Everything is what you want it to be.

luckieststudent: The Student Life Network is giving away the...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 18:29:57 -0400

The Student Life Network is giving away the best prize pack in Canadian student history. It starts with $20k for school and five Dell XPS Ultrabooks to share with friends.

Register to win at: http://luckie.st/Pokwls Canadian students 13+ only.

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Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:10:33 -0400

The Kite Runner (Pre-Chapters)

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:37:27 -0400

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This is a little pre-story to the book The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Don’t bother reading if you haven’t read the book if you don’t want to.

Chapter 0.1

It was pouring rain that night, almost midnight when I first saw him. I was in my room falling asleep while Pedar – Father – was wrapping him in towels. It’s a weird feeling when you see someone, even if you catch just a glimpse of that person, and you immediately know that that person will change your life. Pedar noticed I was awake and came into my room to say good night “shpa mo pa kheyr, Baba”.

The next morning I woke to the shine of a bright sun coming through my window. The blinds on my window let all the brightness into my room and into my eyes, that, plus the curiousness of finding out what had happened with Pedar the night before made getting out of bed very easily. I quickly washed and went downstairs for breakfast. In the kitchen I found a kid about a year or two younger than me, dark brown hair, a thick unibrow and a slight moustache, with a plate of cereal in front of him. I quietly grabbed a bowl for myself and sat beside him. About fifteen minutes had passed in total silence, all you could hear was the crunch of my mouth taking mouthfuls of cereal. Pedar finally walked in, “Oh Baba, you’re awake. Let me introduce you to this young boy. This is Ali, he will be living with us from now on”.

“For how long will he be here?”, I asked.

“Sorry, I don’t think I made myself clear enough. He will be living here permanently, make him feel welcome”, Pedar responded.

I would take long walks by myself along the Kabul River thinking to myself. These are my most treasured moments, there is nothing like reflecting about life while listening to the wind and the sound of water running downstream. At first I never really thought much of Ali, he usually stayed in his room all day and never spoke a word. This came to an end when one summer morning Pedar asked me to please take Ali to the River with me and bond with him. I didn’t like the idea of Ali interrupting my alone time, but I understood the reason Pedar wanted me to take him and accepted.

We took the route I normally take, it takes about an hour and a half to cover, but with the weather the summer of 1943 no one could complain. After walking about half an hour in total silence I decided to finally speak up “So… where are your parents?”, just after I said it I realized what a terrible question that was to start off with.

Ali stopped walking, looked at me with the most agonizing look I have ever seen and said “I watched them die, right in front of me. They never saw the car coming. I shook them and screamed, they never responded back”. From that moment on, I never saw this boy the same way again.

It is incredible how a person can suffer for another person even if you yourself did not go through what they did. It makes something inside of you see this person as your superior, a person that deserves your care and attention the way you give a family member. At the age of ten, you just don’t know what to respond to something like this. What I didn’t know was that this would be the start of a friendship that would last a lifetime.

We passed by a local shop where they sold kites, to break the silence once more I asked him if he would be interested in learning how to fly one. He just shook his head in approval. I took the very little allowance money I had been given and let him pick out a kite of his own. I taught him how to hold the spool and how to keep the kite in the air, flowing from one side to the other. The air was blowing hard, which made it easy for him to learn. His eyes were shining and he had a big smile on his face, little did I know this was the first time Ali had felt happiness in a long time. Sometimes the little details one does for another person – even if they don’t mean much to you – can mean the entire world for someone else.

Chapter 0.2

(20 years later)

Shame and regret are the two feelings I fear the most. It is the year 1964, just a year since Amir’s birth. When I saw that look of love on Ali’s eyes toward Hassan for the first time, I knew I must have to keep silenced the rest of my life. But it wasn’t a secret to Ali, he have had polio for some years now, physical relations for him were nearly impossible. He knew that Hassan was not his son. That doesn’t take away the fact that I stole his right of knowing the truth about who the real father is, me. But deep down he must know, his modesty just wouldn’t let him speak of it.

Ali’s wife and Hassan’s mother, Sanaubar, was never the kind of woman I liked to see Ali with. He always acted for her out of love, she rarely responded back the same way. She was a selfish woman. I was lonely and depressed after my wife’s death. It was an unbearable thing to experience, specially knowing that little Amir would never meet his mother. These things might have led me to do the act that I regret most in my life. I betrayed my best friend who has been there for me no matter what the situation. My entire life I have worked to become who I am today, the successful, respectful business man that I am. Wealthy and surrounded by loved ones, but the one and only person who has always been by my side living his life for me, is the person I consider I have done the most harm to. Forgiveness to one’s self is the most difficult act a man can go through, guilt doesn’t just go away.

Days after that full moon night in which Hassan was born, I was sitting in my room thinking to myself; just like those walks very long ago by myself beside the Kabul River. Snow started to fall for the first time this winter, looking out the window I could actually hear each snowflake hit the ground. Suddenly I was startled by Sanaubar at the door.

“Bakhena ghwaarum – excuse me – sir, may I come in?” Sanaubar said with a cracking voice.

“Certainly, what’s on your mind?” I said.

“Sir, I can’t stay here. Every time I see that boy I am disgusted. I’ll be gone by nightfall. Da khoday pa amaan – Goodbye.” She finished.

“But…” As I started to speak she had already stormed out.

I was struck with shock and more guilt. I could not believe this was actually happening. What had I done to Ali? It was impossible for me not to think that I had become everything I reject. This kind wrong choice taken by me had it’s own punishment to accompany it; Guilt. This feeling would sit at the back of my brain just gnawing at my conscience a bit by bit for unlimited time. If I keep it a secret that’s how it will have to be.

Around nine that night Sanaubar walked out of the house without even looking back. It was snowing hard by now. At the front door I could see into Ali’s small shack. He was holding Hassan in his arms, didn’t even notice Sanaubar left until it was time to feed Hassan. It was at that moment that I realized that taking Hassan away from him or by telling him the truth would hurt Ali even more. He was happy with Hassan, my son.

Promises are meant to be kept. One day that winter I went to put Amir to sleep. I looked at him in the eyes, and even if he could not even speak I felt he understood; I said “Amir, my son. I will do my best to raise you in such a way that you will be better than I am, by far.”. This pain and suffering for myself and for Ali I was feeling is something you don’t want any other man to feel, this applies even more for your own son.

In bed my head would not stop spinning. Once the mind is up and running with such heavy and profound thoughts, it is hard to put it to rest. Sleep came rarely for the next few months. I knew I wouldn’t stop thinking about this not even for one night. A man of success I had become, but lost sense of my values. Never again shall this happen.

What Happens to Your body if you stop smoking Right now?

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:58:13 -0400

I think one of the main reasons it’s so hard to quit smoking is because all the benefits of quitting and all the dangers of continuing seem very far away. Well, here’s a little timeline about some of the more immediate effects of quitting smoking and how that will affect your body RIGHT NOW.

* In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
* In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
* In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
* In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
* In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
* In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
* In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
* In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
* In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
* In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker

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Sat, 02 Apr 2011 23:21:57 -0400

Ten Rules For Being Human.

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 10:25:29 -0400

by Cherie Carter-Scott

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it’s yours to keep for the entire period.

You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, “life.”

There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately “work.”

Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

Learning lessons does not end. There’s no part of life that doesn’t contain its lessons. If you’re alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.

“There” is no better a place than “here.” When your “there” has become a “here”, you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here.”

Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

Your answers lie within you. The answers to life’s questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

10.

You will forget all this.

5 simple lessons on how to treat others.

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:31:37 -0400

1. First Important Lesson - “Know The Cleaning Lady”

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. Second Important Lesson - “Pickup In The Rain”

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home.

A special note was attached. It read: “Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.”

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3. Third Important Lesson - “Remember Those Who Serve”

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “50¢,” replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

“Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. “35¢!” she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.

When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4. Fourth Important Lesson - “The Obstacles In Our Path”

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand - “Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.”

5. Fifth Important Lesson - “Giving When It Counts”

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.”

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

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Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:53:36 -0400

27 lessons

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:01:13 -0400

1. The first pancake always turns out badly.

2. You don’t have to get along with everyone, or make everyone like you.

3. Love makes you stupid.

4. You always have at least 2 choices, even if you don’t like your choices.

5. Sometimes even women need to learn to MTFU.

6. Most people operate out of selfish motivations.

7. It’s rarely about you.

8. Soda is evil.

9. It’s okay to break the rules, as long as you are good enough not to get caught, and you aren’t hurting anyone.

10. “Be kinder than necessary ’cause everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”

11. There’s three sides to every story- his, hers, and the truth.

12. Time doesn’t heal anything- it’s what you do with that time.

13. Complaining and blaming other people doesn’t help anything, and makes you miserable company.

14. Everything in your life is your responsibility.

15. You train people how to treat you.

16. There’s always hope.

17. You can always be grateful for something.

18. If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t trying hard enough.

19. You never really become an adult. You just get more responsibility, and become wiser.

20. Showing emotion is not a sign of weakness. Knowing when it is appropriate is a skill.

21. Google can answer anything.

22. Being silly is one of my favorite qualities in a person.

23. Honesty is always the easiest route. Even if it’s not in the short term.

24. You should never stop learning, or trying to be a better person.

25. Worrying is useless, unless it motivates you to take action.

26. When people show you who they are, believe them.

27. There is only fear, and love. And one of them is way more fun

Cuando encuentres a esa persona que merece tu corazón, vas a entender por qué las cosas no...

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:02:09 -0400

Cuando encuentres a esa persona que merece tu corazón, vas a entender por qué las cosas no funcionaron con los demás.

maniac dread passion

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:55:16 -0400

maniac

dread

passion

Bananas and Monkeys

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:53:51 -0400

Start with a cage containing five monkeys.

Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water.

After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result - all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.

Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him.

After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.

Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked.

Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.

After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana. Why not? Because as far as they know that’s the way it’s always been done round here.

And that, my friends, is how company policies are made

A Few Rules

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:09:42 -0500

1.Never stop thinking. This is important. If someone ever says to you ‘You need to stop thinking so much,’ call them ignorant in your head and keep thinking deeper. It is this mentality that breeds stupidity and sheeple. Your mind is the most important tool you have, if you stop using it, it will atrophy. Question everything.

2. Stare into space blankly and don’t mentally punish yourself for doing it, even if it is for that split second. If you have a problem with staring blankly, think of it as daydreaming.

3. Root Beer sucks after having spicy food.

4. Everything is going to be just fine. If you worry about acne, you’re going to get a fucking pimple.

5. Don’t be afraid to talk about anything. You shouldn’t be afraid of reality.

6. Everyone is a hypocrite.

7. You are all original. Every life experience is case sensitive and unique. Every time you wake up or go to the bathroom or quote someone else, you are becoming more you than anyone has ever been.

8. Do pointless things. Don’t actively restrain or hide yourself from the redundant.

9. Stop rushing. Shut up and embrace the sound of silence.

10. Religion shouldn’t be taught, it should be found. No one should tell you what to believe except you. And while were on the subject…

11. Don’t be restrained by one religion. People change every moment of everyday. Minds grow and evolve. Religion has no law so feel free to mix and match. Make your own.

12. Going to the bathroom is not a right nor a privilege. it’s an act of nature.

13. Talking to yourself is healthy. Is there anyone that you have more in common with?

14. There is no such thing as time. The sun never sets or rises. Days and years don’t exist. There is only your life. Earlier today you were born and death is predicted later in the evening.

15. We will always be in a transitional phase. Look outside and know that everything will be replaced at some point. This existence is temporary.

16. Its not half empty or half full. Its half a glass.

17. Every now and then take something that you see everyday and try to see it in a different light. Renew its existence.

18. Be happy, but don’t force it.

19. You will always succeed in trying.

20. We are all crazy. Every person you read about in the history books had some kind of ‘disorder’, they just knew how to use it.

21. We are all about as similar as we are different.

22. Ideas are just as valuable as people. Why do you think we keep making people?

87. Numbers don’t have to go in order.

24. Words will always be just words. Love is just another four letter word, only the feeling is real.

25. Ask a child for advice. They may not know much, but they know what is important.

26. Prove you’re alive. Do anything from dancing in the supermarket to screaming ‘Fuck’ during a moment of silence. Remind the world you are still here.

27. Don’t take anything, even this, too seriously.

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Sat, 29 Jan 2011 22:35:35 -0500

imgfavepopular: ★ discovered on imgfave.com (social image...

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:45:23 -0500

imgfavepopular:

★ discovered on imgfave.com (social image bookmarking)

La Vida es Color de Rosa

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 23:44:36 -0500

La Vida es Color de Rosa