day, he even individually asked each person in the car if he or she was cold because he was playing with the automatic windows and had his down.

Derek and I

            Derek is such a big ball of never ending energy. A whole day of playing, wresting, running around, and having fun with that little boy tends to tire me out more than him. His little smile and laugh can light up a room and his big hugs and kisses are to die for. I always have his safety and better being in mind. I never knew how much of an effect a child could have on someone. He is not even my own son, but I have an indescribable amount of love for him that I imagine is similar to that of a mother and her child. Watching him grow, learn, and become his own person has been such a blessing. I’m grateful to be a part of his life and very excited for what the next few years have in store for him. Most of all, I can’t wait to see what kind of wonderful person he grows up to be.

A Little Musical Thing

A few years ago, my uncle gave me his old Sigma acoustic guitar, but told me to give it back to him if I was not going to use it. I have always been curious about playing the guitar, but never had anyone to teach me so I decided to teach myself with my uncle’s gift because I was not about to give it up. After about a year of simple finger picking and learning chords, I got a new guitar, which became my pride and joy. My Epiphone Hummingbird is a basic acoustic with a mahogany body, spruce top, rosewood fretboard, and pickguard with beautiful artistry that makes it stand out from the crowd. Not only was it very affordable, but it also sounded rich and crisp while it allowed for easy playability. I fell in love.

            It was not long before I realized how therapeutic playing the guitar was. I found myself strumming away for hours with my Hummingbird in order to gather my thoughts and relax. I was doing exactly that when I figured out what to write for this blog today. My guitar has become a big part of me; however, I do not have dreams of becoming a rock star or playing in front of crowds. I use it as a form of release for stray emotions, bad thoughts, suppressed anger, artistic release, and much more. I could sit in my room for long periods of time strumming away in deep thought and end up with a symphony of emotions conveyed through the rhythm, tone, and volume as I play. To me, these times are magical.

It is amazing how much an instrument made up of wood and a few bits of hardware could change someone’s life. It changed mine and I hope to never lose touch with playing. No one truly understands the therapeutic elements of an instrument until they experience it for themselves. I encourage you to pick up an instrument or find a channel where you can release yourself and find your inner peace. 

A Little Life Lost

 "Mackentosh 3/20/98-10/25/10"
by Cristina Garcia

My family dog, Mackentosh, died Monday at the age of 12 from natural causes. It was a tragic and gloomy day when I came home to find my dog’s body in the backyard. Unfortunately, the image of finding Mackentosh’s body lifeless on the cement will never leave me. With tears pouring down my face and what felt like hurricane winds setting in, the mood was gloomy and filled with heartbreak. I had to contact my mom, my dad, and my two sisters to break the horrible news. It was just as hard of a task each time I made the call. We buried his body in the backyard by my last family dog to keep his memory close. On top of his little grave we placed a single rose and a piece of a plant that he loved chewing on. I did not realize how hard it was to be mentally and emotionally strong in times of disaster. 

Mackentosh was treated like a family member and loved by many people. He was a mixture of a Pit Bull, Labrador, and German Sheppard with brown fur, gentle eyes, a medium build, and adorable floppy ears. That dog knew how to melt anyone’s heart. His gentle attitude and carefree nature was contagious and attracted babies and adults alike. Mackentosh knew how to work a crowd. He made adorable faces when begging for food and followed us around the house so he would not be alone. He was always playful, never bit anyone, and very popular among all friends and family who knew him.

My sisters, Mackentosh, and I

My mom made a good point today when she reminded me that we should be proud that we saved his life by rescuing him from the Humane Society when he was a couple weeks old. He lived a genuinely happy life and brought us loads of joy. That is all we could have asked for. Nothing can truly describe how important Mackentosh was to my family. He was our guard dog, our little brother, and our best friend. I am coping by remembering that he is in a good place now in the dog playground of the sky looking down on us. The genuine love from a pet, such as a dog, is something so precious and pure. I will never forget how happy Mackentosh was every time we walked through the door. He brought so much good to my family while my sisters and I grew up. Our memory of our childhood dog will last a lifetime just as the lessons he taught us. 

To Save a Little Life (20 min.)

specimens at the Bug Fair

            I thrive off of spontaneous adventures. I had one this weekend with my 7-year-old cousin, Benny. This little boy is fascinated with bugs and was overwhelmed with excitement when I told him that I’d bring him to Cal Poly Pomona’s Bug Fair this past weekend. It was a cold, wet day, but nothing stopped us from getting to that fair.

            Benny and I arrived at the Bug Fair and quickly started making our rounds looking at all of the insects. The pure thrill and excitement in my little cousin’s face every time he encountered a new insect was unforgettable. After spending a lot of time asking questions, looking at specimens, and touching creatures, I promised Benny that I’d buy him one thing. He chose a $2.50 bug catcher with a magnifying glass on the lid to take a closer look. At that point, he reached a whole new level of excitement. Our adventure had only started.

Benny and the praying mantis

            After the Bug Fair, I showed Benny around school for a bit. We toured the gardens and ponds to look at the animals and catch an insect in the new bug catcher. We came across some roly pollies, which were pretty fun; a snail, which was kind of boring; and finally a praying mantis, which was really awesome. As Benny and I walked next to Building 2, we saw a little praying mantis drowning helplessly in a puddle. We could not let the little bug die so we scooped it out of the puddle and captured it in the bug catcher for a closer look. I have never seen Benny so proud of himself before. He saved a life and got to admire it for a couple minutes with his new toy before setting it safely free.

            I can’t help but remember catching bugs in my back yard or at school with my best friend when I was little. I found so much joy in it and can see the same pure emotions in my cousin. I’ll never forget how Benny kept telling me, “Dee, this is the best day ever!” Our bug adventure only lasted a few hours, but the memory of it will last much longer.

            

Fluffy Lead

President Ortiz’s dog, Fluffy, was found strangled to death yesterday after ASI president, Ishmael Souley, kidnapped him, set a $100,000 ransom, and dumped the body in the university’s rose garden.

Powerful Little Things

You got designer shades, just to hide your face and you wear them around like you're cooler than me… 

 -"Cooler Than Me" by Mike Posner

Most high school and college students are familiar with the song “Cooler Than Me,” a 2010 hip-hop summer anthem by Mike Posner that references the magic of sunglasses. These words were playing on the radio when my next blog entry idea hit me – sunglasses. I asked myself,  “why do I wear sunglasses?”

Simply put, sunglasses are little things that have enormous power. A pair of shades has the power to bring a shy kid out of his box. It can give the world the impression that the tired, hung over college student is only trying to be “stylish” because he wears his sunglasses indoors. They can be a physical barrier to harmful sunrays or a mere fashion statement. Sunglasses shield one of the most important parts of the human body – one’s eyes. Our eyes allow us to deliver and receive the thousands of messages that every aspect of the world constantly puts out. Although they might not completely shield the world from seeing our eyes, sunglasses cover up enough to change the way the world perceives us.

In my opinion and in my daily life, sunglasses are very beneficial. I admit that I occasionally wear them to hide tired eyes or sad emotions. However, the majority of the time I use them for sun protection and style. A close friend got me into the habit of always wearing sunglasses when the sun is out so my eyes got use to their protection from harmful rays. According to the Vision Essentials website by Kaiser Permanente Optical, “UV rays contribute to many eye health and vision problems, including cataracts and retinal damage.” (Vision Essentials) The use of a pair of shades, stylish or not, can help significantly reduce risks of UV ray damage.

The health benefits of wearing sunglasses are obvious, but I can’t help considering their persona changing power. Such a small accessory has the power to essentially make the world see someone as another person. They can make a person look like they have a sense of fashion, a dash of sex appeal, a hint of mystery, and much more. In a sense, sunglasses are tools of simple manipulation.

Many people do not consider all of these elements of the shades they throw in their glove compartment or place on the top of their head. It is amazing how such a powerful little thing could be so overlooked in society. With all this in mind, I challenge you to ask yourself exactly why you might wear your favorite pair of sunglasses. I did, and I obviously did not find a simple answer.

A Beautiful Little Thing with a Bad Reputation

Dandelion in my front yard

Remember the pure excitement you felt as a child when you stumbled across a dandelion? Remember making a wish before blowing a dandelion seed head in hopes that your wildest dreams would come true? Remember watching the seeds fly off into the wind? More importantly, remember the blissful innocence of childhood as you played with those "little things?"

All of these thoughts rushed through my mind as I spotted a single dandelion on my front lawn. I was on my way out to walk my dog with a camera on hand in case I discovered a “little thing” to blog about. My nostalgic moment upon discovery of the dandelion was quickly interrupted by reality. The tiny dandelion, which symbolized childhood dreams to me, was also a socially hated symbol. The dandelion has been known to be lawn owners’ worst enemy. I found out this truth many years ago when my dad had to stop me from blowing all the dandelions in our yard. He explained that they were a weed’s seed pod and that blowing on them would only spread the weeds.

It was plain and simple – my dreams were crushed. I remember wondering how something so little, beautiful, and precious to so many children could be such a bad thing. I refused to give up viewing dandelions in an optimistic light. My conscience met halfway with those darn dandelions and I decided not to blow on them anymore for the sake of everyone’s lawns, sidewalks, and streets.  At the same time, I promised to always admire them for their simple, soft beauty.

"beautiful little things with bad reputations"

After taking that little trip down memory lane, I decided that dandelions are merely beautiful "little things" with bad reputations. They are notorious for spreading weeds and popping up everywhere, but this alone dubs them as persistent survivors. As evil as they may seem to humans, dandelions are only doing their job in this world that we share with them. I apologize for the profanity, but dandelions basically kick ass in the plant world. Their strengths are overlooked, but I believe the world should always remember to admire the simple, magical beauty of these "little things." 

Introducing Newborn "Little Things"

         The highlight of this past month has been the birth of about 30 little things in my room. It all started out with 4 adult stick bugs a few months ago. A kindergarten teacher gave them to me as pets. They were easy to take care of – ventilated terrarium, rose leaves, and spray them with water daily. I knew I couldn’t fail at this. After learning all there is to know about caring for stick bugs, 3 months passed and nature took its course. It was a sad day when my last stick bug died. I found myself attached to those little guys!

     My sad day was short lived, however. The same day, a baby stick bug was born! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the half-inch bug crawling out from under a leaf. I felt like a proud mama! I knew my adult stick bugs laid eggs, but none hatched for a long time so I never knew when or if I would be expecting babies to hatch.

baby stick bug next to a penny

         My sisters named the baby stick bug, Twiggy. Clever, I know. A couple days later, two more baby stick bugs hatched. A few more hatched every day for a couple weeks straight. I was so excited of these new lives and discoveries that I couldn’t find it in myself to get rid of the rest of the eggs that were still un-hatched. (Stick bugs lay about 100 eggs in their adult life. I had 4 adults…the math makes my point) At that point I had about 30 baby stick bugs, which is probably way too many in the first place. I felt so sad because I had to do some population control, but it felt like I was giving them an abortion by throwing out all those eggs! I finally did what I had to do and in the end am content with being a proud mother of 30 baby stick bugs. 

         Some may think they are weird or perhaps that I am weird, but that’s fine with me. These little guys have showed me a lot, believe it or not. They have taught me some responsibility and brought me joy. They have shown me how even "little things" such as tiny stick bugs need appreciation and care in order to lead successful lives.