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| "Life is composed of a series of coincidences. How we react to these
-how we exercise what some refer to as free will -is everything; the
choices we make within the boundaries of the twists of fate determine
who we are."--John Perkins, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
One
of my best friends, Dana, referred me to this book. This book is a real
eye-opener--Its about a man hired to convince developing countries to
accept enormous loans and to funnel that money to U.S. corporations in
order to "build their GNP" in hopes of bringing their country into the
20th century. The American government, who loaned them billions of
dollars, in turn asked for their "pound of flesh", including access to
natural resources, military cooperation, and political support. Alas,
This is how America came to be who we are today, a Global Empire.
Each
of these Economic Targets remind me of the country my parents escaped
from many years ago. Come to think of it, The U.S. played a vital role
in rallying support for the Khmer Rouge who enacted a mass genocide
upon their people. U.S. armed forces bombed Cambodian borders in hopes
of deterring Communist forces, but the Khmer Rouge used that
devastation to show fellow Cambodians they need to do something about
it.
Doing
something about it--the choices we make within the boundaries of the
twists of fate determine who we are. John Perkins did something about
the cruelty he participated in--he decided to share his story in hopes
of shedding light on the shady practices of America. My parents escaped
from mass murder to create their "American Dream"--They worked their
asses off to provide a life for my brother and I, they've always
dreamed of. The real American Dream is seen through the hard working
eyes of the immigrants who come to America, not the ones born and
raised in America. Those born here, are used to the spend-spend-spend
lifestyle, while immigrants are in save-save-save mode.
My
choices in the boundaries of my twists of fate have led me here today.
Sitting back and letting someone else do my work isn't going to get me
where I want. I don't understand why people sit back and say they'll do
it later. Do it now. And why let others do it for you? You learn by
making mistakes, practice = perfection as they say. If you're given a
task, do it and do it well. Don't half-ass it, there's no point because
it wastes people's time.
Altough I'm tired, and worn out, Je sais que la fin justifie les moyens. (I know the end justifies the Means) | | |
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I’ll sing alone
the whole day through.
Just do your best to hear me.
It’s all you can do.
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| It's been way too long since I last posted in Xanga.
I'll make a short return for now...
To sum up the last couple of months, my life has been Great for the most part.
I landed an amazing internship at Sommers Public Relations in May and ended up staying in Austin for the summer. He asked me to stay on through the semester, so I've been working for him since. I absolutely love it!
I have the most AMAZING friends. My STAR, they are my rock and I don't know what I would do without them. they will be my bridesmaids, my life friends, the ones I will grow old with. Thanks to Ali, Cojoe, Lana, Dana.
I discovered my love of journalism and writing. I was skeptical about it and didn't think I could do it, but turns out I may have a talent for it after all. I had a wonderful J315 class and an awesome teacher. Its the first class I actually looked forward to going to, even though it was my hardest and longest class.
I have a boyfriend, Benny. We've been dating since October, so we'll see how it goes.
My relationship w/ my parents and brother have grown stronger. I think we're all starting to open up more and talk. I've realized how important family is, even though my moms nagging can still get brutally annoying. I'm thankful for such understanding parents who love and support me.
I realized I could graduate in May '08, which leaves me many options. I could spend fall '08 in L.A. in the semester in L.A. program, come back and graduate when I'm supposed to, or graduate Fall '08. I'm still not sure yet. It's crazy to think I'm close to graduating...which leads me to my next point...
I'm also very excited about a potential job opportunity I've been given. I'm still waiting on the word but *fingers crossed* I'm hoping to land a freelance job working at the Austin-American Statesman entertainment section. It's called the A-List and I would attend events around town, take pictures, and write a short article about it that night. It would be great experience and I am PRAYING I get it. So pray for me!!
That's mostly it, I'm here in Carrollton for the break and I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on the 29th! Then back to Austin and on to Ali's beach house with the girls and our boyfriends to spend the last weekend before school starts!
Merry Christmas guys!
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| C'est le début et la fin. ( its the beginning and the end )
The end of the year. All thats left to do is finish my finals and move
out. Nostalgic: I'll miss this crappy Jester..to an extent, and
I'm excited about having my own place. Getting ready to move back
home for the summer, to finally spend a summer w/ my friends before
going back to college.
As I think about this time last year, I was
absolutely nervous, b/c I was gearing up to go to college right after
graduation. Then I think about the summer. Best summer of my life. Then
to Fall and Spring Semester....as they say, NOTHING will compare to my
first year at UT. Its the Truth. I've grown up, and I'm driven
towards my goals and there's no stopping me. I've got too much
ambition to be held back. I know I'm going to do something great and I
can't wait to see it all unravel through the years.
My last day working at Gold's was yesterday and as I said my goodbye's I received the best advice. Success is preparation for an opportunity. She
told me she sees me doing great things. And can definitely see me
doing Public Relations. She told me I was on the right track and
my opportunity will come in time. She told me to write out my
goals, where I see it everyday because 90% of people who write down
their goals, succeed in achieving them.
I was also told my one of my best friends, Ali, that
College is all about YOU, not anyone else. Not for your parents,
friends, or anyone else. Be selfish, Do what you want. These are the
days which will shape your future. Because if you hold back, nothing
will happen. I've been given such a great opportunity to be here
at UT, so I'm grabbing it and holding on strong. No looking back,
its My Time.
So as I near the end of my 1st year at UT, I begin to strive toward my goals. Watch me Shine.
Goals:
1. Get the Summer Internship with Al Sommers. (which means I'll be staying in Austin with Ali!)
2. Get that Internship with Texas Student Media.
3. Never go below a 3.5 GPA.
4. Become fluent in French 5. Have fun and Cherish each moment with my amazing friends. 6. Land a fantastic, top of the line, everybody wants it Kind of Job.
7. Fall in love, Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.
8. Buy my parents the perfect house, with a huge garden: the one they have dreamt of.
9. Marry the Most amazing Husband. No divorces. Period.
10. Live a Long, Pleasant Life with the ones I cherish the most.
Ready, and GO.
keep the Canlas family in your prayers.
Mike, my KUYA, I know ive disappeared this semester and dont really see
you much anymore, Youll always be my big bro. I'm here for you; we all
are. Love you.
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| Nostalgic is the word for this weekend
Beautiful, sunshine, best friends, best family, best cousin. Thats what Home is all about.
I missed it and I've decided HOME is where I want to be this
summer. Although I'll definitely come back to austin over the
summer, I need to be in Carrollton, esp. after spending last summer here in Austin, its definitely time to be Home.
Nostalgia = a blessing and a curse
bringing back the memories lost from yesterday. The feeling, the thoughts, the smiles, the tears, the pain.
I miss it. the comfort, the touch, the connection.
I cant wait till this summer...
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