There I was, scrambling in the dark
Clawing, climbing steep.
Each hand that grasps left a mark,
Bruising, denting deep.

Panic depicted in my face,
Longing, holding, keeping still.
My surrounding in a haze,
Floating, fleeting, and unreal.

How do you let go?

©Featsandtrips. All Rights Reserved.

I write to ease myself from the winding thoughts inside my head.
I write to make sense of all the things I’ve left unsaid.
I write to give myself alternatives.
I write to capture my thoughts before it leaves.

I write to make myself remember.
I write because I’d like to look back in September.
I write to give my mind some space.
I write to keep small memories from dwindling in a haze.

I write because I love to write.
I write because it keeps my sanity in a bind.
I write since it is my therapy.
I write simply because it makes me happy.

©Featsandtrips. All Rights Reserved.

A repost from my old blog (the article on the Edudemic website has been removed).

It took me a while to gather my thoughts and come up with something worthwhile regarding this. My thoughts rambled as emotions regarding smartphone-savvy kids and education do not coincide with the conclusions gathered here, but I don’t dismiss the fact that this might be true for some students. In fact, I find it interesting that this survey would result in the conclusion that ‘students who use smartphones tend to study more, and more efficiently.’ Eh?

I grew up in an age where technology and the internet were still in their initial stages. Computers were IBM and the coolest disks were floppy, three and a half inches in size. Cell phones were just being invented, and mobile phones were rare (the first time I saw one, it was a big analog Motorola that required you to carry a big bag). I bought my first cell phone out of college, from my first paycheck. Was I an efficient student? Did I study more without technology? Most of us certainly did.

I’m not in any way trying to compare what was then and what is now; what I’m just trying to point out is that having this kind of technology within a student’s reach has its advantages and disadvantages.

The infographic above exhibits the advantages, and given the easy access and the number of apps a student can access, any student can study quite effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, the disadvantages can point toward the premise that smartphones, in all their glory and good intent, are also effective and efficient distractions for any student. The misuse is evident in the vivid picture above (to anybody who has school-age kids with cell phones, you know exactly what I mean).

So, I beg to disagree that having a smartphone makes a student study more. What I know for sure is that the motivation to study has to come from the innate interest of the student to learn, whether or not he/she has a smartphone. However, I do agree that any technology is an efficient and effective tool for anyone to become better students, as long as he/she has the discipline to use it to his/her advantage.

Sunset on Piney Shores campsite in Livingston State Park.

I stumbled on this image when I was pinning and I love, love it!  It’s rather nice to make your own cleaning agents and to know you are doing the environment a favor.

credits to Jordan of PickLee.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.”

—Albert Einstein, “Old Man’s Advice to Youth: ‘Never Lose a Holy Curiosity.'” LIFE Magazine (2 May 1955) p. 64

What I needed so desperately, and did not have in my life, was something I could point out to and say, ‘I did that’.  Something that was a direct reflection of me. 

Everyone Is Beautiful, p. 60

The first few pages had me smitten! It didn’t feel like I was reading a book; it felt like I was perusing my journal. I simply love it! It was quirky and funny—every pent-up emotion of being a mom, a wife, a daughter was there. It brought together the aspects of the mom-self that can be frustrating when experienced, emphasizing that juggling everything is no easy feat and is often expected of you.

Reading this book made me reflect on the humorous aspects of myself. It made me more forgiving, encouraging assimilation rather than carving out a ‘life’ within the life I lead.

I can never return to the pre-mom self I covet. True. Nor can I fashion a ‘life’ out of the one I have. However, I can make the most of every ‘solemn’ hour—a treat for a job well done. Even if I can’t squeeze into my favorite 26-inch jeans again, at least I can try.

I may not be able to indulge in a daily bath as I used to, given my responsibilities with kids and managing a home, and my belly may seem to have a life of its own. Still, hey—my husband thinks I’m sexy, that I’m as beautiful as ever. Of course, he doesn’t wear thick-rimmed glasses.

I believe Katherine Center captured the essence of what all moms go through. She highlighted the facts—how great we can be despite everything and how we can find the beauty (in amusing ways) of living our mom lives if we look hard enough.

Once a Princess by Johanna Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After diving into a number of historical romances over the past few months, I found this novel to have a unique plot that sets it apart from others I’ve read. It expertly weaves the classic love-hate dynamic, a staple of romance that I adore, but as I reached the final pages, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something deeper.

That’s not to say I was disappointed—the fast-paced plot, with Tanya’s fiery spirit and Stefan’s equally fiery responses, met all my expectations. Still, despite the gripping scenes, the story seemed to lack the emotional depth needed for me to rate it a solid five stars. I’ve even thought about revisiting the book to pinpoint that missing emotion.

In the end, the book is good, but it didn’t quite deliver the poignant conclusion I was hoping for—the kind of ending that leaves you with a misty-eyed sense of fulfillment.

View all my reviews

Thinking, searching, asking for more;
but what in my mind do I want to explore?
Define, dissolve, I don’t have a clue;
not really knowing, what’s it I wanna do.
Looking, delving, confusingly so;
I stare into empty space, knowing not where to go.

What is it I ask? What is it that I must?
A crossroad, a journey, or something from the past?
The answer I guess, is out there somehow,
I clasp my hands together, my head in a bow.
Hoping, believing, go on, and dig deeper,
Stay still, look out, be content and feel better;
All the answers will, in its time get their cue,
But now learn to wait and you’ll get them when they’re due.

© 2015 Feats and Trips. All Rights Reserved.

335 pages
Published May 1st 2007
Published by Algonquin Books
Finished reading on January 21, 2015
Genre Literary | Circus
Rating A+

A repost from my old blog (the article on the Edudemic website has been removed).

It took me a while to gather my thoughts and come up with something worthwhile regarding this. My thoughts rambled as emotions regarding smartphone-savvy kids and education do not coincide with the conclusions gathered here, but I don’t dismiss the fact that this might be true for some students. In fact, I find it interesting that this survey would result in the conclusion that ‘students who use smartphones tend to study more, and more efficiently.’ Eh?

I grew up in an age where technology and the internet were still in their initial stages. Computers were IBM and the coolest disks were floppy, three and a half inches in size. Cell phones were just being invented, and mobile phones were rare (the first time I saw one, it was a big analog Motorola that required you to carry a big bag). I bought my first cell phone out of college, from my first paycheck. Was I an efficient student? Did I study more without technology? Most of us certainly did.

I’m not in any way trying to compare what was then and what is now; what I’m just trying to point out is that having this kind of technology within a student’s reach has its advantages and disadvantages.

The infographic above exhibits the advantages, and given the easy access and the number of apps a student can access, any student can study quite effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, the disadvantages can point toward the premise that smartphones, in all their glory and good intent, are also effective and efficient distractions for any student. The misuse is evident in the vivid picture above (to anybody who has school-age kids with cell phones, you know exactly what I mean).

So, I beg to disagree that having a smartphone makes a student study more. What I know for sure is that the motivation to study has to come from the innate interest of the student to learn, whether or not he/she has a smartphone. However, I do agree that any technology is an efficient and effective tool for anyone to become better students, as long as he/she has the discipline to use it to his/her advantage.

“Our tongues can’t compete with the rapid thinking of our brains, our words come out slow and slurred. The pen is our haven. There is a lot of fear buried into that little pen. It holds all of our agony, our torment, our blood and our heaven.” ― Coco J. Ginger