Author: Paloma Spencer

The Ivies

Paloma Spencer1 Comment

We have all heard the classical tales of the 8 Ivy League Institutions.

Located on the north-eastern United States, these universities are known for their gorgeous campuses, amazing academics, social elitism, and, unfortunately for most students, the lowest percentages in acceptance rates.

In case you do not know, these are the 8 wonders of the college world:

Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

All these schools are of course, no doubt, amazing, but I find that many of my friends refused to apply to these universities because they “simply wouldn’t get in,” or because “there is no point to just get rejected.”

That is why I will tell you this:

Myself, as a senior applying to college had always known where I wanted to go, but afraid that I would never get in, I always created alternate top choices of schools that I would be more likely to attend.

My top was Yale University.

Yep, just the name makes me so happy!

The beautiful brick buildings, the intriguing classroom environments, and yes whoever watched Gilmore Girls would understand that Rory had a large impact on me.

Since I was young I had constantly heard the gasp of astonishment when people acclaimed they would attend Yale, and thus decided that this institution would be the place for me.

So I applied.

However, once I received my tiny little rejection letter in the mail, I felt crushed.

So I can be a bit of a drama queen, but honestly it did kind of hurt.

But the thing I realized is that although I was upset, I would have been more upset if I never even tried.

Even if you think you may not have the grades, or the extracurricular activities, you honestly don’t know what each college is looking for and there is always a chance to be pleasantly surprised.

Today, I am so happy with my college decision, even though it might not be Yale, and I do wish that all prospective college students apply to at least one of these eight institutions.

“If you never try, you’ll never know.”

: )

“SHORT SLEEPERS” DO EXIST!

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I have to admit that as a person with strange sleeping hours, I am extremely jealous of those who can get so little sleep but yet still function so well.

Turns out there are actually people that acquire this condition as a young age; they are called “short sleepers.” They are naturally early risers and late sleepers.

In contrast to people who simply sleep less than the recommended 7 hours, this rare species can actually continue their day without endless cups of coffee or countless 5-minute naps. Instead, they feel perfectly normal and healthy, and continue their day with optimism, an outgoing personality, and tons and tons of energy.

But how could this be possible? I mean, they have to be tired, right?

Scientists have determined that this type of sleeping pattern usually develops during childhood and simply continues into adulthood. I assume it is comparable to nail biting, not only can it be a natural habit but it is also an easily developed and continuous tendency.

But at least this habit has it’s perks. While some people may believe that sleep is the best part of their days, these people believe quite the opposite.

“Sleep is a waste of time.”

Yep, that’s right. The main personal reason they do not sleep is usually because they find better things to do, and thus began multitasking away.

As much as I would like to say that I acquired these “short sleeper” genes, I know I have not.

But at least its an excuse to sleep more!

The Trials of Adoption

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This may sound petty, but I have always wanted an adorable little Asian baby.

Similar to the one in the upper left picture, he/she will speak 3 languages and of course maintain the most cutest and stylish of haircuts.

He/she will attend New York’s best preparatory schools beginning at the age of  3 and will attend one of the 8 Ivy League colleges.

Hey, its possible. : )

So lately I have wondered exactly how this could happen.

Due to the fact that one cannot tell who their lifelong soul mate may be, I have realized how much I would love to adopt a child from Asia.

Curious about the procedures of adoption I did some research and discovered an article posted in “Psychology Today.”

Unfortunately, adoption isn’t so simple these days.

Today, the cost of agency and private adoptions ranges at a price of $5,000 to $40,000 while international adoptions can range from $7,000 to $30,000. As one could understand, this is the major barrier that disables people from adopting children. In addition, the delays to receive a child internationally are immense. Commonly, the adoptive parents must wait a near 2 years in order to hold their child for the first time. This is caused by the required “home study” as well as regulating whether all necessary requirements are met by the adopters.

In addition, international adoptions are “legal midfields” in such countries as Belarus, Guatemala, Nepal, and Vietnam. Harvard Law School Professor of Child Advocacy stated that international children are being “denied their fundamental human right to be ‘nurtured in their formative years by permanent parents in real families.’” Personally, I believe that families who are inclined to adopt a child should be thanked for their generosity and their ability to stop the world’s exceeding population. I do understand the cost for the international transportation, but should they really have to pay thousands upon thousands?

Honestly, believing that I would be in a well off financial state, I would not mind the costs for adopting a child, however this price range can easily halt an excited adopter’s future prospects.

In order to help the children and our nation, the government should make it more affordable for able parents to adopt, while maintaining the required regulations.

I really do hope to adopt a child one day and hold one of these most adorable little babies in my own arms.

Definitely, Maybe

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Ever since my junior year I have been absolutely in love with one movie in particular: Definitely, Maybe.

Not only is Ryan Reynolds extremely good-looking, but the story line itself consists of a mixture of classic love stories and utter reality.

It begins with a man whose current divorce leads his daughter to question his past love lovers. He begins with his college sweetheart and ends with discovering the love of his life in the one that was right under his nose.

I think I love it so much because it is so relatable. Mostly everyone will have numerous loves in our life time. We may discover them in close friends, reignite old flames, and find out that we can love someone even more than we imagined.

I am definitely a hopeless romantic, and I do hope that just like the main character I will be able to discover love through different scenery, different experiences, and the inevitable trial-and-error.

Sweet Dreams Please!

Paloma Spencer1 Comment


I really wish I could have those amazing dreams about happy things like love and fairy tales.
You know those dreams where you wake up and you’re like “No! No! No! I want to keep dreaming!”

I want that!

Instead I am left to dream about creepy things like getting weird diseases, being kidnapped by strangers, and even clips from horror movies that I know I should have never watched.
And on the best of nights I find myself running for long periods of time in search of my cellphone or my lost set of keys.

I mean, really?

I just want one good dream. Isn’t that the point? Isn’t it supposed to be the one time of day when you aren’t faced with reality and instead can create images of love and happiness?

And so I researched it.
Apparently it is my stress and anxiety that leads to these undesirable dreams.
But it’s not fair! : (

Doesn’t more stress deserve better dreams?

Ugh, whatever, stupid!

I guess I will just have to relieve my stress in order to have better dreams…mm nevermind that’s not going to happen.

But instead I will stick to the plan of imaging marshmallows and kittens before I go to sleep, and I will be definitely stay away from those scary movies!

Two-Faced

Paloma Spencer5 Comments

I cannot even describe my love for people who act like they are your friend but in actuality spend their days discussing their absolute hatred towards you.

Honestly, it makes me laugh.

But I truthfully just don’t understand the reasoning behind it.

If I never asked you to be my friend and you simply say horrid things about me, then I obviously don’t care to be your friend.

So why fake it?

I believe that if you don’t want to be someones friend, than simply don’t.

If you don’t like someone, then don’t be rude, but simply don’t talk to them.

I just don’t understand why someone would take the time to pretend to be nice to you.

It doesn’t make sense.

And I also have an issue with people who have such utter hatred towards you for no absolute reason.

If I don’t even talk to a person, then why would they even care about me?

Maybe it’s a person’s lack of happiness, or a life for that matter.

Or maybe their heart is just a tiny hardened piece of stone.

In actuality, I feel bad for these people.

For they can say as many things about a person and get as many people to side with their arrogant opinions. But in the end, at least I am not a selfish, conceded, arrogant jerk.

I thank these people for making me stronger, more confident, and more aware of the horrid people who exist in the world.

P. S.

Since you actually have the audacity to call me immature for blocking you on Facebook, I will have the audacity to tell you this.

You’re not my friend in real life, so why would I want to be your friend anywhere else.

Irony In Drug Case Against Paris Hilton and Bruno Mars

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Paris Hilton promoting her cell-phone video ga...
Image via Wikipedia

 

Irony could never be sweeter.

If you are not up-to-date with the latest TMZ headlines, I would like to take this time to inform you of the recent case in which Bruno Mars and Paris Hilton are being persecuted for the possession of Coke. And no, I am not talking about the old fashioned, forever popular soda pop, but rather an extremely illegal drug substance.

However, the Las Vegas deputy district attorney who is currently attempting to charge these two acclaimed figures of fame has recently been caught with his own possession of illegal substances. And it just so happened that it was cocaine.

The Clark County Deputy District Attorney David Schubert was spotted being released from the Clark County Detention Center earlier today.

“Way to blow it!”

FOX Still Has Hope for Charlie Sheen TV Hit

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Charlie Sheen in March 2009
Image via Wikipedia

 

I honestly don’t think we can hear any more about the current Charlie Sheen fiasco.

Personally, I love the show “Two And A Half Men” in which Sheen is displayed as a humorous middle aged bachelor. And must admit that the cancellation of this beloved show did make me somewhat annoyed.

However, despite Sheen’s recent public outbursts which have called psychologists into question, the FOX Network is still very much interested in possible projects for Sheen.

TMZ has confirmed that Sheen was spotted holding a secret meeting with the top executives at the FOX network.  Charlie reportedly sat down with President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX, Mike Darnell last Thursday. Throughout the meeting, the discussion was filled with brainstorming but apparently no idea has been confirmed. However, a possible late night talk show was introduced into the conversation.

I guess audiences will just have to wait and see what Sheen does next.

Let’s just hope it’s not another public outburst!

Fairy Tales To Prance Into Theaters Soon

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I can remember being read the classic fairy tales by my mother. I remember my love for Snow White and the handsome prince that would come rescue her.

As a child, I couldn’t wait to read the next fairytale spin-off and of course the classic animated movies took up most of my free time.

About a decade later, these classic fairy tales are still just as popular as before. However, the cinema in particular has taken a sudden new interest in these story lines.

Of course the re-invention of age-old fairy tales is hardly new, but recently these love stories have been recreated into more twisted, dark movies. In order to fit the interests of young adults, these movies have taken out the innocent cartoons in exchange for sex, violence, and satirical humor.

The most recent production is that of “Red Riding Hood,” a production by Twilight’s Catherine Hardwick in which a teenage romance triangle is twisted in with the fairy tale’s gruesome wolf character.

Alongside little red riding hood is a twist of Beauty and the Beast entitled “Beastly.” This is the story of a shallow young man who is taught a lesson after he is turned into an ugly “beast” and forced to find love. In addition, three different features of “Snow White” will be entering the big screen, ranging from an action flick to a dark comedy.

Each twist of classic fairy tales is hoping to bring much revenue as well, so hop on your horse-drawn carriage and come watch!

A Lady In What?

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A lady-in-waiting.

Yep, that’s right.

And no, that does not mean a lady waiting in the line to the restroom or in any line perhaps.

A “lady-in-waiting” is the classic English term deemed for the right hand women of a royal princess.

In this case, I am referring to the British princess-to-be Kate Middleton. The upcoming wedding has brought about much interest in the royal family and specifically into the life and rule of Prince William’s beloved wife.

Serving as basically the princess’s assistant, this “lady in waiting” is responsible for handling mail and traveling with the royal family during official visits.

Past princesses have given this position to a close family member or friend. However, rumors have circulated that Kate will follow in the footsteps of Diana and bring in an expert in “castle culture” for the first few years before bringing in her own family.

For now, the famous pair of William and Kate are looking forward to their wedding day and acclaiming more and more fame for their soon-to-be lovely royal family.