It's Official

I have tried to deny it beforte now, but I am willing to admit it: I am not poetically inclined and may never be. I can write short stories like nobody's business, but when it comes to poetry; I give up.

Ode to Homework

Because I have nothing better to do

I can finally write that movie review.

Sun shining—fifteen degrees,

Envisioning a warm summer breeze and palm trees.

Wishing to go outside and catch a tan,

But alas, I’m stuck inside watching Anchorman

The Times How They Are A Changing

Roller-blading, biking, watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing Barbies—all the things I did as a child; however, for the youth of today this is not on their to-do lists. Oh no! Instead they out gallivanting around, doing whatever they wish with little to no consequences.

Today, it seems as though the level of respect shown by young children is diminishing. When I was younger I would never dare act the way children do today. Children as young as six are cursing—often times at their parents. No slap in the mouth, no soap; no consequences. Parents are not allowed to use these tactics today because one day someone decided to call it child abuse—how are the kids to learn? Are they going to learn by the parent constantly telling them no? No, they’re not, and that’s clear because this issue just seems to be getting worse.

I see it every day in my work place where I serve families and host birthday parties. Parents have little to no control of their children today because—God forbid—someone sees them punishing their child and calls Children's Aid services. I’m sorry but when I was a child it wasn’t illegal for a child to receive a “spanking” every now and then—I received several, but I learned my lesson every time.

Also, what is up with ten year olds who think its “cool” to inhale toxic chemicals? I’ve begun to notice it more and more lately and, to me, the amount of pre-teens who smoke is astonishing; especially with all the known information. Just the other day I spotted a small boy who looked to be eleven—maybe twelve— puffing on a cigarette. Where were his parents? How do they not know? I asked myself these questions and more, but then I realized that none of that matters because this little boy is going to smoke regardless. There is nothing his parents can do; they are helpless.  They cannot punish him because—for the most part—the youth of today are generally defiant due to their new-found freedom of punishment. All anyone can do is tell him to stop; he won’t.

Lastly, being a senior in high school, I hear bits and pieces of conversations as I travel the hallways, and what I hear is truly unbelievable. Grade nines—thirteen year olds—are talking about sex, drugs and whatever else they can get their hands on. So and so hooked up with his guy, she passed out, he almost overdosed—all sentences heard through my travels. First of all, they are thirteen and definitely should not be having sex—they’re still children, it's just that simple. As for drugs, I did not even have a clue what marijuana was until I reached high school and theses kids are talking as though they’ve been doing drugs their whole lives—apparently getting messed up every weekend puts you in the “cool” crowd now.

It seems as though all of these challenges could be overcome if parents still had control and could still properly punish their children. Telling them not to and showing them what can happen if they do are two separate things today that need to become one. Children need to know that there are serious consequences to their actions. If children knew this from the very beginning it could potentially stop them from making wrong life choices. Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes can be avoided.

Grocery Shopping--to the Extreme

Extreme grocery shopping takes some serious skill—more skill than one would think. First you have to mentally prepare. Before entering the market you must: sit in your car; breathe deep, and envision yourself dipping through the aisles, dodging other motorists and diving for the best sales. Gather every last one of your coupons and slowly begin to approach your destination.  Once inside the building, remember to show complete disregard for everyone within eye sight—especially when entering a checkout line. If, while swerving in and out of aisles, you happen to spot a limited time only sale item, do not pass it up. Quickly walk over to it and make sure you snatch one up; no matter what. Stay focused and remember to crush any obstacle in your way—any obstacles. Have no mind for those around you, as they are only there for themselves too.  Show no fear.

A Royal Farce

The weeks leading up to this event made it  seem as though this event was going to be life changing. Documentaries and movies were made in their honour displaying their true love for eachother. This event was going to ground-breaking, so much so that it replaced the morning news on my favourite news station. Raging wars, deadly protests and local monstrosities were not nearly as important as two complete strangers getting married. Millions of people across the world stopped their lives just to watch the royal wedding—the wedding of the century. Thousands upon thousands of people filled the streets to catch a mere glimpse of Will or Kate as they entered the church. Children thrown up on their parents shoulders—as if they'll ever remember. It all seems so uncalled for. Millions of dollars spent on one day is simply beyond ridiculous. There are people starving; people without homes, but they feel it is necessary to spend such an outrageous amount of money on their "special day". I'm sorry but I think that is completely disgusting. Some have argued that it allows people to get away from all the bad that's going on around us, that we need some good news for once; I'm sorry, but a wedding doesn't make it all go away.

Is It Just Me?

Okay, so every election, I get geared up. I make sure I know everything about each candidates platform. That was until, I turned 18. I can officially vote, there is an election right around the corner, and I have no idea what is going on. As it gets closer and closer to election time, I get scared. What if my vote doesn't count? What if I vote for the wrong person? But is there a wrong person? Because, after all; they are all politicians.

The 7 Year Old Me

Sometimes I wish it could just go back to a time where I cared more about losing my dolly than my bestfriend. A time where my biggest fear was the monster under my bed. When the biggest decision I had to make was lace or velcro shoes. I time where everything was so simple. If only I could go back to the 7 year old me. No responsibilities, no decisions and no regrets.