I like clouds

Today was possibly the most gorgeous day in my entire life. I mean it. It was perfetly perfect out. A little spring, summer, and a hint of fall. The sky was the prettiest blue ever and the clouds were huge and puffy. I was actually quite glad to be a lifeguard today and at my favorite pool ever, Mckennan. The park was thriving today with weddings, birthday parties, and general social gatherings. There wern't too many swimmers so my partner and I had plenty of hang time where we just chilled on the bench and talked. It was a good last day at Mckennan. Now all I have is one day at Kuehn, 4 at Laurel, and my last at Terrace. I find it slightly annoying that the pools remain open 1-8 next week when school is in session. There is going to be no one at the pool. Hopefully I will get some Lost hours next week.

I'm completely ready to go back to school. The academic part is actually sounding really appealing for some reason. I just hope I can keep this motivation I have through the end of the semester but we all know how that goes.

Aaaaannnnddd...Harrry Potter will live because he is "the boy who lived" and he can't die...he just can't and he won't.

13 freaking more days.

Son of a Bitch, I'm having roommate issues all over again...Uhhhg. I'm thinking I'm headed towards driving another roommate away. At this point...I don't care...she's dumb. She needs to figure out how facebook works before she opens her fat mouth. I mean hello, I can read what she puts on other msu students' facebooks. SONofAbitch!

I feel lonely.

Family, Funerals, EP's and Pirates

Well, the 4th of July has come and gone and yet again tragedy has not failed to strike. You always know some sad event is going to take place over this holiday. You read about it in the paper and hear it on the news. You think "Oh how sad" but you never fully expect for it to directly hit you. On the fourth one of my brother's old time hockey buddies drowned at Lake Poinsette. G had played with him since he was 9 or so. My dad coached him for a few years and we got pretty close to his mom. The memorial service was for him today. It really made me think in terms of how I view life. It seems one of the things they always say at funerals is that so and so "lived life to the fullest" and I certainly don't doubt that Brenton did, but it just makes me wonder if I am living life to the fullest? Am I fully appreciating it? I don't want them to say that at my funeral if I really don't think I have. You just forget how precious life is and take it for granted. I just want to wake up each day and really feel thankful that I get to live. I think everyone loves life and lives it to their fullest and we just don't realize that that is how we feel about each day. He was a good kid and I just feel so sad for his mom and family...they are truly terrific people. Godbless you Brenton.



And in other slightly better news, another annual summer Jacobson reunion has come and gone. The past week started off with my uncle and two cousins from Oregon arriving. I don't know if any of you have family that you think "oh sweet, my family is coming" but when they finally get here you remember why it's never truly too disappointing when they leave? Well, that's how it felt this time. My one cousin is so messed up right now in his life. I feel bad for him but on the other hand he treated me like shit the whole time he was here. He is only a year younger than me and we didn't even have a decent conversation the entire time. It seemed every word out of his mouth was bitter and cynical. It just wasn't good. At least the week ended with my other uncle and my aunt and one cousin from Idaho. Now these guys are different, you wonder "why do they have to leave so soon?"

All city EP's were on thursday and they were a blast let me tell you. I'm totally being sarcastic. I fell on my bottom during my one rescue. However, that isn't as embarrassing as my jell-o dessert mess. I made this sweet layered jell-o dessert and the damn thing went and melted because there was no room in the fridge for it. I ended dumping it all out. It looked like jell-o soup. At least I had the rest of the day off.

I can't decide what to make of the second Pirates movie. It was good but I can't decide if I liked it or not. I mean I liked it, I just don't know how well. I just don't know how I feel about it, but I tell people it was "good."

There is about a month and a half left of summer...I'm kinda excited.

Night.

The Money Tree

Money blows. I am currently making the quartley interest payments on my loans these days. I have this wonderful summer job where I am making a decent amount of money that I am to save for this next years' living expense. But, I have made two hundred dollar payments in the past week and it's just an awful reminder of how much money really blows. I mean you work your butt off to get it, then you just have to write it all away. I hate it. I know it's going toward a good cause, my education, but I like seeing large amounts of money in my bank account and honestly the more money I see the less of it I want to spend. And actually, I really don't mind paying this interest bill because it really reigns in my "unecessary purchase" spending. So, in essence I just wish there was such a thing as a money tree and I didn't have to even borrow money because I could just grow it. I wish everybody had enough money to live a comfortable life and there was no such thing as the "rich". I wish there was no such thing as poverty I wish a college education didn't cost so goddamn much. I wish we didn't pay athletes and actors milions of dollars. I wish there was some sort of cap to how much money a person could own and any excess would have to be donated to poverty or some sort of charity. I just wish there was no such thing as money.

In other news I have had the past two days off and I really enjoyed them.

Yesss!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess who sat out in the rain for three hours today and watched two kids in the pool? ME! Ha, work has been pretty wet lately and it's not from the pool. Rainy days at work are awesome but not when you get sent home and then get fewer hours. Oh well. I'll get some here in the next few weeks when lessons start.

Nip/Tuck is an indescribable show. I have watched three episodes and am hooked. It's pretty insane for regular t.v. but good. It's pretty darn good. Not that it beats out Grey's or anything, but I think I'll have to watch this coming fall.


ok gotta restart my apple now...later.

The lowdown.

1. What's your full name? Taryn Leigh Califano
2. What pants are you wearing? Some white cropped sweatpant things from Old Navy.
3. What are you listening to right now? Howie Day
4. What are the last four digits of your phone number? 8747
5. What was the last thing you ate? Some Trix yogurt...it's yummy stuff.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? GREEN!
7. Where do you plan to go on your honeymoon? Right now, it's Spain...but anywhere where an adventure is to be had. ; )
8. Last person you talked to on the phone? My Grandma.
9. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Hair color and eyes. Then the whole face.
10. Do you like the person that sent you this? yes, I like the person I stole this from.
11. Your favorite drink? It depends. Milk is delicious I can't live without it. Gatorade is yummy. Water=life so I like that.
12. Favorite alcoholic drink? I'm partial to wine. Beer isn't bad but I really haven't experimented too much.
13. Favorite sport to play? Softball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball.
14. Favorite sport to watch? hockey
15. What's the next CD you're going to get? I don't buy cd's anymore. I'm a rebel and download my music.
16. Did you ever wear braces? yes...it was grand.
17. Best memories: Anything with my friends.
18. Siblings and their ages? Garrett, 16
19. Favorite month? MAY of course!
20. Favorite food: Tough decision...lemon meringue pie.
21. Last movie you watched? Chasing Liberty...I'm such a girl, I couldn't help it anyway, it was the only thing on t.v.
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? Yes...and I just found out that guy's need a signal. I need to be pursued. I don't know how to flirt and I don't know how to effectively give out signals...I'm in a predicament obviously.
23. Where would you want to go on a date? ANYWHERE! haha. I don't know...something fun and easy going.
24. Do you like scary or happy movies better? Happy most definitely. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy others, but those are my favorite.
25. Summer or winter? Summer
26. Hugs or kisses? Umm kisses?
27. Relationship or one night stand? Relationship
28. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla.
29. Who is most likely to respond? Not gonna pass it...you'll have to steal it if you want it.
30. Who is least likely to respond? See above
31. What are you reading? "The Devil Wears Prada."
32. What's on your mouse pad? No mouse pad...lap top.
33. Favorite magazine? Entertainment Weekly...the occasional Cosmo for shits and giggles.
34.Favorite smell? Oh lord...fresh cut grass, laundry, rain, baked goods, and polo black for men(i think if i ever smell polo black on a man, i will fall in love with him instantly.), ya, good smelling men.
35. Least favorite smell? Cat shit.
36. Worst feeling in the world? Being alone, as in never finding someone to be affectionate with.
37. How many rings before you answer the phone? One if I'm right by it...otherwise as soon as I get there.
38. Future children's name? For a boy, I like Michael and for a girl I like, Keira and Allaire.
39. Glass half empty or half full? half full
40. What are your favorite movie(s)? Pride and Prejudice and Elizabethtown
41. What's under your bed? carpet and dust bunnies
42. What is your favorite number? 23
43. Favorite current TV shows? Grey's Anatomy...it's SO GOOD. Desperate Housewives comes in second.
44. Name one funny thing that happened today? After last nights crusade with Amanda B. for some alcohol and not finding any, I come home today from work and realize we have basically a fridge full of stuff in the garage. I just kinda had to laugh.
45. What famous person would you like to meet? No one famous person really sticks out for me.
46.When was the last time you had too much fun? The night we cut Timmy's hair was pretty fun.
47. Where is #47? No sé
48. Love of your life? We haven't formally met yet.
49. Future plans? probably go to bed. gotta get up early.

Summer Days.

Summer is flying by. All I do is work, and that's a good thing. I really like my job. I almost don't like it when I have a day off. Mckennan gets old real quick though. You just feel like your babysitting the whole time. I like working because I really enjoy seeing all the regular kids who show up every day. Some of them are pretty funny, some are bad, and some are kinda weird. Either way it's a fun time. Tonight was our carnival thing and it was pretty fun. Still, I haven't had to save anyone yet.

All I talk about is work but that is really all that is going on in my life right now. Apparently, I will not be buying a new car with my money that I save. Instead I will use it as my living expense money for next semester. That means one more year without a car most likely. Which kinda sucks, but then again I'm still living in the dorms so I guess I'm ok with it. However, a new car would be nice because I'm sick of the toyota. The air conditioner pooped out on me today.

I practically use a tank of gas carting g's ass around town. Summer school is at roosevelt and that is a long haul to drive him home every day. Hopefully mom and dad will be contributing some gas money. I get paid on friday which is going to be so exciting. It's going to be a doozy of a check. Which of course will be saved and spent frugally. The family is heading out of town this weekend. It'll be just me and scyampurrzzzzz. I'm excited.

"Canonball into the water"

Canonball...funny word. However, it has become the word of my entire summer. I hear that word on average about 10 times a day. And just to make things fun whenever I guard the diving well and I hear the word "canonball" I then make myself continue with the best rendition of Teddy Geiger's song Confidence(For you I will) I really enjoy that song. It's such a good metaphor or whatever for what it's like to make a move. I mean yeah, when you were a kid doing a canonball was pretty daring. Only the coold kids did it. So it took all your courage to finally get the nerve to attempt a canonball. You sat and fretted about it. What if it didn't work like the other kids'? What if they all laughed at you? But, eventually you do it. And 9 times out of ten you succed with a canonball. Maybe you didn't have as big a splash, but nonetheless you did it and you had a good time doing it. So, I just wish I could sometimes really "muster up every ounce of confidence I have and canonball into the water." I mean really chances are I'll achieve my canonball, and if not well it'll just turn into a regular old jump. Either way I'll still come back up for air.

I'm tuckered out. The sun just really drains a person of energy. We had training today from 12-8. Since Spellerberg has no water we had to go to Drake Springs and the water was absolutely freezing. I jumped in and about died. I thought for sure I'd get used to it but it took your breath away and literally made you numb. So, we ended up then going to Frank Olson where the water wasn't much warmer and did some emergency procedures. I had the spinal and it was pretty fun actually. I enjoyed having the experience. It was intense even though I knew it wasn't real. Still my heart was pounding and I felt strangely alive. When I finished everything and got out of the pool my whole lower half was numb. My only goal for today was to not burn and I successfully succeded in that aspect. I need to go to bed because I'm exhausted and I have to do this all again tomorrow and pretty much the rest of the summer.

19 is tomorrow. It feels like it could be 20. I don't feel 19. Anyway, Night.

Oh to be Grey.

Grey's Anatomy is hands down crazy insane good. Of course this is just my opinion and my opinion is that Grey's RULES. I like to think that Meredith Grey is my alter ego. I wish it was because she got some hot sex tonight. haha. jk, but Dr. McDreamy is Gorgeous.

Speaking of gorgeous. Slightly too long dark hair with dark stuble and piercing blue eyes is gorgeous.

Summer feels weird. I'm no good at transitioning. I gotta get off the damn computer. It was just so easy at school when it was always right there. I'm seriously thinking of having my mom pack up my apple and hide it and only letting me have it once a week. Or maybe I could just learn to execise some self-control? We'll try. Besides the wireless is a shoot crap here and I'm sick of our huge monstrosity of a PC. I HATE PC's. They are annoying! I just want to chuck ours to kingdom come.

Outback Steakhouse has some pretty funny commercials out right now with the Australian guy. I also like the geico one..."I mean it's pie, and chips, for FREE!" hah.

I learned how to do CPR today for 3 hours even though I'm already certified. Tomorrow I get to have my skills "tested." And then I'm basically a slave to the classrom and pool as I learn how to successfully save lives here in the city of Sioux Falls.

I need a new car. The blue car is really going to blow up on me one day. It smells bad, the windows don't roll up, the door handle is janky, the seatbelts are janky, and it's rusting out. It's really not too bad, it just really doesn't feel safe. I think, and hope the plan is that I get to buy my mom's car at the end of the summer with my life saving earnings!

And I want to go on spring break next year...but not your typical party scene place.

Dashboard Confessional is pretty good and Fall Out Boy ain't bad either.

over and out.

Bye Bye Kip

Well coming home today wasn't very much fun. I'm so used to hearing Kip barking in the kitchen because he knows we're home. I'm so used to him clawing his way at the door trying to get outside to us. I'm so used to him being so excited to see us and jumping on our legs and barking like crazy. Yeah...there was none of that today. I wish I would have known the last time I was home that that was gonna be it. There have been so many times already today where I've almost said, "Where's Kip?" and then I remember. Things are kind of forlorn around here. My Mom's taking it really hard. It's just so weird. So very weird.

I really can't believe I've one year of college under my belt. It was weird watching everyone pack up their shit. It feels like we've been at this really awesome summer camp and now we have to come home. I obviously have a tough time transitioning between things. Being home and being at school are both awesome in their own ways. It just went so fast. It's a damn good thing work starts up soon so I can stay busy.

There was one goal I had for myself before I left and I failed. It's not a big deal, but it should have been easy because there was a pretty major opportune moment. Oh well. Next semester.

Ok, I'm gonna go unpack all my junk.

Finals Week

Well, after last weekend summer seems like a good idea. However, I know summer will be a lot different than what it's like here. I'm thrilled to be going home but I know within a couple of weeks I'll actually miss school. It's probably a good thing that I'll be working. I love my home and I love my family but I feel like since I've been away Holiday visits are all I can handle. I don't know what I'm feeling because I totally LOVE my family I just don't feel as independent from home and I guess I really like that.

Speaking of work, I'll have a whole 3 days at home before training begins. That goes on for two weeks and then the pools open the 29th. I'm a little nervous but it should all be better than how last year went. I hope I get to work at Spellerberg because it's low key and just a hop skip and jump away. Still...I'm nervous. I have dreams about lifeguarding every other night or so. They're not bad but they make me nervous. What's even more nerve racking is that G might be joining me on the life saving team as soon as he turns 16 which is in June.

Oh, and why is there such a thing as attraction? It really boggles my mind. That whole process of being attracted to someone.

Math final on Monday.

Anatomy final on Thursday.

Home free Thursday evening.

Final Reflection on English Compsition 101

English Composition 101 is not my most favorite class. I don't mind writing but I enjoy more creative writing or literary writing as opposed to all the type of writing we did in this class. The papers were not hard just not that interesting or fun for me to write. I realize the class is a requirement so there really shouldn't be much complaining on my part. I really didn't mind the class at all, I just didn't always feel like coming. haha.

Bed Lofts

Wow. Taking down the stinking bed lofts is a bitch. I'm glad Kelsey already moved out and took care of hers. We all have to take our lofts down by Wednesday because that is when the 24 hour quiet hours period begins so they didn't want us clanking our beds around then. And believe you me, there is a lot of clanking and swearing. Ha, anyway it's all done.

I have no Anatomy class this week because we finished up all the material last week so Ned decided to cancel class for the last week. I guess he got in trouble from the Dean who reminded him that the semester is 15 weeks long, not 14. So basically that averaged out my week to one class a day. I have two finals to be studying for. Anatomy is just a regular old test but we have a lab test this Wednesday. The math final will probably not be my friend. I have one more health test and then a health project.

This week should go quickly. I don't know how I feel about that. This feels a lot like home in a weird way. It's stranget to see everyone packing up and taking their lofts down with 2 weeks left.

This Friday should be pretty fun too. The girls and I are heading down to Northwestern to surprise Emily with a visit. Then we'll be spending the night at Alyssa's house.


ok, gotta go do more loft taking down...Heaven help us.

Blog: If you could go anywhere in the world, at any time in the past or future, where and to what time would you go? What would you want to see, whom would you want to meet? Explain.

If I could go anywhere in the past or future I would most like to go back to the time period of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved reading the books when I was little. It would be really interesting to go back and live in that time period because so much was different. They moved around a lot. They hunted for their food and farmed. That life is so different from now. Laura always seemed to have fun adventures with her sisters. What's interesting though is that Laura always experienced things that I could relate to. She still had the same feelings and thoughts that I had growing up, it was just in a different time period.

That one time...

Life is full of embarassing moments. When you're lying awake at night, having trouble sleeping, do your most embarassing blunders run through your mind? Write about some of these agonizing memeories.

Yes, often times at night when I can't get to sleep I recall upon the events of the day. After that, my mind often wanders to my most embarassing moments. I have a few, but I'll only mention some. Back in the third grade I think, there was this boy who me, my friend L and friend J liked. One day at recess we were chasing him around the field. We finally all got him pinned to the ground and then we all decided that we should give him a kiss. J went first, then L. Finally, It was my turn. I guess I must have had a terrible cold or allergies but that combined with my laughing so hard produced all this snot to go flying from my nose. Luckily it didn't land on him. I think I kissed him anyway too. All I know is that it is more mortifying now than then and I can barely type this embarassing moment out.

What do you think are the three most pressing problems facing the United States today? Do you have any ideas about how these problems might be solved? Do you think they will be solved in your lifetime?

I think the three most pressing problems facing the United States are: The war in Iraq, Global Warming, and obesity. I hope to God that the war in Iraq will be solved in my lifetime. I have no idea how to fix that one. I think Global warming is becoming a bigger issue every day. The depletion of our ozone layer is getting worse causing more UV rays to leak through. I seriously fear that our world is just going to fall apart. I also have no idea how to fix that but I fear that I will leave to suffer some of the effects of global warming. I'll probably have to go through something similar to the events in "The Day After Tomorrow." Obesity I feel is becoming a growing issue here in America. Obesity I feel is a partial result of the government. The FDA should regulate portion sizes and the number of fast food chains across the country. Also, I feel a large part of the problem is the people. I think we need to start educating kids early on about healthy food choices and how to limit the large portion sizes served in the US. Obesity I think has a good chance to decrease if the government acts soon.

Can't Keep Me Down

Blog: According to the cliche, "Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback." In your life, has this proven true? Have you always recovered from setbacks?

I definitely think that a setback is an opportunity for a comeback. When something doesn't go your way it's usually for a reason and the reason is usually something even greater than what you were wanting to achieve before. Not that the setback wouldn't have been great either, it just wasn't meant to be. I find that when a setback occurs, you end up fighting even harder for what you wanted and the outcome is often better or just as good as you anticipated it would be. A person can always recover from setbacks. I have always recovered from setbacks and I usually learn a lesson or two along the way.

I'm so Lonely.

Blog: Mark Twain once said, " The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with oneself."
What do you think he meant by this? Does this idea apply to your own life? Conclude your entry by explaining how you feel about being alone. Do you dread it, or do you enjoy having time to yourself?

Mr. Twain probably meant that if you are not comfortable with who you are as a person and you have no one then your feelings of loneliness will be at their worst. They will be more intense feeling because you literally feel you have no one to lean back including yourself. I think this statement makes perfect sense. It can at times be applied to my life. Being alone isn't my favorite thing to do. For the most part I enjoy being around my family and friends. There are certainly those times when I absolutely love being by myself just to think and do stuff. For the most part though I like to be around my friends and family because it makes me feel good about myself, but I do like some time for myself.

My Utopia

First of all, I wouldn't want to ever live in my utopia. Life should not be a Utopia. Life is supposed to be messy and full of challenges. Life is the good along with the bad. A utopia is something I would want to escape to at certain moments, but I would never want that to be my life.

But, if there were such a thing as having a Utopia money would not be an issue for anyone. I don't know how, but some way everybody would have enough and everything would be affordable for everyone. To me there would wouldn't be a need for laws in this so called utopia because everyone just knew not to do bad stuff. A utopia for me would just be a life where no one needed to worry about anything...jobs, money, school, whatever it's all secure. I would just want everyone to walk around with a feeling of complete and utter satisfaction with their life and who they are.

Changes!!!

If you had the power to change one thing about MNSU, what would it be, and why would you want to change it?

I would probably change the fact that it appears to many people and myself that students only come here to "party." Granted, MNSU students know how to have their share of fun but so does every other school in the nation. However, MNSU does appear to have many deadbeats who just drink, smoke, and do nothing. I would like to change that and make Mankato seem more like a community who's focus is on education and not how wasted can I get on Thirsty Thursday. Not that the weekend party is frowned upon, it's fine, I'd just like to change the fact that it seems to be the focus of the majority of students...to get drunk all the time.

Fate

Blog: In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the character of Cassius tries to convince Brutus to overthrow Caesar, the leader of Rome. He tells Brutus,
"Men at some time are master's of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Do you believe in fate, or do you think people have complete power over their lives? Has any event in your own life convinced you that fate exists, or made you skeptical about it?

I do not think that we have complete power over our lives. I think we are given the necessary tools to wield our way down the path that has been set before us. Ultimately I believe that there is a plan for us but how we get there isn't decided upon fate. I think we make our own choices and decisions to arrive at our so called "fate" Fate to me is too much of a fairy tale word. If something great happens to us we call it "fate." Most of the time I think stuff just happens that we can't control whether it's a car accident or cancer.

What I did over spring break.

Redundant I know...but I have no control.

Well for the most part I just chilled. I spectated at the state Hockey tourney. I read a few books for leisure. I got in touch with my inner ghetto rapper via G-unit. I went to the river and hung out with some friends. Adam and I finally watched "Just Friends" which was a reallly reallly good movie. ok. so it wasn't, but still. Oh let's see Kara and I watched some old videos from childhood and wanted to something a little more fun but it didn't work out because we had no connections. Oh and I went to "The Libertine" for all of 5 minutes then went to "Failure to Launch" instead. Then I came back to shcool and here I am in english writing this blog. Fin.

What am I doing over Spring Break?

Oh boy spring break. I am going home for spring break. I am going home to my lovely family whom I haven't seen since Christmas Break!!!

First I will be heading to Watertown for my brother's hockey tournament. Then on Tuesday my Mom and I will be having a mother/daughter day. We are going to first finish up some FAFSA work and send that on its way. Then we are going to go to Olive Garder for the $5.95 soup, salad, and breadsticks. Finally we'll cap off the day with a trip to the theatre to see the Libertine.

I hear my brother is finally starting to miss me so we're gonna hang out and "have fun." Those were his words. We'll probably watch some Harry Potter after I buy it. Also, we're gonna make him a high school facebook so I can torment him and vice versa.

For the rest of break I will probably just relax and study for Anatomy.

Oh ya, I have to go into work and get my formal review.

AND I will most likely hang out with Lindsay and Kaia : )

Oh my gosh! I'm stranded on an island!

Suppose you will be stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean for ten years. You will be allowed to bring one each of the following: book, movie, CD, food item, drink item, piece of clothing, and one miscellaneous item. List the one item you would bring in each category, and explain why you chose that item.

The one book that I would bring with me to the island in the middle of no where, and hopefully it's the island where the LOST cast is because Jack would be there, is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I choose that book because I dearly love the Harry Potter series and that is the latest book in the series and has lots of plot issues to figure out. The one movie that I would bring with me is Pride and Prejudice because I love the book but the movie does quite well for a book to movie adaptation. Now I need a cd. Hhhmm that's a tough one. I'd have to say I'd bring David Gray's "Life in Slow Motion." I really enjoy his voice and lyrics. One food item I would bring with me would hands down be peanut butter. I could peanut all the time...right off the spoon. MILK MILK MILK. That is definitely the one drink item I would bring. And I'd make it skim because A. I drink skim. and B. it has the most water content. Clothing, I guess I would bring a hat, so I don't burn my face. Finally, the one miscellaneous item I would bring is my baby blanket because that would offer the most comfort for the lonely nights on the beach...unless of course Jack is there. haha.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only ligh can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."-Dr. Martin Luther King

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only ligh can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."-Dr. Martin Luther King

Dr. King was a pacifist and believed that hatred and prejudice could be fought with love. Do you agree with him? Do you think that in all situations a peaceful reponse is the correct one?

I think that situations should be fought with peace and love to a certain point. I definitely don't believe violence is the answer but sometimes it can't be avoided. We were attacked by terrorists and all the peace and love in the world wasn't going to make us feel safer. We needed to defend ourselves and by doing so we got involved in physical action. But I do agree that hate cannot drive out hate. I'm not sure if "love" will drive out hate, but maybe understanding. If we understand we are informed. I think information and awareness is part of a peaceful response but it only works if the other group is willing to bend. If not then action, not necessarily violence needs to occur.

"Reserving judgment is a matter of hope."

"Reserving judgment is a matter of hope."-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Do you think people who refuse to think badly of other people are fools or optimists? Do you tend to make snap judgments about people? If so, is your initial impression usually right or wrong?

I do agree that people who refuse to think badlyof other people are optimists. I wouldn't say fools though. There are weird people who do weird things. I don't see anything wrong with recognizing qualities you don't agree with and thinking that that might not be someone you associate with.

I am all about first impressions of people. I can easily find myself making snap judgements. I'm not proud of it but I'm not ashamed of it either. I always give people a fair chance. I don't immediately judge someone on a first encounter. It's more of a process than an instant look, but I usually know whether or not I like someone or don't like someone based on their actions and opinions while in my presence. Most of the time I'd say I'm fairly accurate in my initial impressions, but that doesn't mean they don't change because sometimes they do.

I'm not saying I wouldn't treat someone with respect because I would. All I'm saying is that I would never be a hypocrite about it.

Response to Mark Twain

"It is by the goodness of god that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them." Mark Twain

This quote from Mark is quite accurate. We all certainly think what we want and some of us say what we want. However, most of us know when to say the things we think. Twain is saying that though we think and say what we choose, we often don't. It seems he thinks we don't ever actually prctice these freedoms. Whether we are indeed being prudent about it I don't know. Some of us I think fear actually saying what we think. We get caught up in the daily grind and forget to speak what we really think. Twain is making it sound as though we are prudent and don't practice either of these because we are being cautious about creating a controversey in our society. Whatever take on the quote I think it could be looked at either way.

Adam?

I can meet ANYONE?

Ok, if I could meet anyone alive or dead on this planet I would have to say I'd like to meet Harry Potter, if he existed. We are soul mates. He is really good looking. I like the dark handsome types and he fits that bill. He also has gorgeous green eyes. And not to mention, he is a WIZARD!! How cool is that! He is going through some tough times right now with Lord Voldemort and the death of Dumbledore. I would just really like to meet him and let him know that I am there for him and am hoping he pulls through. Perhaps he could even teach me a few tricks, if you know what I mean.

James Berardinelli's Movie Review Site

James Berardinelli's movie review site has many titels to choose from. From the three that I read they all have one thing in common. He introduces the movies with either a personal like of the movie or a sassy dislike of the movie. They are organized by an introduction followed usually with a summary and then with either lots of criticism, praise, or equal amounts of both. Depending on if he liked the movie or not seems to be how long he bases his review. If he really didn't like he has more to say and focuses more on a summary and criticizes it as he goes. Some reviews are pretty cut and dry with one paragraph for summary and one for his review.

Favorite Winter Olympic Sport

My favorite winter Olympic sport would most definitely have to be hockey. Hockey is my favorite sport to watch so naturally it is my favorite Olympic sport. My love for hockey during the Olympics is in large part due to the fact that my brother plays, and of course because of the "miracle on ice." Olympic hockey has definitely changed since the "Miracle on ice" incident but it really made me love to watch Olympic hockey. Now, it's professional players who get to play and it's interesting to see which players get to play in the game. However, I wish it was still like the Olympics at Lake Placid when it was just a bunch of college kids who became famous. All the sports are interesting to watch but hockey is the one I try to watch the most of. USA all the way!!!!

Amazon DVD Reviews

Reviews are not something I really like to read. It's definitely interesting to see what other people have to say, but ultimately I don't think you should rely on reviews. We all have our own opinions. I do think the reviews at Amazon are helpful, if you are looking at a particular film you like, or would like to see. You will see bad things people have written abou the film and you will see good things. In the end though they are just someone else's opinion, not yours. As a completely average person I'm not going to sit through a movie and pick every little detail apart. I'm certainly not experienced enough to do that so when I read reviews that completely pick films apart I immediately say to myself that it's someone elses opinion and not mine. In the end reviews are fun to read and to some they may be helpful. I don't think people should completely rely on reviews. Also, I don't think Amazon should delete bad reviews because someone may disagree with the bad review and buy the movie.

Revisions to my Summary Paper

The revisions to my summary paper are mainly going to be gramatical and mechanical revisions. The citations of my quotes need to be revised. Based on my groups disscussion of my paper and the comments on my paper the only revisions I need to make are the ones in my puntuation. Based on the other papers in my group I plan to go through my summary to fine tune the ideas and to make sure I have a clear and concise thesis in my introduction.

My Brush With Fame

My only brush with fame occurred when I was in middle school. I think. In Sioux Falls, my home town, we have a USHL hockey team called the Stampede. Well, one year we had a really awesome player on our team named Thomas Vanek. He is from Austria was picked up to play for Sioux Falls as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He then was picked up to play for the Minnesota Gophers. He played with them for one year before he was drafted to the NHL. So right now he is playing for some NHL team but I'm not sure which one. Anyway, my brush with fame is that I saw Thomas Vanek more than once come in off the ice after each Stampede game. He was literally only like 3ft. Away from me. Oh, and I did get his autograph when the Stampede would hold a little "meet and greet" session. So ya, that was my brush with fame. It was pretty exciting I must say.

Strong Finish

I agree with the author's statements in the article "Strong Finish: Writing Effective Conclusions." I feel that the conclusion of one's writing has the potential to be the most thought provoking part of the paper. Like the author said, I do agree that a conclusion should "propel readers to action." You want your readers at the end of a work to really think about what you have written. In the conclusion, you hit them hard and fast so they really think about it and even possibly move them to action. The author of the article very neatly outlines what an effective conclusion should include. By incorporating the four easy steps writer's can begin to write effective conclusions with just a flick of the pen. I do however, think that a conclusion should leave a final impression on the reader. With this article though, writers can do that and more by leaving a lasting impression and even possibly pushing writers to write more compelling and action instilling conclusions.

Writer's Choice.

I am very excited for the weekend to get here. My dad and brother are coming to pick me and my friend Amanda up to go to Eden Prairie for my brother's hockey tournament. I'm pretty excited to get away for the weekend.

Last night for the WOW event we made some Smelly Jelly. It was pretty sweet. However, it doesn't really make my room smell all that fresh like it is supposed to. Oh well.

Last night I watched American Idol with Erica. We got some chips and salsa and con queso dip. It was tasty. After American Idol I watched LOST with Alyssa. LOST is a pretty sweet show. Matthew Fox who is the main character guy is pretty hot.

It is really hot in this room.

I'm rather tired today but I have a long ways to go yet. After this class I have math for an hour and then I have health from 6-845 tonight. YUCK. Oh well, the weekend is almost here.

About Me!!!!

Well, my name is Taryn Leigh Califano. I am currently a freshman here at MNSU. As a native
of Sioux Falls, South Dakota this sucky Mankato weather is not really that different.

Eyes: blue

First off, I'd like to think that I'm a pretty easy going person. And I am most of the time. I don't usually argue about things to do or where to go and stuff like that. I can become pretty passionate about some things. But that sucks because half the time I don't know what I'm passionate about until I am getting 'passionate' about it with someone.

Food: pizza

I like the colors blue and green.

Movies, friends, music, computer things, and reading is usually what occupies my free time.


I have a younger brother who is a freshman in high school. He can be difficult at times and we basically have a love/me-being-really-annoyed-by-him type of relationship.

Christmas and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays.

I love my parents very much, and my cat Scyampurrzzzz and dog Kip.

I may seem like a shy reseverved person at first but when you get to know me I'll open up.

Lately I've been into this thing called rasterbating. It's pretty cool. It's a program that takes any picture image and creates the same thing only in dots and prints out on many computer pages. I have one of Jack from ABC'S LOST hanging in my room. He is 35 computer pages large. 5sheets by 7sheets.

Anyway those are some snippets about me.

Groupthink

I believe over time there have been many instances when I, Taryn Califano, have succumbed to the notorious Groupthink response. I know for a fact there have been countless incidents in elementary on up through highschool. The prime example I can think of would be when we would review for tests in groups. As a group you would have to come up with answers. Of course when in a group situation I never think of myself as the smartest one of the group. Because of this I would rarely offer an answer I truly believed to be correct. Instead I waited quiet as a mouse for someone else in the group to come up with an answer. If it was comparable to mine well then hey, good job for me. However, if their answer was different than my unspoken one, I would not argue. I would not argue even if I secretly doubted that persons answer. Why did I do this. Well, I guess I just didn't want to be judged in the eyes of my peers if my answer was shot down or wrong.

Fortunately for me this was only usually a common thing for me in elementary-middle school. By the time I got to high school it was easier for me to communicate my thoughts and stand up for myself a little more. While at times a 'groupthink' answer seemed the easiest way out, I realized that it is just that: easy. It became more clear to me that controversy is needed for complete understanding of the situation at hand. As I've grown older I've begun to really despise 'groupthink.' So what if what you think is totally off base? Your just testing a new theory. The worst that can happen is that you have an enlightening discussion why that theory is wrong or incorrect. Groupthink can happen anywhere whether it is some silly game in school or in the workplace. It's important to voice your opinion. Who knows, maybe yours is great. You'll never know if you are always rely on Groupthink.

So, the first week of Spring Semester 2006 is under way. My classes this semester shouldn't be all that bad if I keep up with my work. Speaking of work I have four reading assignments that I need to complete. After having one semester of college done, I feel pretty confident about this next one. I know what to expect and it was pretty easy coming back to school after that month break. I feel as though I have never left school. Anatomy so far is my most anticipated class this semester. The lecture classes are huge but entertaining. Nursing Perspectives may be a little boring at times. At least it's only once a week and for half a semester. All in all this first week back has been fun. I'm ready to get going.

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