So, for those of you who read my last post, I don't want you to get the wrong impression of me.
I actually really enjoyed my teenage years. There's so many great memories that I wouldn't trade for the world.
So, to indulge you all, I thought I'd leave some gossip about myself in my teenage years, sort of as a memoir.
Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start).
I was thirteen when I got my first 'boyfriend.' I still remember our first date pretty vividly. We went to see Grind, a skateboarding movie with Adam Brody that I thought would be a lot more amusing, at a small theater by our house. Brilliant me decided that we should get there half an hour early. So, because the movie theater wasn't exactly up with the times, it didn't bother to show ads or puzzles prior to the previews. So, my date and I sat in the dark screening room for half an hour while I searched my brain for engaging conversation topics (to little avail). Awkward experience- slightly. Still, it was a good learning experience for me. I learned to be prepared to make conversation on any date.
For those of you wondering, I actually did have a great time with this guy. The 'relationship' didn't last (surprise, surprise, since we were so young), but to this day, he's still one of my best friends. (lol, and he'll probably smack me for writing about him :-P)
I was fourteen when I started high school. I definitely did not like it in the beginning, but I leared to love it. I really grew and learned a lot about myself in high school. I found some great friends and had some great times. I still miss my high school and my related activities. I was one of those kids who was super involved, from Marching Band to NHS to serving as president of WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, similar to an academic team). Being involved really helped me to feel as though I was part of the community, and I made some great friends and memories.
When I was fifteen, I took driver's ed. Probably one of the scariest experiences of my life. I did not see any reason to put my uncoordinated self behind the wheel of a four-wheeled death machine. In my first couple days at range, when we were learning how to drive the car in reverse, I backed the car up over the curb. My instructor was pissed and watched me like a hawk from then on. I did manage to pass driver's ed, however, and I'm a pretty decent driver (knock on wood).
I was the girl who turned sweet sixteen and was never kissed. Did that drive me nuts? Absolutely! I was totally boy crazy. My most prominent memories from that age are about fighting over boys with other girls. Not that I won any of those fights.
Seventeen was an exciting age for me. I had a car, money from a part-time job, and my legal curfew was midnight on weekends. I felt like the world was my sandbox (yes, I just quoted Rugrats), and I played in it all weekend long with my friends. This was probably my most social experience in my life. Thursday nites were always spent planning for Fridays and Saturdays. I don't even wanna think about how much money I wasted, but it was good times.
Turning legal was not celebrated as scandalously as I would have hoped. I still have not purchased porn or been to a strip club. I bought a lottery ticket on my 18th birthday (the guy almost didn't sell it to me, either!), and I've bought maybe one other one since. I'm such a good girl :-P
That year had lots of other fun moments, though. I went to two senior proms (one with my bestie and one with my current boyfriend), gave a pretty awesome valedictorian speech at my graduation, and started college (finally, classes with boys again!)
Nineteen was finally the age at which I did all the stuff I should have done before I hit Sweet Sixteen.I got my first real boyfriend, my first kiss, and all that fun stuff. This was definitely the highlight of age 19 for me. It was the perfect finale for my teen years.
Now that I'm a few weeks into being 20, I'm realizing it's not as bad as I had anticipated. I don't feel all that old. In fact, I'm just as immature as I was a few weeks (and years) ago. A couple weeks ago, I was skipping- yes skipping- down my driveway and singing. My sister was like, "How are you 20?"
I definitely loved my teen years, but I'm determined not to let the fun die down. Here's to the next decade!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I Love Teenagers
That's kind of a bold statement, isn't it?
Maybe it isn't love so much as an understanding though. They're not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. They're just misunderstood.
In my last days as a teenager, I feel the need to make this rant: It's not easy being teen.
Seriously, teenagers are probably the most looked down upon age group in society. It feels like EVERYONE is out to get you. Most people have this notion that because you're in that age group, you're automatically up to no good.
I've had friends stopped by the cops for doing nothing illegal. We're just an age group to harass as a 'preventative measure.' It seems like more than enough adults are ready to combat this menace to society. Sadly, most of us don't do anything about the crappy treatment. We just take it.
I recently dealt with some adults about a harassment situation. I played by the rules, went through the proper channels and presented my case the adult way. Their advice to me was to put up and shut up. Because I'm a teenager, I'm supposed to put up with discrimination and not say anything about it. I'm supposed to be naive and not realize that I'm being slighted. Really? I feel like if I was ten years older, people would take me seriously, and the advice would not be to shut up and take it.
Being one who is easily offended, I often took note of when adults treated my friends and I differently for being teens.
After band in high school, my hungry friends and I used to frequent local restaurants. I spent so many nights waiting a half an hour or more to be seated in an empty restaurant. To top it off, the manager had the nerve to threaten to throw my group out if we weren't quiet while in the waiting area. On more than one occassion, I was ready to have a throwdown with the manager. Seriously, if you sat us at a table and gave us some food, we'd keep quiet, and everyone would be happy. Is that so hard?
But again, I feel like if my friends and I were just ten years older, we'd be treated a bit differently.
Speaking of throwdowns, I actually did have one with a lady at church once. The woman had the gall to sit there and tell me that because I am a teenager, I obviously couldn't know as much as she did. My response: Oh no you didn't! I earned myself the brand of disobedient and rude teen that day for standing up for myself. But to be fair, the adult started it :-P
It's interesting to see the teen situation from the other side of the fence. I recently got a job for the holidays at a suburban mall. On every shift, I get to deal with my fair share of high school students. When I was in high school, I learned to tune out obnoxious girls, so I usually don't notice them approaching until my manager groans. Although I've never had a problem with any of the teenagers I've encountered at work, my manager and coworkers can usually find something negative to say about even the sweetest teenager that comes by. Why? Because they are teenagers.
When I come to their defense, my coworkers tell me I'm too nice and willing to put up with people. That's when I argue that I've been there, done that and bought that t-shirt. And now I'm gonna flaunt it.
Most adults who know me don't believe that I'm capable of being a 'typical' teenager. People believe I can't be moody or rowdy. It's the people who don't know me that are the problem. To them, I'm probably just a disrespectful person who will make a scene, create a mess and not leave a tip.
While I'll admit there's some bad eggs among us, don't let the bad ones spoil it for all of us. There's good in us. The groups of people I hung out with high school and those I continue to hang out with are great people. We'll leave generous tips, respond to you politely and sometimes even be more mature than the average adult.
We're people, just in a different packaging than those who are respected in society. Most of us probably wouldn't do anything an adult wouldn't do anyway.
The funny part is, any adult who looks down on a teenager was probably just as bad or worse than the poor soul he or she is scorning. I've heard stories from adults reminiscing about their wild high school and college days and wondered how they can scorn someone else for trying to have fun.
My theory is that these once fun-loving teens turned into hypocritical adults because they didn't care that they were mistreated as teens. That's the kind of stuff in life you just let go. If you're not being hauled off to jail, you shouldn't let a grouchy adult spoil your fun. Or, maybe most teens just don't notice that adult in the corner giving them the evil eye at all. Life IS more painless when you're brainless, after all.
I, for one, hope I won't turn into that.
So teens, know that people do love you. Have your fun, but be polite about it. Don't give them the chance to judge you.
If any of you are a cynic, like me, know that your consolation will be that you can do this to the next group of teens in a couple of years anyway.
Adults (if any of you read this), remember what it was like to be a teen. In most cases, there's no ill intentions. Let them have their fun. Or, maybe consider adopting the age-old addage, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
P.S.- Thanks Kristy & Luis for motivating me to update :-)
Maybe it isn't love so much as an understanding though. They're not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. They're just misunderstood.
In my last days as a teenager, I feel the need to make this rant: It's not easy being teen.
Seriously, teenagers are probably the most looked down upon age group in society. It feels like EVERYONE is out to get you. Most people have this notion that because you're in that age group, you're automatically up to no good.
I've had friends stopped by the cops for doing nothing illegal. We're just an age group to harass as a 'preventative measure.' It seems like more than enough adults are ready to combat this menace to society. Sadly, most of us don't do anything about the crappy treatment. We just take it.
I recently dealt with some adults about a harassment situation. I played by the rules, went through the proper channels and presented my case the adult way. Their advice to me was to put up and shut up. Because I'm a teenager, I'm supposed to put up with discrimination and not say anything about it. I'm supposed to be naive and not realize that I'm being slighted. Really? I feel like if I was ten years older, people would take me seriously, and the advice would not be to shut up and take it.
Being one who is easily offended, I often took note of when adults treated my friends and I differently for being teens.
After band in high school, my hungry friends and I used to frequent local restaurants. I spent so many nights waiting a half an hour or more to be seated in an empty restaurant. To top it off, the manager had the nerve to threaten to throw my group out if we weren't quiet while in the waiting area. On more than one occassion, I was ready to have a throwdown with the manager. Seriously, if you sat us at a table and gave us some food, we'd keep quiet, and everyone would be happy. Is that so hard?
But again, I feel like if my friends and I were just ten years older, we'd be treated a bit differently.
Speaking of throwdowns, I actually did have one with a lady at church once. The woman had the gall to sit there and tell me that because I am a teenager, I obviously couldn't know as much as she did. My response: Oh no you didn't! I earned myself the brand of disobedient and rude teen that day for standing up for myself. But to be fair, the adult started it :-P
It's interesting to see the teen situation from the other side of the fence. I recently got a job for the holidays at a suburban mall. On every shift, I get to deal with my fair share of high school students. When I was in high school, I learned to tune out obnoxious girls, so I usually don't notice them approaching until my manager groans. Although I've never had a problem with any of the teenagers I've encountered at work, my manager and coworkers can usually find something negative to say about even the sweetest teenager that comes by. Why? Because they are teenagers.
When I come to their defense, my coworkers tell me I'm too nice and willing to put up with people. That's when I argue that I've been there, done that and bought that t-shirt. And now I'm gonna flaunt it.
Most adults who know me don't believe that I'm capable of being a 'typical' teenager. People believe I can't be moody or rowdy. It's the people who don't know me that are the problem. To them, I'm probably just a disrespectful person who will make a scene, create a mess and not leave a tip.
While I'll admit there's some bad eggs among us, don't let the bad ones spoil it for all of us. There's good in us. The groups of people I hung out with high school and those I continue to hang out with are great people. We'll leave generous tips, respond to you politely and sometimes even be more mature than the average adult.
We're people, just in a different packaging than those who are respected in society. Most of us probably wouldn't do anything an adult wouldn't do anyway.
The funny part is, any adult who looks down on a teenager was probably just as bad or worse than the poor soul he or she is scorning. I've heard stories from adults reminiscing about their wild high school and college days and wondered how they can scorn someone else for trying to have fun.
My theory is that these once fun-loving teens turned into hypocritical adults because they didn't care that they were mistreated as teens. That's the kind of stuff in life you just let go. If you're not being hauled off to jail, you shouldn't let a grouchy adult spoil your fun. Or, maybe most teens just don't notice that adult in the corner giving them the evil eye at all. Life IS more painless when you're brainless, after all.
I, for one, hope I won't turn into that.
So teens, know that people do love you. Have your fun, but be polite about it. Don't give them the chance to judge you.
If any of you are a cynic, like me, know that your consolation will be that you can do this to the next group of teens in a couple of years anyway.
Adults (if any of you read this), remember what it was like to be a teen. In most cases, there's no ill intentions. Let them have their fun. Or, maybe consider adopting the age-old addage, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
P.S.- Thanks Kristy & Luis for motivating me to update :-)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Where Magic Lives
"All you need is faith and trust. Oh! and Something I forgot-- dust...Yup! Just a little bit of pixie dust." -Peter Pan
For those of you who don't know me, I am a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic.
Disney movies have provided me my philosophy for life-- from believing that true beauty lies within, to true love conquers all, to the essential "Hakuna Matata" ("no worries").
In addition to the magic of the movies, I have fallen in love with the real-life magic Disney offers. I have visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida 26 times in my short 19 years of life (not a bad record for someone who lives in the Midwest) and Disneyland in Anaheim, California once.
I was inspired on my recent visit there to write a blog piece on WHY I love Disney so much and why it's not just for little kids, which is what many of my friends tell me when I am visiting Walt Disney World yet again. Please note that this is not an advertisement or meant to promote Disney, but rather an explanation of my passion for it.
Walt Disney World offers a magical experience like no other. For the most part, my experience with the Walt Disney Company has been positive. It has so many unique little aspects that make it seem all the more wonderful.
For example, employees of the Walt Disney Company are called "cast members," as they are always to put on a show for the guests, not customers. Cast members are trained to be polite, respectful, courteous and cheerful, making any interaction with a member of the Walt Disney Company magical.
As I mentioned, customers are referred to as "guests" and treated as such. Cast members are always happy to assist guests, help them meet their needs, and please them in any way possible (within reason, of course).
Being called a "guest" rather than a "customer" makes me feel more valued. I feel as though it's not about the money I'm spending there, but rather my personal happiness.
Walt Disney World is my favorite vacation destination because it feels so secluded. When touring a major city, the people you interact with are going about their daily lives and are not there to enjoy life as much as you are. People are rushign off to their jobs, picking up their kids, etc. At Walt Disney World, everybody (with the exception of the cast members) is on vacation! Everyone is there to have a good time and make some memories. There are fewer people working on their cell phones and computers, emailing that important file to their boss or trading stocks. The absence of this makes it easier to "forget about your worries and your strife" (Bare Necessities, The Jungle Book) at home and focus on having a good time. While I'm in Disney World, I'm not worrying about my duties at work or the drama I'm involved in with friends. I've been transported to a magical world at the moment I cross the property line. In this world, I can truly embrace the Hakuna Matata and enjoy myself.
Also, because other guests are also on vacation, people are much friendlier. Everyone is there to have fun. It's much easier to strike up a conversation with someone while waiting in line than it usually is in the outside world. In Disney World, it is socailly acceptable to smile at and wave to people you don't know. While people in the outside world would give you a weird look and assume that you are crazy, in Disney World, people smile and wave back. Such interaction brings about a feeling of unity and renews faith in the goodness of people.
Disney World is overflowing with a sense of magic. Your wildest childhood fantasies come to life here as you fly with Peter Pan, ransack the Caribbean with pirates, hang glide over California, soar to new heights on a mission to Mars, interact with wildlife, travel under the sea with Nemo and Friends, and land right on the set and behind the scenes of some of the most beloved non-Disney movies of all time -- all in one day (if you're really ambitious)! Having the opportunity to do such things can really bring out someone's inner child. Once people learn to let their guard down, all bets are off. Adults will dance in the streets and wait in lines to hug Mickey Mouse just like the toddlers do. Reliving the carefree days is, I think, the best way to spend a vacation.
Character meet-and-greets, shows, and parades bring some of your favorite Disney storybook characters to life. I still get excited when hugging Mickey Mouse, doing the princess pose with Belle, or waving at Ariel as she swims by in the parade. Coming face to face with those characters I loved as a child rekindles those positive thoughts and feelings in my heart that are brought on by watching the happy-ending Disney movies.
Speaking of Disney movies, these films definitely shaped me as an individual and helped me grow up to be a moral and optimistic individual with a deep belief in the magic in the world. I have trouble watching movies that don't have a happy ending. After watching a Disney movie, I feel touched by the magic. I feel inspired that my wildest dreams can come true, if I believe they can and am willing to work for them.
Disney films have inpsired me to believe that the quiet, sheltered girl can be noticed by the handsome prince (Cinderella), you never have to fully grow up (Peter Pan), and that poverty shouldn't get you down in life (Aladdin). Disney movies teach you some of the more practical life lessons too. For example, you shouldn't trust the strange old lady offering an apple (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), don't touch sharp objects (Sleeping Beauty), and of course, evil never pays off (insert any Disney villain here).
The magic of Disney makes life all the more bearable for me. It helps me to look on the bright side of life and inspires me to achieve my goals. Disney has taught me to "Just keep swimming" (Dory, Finding Nemo) when times are tough, reminds me of "Hakuna Matata" (The Lion King) when my worrywart self comes out, that "I [can] beat the odds/I can go the distance..til I find my hero's welcome right where I belong," (Hercules) and "If you can dream it, you can do it," (Walt Disney). ºoº
For those of you who don't know me, I am a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic.
Disney movies have provided me my philosophy for life-- from believing that true beauty lies within, to true love conquers all, to the essential "Hakuna Matata" ("no worries").
In addition to the magic of the movies, I have fallen in love with the real-life magic Disney offers. I have visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida 26 times in my short 19 years of life (not a bad record for someone who lives in the Midwest) and Disneyland in Anaheim, California once.
I was inspired on my recent visit there to write a blog piece on WHY I love Disney so much and why it's not just for little kids, which is what many of my friends tell me when I am visiting Walt Disney World yet again. Please note that this is not an advertisement or meant to promote Disney, but rather an explanation of my passion for it.
Walt Disney World offers a magical experience like no other. For the most part, my experience with the Walt Disney Company has been positive. It has so many unique little aspects that make it seem all the more wonderful.
For example, employees of the Walt Disney Company are called "cast members," as they are always to put on a show for the guests, not customers. Cast members are trained to be polite, respectful, courteous and cheerful, making any interaction with a member of the Walt Disney Company magical.
As I mentioned, customers are referred to as "guests" and treated as such. Cast members are always happy to assist guests, help them meet their needs, and please them in any way possible (within reason, of course).
Being called a "guest" rather than a "customer" makes me feel more valued. I feel as though it's not about the money I'm spending there, but rather my personal happiness.
Walt Disney World is my favorite vacation destination because it feels so secluded. When touring a major city, the people you interact with are going about their daily lives and are not there to enjoy life as much as you are. People are rushign off to their jobs, picking up their kids, etc. At Walt Disney World, everybody (with the exception of the cast members) is on vacation! Everyone is there to have a good time and make some memories. There are fewer people working on their cell phones and computers, emailing that important file to their boss or trading stocks. The absence of this makes it easier to "forget about your worries and your strife" (Bare Necessities, The Jungle Book) at home and focus on having a good time. While I'm in Disney World, I'm not worrying about my duties at work or the drama I'm involved in with friends. I've been transported to a magical world at the moment I cross the property line. In this world, I can truly embrace the Hakuna Matata and enjoy myself.
Also, because other guests are also on vacation, people are much friendlier. Everyone is there to have fun. It's much easier to strike up a conversation with someone while waiting in line than it usually is in the outside world. In Disney World, it is socailly acceptable to smile at and wave to people you don't know. While people in the outside world would give you a weird look and assume that you are crazy, in Disney World, people smile and wave back. Such interaction brings about a feeling of unity and renews faith in the goodness of people.
Disney World is overflowing with a sense of magic. Your wildest childhood fantasies come to life here as you fly with Peter Pan, ransack the Caribbean with pirates, hang glide over California, soar to new heights on a mission to Mars, interact with wildlife, travel under the sea with Nemo and Friends, and land right on the set and behind the scenes of some of the most beloved non-Disney movies of all time -- all in one day (if you're really ambitious)! Having the opportunity to do such things can really bring out someone's inner child. Once people learn to let their guard down, all bets are off. Adults will dance in the streets and wait in lines to hug Mickey Mouse just like the toddlers do. Reliving the carefree days is, I think, the best way to spend a vacation.
Character meet-and-greets, shows, and parades bring some of your favorite Disney storybook characters to life. I still get excited when hugging Mickey Mouse, doing the princess pose with Belle, or waving at Ariel as she swims by in the parade. Coming face to face with those characters I loved as a child rekindles those positive thoughts and feelings in my heart that are brought on by watching the happy-ending Disney movies.
Speaking of Disney movies, these films definitely shaped me as an individual and helped me grow up to be a moral and optimistic individual with a deep belief in the magic in the world. I have trouble watching movies that don't have a happy ending. After watching a Disney movie, I feel touched by the magic. I feel inspired that my wildest dreams can come true, if I believe they can and am willing to work for them.
Disney films have inpsired me to believe that the quiet, sheltered girl can be noticed by the handsome prince (Cinderella), you never have to fully grow up (Peter Pan), and that poverty shouldn't get you down in life (Aladdin). Disney movies teach you some of the more practical life lessons too. For example, you shouldn't trust the strange old lady offering an apple (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), don't touch sharp objects (Sleeping Beauty), and of course, evil never pays off (insert any Disney villain here).
The magic of Disney makes life all the more bearable for me. It helps me to look on the bright side of life and inspires me to achieve my goals. Disney has taught me to "Just keep swimming" (Dory, Finding Nemo) when times are tough, reminds me of "Hakuna Matata" (The Lion King) when my worrywart self comes out, that "I [can] beat the odds/I can go the distance..til I find my hero's welcome right where I belong," (Hercules) and "If you can dream it, you can do it," (Walt Disney). ºoº
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Smells Familiar
I love the smell of suntan lotion.
I wouldn't say it's the most attractive smell in the world, though. Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or Polo or Tommy cologne for men are usually more enticing for me. However, the scent of suntan lotion usually falls among my top ten favorites.
But anyway, one day I was sitting in my Social Psychology class when I was suddenly struck by the scent of suntan lotion on the girl in front of me. The hybrid of bitter and sweet scents with the hint of UV protection and coconut fragrance [forgive my horrible description] made me melt. It started a daydream of summer memories of concerts in the park, beach bonfires, pool parties and sunny days of roaming the city. I was struck by the impulse to grab my bag and make a run for the lake. All of this was because of a burst of fragrance.
Whenever I have a smell moment like this, I'm reminded of the 2004 Old Spice Red Zone body spray commercial. In the commercial, two guys are watching a football game while their annoyed girlfriends look on. When the game goes into overtime, the boys prance around with excitement and one of them runs to hug his girlfriend in celebration. The girlfriend gets a whiff of his body spray and starts reminiscing about romantic moments with her man. As she completes the reverie and her boyfriend rejoins his buddy, she swoons about how amazing her man is.
Anyone remember this? [I had to look it up, not gonna lie.] Anyway, the only part of the commercial that has really stuck with me all these years was the announcer's line, "Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory."
I remember my first date. The guy I was with smelled amazing (Sorry, that was not supposed to come off as creepy). I assume it was because of whatever body soap he had used when he showed that afternoon, because we were 13 and probably too young to even consider body spray, cologne, etc. Now, whenever I get a waft of that same scent, I think of that former crush. However, the scent-memory link becomes a curse. Last weekend, my cousin smelled the same as the boy I went on my first date with. Needless to say, throwing my cousin into the memory mix was a tad awkward. On the upside though, I'm still friends with the boy I went to the movies with almost six years ago, and he still smells the same way. Even though a lot has happened between us in the past six years, because of his scent, I have a hard time staying mad at him. When I'm standing downwind of him, I catch his scent and recall the good old days.
According to Kristen Cole's interview with Rachel Herz (see Cole's article "Whisking up a memory with a whiff"), who explored the "psychology of scent," people often take their sense of smell for granted. However, those who have lost their sense of smell report a loss of "emotional intensity toward life," and "experiences are flatter" for these people.
According to Kristen Cole, it is still being debated whether or not smells trigger more accurate memories than other stimuli. However, researchers have found that smells trigger more emotional memories than other stimuli. Cole uses the example of memories of the deceased and emotional reactions to such memories. When viewing a photograph of a deceased loved one, we may be able to hold ourselves together. However, when we smell a scent that relates to that loved one, we may feel like breaking down.
Clearly, the sense of smell is a blessing. Even though the scent of skunks, spoiled milk, rotten eggs and dirty diapers may not he be highlight of our lives, think of how less rich our lives would be and how our memories would be affected without the sense of smell.
I wouldn't say it's the most attractive smell in the world, though. Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or Polo or Tommy cologne for men are usually more enticing for me. However, the scent of suntan lotion usually falls among my top ten favorites.
But anyway, one day I was sitting in my Social Psychology class when I was suddenly struck by the scent of suntan lotion on the girl in front of me. The hybrid of bitter and sweet scents with the hint of UV protection and coconut fragrance [forgive my horrible description] made me melt. It started a daydream of summer memories of concerts in the park, beach bonfires, pool parties and sunny days of roaming the city. I was struck by the impulse to grab my bag and make a run for the lake. All of this was because of a burst of fragrance.
Whenever I have a smell moment like this, I'm reminded of the 2004 Old Spice Red Zone body spray commercial. In the commercial, two guys are watching a football game while their annoyed girlfriends look on. When the game goes into overtime, the boys prance around with excitement and one of them runs to hug his girlfriend in celebration. The girlfriend gets a whiff of his body spray and starts reminiscing about romantic moments with her man. As she completes the reverie and her boyfriend rejoins his buddy, she swoons about how amazing her man is.
Anyone remember this? [I had to look it up, not gonna lie.] Anyway, the only part of the commercial that has really stuck with me all these years was the announcer's line, "Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory."
I remember my first date. The guy I was with smelled amazing (Sorry, that was not supposed to come off as creepy). I assume it was because of whatever body soap he had used when he showed that afternoon, because we were 13 and probably too young to even consider body spray, cologne, etc. Now, whenever I get a waft of that same scent, I think of that former crush. However, the scent-memory link becomes a curse. Last weekend, my cousin smelled the same as the boy I went on my first date with. Needless to say, throwing my cousin into the memory mix was a tad awkward. On the upside though, I'm still friends with the boy I went to the movies with almost six years ago, and he still smells the same way. Even though a lot has happened between us in the past six years, because of his scent, I have a hard time staying mad at him. When I'm standing downwind of him, I catch his scent and recall the good old days.
According to Kristen Cole's interview with Rachel Herz (see Cole's article "Whisking up a memory with a whiff"), who explored the "psychology of scent," people often take their sense of smell for granted. However, those who have lost their sense of smell report a loss of "emotional intensity toward life," and "experiences are flatter" for these people.
According to Kristen Cole, it is still being debated whether or not smells trigger more accurate memories than other stimuli. However, researchers have found that smells trigger more emotional memories than other stimuli. Cole uses the example of memories of the deceased and emotional reactions to such memories. When viewing a photograph of a deceased loved one, we may be able to hold ourselves together. However, when we smell a scent that relates to that loved one, we may feel like breaking down.
Clearly, the sense of smell is a blessing. Even though the scent of skunks, spoiled milk, rotten eggs and dirty diapers may not he be highlight of our lives, think of how less rich our lives would be and how our memories would be affected without the sense of smell.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
You're the Idiom!
"I told the elephants to forget it, but they can't." -Zazu, The Lion King
When I was little, my dad used to describe me in terms of animals. He would often give me the compliment that I have a memory like an elephant or that I was "strong like bull." I've also heard analogies such as: she has the ears of a snake, he's sly like a fox, she's mean like a snake, he's slow like a turtle, she's quick like a cat, he's as quiet as a mouse, she's as gentle as a lamb, he's as mad as a wet hen, "don't you wish that you could be a fly on the wall?"(Miley Cyrus) etc.
So, I was wondering, how much truth do these analogies hold?
According to naturehaven.com, elephants actually do have good memories. The Web site says that elephants will often remember relationships with those they come in contact with, even if they have not seen that other person or animal in a long time.
Does anyone remember The Wild Thornberry's? When I read the above fact on the Nature Haven Web site, I was reminded of one episode in which Eliza talks to elephants. Eliza's family tends to an elephant stuck in the mud, giving Eliza a chance to bond with the elder elephant of the pack, Rebecca. Eliza's parents had worked with Rebecca twenty years earlier, and Rebecca claimed to remember them and their kindness. As Rebecca dies, she recounts for Eliza some of the events of her past and the other people and elephants she had had relationships with.
Another example of this analogy used in fiction is in Disney's The Jungle Book.
Colonel Hathi (an elephant) asserts that an elephant never forgets. However, moments later, the colonel forgets to tell his company of marching elephants to halt, thus causing an elephant pile-up. Mowgli then proceeds to laugh at the irony. "An elephant never forgets," he says, laughing.
Most of the other analogies I mentioned are common sense. For example, one of the most common images of a bull, at least in American culture, stems from the Spanish bull races. Bulls are depicted as ferocious animals that are easily agitated and could cause a great deal of damage to someone who gets in the way, hence strength. However, one that I havent understood is the "ears of a snake" analogy.
For those of you who are not familiar with this analogy, I heard it in the movie Jingle All the Way (with the Govenator!!! and Jake Llyod, a.k.a. the young Anakin Skywalker). In one scene, Myron (Sinbad), a father who is trying to obtain a hot Christmas toy for his son, go as far as to threaten a radio dj and a squad of cops with a bomb he picked up at his post office job in order to get his hands on the desired "Turboman" action figure. When he leaves the bomb squad with the bomb and escapes, he threatens, "I'll know if you move 'cause I have the ears of a snake."
For me, this didn't seem logical. Have you ever seen a snake with ears?
Turns out, snakes lack the external ear parts that humans have, but do have the internal ear parts. According to Highlightskids.com, snakes sense vibrations in the air or on the ground. Their skin and muscles receive the vibrations and transport them to the audial region. Therefore, snakes can sense movement, as Sinbad declared in Jingle All the Way.
All these analogies have made me wonder why humans feel the need to compare ourselves to animals. With our advanced brains, shouldn't we have been able to create better ways to describe ourselves?
Supposedly, some of the animal analogies we use today are from the Ancient Greeks. The Greeks had a saying, "A camel never forgets an injury," which may be the origin of our saying, "An elephant never forgets."
Maybe we use animal analogies because they are easy to understand. Animals and nature are all around us and are easily observed. Most people have some basic knowledge of animals and are more likely to understand an animal analogy than a psychological explanation or a Lewis Dot Diagram. This use of analogies could be proof of how evoluationary theory permeates our culture. Evolutionary theory suggests that humans are evolved from other types of animals. Perhaps, when we use these analogies, our roots are showing. Maybe humans are trying to find ways to relate to their origins and the world around them.
When I was little, my dad used to describe me in terms of animals. He would often give me the compliment that I have a memory like an elephant or that I was "strong like bull." I've also heard analogies such as: she has the ears of a snake, he's sly like a fox, she's mean like a snake, he's slow like a turtle, she's quick like a cat, he's as quiet as a mouse, she's as gentle as a lamb, he's as mad as a wet hen, "don't you wish that you could be a fly on the wall?"(Miley Cyrus) etc.
So, I was wondering, how much truth do these analogies hold?
According to naturehaven.com, elephants actually do have good memories. The Web site says that elephants will often remember relationships with those they come in contact with, even if they have not seen that other person or animal in a long time.
Does anyone remember The Wild Thornberry's? When I read the above fact on the Nature Haven Web site, I was reminded of one episode in which Eliza talks to elephants. Eliza's family tends to an elephant stuck in the mud, giving Eliza a chance to bond with the elder elephant of the pack, Rebecca. Eliza's parents had worked with Rebecca twenty years earlier, and Rebecca claimed to remember them and their kindness. As Rebecca dies, she recounts for Eliza some of the events of her past and the other people and elephants she had had relationships with.
Another example of this analogy used in fiction is in Disney's The Jungle Book.
Colonel Hathi (an elephant) asserts that an elephant never forgets. However, moments later, the colonel forgets to tell his company of marching elephants to halt, thus causing an elephant pile-up. Mowgli then proceeds to laugh at the irony. "An elephant never forgets," he says, laughing.
Most of the other analogies I mentioned are common sense. For example, one of the most common images of a bull, at least in American culture, stems from the Spanish bull races. Bulls are depicted as ferocious animals that are easily agitated and could cause a great deal of damage to someone who gets in the way, hence strength. However, one that I havent understood is the "ears of a snake" analogy.
For those of you who are not familiar with this analogy, I heard it in the movie Jingle All the Way (with the Govenator!!! and Jake Llyod, a.k.a. the young Anakin Skywalker). In one scene, Myron (Sinbad), a father who is trying to obtain a hot Christmas toy for his son, go as far as to threaten a radio dj and a squad of cops with a bomb he picked up at his post office job in order to get his hands on the desired "Turboman" action figure. When he leaves the bomb squad with the bomb and escapes, he threatens, "I'll know if you move 'cause I have the ears of a snake."
For me, this didn't seem logical. Have you ever seen a snake with ears?
Turns out, snakes lack the external ear parts that humans have, but do have the internal ear parts. According to Highlightskids.com, snakes sense vibrations in the air or on the ground. Their skin and muscles receive the vibrations and transport them to the audial region. Therefore, snakes can sense movement, as Sinbad declared in Jingle All the Way.
All these analogies have made me wonder why humans feel the need to compare ourselves to animals. With our advanced brains, shouldn't we have been able to create better ways to describe ourselves?
Supposedly, some of the animal analogies we use today are from the Ancient Greeks. The Greeks had a saying, "A camel never forgets an injury," which may be the origin of our saying, "An elephant never forgets."
Maybe we use animal analogies because they are easy to understand. Animals and nature are all around us and are easily observed. Most people have some basic knowledge of animals and are more likely to understand an animal analogy than a psychological explanation or a Lewis Dot Diagram. This use of analogies could be proof of how evoluationary theory permeates our culture. Evolutionary theory suggests that humans are evolved from other types of animals. Perhaps, when we use these analogies, our roots are showing. Maybe humans are trying to find ways to relate to their origins and the world around them.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Belly Buttons
A couple of weeks ago while at a graduation party, one of my friends started asking people what type of belly button they had. She claimed that this question would be a great getting-to-know-you activity that would reveal something you probably didn't already know about your closest friends. She was right. I definitely had never checked out my friends' belly buttons before that night.
But then I got to thinking, what determines whether a person gets an innie or an outie belly button? From what I recall, all of my friends that were present that night, including myself, revealed that they have innie belly buttons. Is one type any better than the other? Does the type of belly button mean anything?
A belly button is one characteristic that indentifies humans as placental mammals, or mammals that grow in the wombs of their mothers. The belly button is the spot where the umbilical cord, which connected us to our mothers and brought us the oxygen and nutrition we needed to survive those first nine months of life, was attached to us. I think it's safe to say that without belly buttons, we would not be here today. Everybody has one, with the exception of Kyle XY, of course, but that's another story.
According to Wisegeek.com, 90% of the human population has an innie belly button, while the remaining 10% have outies. This means that if you have an outie belly button, you are as rare as a left-handed person. Obviously, you're pretty darn special.
From what I found in my research, it seems that scientists have not come up with an exact conclusion as to why some people have outies and others have innies. According to Wisegeek.com, it's random. The belly button is the scar left over from the umbilical cord, and the scar tissue determines the shape of the belly button.There are other theories -- such as that innie belly buttons are the norm, and outies are a genetic abnormality; it depends on how the doctor/nurse cuts the cord; or that a muscle hernia in the abdomen causes the belly button to pop out-- but according to Wisegeek.com, these theories are possible but not probable.
Interestingly, the belly button can change during pregnancy. According to Bermant Plastic Surgery's Web site, the walls of the abdomen push out as the baby grows, which changes the position of the scar tissue and the shape of the belly button. For some women, their innie becomes more exaggerated, while for others, their outie pops out even more, according to the site. But no worries, girls. The Web site assures that these changes are usually temporary and typically go back to normal after giving birth.
Some people like to decorate their belly buttons with piercings. Hey, if you've got it, you may as well flaunt it. For those of you who choose to do it, more power to you! I don't think I could go through with that. It looks a bit too painful for my liking.
Even with your decorations, if you're still not happy with your belly button, fear not. With today's modern technology, there are options for reshaping your belly button with plastic surgery. However, this does not mean that you should feel self-conscious of your belly button. If you've ever been around a baby, you've probably gushed or at least heard others gush about how adorable his/her belly button is. Channel some of that good energy and love the one you've got. :-D
But then I got to thinking, what determines whether a person gets an innie or an outie belly button? From what I recall, all of my friends that were present that night, including myself, revealed that they have innie belly buttons. Is one type any better than the other? Does the type of belly button mean anything?
A belly button is one characteristic that indentifies humans as placental mammals, or mammals that grow in the wombs of their mothers. The belly button is the spot where the umbilical cord, which connected us to our mothers and brought us the oxygen and nutrition we needed to survive those first nine months of life, was attached to us. I think it's safe to say that without belly buttons, we would not be here today. Everybody has one, with the exception of Kyle XY, of course, but that's another story.
According to Wisegeek.com, 90% of the human population has an innie belly button, while the remaining 10% have outies. This means that if you have an outie belly button, you are as rare as a left-handed person. Obviously, you're pretty darn special.
From what I found in my research, it seems that scientists have not come up with an exact conclusion as to why some people have outies and others have innies. According to Wisegeek.com, it's random. The belly button is the scar left over from the umbilical cord, and the scar tissue determines the shape of the belly button.There are other theories -- such as that innie belly buttons are the norm, and outies are a genetic abnormality; it depends on how the doctor/nurse cuts the cord; or that a muscle hernia in the abdomen causes the belly button to pop out-- but according to Wisegeek.com, these theories are possible but not probable.
Interestingly, the belly button can change during pregnancy. According to Bermant Plastic Surgery's Web site, the walls of the abdomen push out as the baby grows, which changes the position of the scar tissue and the shape of the belly button. For some women, their innie becomes more exaggerated, while for others, their outie pops out even more, according to the site. But no worries, girls. The Web site assures that these changes are usually temporary and typically go back to normal after giving birth.
Some people like to decorate their belly buttons with piercings. Hey, if you've got it, you may as well flaunt it. For those of you who choose to do it, more power to you! I don't think I could go through with that. It looks a bit too painful for my liking.
Even with your decorations, if you're still not happy with your belly button, fear not. With today's modern technology, there are options for reshaping your belly button with plastic surgery. However, this does not mean that you should feel self-conscious of your belly button. If you've ever been around a baby, you've probably gushed or at least heard others gush about how adorable his/her belly button is. Channel some of that good energy and love the one you've got. :-D
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Welcome to my blog!
~Passion4Words.
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