A Woman's Voice

I recently attended the Women's Studies Research Symposium on campus and listened to a very interesting speaker from The Ohio State University, Linda Mizejewski. She is a professor of women's studies herself and has written books on how women are treated in pop culture. The purpose of her speech at the symposium was to give the audience a preview of her new book entitled "Women on Top," which discusses women's place in the comedy world.

One part of her speech mentioned "bodies" in pop culture, mainly how women are viewed compared to men and what is considered beautiful by the masses. I thought it was a very intriguing topic and decided to share a bit with you to show how we, as humans, have the tendency to create certain standards when it comes to attractiveness in society.

I apologize for the audio. My voice recorder is on the verge of a breakdown...

The Wrong Way

In class the other day, my professor posed a question. The question isn’t the main point of concern, but rather the manner of the answer. A classmate raised his hand and gave a response. My professor began her retort with the infamous, “Well … ,“ which led to my classmate to give the equally infamous “But, uh, um, wait … that’s not what I meant,” response.

It seems like a lot of people are afraid of being wrong, like as soon as they say something incorrect it’s going to be stamped to their foreheads and the whole world is going to judge them. Being wrong shouldn’t be, well, wrong. It’s just a part of life like everything else.

An article from chally.com explains this fear a little more. It starts out by calling “failure” a “dirty word.” People feel that failing makes them losers, and people feel sorry for losers in society. The article also suggests that no one likes to be pitied, so failing is simply a taboo.

Learning how to fail is the best way of dealing with it. Accepting being wrong instead of being ashamed of it can be a way of becoming successful. Only if a person allows their failure to defeat them does that person really fail.

The article goes on to say that unless a person fails well, he or she probably didn’t learn too much from the experience. It says “truly successful people not only have failed, but also are good at failing.” The key to success just may be learning to fail well.

In my own opinion, being wrong can make a person feel inadequate, but copping out and not accepting the failure is cowardly. A person who is truly confident with his or herself will try to grow from their mistake and only learn more. It’s not wrong to be wrong. And that’s the right answer.

Thank You For Being A Friend

I was sitting in the park on a gorgeous spring day when I saw a group of old women talking and laughing at a picnic table by an old oak tree. They were all wearing red hats, so I assumed they were probably members of the “Red Hat Society.” For those unfamiliar with the group, it is for women over the age of fifty who come together in friendship. They are like a flock of beautiful birds, often seen perusing theaters, parks and other places of social gathering just to enjoy each other’s company.

As I was sitting in my car, alone, seeing these women taking pleasure from just having others to talk to, I hoped that I would have friends when I became older one day. It must be nice to have someone to talk to who can relate to the things you are going through yourself. But, after reading an article on time.com, there is much more good in having friends at an elderly age than just the conversation.

A new study suggests that older people who spend less time engaged in social activities tend to decline faster in motor function than those who do. Participating in mentally stimulating activity, socializing often and regular exercise may actually help protect age-related decline.

Carl Cotman, a neuroscientist from the University of California who studies aging and dementia, said that physical exercise produces a protein that helps keep neurons from dying and formulates new connections to the brain.

Furthermore, a study conducted in Illinois shows that on a 1 to 5 range scale, where 1 is the least active and 5 is the most, each one-point dropped meant a 33% physical decline, a 40% increased risk of death and a 60% higher risk of disability.

So tell Grandma to get off her rocker and go make some friends. It’s good for her.

I feel pretty and witty and...

Just the other day, I was in the library looking for research on a paper I have to write for my art history class on “Lesbian Artists.” The subject of gays and lesbians isn’t really something that bothers me. I’ve always believed that a person should spend their lives with the one who makes him or her the happiest, no matter their gender. But as I walked up and down the aisles of books filled with gay content, I started to feel uncomfortable.

Seeing the words “The Lesbian Menace” or “Boy Meets Boy” as I filtered through the books wasn’t the issue; more or less, I didn’t want anyone to see me looking at them. I didn’t want anyone to think I was gay.

As I say down with my stack of research literature, I made a point to cover up the titles of the books. A girl passed me, and I never moved so fast in my life to hide what I was reading. It was then that I thought to myself, “What am I doing?” I had never had a problem with gay people, why would I fear people believing I’m one? Though I am a not afraid or offended by homosexuality, I fear being viewed as one. I wondered if maybe I, along with many others, have a form of homophobia.

I had always thought throughout my lifetime that being homophobic meant hating the gays and not wanting to have any sort of contact with them. But according to avert.org, there is a range of homophobia. It can be seen as:

1. Hostility toward or fear of gay people;
2. Negative feelings or attitudes towards non-heterosexual behavior or identity; or
3. Social ideologies that stigmatize homosexuality

I tried looking for more information on why people are fearful of being seen as gay in a society that accepts the lifestyle, but “fear of being gay” didn’t even register in Google’s top searches. It’s interesting to see that even in today’s world, homosexuality is still difficult to discuss. I’m interested to see what others feel about this situation, so please leave a comment if you have an opinion.

A Morbid Thought

As I was driving home through a small community of houses, I spotted an old woman walking toward her mailbox. She was moving very slowly, her body dripping with wrinkles and her head wrapped in a rag. Watching her move down her driveway so vulnerably, I couldn't help but feel sympathy toward her because I figured she is in the final years of her life.

Then, as I thought more, who is to say that she won't live more years than I will? As I'm driving along, watching old people along the road, apparently, I could easily drive off the road and crash into a tree, and my life would be over. Death can come to anyone at any time, and that idea is a fear that many people think about day after day. But death is inevitable; no one can escape it. So why fear it? An article from dealing with fear.org, though extremely spiritual in nature, greatly describes a few ways in which people can better come to cope with the idea of death, rather than be afraid of it.

First, the article suggests planning for death as a way of coming to terms with it. Wearing a seat belt while driving can be a way to rid the sense of danger, the possibility of death, while on the road. While there's nothing that can be done about the how the other drivers conduct themselves, at least the person wearing a seat belt is trying to hold avoid death as long as possible.

Additionally, living life without regrets and avoiding the idea that life is meaningless can also be helpful. Live life wisely, and leave an imprint on the world of positive actions. Instead of being afraid of death when the time comes, the article advises to "feel like a child returning to the home of its parents, and pass away joyfully, without fear."

It is an extremely touchy and emotional subject, but it is one that every person should consider in his or her life. Though it's not something to dwell on, being prepared is a way to grasp the ordained which cannot be escaped. For now, focus on the life you are given and make it worth the experience.

Weather You Like It Or Not...

The sun has come out, along with the long-lost people from the winter months. Looking around at the smiling, active faces of those taking advantage of the warmth and sunlight, it can truly be said that the outdoors can improve a person's mood.

An article from MSN.com says that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can actually cause depression in the long, gloomy days of winter. When the sun finally breaks through the clouds, melatonin and serotonin hormones begin to flow throughout the body, causing mood to be elevated.

"We tell people to take advantage of the sunny days," says Dr. Ani Kalayjian, professor of psychology at Fordham University. "Leave the computers and the indoor games and get out there in the sun. That's when they can recharge their batteries—recharge their serotonin—and maintain higher mood.

Taking the doctor's advice, here at 10 outdoor vacation spots around the country that can show the beauty of nature as well as keep your spirits alive.



View 10 Outdoor Vacation Spots in the U.S. in a larger map

Eye Can't Look

As I was walking down a long hallway to class, I recognized a girl on the other end coming towards me who was also going to the same classroom. I saw her, she saw me, we both made eye contact then quickly darted our heads to the side like we didn’t see each other.

Afterwards, I thought to myself, why did I just do that? I didn’t dislike the girl, and I’m normally not an unfriendly person, but I felt as if avoiding eye contact was something I just habitually did and it has finally become a natural reflex in my day-to-day routine.

Living in a society where confidence with others is seen as a powerful characteristic, I was brought to understand that eye contact is essential in a social forum. I also believed that thought was universal around the world. After researching the subject more, I found an article on brighthub.com that explained how many different cultures actually treat eye contact in different ways.

United States- Here, eye contact means that you are interested in the other person. Looking away shows disinterest or distraction. It can also be seen as a lack of self-confidence.

Western Europe- Eye contact is similar to that of the United States. Eye contact here often sparks conversation. Also, it can be considered more flirtatious than in the U.S., meaning travelers to Europe should be careful of how eye contact is made.

Middle East- It is much less common and less appropriate to make eye contact because of class issues. Muslims have strict rules about eye contact between the sexes, where woman can hardly ever look a man in the eye. Intense gazes between men can show sincerity and dominance.

Asia, Latin America, Africa- Extended eye contact can mean a challenge of authority. Long gazes at a superior can be disrespectful. Brief eye contact is considered polite between the different social registers. Japanese women avoid eye contact to be polite.

Just remember when traveling to other countries, the tourist attractions are a sight to see, but depending on where you are, maybe eye contact is better kept on the monuments.

Flower Power, In a Non-Hippy Way

Spring is finally here. The snow has melted, the grass is beginning to turn green again and even the buildings inside are starting to sprout plants.

As I was sitting in the Student Union, a woman was walking around with pots of flowers shoved under her arms. She was going to each empty table and placing a pot down, trying to bring the spirit of the season indoors. They are just three little tulips piled into dirt and tin foil, but they immediately changed the mood of the room as soon as they entered.

The colors made the room seem cheerier, and the gloom of the rain clouds outside almost disappeared from thought after the bright pink and purple buds made their appearance in my sight. But I believe flowers just have that ability; they can make any situation feel better, which is probably why people receive flowers in the hospital, during a funeral, at weddings or when a husband needs to score a few brownie points with his wife.

And I’m not the only one who recognizes the, excuse the ‘60s terminology, “flower power”. A study at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, showed that nature can improve emotional health. The studies there showed three findings:

1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness in all age groups tested.
2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods as participants felt less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers.
3. Flowers make intimate connections, leading to increased contact with family and friends.

So, if you’re feeling down, go out and buy some flowers. They are nature’s way of saying, “Get well soon”.

The Blame Bill

Over the past week, there have been many discussions about the biggest change in American government of the new millennium: health care reform. While the recently signed bill will bring about the adaptation of a different health system, it has also been the cause of debate between residents.

The words have been tossed back and forth between democrats, republicans, independents and other opinionated Americans. Each group blames another for the problems of government, without actually looking at the issue at hand. It is simply easier for them to point fingers and be angry at the wrong people in order to make themselves feel justified against a government that does not adhere to their own wants and values.

While these accusations can be made and the health care reform bill may upset the public, there are those who feel the wrong issue is being discussed in the media.

“This is not a republican or democrat issue. That division amongst people is the reason legislation like this got through against the will of the majority of Americans,” said Jay Grayson, an outspoken political analyst. “We are too busy fighting each other over the wrong things.”

With the current presidential situation, a non-white president who is also a democrat and a non-Christian, the battles have new weapons being tossed into the mix. But using personal characteristics against a person is just another reason why all of the spotlight against the bill has taken an unnecessary turn.

“Trying to make this a ‘race’ issue is exactly what is wrong with those who want to discredit anyone who disagrees with their viewpoint and doesn’t have the ability to rightly defend their beliefs,” said Perry Perrett, a Baptist minister.

Placing blame on others is something people learn to do as children. Little Johnny finds that if he tells his mother that his sister was the one who broke her favorite vase, he cannot get punished for it. As adults, people also find it beneficial to blame others when something goes wrong. Someone who does not understand how the quadratic formula works may place blame on his or her math teacher, instead of accepting the fact that he or she slept through that class and did not bother to learn it. Blame is just a way of making sure the liability lies on others and responsibility does not have to be taken.

Psychological theory and research of why humans place blame on one another is complicated and still incomplete. There are many different situations where people decide it is much easier to accuse another than accept consequence, although all end with the same result; people simply do not want to accept change.

When it comes to the reform, the media has spent more time discussing how one group is up in arms against another, instead of focusing on the terms of the bill. It is just another reason why people are programmed to blame and cannot help but point fingers.

“There’s been a lot of focus on the political drama and not quite as much on the bill itself,” said Dr. Dion Farganis, an assistant political science professor at Bowling Green State University. “[The media] knows that political battles are more likely to sell papers or get people to watch or click than detailed policy analyses.”

Though the hype is at its peak during the beginning stages of the reform, Farganis makes it clear to remind the people that even though there are many against it now, there is no telling what the future holds.

“I do think once the bill becomes law, some of the opposition may decrease in size and intensity as people see that the law is not as bad as it has been portrayed,” he added. “It’s also possible that the reform won’t work and that it will, in fact, increase taxes and bureaucracy, in which case support for the bill will erode. There’s just no way to predict any of that yet.”

In the mean time, while the health care reform hasn’t had the time to really show signs of failure of success, people will continue to complain and criticize. The argument can be made that blame is only because of human nature, but most likely, it’s just someone else’s fault.

Public Display of A-friction

A girl was walking down the sidewalk doing what girls do best: talking on the phone. She was yelling and screaming at the person on the other end of the line, who I can only assume to have been her boyfriend. At first, I thought it was rude to be talking about such a private situation while there were so many people around enjoying their day, but I then I stopped to consider that maybe her way and timing of expressing her anger was part of the reason why she was arguing with her significant other in the first place.

Expressing anger in public can be harmful to relationships. It's not only disrespectful to the people in the surrounding area, but also to the partners involved in the quarreling. An article from ehow.com gives a few steps on how to improve your relationship by avoiding the display of your problems in public.

1. Before you speak, stop and think if what he or she is doing will matter in 30 minutes. If the no, bite your tongue. Wait for some privacy before letting it all out.

2. Remember your partner is human. Let the issue go. If it bother you when you get home, then address it there.

3. Avoid controversial issues while talking in public. Without dangerous conversation, arguing can be forgotten.

4. Count to ten before continuing an argument. It takes two people to argue; be the one to prevent it.

5. If all else fails and your partner wants to keep making a scene, walk away. Wait for your partner to calm down, then discuss the issue in a more private setting.

Over the Hill

An elderly woman was walking through campus. She paced through the sidewalk paths, then took a seat on a bench in the shade. She watched as each young college student walked by, barely even noticing her presence. The woman appeared to be confused about where she was, as many people seem to become as they grow old.

Although there are many characteristics associated with the elderly, there are also many misconceptions that society assumes about the older generations. An article on the Global Healing Center website by naturopathic medicine professional Dr. Lauri Aesoph describes five myths about getting old as well as inspires a little hope for those glancing over the other side of the hill.

Myth 1: Getting old means becoming senile. Many people think the elderly can't think for themselves. In reality, only 5 percent of Americans are senile.

Myth 2: Becoming old means losing teeth. Elderly today are much more likely to keep their teeth than previous generations because of the increased amount of education about dental care today.

Myth 3: The older people get, the sicker they'll be. Although it's true that physiology changes with age, keeping a healthy immune system can be key in fighting illness as a person matures.

Myth 4: Lifestyle changes won't help once a person gets old. Living as healthy as possible is always the ultimate goal. It's never too late to release those old, unhealthy habits. Also, starting an exercise routine can help prevent frailty.

Myth 5: As long as a person maintains the same eating habits as a young person, he or she will stay healthy. Just as children and teens have dietary requirements, so do the elderly. Aging alters a person's metabolism, so maintaining a healthy diet with the essential vitamins and minerals is crucial.

It's Just a Statue, Right?

A reminder that sometimes words don't even need to be spoken for emotion to be palpable to the human condition. Remember to click on the photos in order to read the captions.

Hello! I'm Right Here!

Walking through the Union, I happened to pass someone I knew. We have had a few classes together, but he isn't what I would call a "good friend". Still, I didn't want to be impolite, so as I passed I gave him a smile and started to say "Hi," but he just completely ignored me.

It's something that happens quite frequently. We pass people we know, but they turn their heads the other way and pretend like we aren't there. The act itself of being ignored can be hurtful. But why do people pretend not to know certain people? An article by Mark Dykeman on Broadcasting Brain.com explains some reasoning behind the rude act.

He says that when people are traveling, they often are intent on a single goal and can't focus on who they are passing. A person who is late to an appointment may ignore his or her surroundings because he or she is so focused on getting to the destination. Also, some people may be focused on other, more, er, "biological needs", such as going to the bathroom or feeling sick.

Dykeman adds that the reason a person may ignore another is because, simply, he or she has bad eye-sight or has a hard time remembering faces. No one is perfect, and people have their flaws. It could be possible that a man walks by another without acknowledging because he just doesn't know who he is actually passing. It's an easy mistake, and it's the reason we most often make up in our minds once we are ignored.

Of course, Dykeman doesn't forget to take the good with the bad and mentions some not-so-flattering explanations for being ignored. He says maybe, to another, you are a source of anger, sadness or pain. Even worse, you could be a source of embarrassment to the person. But the saddest reason of all is that person who ignores another could just be a complete jerk. And if you happen to encounter someone like this, you're better off to just keep on walking and pretend like that person never happened.

When Anxiety Takes Over

My friend was completely submerged underneath a pile of papers and books when she decided to take out her daily planner to see what other work was going to overload her upcoming week. As she scanned over the days, I could see in her eyes that her list of things to do grew and grew, along with the stress weight that began to push down on her. She began to worry so much that she became short of breath, her chest felt constricted and she thought she was going to pass out. She had just experienced an anxiety attack.

One out of every 75 people in the world experience anxiety attacks. They can be frightening, but with a few tips from Reader's Digest.com, dealing with anxiety is nothing to worry about.

1. When it feels like an attack is coming on, get on your bike, pull out your walking shoes or grab a gym bag. There's no better way to feel like you can breathe again than exercise.
2. Cut out caffeinated food, drinks and medications. Caffeine adds to the jittery, tense feeling of anxiousness.
3. Avoid conversations which could increase anxiety when feeling tired, overwhelmed or stressed. Try to maintain a "trouble free" time, especially before bed. Also try to stay focused on relaxation as much as possible.
4. Buy a white-noise machine to use when sleeping. The soothing sound guarantees a good night's sleep and lowers stress levels.
5. Choose one thing that may cause anxiousness and rank it on a scale of 1 to 10; 10 being most likely to happen. Most people will find that a majority of items don't rank above 5. Understanding the chance of anxiety will greatly reduce the feeling.
6. Rent a comedy and watch it. Laughing out loud releases endorphins that help lower stress hormones.
7. Follow the Relax, Detach, Focus steps. Detach from your thoughts, center yourself in the moment and focus on who you want to be and how you want to feel.

Good Dog

I was sitting on my couch, trying to forget about the massive headache my common cold had very rudely handed to me, while my 2-year-old labradoodle was playing with her toys on the floor. I was doing my best to ignore her because any other sound that entered my head would pound on my skull like a jackhammer to a sidewalk.

Suddenly, her toy fell under the couch, and she started barking at me to get it for her. I ignored her still, so she barked. And barked. And barked. My head couldn't take anymore so I finally yelled at her to stop, As I put my hands on the side of my head, I could tell that she knew I wasn't feeling well. She came over and put her head on my lap, and I put my hand on her head to pet her fur. Curiously, I started to feel better.

Believe it or not, pets can do more than chase the mailman down the street. An article on associatedcontent.com said studies have shown that human interaction with animals is actually healthy. The connection creates an endorphin rush which relieves stress in the body, and a physiological response between the two lowers blood pressure and heart of both animal and human, giving a more relaxed feeling. Studies have even shown that heart attack patients who own pets are likely to have five times the survival rate of those who don't.

Animal companions have been used for years to significantly improve such physical and psychological conditions such as cancer, AIDS, autism, insomnia and even headaches. This phenomenon has led to the formation of therapy dogs: dogs trained to provide comfort to those in hospitals, retirement homes and areas of disaster. Beside improving physical issues, these dogs reduce the feeling of depression, hopelessness and panic as well. Apparently, dog really is man's best friend, and man's best tonic, too.

Only the Strong Survive...Conversations

A boy I knew in high school approached me the other day. At first, I didn't even recognize him because he was a completely different person now from the one I remembered. The person I knew was quiet, walked with his head down and very rarely asked for attention to be drawn towards himself. But the recent one who stood before me seemed independent, with his head held high, and he even talked with a full voice. He called for my attention out of the crowd; something that never would've happened five years ago. It's refreshing to see people who have the bravery and strength to find themselves.

Part of growing up is realizing confidence in one's self. Gaining a healthy self-esteem is all a part of noticing who you are inside. Jessica Stevenson from About.com listed 6 tips for peer conversation which will help any person become confident and secure in social situations.

1. Take a deep breath. Staying relaxed is key in being able to look another person in the eye.
2. Take an inventory of strengths. Finding inner skills and taking stock of the things a person is interested in will help him or her feel more positive during conversation.
3. Realize limits. No one is perfect, but realizing one's own perspective on the world will be valuable in social situations.
4. Stop putting yourself down. This one is self-explanatory. Someone with a negative outlook on life will always have negative results in life.
5. Celebrate progress and small victories. Every person needs to remember that if he or she can accomplish one thing, he or she can accomplish even bigger and more challenging situations as well.
6. Pat yourself on the back. Why not? If a person can't do it to his or herself, no one else will either.

Bottom line, stay positive and remember that with a little self-confidence, anything is possible. You may surprise people, and possibly even surprise yourself.

The Awkward Hug

Two girls were walking together on the sidewalk. They appeared to know each other as they made casual conversation and gave each other courtesy laughs --- the ones where the joke really isn't funny, but a laugh is required as a proper response anyway. Then, as they reached their destination, the moment came. It's the moment most people cringe when thinking about, let alone actually doing. It was time for the awkward hug: the kind that two people are supposed to carry out as a friendly action but really don't want to perform.

The girls leaned over, just enough to barely reach each other, and gave a few light pats on the back, then went on their ways. It was a very minor pain, but still a moment the girls were probably glad to get out of the way.

Every person in his or her life will experience the awkward hug at least once. It's nearly unavoidable in certain social situations, and there are so many different ways for it to creep up. There are a lot researchers who tackle this uncomfortable stage in social environments and give multiple examples of how it can come about, some less scientific than others. The video below from vimeo.com gives a visual look at what can happen in a dreaded awkward hug situation.

While the video is meant to be more humorous than scientific, it still accurately shows how hugs can be dangerous things, socially. But contrary to how the awkward hug might make people want to grind broken glass into their bare hands, research has shown that hugging is actually healthy.

As described on easier.com, Peter Spalton, a body language expert from Great Britain, says there is actually more to hugging than what is on the outside. According to his findings, hugging causes the body to produce more Oxytocin, the "feel good" hormone. Also, a 20-second hug a day affects how happy and relaxed a person can be throughout his or her day.

"Hugging is a wonderful tonic," said Spalton. "It makes you feel energized and gives you an emotional boost ... which is why people in a healthy relationship are happier and feel less stressed."

So, if the health research is correct, maybe those trying to avoid the awkward hug situation should actually embrace it, pun intended, in order to gain a better emotional attitude. Stop wiggling to get away from the creepy co-worker and give him a squeeze. It's good for you.

A Penny A Day

Most people pass a penny laying on the sidewalk without even realizing it's there. That's easy to understand; it's small, dull-colored, and doesn't say much. Some may stop to pick it up, but most will just keep on walking. Replace that penny with a person. One might think others would take notice and acknowledge that person's existence. But take a look at this video and notice how simple it is to dismiss another human being.

Notice how the man just sits there, saying nothing. He notices every movement; each leg that brushes past his face out of every corner of his eyes. More likely than not, he's sitting there wondering where those people are going, and trying to figure out how his life got him stuck on that cold, empty sidewalk, surrounded by plenty of other human beings, but leaving him completely alone.

Just like a penny on the ground, the people unknowingly or uncaringly walk by him as if he isn't really there. He's sitting, low to the ground and wearing dull clothes, not saying a word to anyone. In a way, he is that penny. Some might stop, kneel down to say a few words to the man to pick up his feelings a bit, but most will make their ways to their board meetings, yoga appointments and their double mocha lattes without even thinking for a second about the person below them.

The man on the street is just an example of how people conduct themselves in public every day. It can be seen in the video above. Of course, those walking ignore the man sitting on the ground, but they also fail to take notice of each other. They seem like mindless zombies, only focused on where they are going and not caring about the others in existence around them. We often pass a number of fellow travelers everyday of our lives, but never acknowledge them.

In the days of top hats and poofy, uncomfortable dresses, it was common courtesy to say "Good day" to others in passing. Unfortunately at some point in history, we lost that sense of kindness and respect. It has become habit to strut around as if nothing else in the world matters but our own concerns. Without human interaction, there isn't much point to life. Without it, we all may as well be pennies on the sidewalk. We would notice each other just as much, but our existence would be worth more. Try saying hi to a stranger today. It's not much, but it's a good start.

In the Beginning

Hello world! For this first post, I thought I would describe what sort of exciting and interesting things this blog will bring to the Weblands. Hold onto your mouse. The adventure is about to begin.

We do it every day. We pass people on the street, in the office or in the bathroom, but we never really take the time to see people. Sure, we see a glimpse of their form in the corners of our eyes, but we never really take the time to see the actual person.

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, I wonder why that person is that way? It could be the man who sits by the fountain everyday on his lunch break who only eats half of his sandwich and throws the rest to the birds, the woman who wears the same straw hat whenever she leaves her house or the boy who carries the uninterested girl's books for her wherever she goes.

All of these people have a story; something that makes them the way they are. I am going to observe these people. I'm going to tell their stories and do the best to explain why I believe they do the things they do. I will use research and theories from psychologists and other professionals on human behavior to try to back up my thoughts, so that I'm not just some random girl writing nonsense on here.

My goal is not only to explain a little bit about human behavior, but also to bring some hidden stories to the surface. Good deeds and great happenings occur without ever being recognized. I'm going to do my best to bring them to light. It is my hope that I can brighten someone's day with an interesting and beautiful story constructed by the human condition, and possibly even inspire others to notice the people around them a bit more closely. There will be laughter, tears, confusion and hopefully some of those "hmm ... that's interesting ... " kind of moments as well. I'm excited to get started!