Interview Questions to Consider

Sometimes an interview can completely change dynamics with one simple phrase, "Do you have any questions?"

Most of us have felt it. That sudden tenseness and the moment of panic when you realize that all of your questions that you came to this interview ready to fire off were answered during the course of the interview, and you would look like a moron if you asked them now. Well, never fear, here's a list of some questions that just might help avoid this and make you out to be an interview rock star!

What qualities are you looking for in the person you are hoping to appoint?

This might seem like a simple question, but it honestly makes sense to ask it. You go to the interview to try and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate, and this is a chance to shine! Maybe they list a quality or two that you did not have a good chance to show that you had during the course of the interview, you can address that here. Maybe they describe you word for word and this becomes your chance to show them once again that you fit the mold! This question has the added bonus of letting you know where you stand with this interviewer.

What scope is there for personal development at your company? or Is there room for growth?

These questions show that you are career minded and are not just looking for a position to fill, but a career. Companies want someone who is a long-term investment for them, not just a time suck. This question shows that you are forward thinking and ambitious, which is a plus for a like-minded company. They want to see that you want to grow in this position, not just use it as a launch pad for a different job.

Is there anything you have seen in the other people on the shortlist that you have not seen in me? or Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could try to address?

These questions give you a chance to address any concerns that the interviewer might have about you. They also show that you are open to critical feedback and take criticism well.These questions are a bit of a gamble as you may not like the answer, but they can pay off big in the right circumstances. This question has the added fun of turning the tables on the interviewer.

What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face? or Can you describe a typical day or week in the position?

You're not stupid or blind, a new job means new challenges and you are already thinking about them. You see yourself in this position and you want to know what to expect. These questions show that you are not just trying to land the position, but succeed at them as well. You want to be ready to face whatever the job may bring.

What would a successful first year in the position look like? or Thinking back to the person who you've seen do this job best, what made their performance so outstanding?

Whoa there partner, you're looking to actually succeed at this role? You want to do a job that contributes to the company as a whole? I hope so, because that what questions like these two demonstrate, that you realize you are part of a whole and want to be a great employee. Asking something like this will definitely get the interviewer's attention.

How will the success of the person in this position be measured? or How is the success of your employees measured?

Though similar to the previous questions, this type of question shows that you are looking to be successful. These questions allow you to get insights into the company's policies and values. It lets you know how your contributions are measured and if you are a good fit for a company that looks at you that way.

How long did the previous person in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like? or Is there significant turnover?

Questions like these are more for your benefit than the employer's. They can alert you to pitfalls within the job like unrealistic expectations or lack of growth in a company. If the answer is yes, ask why so that you can be aware of what to expect. Use caution when using this question, however, as you can easily tread into places you should stay of out as an interviewee.

How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive, and what type don't do as well? or Can you describe your company’s culture?

I cannot stress the importance of this question. A job is a significant time investment in your life. You want to know that you would do well here, but so does the interviewer. Are you a good fit for this kind of environment? Is it strict and closed off, but you're more free spirited? Does the company act like a start-up but you're more used to having the same routine every day? These are the things you need to know when considering a potential position, and it also gives you a chance to show you would fit in and how.

Of course it is always good to have a fallback plan.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Most of these questions where pulled by a simple Google search for interview questions, and none of them were all that unique. My hope is that these questions help you in the interview, or at least give you a few ideas for questions to ask. Remember, the goal of an interview is to show that you are the one they are looking for. You questions and answers should all be tailor made to showing the managers you interview with that you are not a candidate, but the candidate.

Grammar, Grammar, Grammar!

As a writer, it is extremely important to check your grammar. It is easy to overlook small mistakes that can easily sneak into the work you do. I fall victim to this problem more often than I would like to admit. It is easy as a writer to forget that you make mistakes. You may not make the same mistakes that other people might make, but you still make them, and it can be hard to face that. It is increasing harder to keep your grammar skills up to par, especially in this digital age of texting and "lolspeak." I know that I am weird when it comes to text messages, but I refuse to sacrifice good grammar simply to send a text off mere seconds faster.

And even then people make mistakes.

Yes, I know the difference between "your" and "you're;" I don't get tripped up when it comes when to use "they're," "their," or "there." I can use the Oxford comma, and I know when to use a semi-colon (or even a colon). Does that mean I'm perfect? No way. I still make some basic mistakes now and then, and some less basic mistakes when I get a bit fancy. I know that tense changes slip into my writing too often, and I sometimes slip a progressive verb in places that really don't work. Even now and then I slip and make the same mistakes that I just implied I don't make! No writer is prefect, no matter what you may think.

As I write this, I am reminded that I have submitted work that honestly needed massive revision. Too often I have waited until the last minute to get to work. Heck, I recent writing sample I put together took nearly six hours to complete with about seven total drafts passed between me and a friend of mine who works as an editor. Now, don't get me wrong, a large part of those revisions was formatting my work into APA style standards (I confess I am much more adjusted to MLA style standards and Chicago style fills me with dread).

So what is a hip young writer to do? Well, you are in luck, that is exactly what this post is all about! Here are some simple, but effective techniques you can start using today to drastically improve your writing and minimize those annoying grammatical errors and mistakes.

1. Slow Down!

If you're not careful,
you could make mistakes like this one!

That's right! Slow down. Write slower. Okay, I get it, you have so much to say that you have to just write it down before it escapes forever. Okay, but are you willing you write that so fast that you make mistakes and then you have to spend possibly three or four times more time going back and translating your "genius" into something other people can understand? Sometimes, yes, this is necessary (we'll get to that in a bit), but other times you are deluding yourself and you really need to get a reality check. You don't have to get it all out before you forget it all, because if it was really that good, you should be able to write it out without losing it like a small breeze.

Slowing down will also help you keep an eye out for typos or changing tenses. Some mistakes can easily be avoided if you take your time to carefully craft your work. Some people use the term wordsmith to describe what we do. I think that is an apt word. Similar to a blacksmith, a great piece takes time. It is carefully crafted over time, not within seconds. You might have loaded this blog post in seconds, but I promise it took much longer to write.

2. Double, Triple, and Quadruple Check Your Work!

Tideous, but effective!

Yes, I know, some of you are upset. I have now told you in two tips in a row to slow down. Why is that? because it is important. Take breaks, get your eyes away from your writing. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes on a draft to spot mistakes that you may have missed before. That's why others can spot things you missed! They haven't had their eyes glued to the work for hours at a time.

Additionally, there are times that sudden inspiration hits and, honestly, you just can't be slowed down by hunting for errors. That's okay, let the inspiration ride, but remember that it will need a bit of work to make it as polished as possible. This isn't a bad thing.

3. Have a Style Manual Ready

Personally, this is my favorite.

Yes, I know. You feel like you know so very much when it comes to grammar and stylistic choices that you don't need the rules close at hand. You are also wrong and reading this article, so I think I've made my point.  Yes, it is slower to thumb through a handbook. Yes, the tips might be very basic. Honestly, though, I don't see how one of these bad boys isn't a normal part of a lot of writers' arsenal. Heck, while we're at it, you should have a dictionary and a thesaurus within arm's reach as well.

Everyone needs help. This is an inescapable rule of life. It has been said that no man is an island unto himself. This is true. No one stands alone. Mistakes are simply a part of life. Having a plan to minimize those mistakes only makes sense. Which leads us to tip number four!

4. If Possible, Have Someone Else Edit Your Work

Red marks can save you
embarrassment later.

You miss things. It's okay; this is a judge free zone. You are not perfect, nor are you expected to be. You will miss things in your own writing. You know what you meant, and it is very likely you keep that firmly in mind when you read your work to edit it. Other people will see mistake you may easily miss. Sometime you correct the mistakes in your head as you read them. This is natural and many people have been tripped up by this.

While we're on this topic, it is important you carefully consider what has been said to you. Don't get offended at what someone suggests. You know your first (and maybe eighth) draft isn't spotless, so why are you so up in arms when the person you had edit your work points out that this or that isn't clear, or you changed tense, or whatever you did? That is what they're there for! Maybe they have a suggestion of how you could word something clearer, take that advice! Sometimes you will flat out disagree with proposed edits. That's okay too! You don't have to do everything someone else suggest, but you do have to to be gracious, or you could lose a valuable asset!

Additionally, you could make them mad.

Ultimately the best advice I can give is to keep at it. Yes, it will take time. Yes, you might fail more times than you succeed. If you are really serious, then treat those times as learning experiences, get up on the horse, and ride again my friend!

Content Ahoy!

About a month ago I was in the process of applying for a content writer position that I really wanted. I sent in my resume, a strong cover letter tailored to the position and company, plus the four writing samples they had asked for. It was a position that didn't require experience and I thought that was my in. I was thrilled when they asked for an additional writing sample. In fact, I was on Cloud 9! They were taking me seriously! That's when things fell apart.

I sent in the writing sample. I was told I would be contacted. I kept sending weekly reminders. Silence was my only reply. I didn't know what to do. In fact, I nearly gave up on the job completely.

That's when it happened. This same company reposted the content writer job. The exact same job that fell through for me appeared again. I was unsure at first. Should I take that leap again into the arms of a company that had just recently left me hanging? The answer was yes.

The contact person had changed for this opening. I had thought that maybe the original contact person had become too busy to actively recruit for this job.When I carefully read the description again, I saw that the contact person was not the same person as before. So, throwing caution to the wind, I applied again!

This time they were only asking for two writing samples, so I sent what I believed to be my strongest sample, plus the one I created for them before. I decided to be a bit more aggressive this time. I sent a follow-up e-mail stating that I had already been through a portion of this process already, who my contact was, and what had happened. I seriously want this job, so I am serious about how I apply and pursue this job.

It seemed to pay off, I got a reply. This reply, however, was unexpected due to the content. I was again asked for a writing sample, with the exact same details as before. I could have taken the easy route and simply replied that I had already done this, and whatever, but I didn't. I wrote a new sample from scratch. I took the time, made sure the new sample is was as polished as possible.

This is when I took yet another calculated risk. When I submitted the new writing sample, I let my new contact know I had already submitted one for the other contact, but this one was brand new. I'm actually rather proud of this one, I think it is a lot better than the original.

Pictured: #Winning

Then I went for the kicker. I went there, in person, with three new writing samples I wrote just for them. I was confident. I was pumped! I was rejected. 

And repeat...

That's right. I went through all that time, effort, and energy to simply be shot down quicker than frat boys by a bar waitress. They kindly took my new samples* and sent me on my merry way. I walked away feeling a bit down.

So what's an unemployed, creative writer-type to do? I kept my head high and moved on. So this one company doesn't hire me. Someone will or freelancing with go on to be something more than it is now. Heck, my networking is already paying off and I should have new contacts with a major company within the week, so, sweetness!

Also, looking a pictures of
puppies helps. Here's one!

All in all, I say it was a good experience. Sure, I am still unemployed, but oh well, I don't have to stay that way forever and I learned from this. I gained confidence from this. I learned that tenacity pays off, even if it doesn't land you the job. I got a company to take me seriously. If anything, I took a major step forward. And so can you.

On a happier note, I've been pairing up with City Union Mission a bit recently. Most of what I do is some minor editing, but I also wrote a little something for them.

*I had physical copies which had, and I quote, "great formatting." 

Some Leaps Just Have To Be Made

Well, I did it. I pilled the trigger. I am actively looking at freelance writing and editing work. I have sent out some feelers, I have created a profile on ELance, I have used some of the resources on Freelance Writing Jobs. I am making this official. It is a big step, but I am going to plunge ahead. I already did some volunteer editing for City Union Mission, editing some posts on their "Letters From Camp" blog. Specifically, these posts three saw revisions from me. I'm not saying that I've already found a whole lot of anything. In fact, I am writing this post after sending off a batch of inquiries into possible freelance work.

I am taking my own advice from my last post; I'm working on building my portfolio, and I am going to continue working with City Union Mission. That, I hope, will be a valuable resource for me. I will be looking at other possible avenues to help promote me as a writer. I've also consulted a friend of mine in the Public Relations field. She suggested engaging other bloggers and having insightful and thought things to say, not just the typical "nice post!" If my time on LinkedIn has taught me anything, it that networking is always a plus.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on finding full-time work completely, but I also realize that having been thinking teaching and not writing when I was going to college, I am at a definite disadvantage when it comes to looking for work in my field. Additionally, I have lost most of my schoolwork to various moves and accidents, and all the quality stuff is just plain gone.

This has nothing to do with this post,
I just wanted to add a caption!

Starting from scratch is not fun, especially in the professional world. I have yet to start a professional "freelance" blog, and I realize that my past of whining about not posting and my otherwise silly posts on this blog will turn a few noses. Unfortunately, as I am trying to get a lot of things off the ground and blocking time especially for freelance work, a new blog is not in the cards, and I really shouldn't spend that time creating a new blog, especially not with the plans I have for when that blog gets off and running. Perhaps when I have the time, I will create a freelance/portfolio blog. Honestly, I've been slowing using this blog to test out some things to be better prepared once I can get that other blog off the ground. In a way, this blog is becoming a public experiment in making a professional looking blog.

Pictured: The Internet
(Yes, this is a The IT Crowd reference.)

One of the feature you might notice is the use of pictures in this blog. I didn't always use pictures and I have been slowly experimenting with that feature. The addition of captions is something I will be trying in this and future posts. The features are simple, but I have never played with them. I hope to get a camera of my own soon that I might be able to generate my own images instead of leeching free/generic stuff found all over the Internet. Also, I will be able to make my own graphics like a boss.

Seven Writing Portfolio Building Ideas

I doubt that I'm working on anything new or groundbreaking here, but I thought I would take some time and detail some of what I have been learning about portfolio building. Notably, I'm not an expect, nor do I expect you to listen to me. I will say this, however, you ignore my advice at your own risk.

Yes, I'm a newbie at all of this, but that is why I have insight. I don't have a portfolio that has been netting me jobs for some time and is established. I'm building from scratch, just like some of you might be. This is not a how-to; this is a list of ideas that I have gathered about doing exactly what many of us struggle with, building a decent writing portfolio.

1. Keep Writing

When looking for work, especially when unemployed, the temptation becomes to not write anything new. Excuses range from "lack of time" to just simply being unsure what employers (or clients if your are going the freelance route) might be looking for.

Don't be afraid to keep writing and polishing what you write! You could try branching into new places with your writing, and try out new styles. Experiment, have fun. Why should anyone hire you if you're not comfortable with your craft? Why should anyone hire you if you don't write?

2. Blog It

Blogs provide a great way to create an online portfolio. You could even create a section tailored just to that feature! This could be risky if you have some random blog that you have posted things that employers might frown upon. Yes, sorry, Awesome Corp X couldn't care less what Mr. Fluff-n-Stuff did. No, Great Job, Inc. doesn't want to know how great you think spray cheese is.

To counter this, I highly recommend you have a professional blog with a semi-professional look to it. Many blog sites have features that can assist you in this, and a quick Google search can provide some tools to help make your blog shine!

3. Volunteer

Organizations are always looking for people to write for them. Yes, it pays nothing, but some of these organizations are willing to allow you to have a small bio attached to your work. If nothing else, it could be something to add to your portfolio, and could pay off in the long run.

I get it, AnimalsArePeopleToo.org may be a bit off their rocker, heck, they may even remind you of your creepy uncle, but you aren't exactly the Stephen King of whatever field you're in, so suck it up!

4. Submit, Submit, Submit!

I hope you're prepared for rejection, because you're going to get more than a 1980's band geek with braces.* 

Yes, you may need to look for lower paying jobs. Yes, you may need to work for squat and never get called again like some awkward one night stand, but you won't regret it once the real jobs come and you can drown your sorrow and shame in the cash you will then be rolling in.**

This advice goes double for those of you thinking about freelancing as a career move. Seriously, take a moment to Google freelance writing and rejection, I'll wait. Heck, AboutFreelanceWriting.com fully expects you to get rejected. To quote this article from Freelance Writing Jobs:

If you receive rejection, don’t despair. Consider yourself part of a special club. Every single writer receives rejection at one time or another. Let it roll off your back and get back to work.

5. Have Fun

You've heard the saying, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."*** If this is really where you want your career to go, have some fun with it. Writing shouldn't be a chore to you, but a joy! I've taken time out of my job search to just write this article because I love it! Writing is my passion, so I'll put off a couple of leads to get some time in with words.

6. Expand Your Horizons

Writers who are not able to adapt will die in this market. There are thousands of competitors out there. If you can only right one thing really well, you better hope there is a lot of jobs in that one thing, otherwise, good luck to you.

Learning to have different styles can be difficult, but the boarder your range, the more work you can do, and it will show possible employers or clients that you can fit any need they might have, even if the project suddenly needs to be in a different style. I don't honestly know how often that would happen, but look at it this way, who would you hire? The guy who can only help you in one situation, or the guy who can help you in five?

7. Proofread

I have some bad news! Nothing kills an otherwise great writing sample than mistakes. Grammar errors like wrong tenses, misplaced commas, and other mistakes. Don't confuse "they're" with "their," or "your" with "you're." Check to make sure you didn't mistype a word or use the wrong form of a work. Clean up confusing sentences and make corrections to the more confusing parts of what you write.

No writer is perfect, and the "edit as you go" method will still miss things. Maybe you need to add something, or maybe a section needs cut! Don't be afraid to get a second pair of eyes on a draft. Maybe you just need to take a break and go back over your work with a fresh look. Grammar and style manuals can be helpful if they are quality and mostly up-to-date. We all need our work edited, so don't feel bad.

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In the end, these are just suggestions. Sure, I'm new to this, but I've done my homework. I can't recall all that I've read, but these are the steps I'm taking with this. Sure, time will tell if this pays off, but, oh hey, what do you know? I just expanded my portfolio options by one.

Looking for Work, or an Exercise in Insanity?

Normally this is the part where I whine and complain about how I haven't maintained a blog, and blah, blah, blah. I've decided that this blog is going to cease to be that kind of blog. Why? I'm getting serious about the serious business of writing.

You see, a lot of us writers do this. We say that we want to freelance or whatever (commit to a book, poem, whatever currently tickles our fancy). We make bold claims and a whole lot of nothing is the result. So I asked myself, aren't you tired of that? The simple answer was yes, so I committed to looking for work in the writing industry. And that is when I discovered one small hiccup in my otherwise brilliant scheme, my portfolio is sad.

I am weep into your cocoa, cuddle up with a puppy, and watch some generic sappy movie sad. The sad that drives poets to poesy sad. It's not that I don't have writing samples, I do, and they even display my range as a writer and how I'm all multifaceted. But as a lot of writing jobs are in marketing and I have nothing that shows how I could blow people away in the field, I spend a lot of time sending in my stuff, only to get laughed at. (I assume this at least; to date, no one has actually called me to laugh at me, but it wouldn't surprise me.)

So, some of you ask, "What are you doing about all this? Quitting? I would, but then again, I'm not you so you wouldn't take my advice." You're right random person that I made up, I'm not. I'm still plugging away. I keep searching for jobs, even ones not in my field. I've started building a LinkedIn profile, and I am working on generating new, exciting writing samples, as well and brushing up my writing skills and taking the leap into freelance writing. I'm building myself up and taking risks.

I was, admittedly, trying the same tactics for far too long. Using the same samples, not taking risks, and even not writing, but what is the point? Writers and supposed to be creative and I confess to be one of their lot, so creativity is something I should have. (I do have that spark, by the way, at least according to others and a class I took in college.)

Finding work in the freelance world is not easy, but not impossible, at least according to Tom Ewer at Leaving Work Behind. I've actually found his article "Freelance Writing: How To Find Your First Job" interesting and informative. I will be following his tips. One thing that I have as an advantage is that my current living situation allows me to not need a steady income right now, so I do have some time to build up a portfolio this way. He also lists 7 mistakes that I will definitely be looking to avoid.

I would hate to live where Tom lives, though, he says $40,000 a year is not enough to pay the bills, and I would disagree, that would be a blessing beyond compare for me and there would be plenty of opportunities for me to live off of that.

Normally, this is the part where I promise to write more and maybe even announce what will come next. The truth is, I don't know what is next, nor do I care. Life is too fluid sometimes and we all have a lot to learn. So, no, I won't make promises like that. What I say is I will write when I have something to say, and possibly even before that.

Why Do I Even Have Blogs?

So, if you ever read much of my few posts here, you know I have times I disappear and then complain that I need to write more. Well, I plan on really doing that. I can't begin to get into the insanity that this past year has been. Seriously, it's just too crazy and scary and messy. What I do is that I had my eyes opened in ways that I never thought I'd see.

I have learned so much about myself lately and it's been nice. I wish I hadn't had to go through what I did to get to this point, but that is the past. I can't change that. What I can do is look to the future and see what I'm going to do with my life. I'm done feeling sorry for myself, and I'm done with being lazy. There are things I need to do and I will work with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to do them.

This post is a tad sort, so here's a little meat to talk about what's next. I plan on writing a bit more just because I can and should. Also, I will be working on a post about prayer soon, so look for that. I don't know what the future holds, just that I plan on facing it head on from now on.

This Post Is Brought To You By Cream Soda And A Friend Pushing Me

Sometimes I think I should have named this "My Emo Blog," mainly because I seem to get all emotional and what not in my posts on this blog. But then I would have to Photoshop some pictures of me with an emo haircut, and possibly some makeup. It's really this big commitment that I'm not so sure I want to make. Plus I would have to create all these emo colors for my blog (like black, more black, blacker black, and purple) and start writing poetry about emo themes (like being emo I guess? I never really understood emo poetry). Really, it's just so much work being emo and I'm kind of already doing this whole being me thing, I don't want to add all that on top of it.

Any way, on to the post. As I glance at the time, it is 1:05 in the morning. Why oh why am I still up? Well, long story and I should be getting to bed. I plan on posting a poem to Starlight Ponderings just after this post, but that doesn't explain why I am up while my eyes feel like they're are going to explode out of my head. Well, long story short, being up late is something I've been doing lately and I've been having some discussions with some people. Now, a friend has comitted to making sure I post on at least one of my blogs once a week, and she has basically told me that I should post something now, so I am. I agreed to this because I want to make myself write more and I have a whole slump of not writing to get out of. It is a slump and I need help. Basically, I got addicted to the whole not writing and being lazy and now I need help kicking the habit. And that's where this deal I made comes in.

However, it is late, so I needed a crutch, and I chose A&W Cream Soda. However, the sugar high is gone, and I am too tired for the caffeine to have any effect. I am posting on sheer willpower alone. This is not working, and it is slowing me down on my typing and thought process. I am mistyping words and have to go back on and off, plus I am thinking about the same speed that I type. Normally I am ahead of what I am typing by at least a few sentences, but not now. Oh no, not now. However, I do think it is time to end this post. I hope to give a more meaningful post next time and get Following Christ, No Matter What The Cost back up and running with posts and studies and all that jazz in the near future. Hopefully I can get myself back to doing what I love and moving past this whole slump I have been in for a long time. That's all for now, I'll tag this post later.

Lying to You Completely, While Telling the Whole Truth

What you are about to read is a work of fiction. That is, however, excepting the places where it is not fiction. At those places, it is rather not at all a work of fiction and calling it such would be quite odd indeed. Yet, I will allow you, my dear reader, to determine for yourself where I have opted to let the truth appear.


In the beginning...
God created Man and Woman alike. But I'm sure that's not the right beginning. That's more like the beginning of the beginning, which is far too much of a beginning for this tale, so maybe we should fast forward a bit...

In the beginning, of my reading career that is, I started reading books "too advanced" for my age. (I told you, some of it's fiction, some of it's not, you decide.) I was enthralled how the words on the page played together to make a story. I found myself glued to books, craving more and more of these tomes. Soon, I was reading ahead in all my classes, nothing could sate my appetite for books. I was a reading machine. I won more of those little Personal Pan Pizzas from Pizza Hut than anyone in my whole school because I read constantly. Yet my teachers had yet to really rock my world.

We had been learning to write sentences, simple and "complex." My class felt so proud was we mastered all the sentences our teacher could throw at us. Then we got the curve ball. No, there was no baseball in class, and even if she wanted to, our teacher didn't throw anything at us, but told us to write our own stories. A collective groan was heard throughout the class. Everyone thought it would be too hard to write our own stories, for we had been copying sentences to that point. Well, all this is true, except one child whose eyes got so big, they looked like they were going to pop right out of his little skull. He uttered some words that I'm 100% sure the teacher had never heard before, at least in this order, "You can do that!?"

What was to follow came Nathan, the Story Weaver Extraordinaire. People came from all around to hear me tell tales of mystery, dragons, heroes, and puppies. Not normally in that order, and not always did these stories come with the aforementioned things. It was shocking, it was wonderful. It was all trash.

Rubbish, every little bit of tale weaving I did was laughable at best. It was well in my interest to just quit while I was behind and never look back. And that's exactly what I did. (If you believe that, you haven't been paying attention.)
I became a liar with a knack for getting out of trouble. Few were the people who could catch me in a lie, mainly because I lied constantly. It was like second nature to me. Tell a lie, have people think highly of you, and you have it made. In a sense, I was still weaving my stories that I had loved to tell, just with a lot less effort and an even smaller amount of imagination. I was a out-and-out liar who only used his storytelling powers for evil and self gain. I wasn't aware that with great power comes awesome opportunities to totally express yourself dude! (I apologize for that reference train wreck that 99% of the people who read this won't get.)
I was once asked during a time in my life where I was going nowhere fast, "What are you passionate about?" And, because I apparently like to hit the mute button on life's bigger lessons, I've been asked several more times that exact same question. The question isn't how do I let myself get caught up in the passion of the moment, nor is it what passions others feel I should have. I'm about to lay it thick like peanut butter here, "What are you passionate about?" What makes feel like you were meant to do it? What is it that you do that if you don't do it, it feels like someone took a bite out of you like Scruff McGruff used to take a bite out of crime. (Seriously, does that crazy cartoon police detective dog even still exist? Or did I just totally date myself with that reference? I think it's time for a gritty reboot.)

I was, at some point, I forget which, reminded of that passion for writing/story-telling/being all "expressive." I get encouraged to write and I often try, but then I get discouraged again and I'm pretty sure most of the people who I talk to about my writing want to smack me upside the head and tell me in a gentle, but a smack upside the head way, just write!

Of course then I whine that it's no so easy, maybe even complain how I haven't made a living as a writer yet (if I can even actually get the guts to try to freelance). It's rarely an issue of lack of inspiration. I get inspired by nearly fifty things daily. You want to know the truth? Okay, lean in close and I'll tell you. Closer... A little closer... Wow, do you look silly with your face so close to the screen. That's bad for the eyes you know. See, free medical advice, right there. You can thank me by donation or cookies. I really like cookies.

Oh, right, as I was saying, I get lazy. I get discouraged. I get "lacouraged." (One day I will invent a word and be all relevant and hip for like a full five seconds, after which I will be repeatedly accused of copying the word from someone else.) To be honest, I am a bit scared. Writing is this whole big world and I may never break into it. Or one day I'll be a smash hit and break the writing world's face or something. I'm sure it will all be very painful with all the smashing and breaking going on.

What I am saying is that I need to be a bit better at actually doing the things I know I want to do with my life. I have no idea if I have the slightly bit of talent at all. For all I know, I'm a hack writer with a goatee and a love of cheese. (I do love cheese...) I could do better at a lot of things and it's easy to just look at my faults any get discouraged. But, honestly, I don't think that is what God wants for us. I don't have some super classy Bible verse to back me up on this, but I think God wants us to realize, "Hey, I'm not perfect, and I have tons of room to grow, but God is in control and He made me, so He completely understands where I'm coming from and put these passions into me for a reason." What I'm saying is, what are you passionate about? Have you let the world twist it into an ugly reflection of what God has for you like I did when I would tell so many lies? Or are you taking your God given passions and talents and turning them into something greater?

I am writing more, and I've started really, for the first time in my life, to experiment with my writing style and methods. For the longest time I was on auto-pilot, just letting my writing do it's own thing. I acted like it was a force in itself. Guess what, dear reader, it isn't a force in itself, but a part of who I am. Just like that think this post has reminded you of is a part of you.

I honestly don't know how this post came to this. I found part of this that i had started on before and I realized, I still had a lot to write on it. See, there I am, writing. I'll be writing until the day I die, and maybe, just maybe, God will bless me with something more than a few blogs and some notebooks with my writings peppered within. I don't know, but I never will if I never try. God will never lead me astray, but I can go astray full well on my own.

Heavy, huh? You started this and thought it would be all kicks and giggles and a good time. So did I, but then I had to be honest. Well, on a lighter note, I'll still tell stories about mysteries, dragons, heroes, and puppies, even if not in that order. Because I have a creative God with a sense of humor. I know this is true because He created me and you, and everything in between and beyond, and because at age 22 I'm still tripping over things that aren't there.

Writing At Things Differently

Recently, I committed myself to writing daily. Something, anything, even if it was complete garbage and would never see the light of day. I have quickly learned how hard that is to do. I never really had the habit to write daily, even though I had always wanted to do so. Writing is as much a part of me as is my own arm, or my brain. When I don't at least commit my thoughts to paper (or blog as the case may be), I feel as if part of me is missing, even blank. I spend a great deal of time thinking up things to write, so it should follow that I spend a great deal of time writing. This has not been the case.

I guess part of me felt like I couldn't be a writer, or at the very least, I was a talentless hack sprawling useless little letters, forming sentences of nothing. I looked to others to tell me if I had it in me to be a writer. I was running. Sure, I may never be a professional writer and these blogs of mine may be the only things I ever publish, but it is high time I stop hiding. So what if so and so believes I have no talent? I didn't just imagine that I have this desire to write. It is real, it is alive. I am alive!

It's not like I haven't heard people say I have talent. I guess I just wanted to believe they were just being nice, but I realized something last night. I have honest friends who would tell me if what I wrote was mostly junk. On top of that, I have a desire and love of writing. So, in that sense, I am already a writer. I still have a lot of work to do, as I am experimenting with my writing style and playing a bit with what I can do, not to mention I'm still struggling to write daily. I'm sure it will become easier as I go. I do know that I need to work on my process, for it is not great and I do not spend the serious time thinking on what I write that I would like. I should spend more time writing and editing my work, until the day it become something I can feel not only good about, but that I worked hard on.

I am reminded of a story, or parable rather, that Jesus told in the Bible. Those of you who know it will call it the Parable of the Talents. For those of you who don't know, Jesus told this story of three servants that were given set amounts of money (talents) to take care of while their master was away. Two of the servants put the money to work and returned more than they were given. The last simply buried his charge, and returned exactly what he was given. The two that returned more were put in charge of greater things, but the one who buried the money was not. God has given me a talent of sorts, I should be putting it to work, increasing it, not burying it. I think now I will.

Oh, Forget It, I Can't Think Of A Title Any Way...

So, some news for my faithful few! (Maybe I should avoid saying things like how few people read this and blah, blah, blah...) I finally have my first real interview since I lost my last job. It went fairly well, but it seems I am the first of four candidates for this job and the manager that interviewed me seems to think that he won't make a decision until about Tuesday. Then, if he likes me enough over the other people, then he'll give me a call. If that happens, then I get to interview once again with the general manager, who is ultimately responsible for hiring. All this to be a cook at Applebee's. No offense to the other guys (or possibly gals), but I hope they don't get the job and I do. I need to work 'cause work makes me feel good inside (and makes my bank account feel even better inside).

Speaking of work, I have been reading this blog lately, called Android Central. Recently, they posted an article detailing how they are looking for some new writers to handle news volume. Now, I know, some people are thinking, "Oh, Nathan, that would be right up your alley, you want to be a writer after all." I thought the same thing! However, there is one slight problem, they require that you own an Android smart phone, which I currently do not. (Yes, that is a link to a Wikipedia article, because it gives some good insight for those who don't know that Android is a cell phone operating system and not the Droid series of phones from Verizon.) I do want to own a Nexus One when I have money and my upgrade comes in from T-Mobile, but that is not now.

In other news, life has been interesting. I did/ am doing some work at my church, painting this shed we have. It's great to be doing something with my hands again. Another thing I did with my hands is rip apart a computer I used to own and take some components from it. You see, I found out that my CD drive burned out, or something, on the computer I am currently using at home. I hate that computer so much, but I had some CD's I really wanted to load to my iPod. However, they first needed to be on my iTunes, so I was simply going to take one of the two CD-ROM drives that were going to waste in old system, yet it proved to be more of a task than I thought. So I gutted the thing and now need to find it the parts I took are even worth all that effort. I also recently fixed my PS3, with my own two hands, because I do stuff like that. Yet Best Buy still hasn't called me. Their loss I guess.

How Can Looking For A Job Still Make You Feel Like A Bum?

Oh, unemployment, thou art the bane of my existence. I've been out of work since October and let me tell you, finding a job has been insane. Part of me wonders if there isn't some mean spirited person running around, contacting the people I apply to and telling them not to hire me, not to even call me. Sure, I was let go from my last job, but it wasn't for anything crazy. It's not like I'm some loose cannon waiting for a chance to explode. I am hard working guy and I'm good at what I do. So you know what that means? That's right, NO ONE WILL HIRE ME. At least that is what it feels like. I honestly now have more applications out now that I have ever had in my life. Managers duck my calls like a wide receiver ducking defenders (that's a football reference for the non-football people).

Maybe it's my degree. I have an English degree, but I am not applying (for the most part) to jobs that require a degree. Maybe they think I'm over qualified or that I will dump them as soon as that big job comes in. So they don't call back. It's silly, but it's more like their a boy not sure if the girl who gave him her number wants him to call; he wonders if she is interested. She is, even though this example is kind of a poor choice as I am not a she, but, yeah... I want to work, and I want to work for them. I wouldn't have applied, and I definitely would not have called back. However, it appears that you cannot flirt sweetly enough in these dark economic times. You must find a way to bring down the hammer, or find that one person who is willing to take a chance on you. I want that chance. I work hard and learn any job quickly. I hear those are important things.

One thing I have learned is how to fill out an application. Not that I didn't have this knowledge before, but I know it better than ever now. I'm sure I will have nightmares about filling out applications for the rest of my days.

My roommate Jon states that jobs should just hire me because I'm just that good and they should know it when I walk through the door. Of course he is just being encouraging, but, at the same time, I would love it if I just walked in and they knew I would be a hard worker and a great fit. My dad has convinced me that I know my stuff when it comes to things I have applied for, especially when I applied to have a job at a T-Mobile dealer. I've all but given up on that job ever coming through.

I did "have" a job. I was "hired" on to be a cafe cook. Now, you may have noticed I used quotations there. If not, you might think about investing in glasses, it will save you on headaches and your eyes from getting worse. See, I am very helpful, I provide a free eye exam with my blog post. Any way, I came into work for this cafe one day for a very short period of time, which was to be "training." I was told I did well, and then was given a meal as payment. That's right, I worked for about two hours for lunch. Now, I was told I would be called within the week about my hours (this was a Monday). I waited, then called back. Three times, and then I was told by my dad not to call back. If they wanted me, they would call me. I guess they didn't want me, I never got that call. Then I learned that this same location has been under new management/ownership three times in the last three years, so maybe it was for the best.

However, I now wish there was a way to make money filling out these applications. I do so many a day I have to rack my brain to remember who has an app from me and who I'm looking at applying to. I need to sit down and make a master list, which I may do tonight. Seriously, I could open up a business, Nathan's Applications, "You want them filled out, we get them filled out." Sure, it would start off small at first, and I would only have a few clients. Then, as time went on, especially as people were hired, I would expand. At some point, I would hire on new employees, and even set up a website and a Twitter page (businesses have to have a Twitter page these days). Ironically, new employees could not use the service to apply, because our application would be the pre-interview test they would have to pass. Over time, the company would grow, and I would retire early as I sell the company for a multi-million dollar deal. I wouldn't let the new found wealth spoil me though. Oh no. I would still live like I was middle class, just middle class with a whole lot of disposable income.

My point is that someone should hire me so I can stabilize just a bit so that trying to become a freelance writer doesn't seem like a far off pipe dream that I will never be able to gain. I could be a star, just give me a chance to shine! That, and some income is good for things like bills and what not...

Three in One Day!? MADNESS! (Or Freetime?)

So, this is a shout out to all none of you that are still reading my blogs. This would be my third post this day. (First on Following Christ, then on Starlight Ponderings, and now here.) (Did I really need the link to the blog you are currently reading? Maybe that's not the question, but rather, why you are questioning the question of questions. Yeah... Make sense out of that one.)

Any way, down to the posting. many of you people who don't read my blog are asking, why the no posts? Well, because you don't read my blogs, you didn't see I covered that already and so there. Really, the reason I am posting this is to tell absolutely no one (if there is like one real person who reads this, I apologize, I just know that I get some of the dumbest ads in the comments) about Stuff Christians Like. I picked up the book a few weeks ago and had a great laugh. Then I went onto the blog that started it all, and laughed some more.

I think what I like the most about Stuff Christians Like is that it flies in the face of the myth that Christians can't be funny. In fact, there's a post and an entry in the book about that very thing! How awesome is that? I'll tell you, it's about as awesome as a hot cup of coffee with the perfect mix of cream and sugar with a bagel on the side and some Jack Johnson playing in the background. (That's right, I linked you to the man's website so you can see how wonderful his tunes are. Take your time, I'll wait.)

In short, what I am saying, is to read some of the entries on SCL and laugh a bit, because we know this post ain't doing it for you. (But pity laughs are welcome, just so long as they don't sound like pity laughs. I can't stand it when someone laughs and it sounds like they're forcing it, you know? They say beggers can't be choosers, but forget that mess. If you're gonna pity laugh, laugh like you mean it. Sure, it may take you a while, and you may have to take laughing lessons, but it will be worth it. Then, you can pity laugh without hurting that unfunny friend's feelings, or laugh at your boss' jokes and not get fired. You'll thank me then.)

Any way, to quote many a blogger of yore, I will be posting more. I really will. Why? Because writing is in my blood, and just between you and me and any one with an Internet connection that happens on this blog post, I'm going into the writing biz and blogs are awesome for that. Plus, I can post what I want.

Blogging Like I Mean It!

So it's been quite a while since I've posted anything. Why? Life is crazy!

Well, it is... Not exactly my life, per se, but life in general is kind of...

Okay, you've found me out, I've just been real lazy when it comes to writing as of late. I've had so many projects I've wanted to do and I have done none of them! *sob, sob* Don't look at me!

...

What's that? This is a blog post so you can't actually see me? Oh, well, that changes things. Will you get a serious post here? Have you ever actually read this blog? Most of my posts are not serious, but rather quasi-serious, where I say something, but it's peppered with jokes and joke like things. If you want to see serious, you'll have to wait. My goal in 2009 (I keep writing '08 still) is to write a LOT MORE! Yes, that required me to yell over the Internet, it's that exciting.

What's coming down the pipe?

A BRAND NEW STUDY ON ... Following Christ, No Matter the Cost
I will be looking into the 7 Deadly Sins and how they are actually covered in the Bible, plus a study on prayer, and a study on Baptism. And more...

POEMS AND SHORT STORIES THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND (or at least make you think and/or feel feelings of some sort) ON ... Starlight Ponderings
I would tell you what's going to be appearing, but that would ruin it... ...and I don't know everything that will come into my head to write ya know...

RANDOM, RANDOM, RANDOM POSTS AND THOUGHTS ON ... My Other Blog (the one you're reading right now, at this very moment, maybe)
Um, stuff...? What do you want from me? I'm only one man... And I'm going to write, I really, really am! You should see how much I sued to write. I wrote so much that you would wish I didn't write so much! And that's when I should have stopped talking...

Also, I hope to be revamping all three blogs with some features and face-lifts (no face-lift for Starlight though, it's fine as is). I don't know how this year will go, but I don't plan on be so silent again.

Why I Won't be Voting for Obama

Many people have accused me of not knowing the issues this election, yet many of those same people want to debate me on why Obama is so great. I disagree. As a matter of fact, I fear the idea of Obama becoming President. He is not the change we need. While I do disagree with some of what McCain is doing, Barack Obama worries me greatly. Let look at the facts.

Education
Obama wants to close failing charter schools and award succeeding schools. This looks simple and innocent enough, but has many problems. One, Obama is using doublespeak. His website states Obama and Biden want to "improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them." Yet they close failing schools? Are those the same schools that need improvement?

Another problem I have with Obama's plans for Education is how he wants to focus on math and science using "math and science degree graduates." Don't see the problem with that? I do as an Education student. One, most people with those degrees don't want to teach, they have other goals in mind. Making them teach will put them in a position they don't want to be in. Educational Psychology 101, unenthusiastic teachers means unmotivated students. I doubt someone in a field they don't want to be in will do well in that field.

Obama also has some plans to attain teachers. Plans like "rewards," dished out by school districts. I see problems here too. Private schools have their own board, so what is explained excludes private school teachers. That's not very fair. Also, Obama claims this will be "developed with teachers, not imposed on them." This is a lie if the district has control. Not all school board members are teachers or even former teachers. Also, it seems that a bigger set of rewards will go to inner cities, rather than small town schools.

Also, Obama want to get rid of the FASFA, which is bad news for students like me, going to college without the support of family. Obama's campaign clearly states that families will be able to check off a box on their taxes to have that information used. I am not a family, nor am I able to have high enough income to support myself without aid while I am in college. It is not said if people in my situation (going to college sans parental support) will be able to check off the same box. This is doubtful, and would see many people unable to go to college. Much of the aid system would have to be overhauled to accommodate students like me, but what will we do in the meantime?

Further, Obama's "American Opportunity Tax Credit" is a sham. He claims it will cover "two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students." This sound great, if you don't know basic math. Hark back to your elementary school days. Remember mean, median, and mode? Mean was that one that gave averages. You take all the numbers you have, add them together, then divide by the number of items you had. Let's say you have 15 numbers, then you'd add them up and divide by 15. The problem with this? The average typically comes to about the center of the numbers present, if there are no extremes. In college tuition, there are extremes. Public colleges include community colleges, which most people can only get an associate's degree. The draw of these colleges is that they are very cheap. Cheaper than most colleges in fact, especially those that offer bachelor's or even master's degrees. Therefore $4,000 might help, but won't make college free for anyone going past an associate's.

Economy
First off, I don't plan on ever being rich. The most I want is to be able to provide for my family. Obama seems dead set on destroying that dream for many Americans (either simply providing, or becoming rich). Obama wants to redistribute wealth. There are many problems with that. One, our economy will not survive a Socialistic change. We are Capitalists, get over it. Obama can't admit that a lower Capital Gains Tax generates more revenue. He wants to increase it to an amount that simply doubles it. Yet by lowering it, both Clinton and Bush found more revenue was generated. Historically we know this works. So why break what works? Obama's plans need money just like any one else's, so why take that away?

Obama's tax plans amount to "throw money at the economy and hope it works again." He wants to give money to people (Socialistic any one?), provide massive tax breaks, and create jobs. I know, this sounds great. The reality is not so good. Creating new jobs, that's a problem in this case. We have just given away lots of money, and then we make new jobs that cost more money. How does that make any sense? We have less money, so we give it away, and then we spend the money we already don't have to make jobs that cost more of that same money we don't have. I'm not the best at math. I will admit that. Yet I'm no idiot. If we have less money (which we do, the economy is in recession), then how does spending more money help anything? Where does that money come from?

The chief way the government gets its money is through taxation. If we cut taxes, the money lessens. The less money, the less we can do financially. This is basic logic people! So for these plans to work, taxes have to raise somewhere. If we tax business, they in turn have to rise the prices of goods so they can pay for higher taxes. Those increases cause people to have to spend more money to get less, therefore they have less money. This continues too long and businesses start losing ground. They have to start firing people to make ends meet, especially if they have to compete with off-shore competition. Unemployment naturally increases, which in turn lessens the money in the economy which repeats the firing and unemployment cycle. The unemployed have to rely on the welfare programs, but the money is slowly running out. When it does, the welfare system crashes. Meanwhile, businesses are closing and no one can afford anything. Final result, the economy crashes. An extreme example, yes, but even a small part of this would be bad.

I do not support a Socialistic economy. If I happen to one day make a lot of money, I don't want the government to take that from me. I should be allowed to pay my taxes, and then do with the rest as I choose. If I give money to those who need it on my own, that's better than the government telling me to do it. If we "redistribute the wealth" like Obama wants, then what happens to the American Dream? We dream of being able to work hard an reap the benefits of our work, yet Obama wants to take that away. Why won't you let America Dream Mr. Obama?

Health Care
Universal Heath Care. Canadians wait weeks to months to get a MRI, while people in Spain sit in run down hospitals. Both countries offer universal health care, but at what cost? The quality suffers. What's Obama stake in all this? His plan will create a quasi-universal health care plan that will further damage our economy. Somehow, Obama will lower health care with credits (which takes even more money out of the system).

Also, he plans on making "employer contributions more fair by requiring large employers that do not offer coverage or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of their employees health care." Okay, a percentage of payroll? That's where your wages come from. If part of the pie is already gone before you get to it, there's less pie to go around, therefore lower wages. If lower wages are denied, employees would have to be fired to cover costs. This harks back to that bad cycle I was talking about earlier. If employers increase payroll, goods and services must become more expensive to cover it. This goes back to the idea of money not going as far. The cycle still continues.

What's meaningful any way? Obama will make companies that don't make a "meaningful contribution" pay, but never says what's "meaningful." Also, what's "large" by Obama's standards? Why doesn't Obama spell this out more? What about companies that are "large" but can't afford "meaningful contributions?" I guess they just have to tank. No matter how you slice it, this health care plan comes out of the pockets of the very people Obama claims to be helping. If companies do make "meaningful contributions," the money has to come from somewhere. If it all comes from the "rich," then the "rich" will either die or take more from the "poor." If they die, who's left to run this economy? If they take more, how long until we fall?

Let us not forget the controversy of a universal health care plan. Obama's site states there are two extremes, government run (universal), or rampant insurance control (no rules on insurance companies). Just so we're clear, the United States does not employ either system. The Obama-Biden campaign says that both extremes are wrong. Okay, so why would they then state that they want to establish a "National Health Insurance Exchange" that allows private options and "a new public plan." Public means government run. So you have two options, go with your private insurance (your company's or your own), or the public system. The public system which you have to pay for, one way or another. Yet this is supposed to help the middle class Americans? It's yet another "hidden fee" that the Obama campaign won't tell you about.

This one is my favorite, "increasing the use of generic drugs." Obama wants us to use generic drugs more. Do you know what that is Mr. Obama? Tylenol, Advil, Benedril, and other medicines like these fall under the category of "generic." How do I know this? I am a regular sufferer of headaches and migraines. I can't afford to go to the doctor and find out medically why this is, so I have to use over the counter medication. I have done my homework on what I take. I could tell you more about what pills you pop for a headache than a lot of other people. I can also tell you many people, myself included, can't regularly use these "generic drugs." They have little to no effect. I'll take something for my headache simply hoping something might happen. Normally I feel no change, no effect. If I have a mild migraine (mild for me that is), taking anything I can get over the counter is worthless. My headaches are getting worse, anyone who has known me for a while can tell you. I'm in more pain than I used to be, and the pills I take aren't helping. So what good is a generic drug to people like me who need something stronger. Now, let's see the next hidden fee.

Generic drugs are used more under the Obama plan, meaning stronger drugs are less used, and therefore more expensive, drug companies have families to feed too. Now, people like me, who need stronger medication can't afford it unless we have health care (which I don't, nor can I afford it). If they can afford it, they pay "out the nose," as the expression goes, for something that used to be cheaper. Given that they must have a prescription to take that, they cannot give it to them, because it is illegal. So only the "rich" can afford stronger medication, yet we're undermining the rich. The cycle continues.

Then, on top of this, Obama wants "hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data." That takes man power, which costs money, because health care professionals don't have all this time to jot down this data, especially when saving lives. So a new job is created. The hospital has to pay for the new position, because no one will do this for free. The hospital needs money from somewhere, and grants only pay for so much. So they have to hike costs somewhere. Naturally this goes back to people who use the hospital, or doctor wages are cut. Either way, money disappears from one hand into another. People still have less money, and the cycle rolls on.

Energy
Obama wants to create more jobs here too and make more of us drive hybrids. You know, those expensive cars you have to take a loan out just to buy? Guess what, this costs even more money in an ever shrinking pool. Lower taxes means less government money which mean less money for programs. Sure people "have more money," until you break down the other plans and see how they work.

Misc.
What worries me is how Obama seems to think he can create millions of new jobs and not have any money to support them. I don't understand how he can rationalize cutting off the government's resources and yet spending more money and throwing around tax credits at everything. The funds have to come from somewhere. If we won't tax the middle class, then he'll tax the upper class, who will in turn take what they need from the lower classes. If he taxes businesses, same rule applies. If he doesn't tax any one, then he has to borrow money or spend on the Deficit. How any of that helps the economy baffles me.

Also, the sheer fandom that seems to be sweeping around this man is insane. When parents have their children sing songs that say things like "Obama is Hope," without them understanding it, you have to realize something is wrong. When people are willing to ignore facts and call people "racist" over this man, there is something wrong.

Obama has openly admitted to having Socialist policies. He attended a separatist church that not only condemned America, but clearly had extreme racist views. While Obama is not the church he attended, he clearly made no effort to stop or change what had been going on, and he made the choice attend that church. And to those who claim, "That's just how they talk in black churches," I've been to many black churches and not one of them spoke that way.

It also bothers me that Obama refuses to let people see his actual birth certificate. If he has nothing to hide, then why do we only have images off the Internet? Why won't he just release his information when Philip J. Berg accused him in the first place? Why wouldn't he let the courts see the document in question? He's bidding to be President, so every aspect of his life is up for examination. That's how it goes.
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What this is not is a Pro-McCain message. If you don't want to vote for McCain, fine, vote third party. What this is is an Anti-Obama message. We can't afford having this man in power, he is not right for the Presidency. Whatever you do, don't elect Barack Hussein Obama Jr. He is not the change we need.

Is It Ironic That I'm Drinking Water When They Can't?

This year a new group began on campus called Eleven. Eleven works with Blood:Water Mission to help raise awareness of the poor water quality in Africa. This lack of good water is harmful to the people of Africa in many ways. Diseases caused and continued by the water run rampant, and so much time must be invested in getting clean water that many suffer from poor education and other problem from the time it takes just to get a day's worth of clean water.

We have another function, however, because awareness is not enough. We also try to raise funds for Blood:Water Mission. This is where our name comes in. There are approximately 11,000 students enrolled at UCM. If those 11,000 students each donated $1.00 apiece, we could help Blood:Water Mission build 11 wells. That's our goal. We want to make a different and get 11 (at least) wells built. It costs $1,000.00 to build one well. The average American spends about $5.00 a week on drinks besides water. Imagine if for one week we took that money and donated it so others might have clean water. There wouldn't be a place left that didn't have clean water if we could get all of America to do this.

In that idea, we at Eleven have undertaken what we are calling "Two Weeks of Sacrifice." For two week, we drink nothing but water. We take the money we would have spent on soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, tea, coffee, etc., and instead donate it to the cause. I started this last week, and I am now on week two. I almost feel bad because I spend less than $5 weekly (on average) on drinks. So, in total, I'm only donating $6.00, for that's what I spend on average in two weeks on non-water drinks. Yet, this is how it goes I guess.

But something else strikes me. We are drinking only water for two weeks in spirit of people who can quite honestly have a better quality of health drinking alcohol over the water. It's ironic, no? I hope that Blood:Water Mission is able to reach it's goal of 1,000 wells. Clean Blood, Clean Water, Eleven.

Starlight Rebootings

So, I've been getting some free time in my schedule, and I've been gearing up to do some projects. I have a few stories I've kept on the back burner for awhile, and I feel it should soon be time to write them. Yes, I said soon.

I've been working on some heavy stuff for my classes, and am thus unable to do much creative work at this time. However, I hope to start soon, because I have been informed of a nifty website called Fan Story. Basically you can review other people's works and summit your own works into contests to win money. However, to be able to summit anything, you must first be a paying member. It's a small fee, but I do not have the writing time to justify that.

However. Starlight Ponderings has gotten a face-lift. I was tried of the old look, and wanted to update it somehow. So, I did some Googling and found eBlogTemplates.com. They offer dozens of free templates, and I found Aspire to be to my likings. I think it really gives that feeling I wanted with Starlight Ponderings, after I edited the template slightly.

So, I am writing to say I will soon be writing, and that if I can find more worthwhile templates, my blogs might all be receiving updates. I will tell you there will be some planned changes happening soon. Until then, God Bless.

Word 2007, I Have Conquered You!

It's past midnight. I should be in bed. Instead, I'm writing a paper. I should be writing that paper, but I wanted to post about this small victory I had over Microsoft Word 2007 tonight. What I loved about the past versions of Word is that they allowed you to have your rulers on the sides of the problem. Controlling things like the indent and the borders of a document was very simple.

However, I lost my last version of Word when my now former roommate (thanks Alex) decided to "fix" things on my computer. He had to reinstall Windows before it was over. The good thing is that we had the foresight to back up my important files. The bad part was that this version of XP came with Microsoft Office 2007 and all of its features. My beloved ruler disappeared. Sure, I could simply hit the space bar five times for every new paragraph, but I am not a barbarian.

So, I went months hitting the space bar five times every time I indented a paragraph. As an English major, this got old, fast. I was not very happy. Yet, then it happened. I found the exact option I was looking for! My beloved ruler hath been restored to me! Now I can present my indent and never have to worry about it again. Also, I have learned of new features that I did not know Word 2007 had, and I'm oddly looking forward to playing with them at a later date. Now back to the paper I should have written earlier.