And the crowd went wild....literally.

Last night I had the first of hopefully many rock memories because last night I attended my first rock concert. The concert, The Dirty Work Tour, consisted of four bands: the Summer Set, Hey Monday, Yellowcard, and All Time Low. Personally, I enjoyed Hey Monday the most but that is not the purpose of my post. Unlike most people, I'd rather talk about the crowd than the actual performers.

The crowd was an act of its own. Fans on top of one another trying to push through to the front. Sweat dripping down their bodies as they nudge and squirm, attempting to move this way and that. One person moves one inch too far to the right and the whole crowd falls in a domino affect. It is like a sea of fish getting swept away by a ferocious wave. Bear in mind that this was all BEFORE the show even started.

Once the show did start, there was absolutely no way of getting any closer to the stage unless you crowd surfed. Yes, there was plenty of crowd surfing during last night's show. You'd actually be surprised if two minutes passed without being kicked by a crowd surfer.

And the cheering. My God, the cheering was music in it of itself. Loud and in sync! The excitement of the fans reflected off the performance of the bands and in all, the atmosphere of the night was wild! Jumping, pushing, crowd surfing, and mosh-pit fighting. All in all, it was a night never to be forgotten.

Lazy Days

I have a theory that lazy days/ pajama days/ whatever-you-want-to-call-not-doing-anything days just get people in a sour mood.

So why do we do it? What's the appeal to do absolutely nothing? Honestly, I have no idea. I think it stems from our fear of what lies ahead of us; whether it be a sports tournament, job interview, or SAT exam. Preparing for that "fright" only makes it that much more a reality (and that is something we definitely don't want).

However, lazying around does absolutely no good for us whatsoever. In fact, I think it actually causes a lot of negative energy and annoyance. Personally, I'd rather face that fear prepared than face it in a bad mood and with a headache (which I always tend to get from doing nothing).

So laziness, your days are over- or at least until I forget how unappealing you are and fall right back into your trap.

A trip to remember

Yesterday I returned from my week long trip to Israel. I went with an advocacy group and attended many pro-Zionism lectures. It was fascinating and definitely the best trip I've ever been on.

Not only is the country beautifully green and lush during the month of February, but its culture and meaning is  clearly displayed for everyone to see. Its history goes back thousands of years and as you walk the streets, dirt paths, and hilltops you can almost see its predecessors walking ahead of you. You can feel the presence of important individuals, such as Abraham or David, haunt the scene and remind you of the holiness of the land.

I know it sounds cliche but I completely fell in love with the land  and I hope to return soon. Israel really is my home away from home and I'm glad this trip opened my eyes to the importance and specialness of my homeland.

Respect

A few days ago my sister gave me a black wristband with thick white letters that read RESPECT. At first I thought the gift was some shallow way of her hinting to my lack of respect but then realized that this band symbolized something bigger than just me and her (even if she didn't know it).

As I glanced at the band a second time I began to wonder if respect and obedience were synonymous or not.

Whenever my siblings or I misbehave my parents call us disobedient. But isn't obedience more of a "blind listening" type of thing? Isn't it done without thinking or without choice? Whenever I think of obedience I think of the good little trained puppy who sits when his owner commands him to and is rewarded with a pet on the head or, if he's lucky, a doggie biscuit.

I don't want to be the obedient little trained puppy. I want to have my own thoughts and not only do what's right because I want a treat or reward. I want to do the right thing because it falls under my system of beliefs; whether that means following a fundamental belief without trouble (like listening to my parents because I agree with them) or letting that fundamental belief supersede a surfacing belief that may seem of utmost importance at the moment (listening to my parents even though I completely disagree). The dilemma regarding my parents comes with a great deal of uncertainty and failure, especially since I often confuse my fundamental and surfacing beliefs. However, once I succeed I know I will elevate myself to the status of respectful daughter. And respect, the act of standing strong to my fundamental beliefs even if it disregards the ones on my surface, is what I strive to live by.

So thank you sister for the wristband. Those white-on-black letters opened my mind to the difference between obedience and respect: one is for a doggie while the other is for me.

Birthdays

For some reason people have the misconception that birthdays are supposed to be perfect. That your birthday is the one day a year where everything turns out just the way you want it (like a warped fairytale of some sort).

These people need a reality check because if anything, birthdays are far from perfect. It's all actually pretty ironic.

I find that everything goes wrong on my birthday. I always get the feeling that it is the worst day of the year and that it sucks being whatever age I just turned. Maybe I just think that because I have such high standards for "the perfect day"and ultimately its "perfection"fails. Meaning, if the exact events of that day happened any other day it would be fine but because my birthday is supposed to be perfect those events just ruin it.

Maybe it's my lack of appreciation or maybe I'm just overreacting  but I honestly think that people just want to fantasize and create a perfect day for themselves that never existed and never will exist. Sure the gifts are nice and the "happy birthday"comments are thoughtful (don't get me wrong, I love each and every one of them!), but that doesn't create perfection nor will it ever because perfection is just a fantasy for dreamers.

Being Ignored

Being ignored isn't as fun as people make it out to be; do not be fooled by their fake smiles.

Yes, I'll admit, I was ignored once or twice (or fifty times but who's counting?) and despite my complete annoyance and semi-hatred towards the ignorer (I am the ignoree) at the time, I still wanted him to speak to me. I still wanted him to look me in the eye and acknowledge my existence. 

Maybe being ignored would be more fun if I knew why I was being ignored or if I had a hundred cupcakes to keep me company while I waited for a nonexistent reply or if I was able to join an "Ignoree Anonymous" meet and pour my heart out to all the other ignored souls.

So ignorees, tell me, how do you get your fake smiles to look so real?

Letter to the Editor

I wrote a letter to the editor of the LA times and it was published in the paper on Fri, Feb 4. Of course this milestone in my life (its my first letter ever published) came with its own background story and a whole lot of excitement but I won't bore you with the details. I just want you to read the letter and of course the article it's in response to.


Re "Mubarak vows to exit on his terms," Feb. 2

The protests in Egypt are unsettling and frightening for more reasons than just those having to do with Egyptians. The issue not only affects the entire Arab world but Israel as well.

Israel is our only true ally in the Middle East. If Israel's peaceful relationship with Egypt is disturbed because of the possible collapse of President Hosni Mubarak's regime, Israel will be surrounded by enemies on all but one border and at severe risk of more Islamic terrorism. This can cause a major dent in our ally's strength and possibly affect us indirectly as well.

It is unnerving to know that the collapse of one country's government can stir up so much commotion for much of the world.

click here to see the article