Happy 2011 (:

Nothing Changes New Year's Day -U2

Dear reader,

Please don't give into the pressures of the New Year. You don't have a resolution? Fine! Nothing, not time nor people should make you change unless you want to. If you're happy with your life and the way things are now, why shake it all up? Why are we so concerned in the imperfections of our lives?! If you're happy I hope you stay happy, please for the rest of the world that needs to find that solid ground. If you need to change something, go ahead by all means! But don't rush if you don't need to. Don't feel like once that clock strikes midnight you should have your entire life planned out in front of you. I hope you succeed in whatever you want to, and I hope you enjoy 2011 but don't get your hopes too high up! And don't forget all the memories 2010 gave you. Have fun in this new decade of ours. Remember that you can change whenever, transformations aren't restricted to solely January 1st*

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison




*He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool.

We all do what we say we will never at some point to some extent. We all become the people we vowed never to be for at least one night. And most of the time we don't realize it. It's part of life it helps us find our way. I hate giving into that feeling but we must.

Because I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight.

She's a rainbow and she loves the peaceful life

Knows I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight

There's a part of me in the chaos that's quiet

And there's a part of you that wants me to riot

Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit

Every sweet tooth needs just a little hit

Every beauty needs to go out with an idiot

How can you stand next to the truth and not see it

Oh, a change of heart comes slow

It's not a hill, it's a mountain

As you start out the climb

Do you believe me or are you doubting

We're gonna make it all the way to the light

But I know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight

Every generation gets a chance to change the world

Pity the nation that won't listen to your boys and girls

'Cause the sweetest melody is the one we haven't heard

Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear

The right to appear ridiculous is something I hold dear

Oh, but a change of heart comes slow

It's not a hill, it's a mountain

As you start out the climb

Listen for me, I'll be shouting

We're gonna make it all the way to the light

But you know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight

Baby, baby, baby

I know I'm not alone

Baby, baby, baby

I know I'm not alone

Oh oh oh

It's not a hill, it's a mountain

As you start out the climb

Listen for me, I'll be shouting

Shouting to the darkness

Squeeze out sparks of light

You know we're gonna go crazy

You know we'll go crazy

You know we'll go crazy if we don't go crazy tonight

Oh, slowly now

Oh, be slow

Song stuck in my head today: "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" by U2 ♥♥♥♥♥

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What are you doing to get in the holiday spirit?

5% said Giving back!

10% said Baking cookies and making gifts.

40% said Holiday music and movies all month long!!

0% said Nothing I don't celebrate any holidays.

0% Ew. I hate the holidays!

45% said Decorating like there's no tomorrow!

Whoohoo! Gotta love Christmas Eve Eve. It's the best. I just got out of school and I'm finishing up all my gifting. Glad all my readers (Whatsup Croatia?) are in the holiday spirit! I've done quite a bit of these polls choices: Toys for Tots is a big thing where I live, I have an annual Christmas cookie sleepover with my cousins and there's not a night in December where me and my sister aren't huddled in my room over a mass of Scotch tape and ribbons! And don't you start asking about my Christmas tree. :)

My sister and cousin in the midst of cookie making.

*Note It's A Wonderful Life in the background :)

Just some of our cookies before frosting

Flour fights are a staple of the Christmas cookie making experience

Blurry photos of my friends and I watching Elf!!

Song stuck in my head today: "Don't Let Me Fall" by B.o.B.

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Tidbits are fun!

CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE BORED, COOL, OR CURIOUS.

Song stuck in my head today: "Introducing Me" by Nick Jonas (How can you resist it?!)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Let's all wander around aimlessly

I took a break from dance after almost 13 consecutive years to have more time for soccer and track.
I don't know what I want.
I sing in the shower but now the chorus teacher is trying to coerce me into concert choir.
I don't know what I want.
I don't like getting below a 90 on anything, but I hate studying for harder subjects.
I don't know what I want.
I love drawing and taking pictures but everyone says I shouldn't fill up all my electives with art classes.
I don't know what I want.
I loved being in drama last year but I wonder if I'm any good at anything since I was only in the chorus.
I don't know what I want.
I've always liked theis certain person but I'm constantly coming back to someone else when everything just seems too much.
I don't know what I want.
I hate my friends one second and start thinking how I couldn't live without them the next.
I don't know what I want.



So... what's it gonna be?
Dance or school sports?
Singing in your room or singing on a stage?
Better grades or more free time?
Fun classes or more sensible college-friendly ones?
Trying out or regretting it?
Being confused or making up your mind?
Being lonely and grumpy or loving your friends for who they are?

Ugh, choices!
I'm the worst at decision making, and lately it seems like that's all everybody wants from me! I think being a teenager is not knowing what you want, at some point, and I'm at that stage now! In high school everyone has their eyes set on the prize, wheter it be A+ in every course, a new mile record in your school, or a scholarship for singing everybody seems to have their priorities set, except for me. I see all those shiny trophies in the distance and I want them all! I want good grades, I want a good voice, I want to be a fast runner, I want to be great at soccer, I wanted to be a talented photographer, I want to have the perfect group of friends, I want to be nice to everybody but there's only so much time in the world. And high school takes that time and throws it in the furnace of the school until your left with barely three solid hours to perfect your Maradona, teach yourself to sing like Lea Michele, and save the world all before dinner time (or cramming for that Global test!). I get distracted but other goals as I reach for each coveted trophy, and by the time I'm halfway at one something happens to make me change course.
Do people just have epiphanys in their lives? Will one day I finally wake up and realize, wow! This is what I want to do and this is what I'm good at and everything else will fall to the side ready to but picked up and rekindled once the big task is at ease? Or can't someone just be good at everything?! I feel like high school expects a solid goal out of me, it seems easy for everyone else. Take my friends for instance, John has his running, Rohan will get accepted to all the ivy leagues with one look at his grades, opportunies will open for Dean with his swimming, Brianna's passion is singing, well somebody, anybody, I ask you where is my passion?

Mom, if you're reading this, like you sometimes admit to doing, I wonder if you're thinking right now Silly Madison, your passion is right under your nose! Well Mom, if we want to get technical I'd say hands because my nostrils aren't punching these keys on the keyboard! Yes I love writing and often my mother will tell people I'll be a writer one day, but why can't I see it then yet?

Song stuck in my head today: too many thoughts!

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Oh my my

IT'S A MONTH UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY.

Song stuck in my head today: "Fifteen" by Taylor Swift

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Speak Your Mind.

"There's really only like, three couples in this school. Well I guess out of us, the normal kids. All the faggots go out with each other. They just soak up in each other's loserness."

What would you do if you overheard someone say this?

Your sitting at your table, working on your art project and you can't help but over hear this conversation.

Would you react?

Would you tell the girl she's the loser for making this comment?

Would you laugh along?

Would you give this girl the reality check she desperately needs?

Or, would you just sit there?

Like I did.

Don't you wish you could freeze time and just slap yourself in the face at certain moments? I guess I was just too shocked to even move a muscle.

Honestly, do you believe this crap? Because I was there. She said it all right. And as she sat there content with her social status and blatant display of it, I did nothing.

I did nothing!

Me, I didn't do anything.

How am I that stupid?! Normally I always speak my mind but lately it's been getting trapped. The words just get all smashed together and become this tiny gasp.

People I know are those 'faggots'.

I know quite I few people that I'm friendly with who would surely fit that description.

That sounds bad, but I know who and what this girl is talking about.

She basically means the whole freshman class!

I'd say 10%, maybe less, would fit the first category of 'normal kids'. When she said that she just meant her friends.

Well, my friends are the ones she calls loser! And if anyones the loser,

it's her!

She just can't come to terms that her boyfriend still likes this other chick.

She doesn't get why her looks can't get her a good relationship like the 'faggots' have.

Sorry honey but that's not 'loserness' they're soaking in.

It's honesty and young love, something you haven't learned yet.

Next time, I'll let you know.

Song stuck in my head today: "Geek In The Pink" by Jason Mraz (MY boyfriend!)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #19: "A Very Glee Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 9)

Christmas and Glee one of my two favorite things!

*SPOILER ALERT*

"We Need a Little Christmas" was GREAT but I really wish we heard more of it! "Merry Christmas Darling" was a typical Rachel ballad, I miss our old sweet Rachel! Why must there also be some dramatic song of hers? Half the time I'll fall asleep during them. "Baby It's Cold Outside" was completely adorable and perfect in every way. "Last Christmas" was extremely appropriate. I hope Rachel finally moves on, because she's making it even worse for her and Finn to have any kind of professional relationship!


There wasn't much drama in this episode except for the inevitable Rachel and Finn situation, besides that though the only things I could think of to write about was Bieste's talk, as Santa, with Brittany. Hearing her talk about her childhood made me tear up! In the end when Artie got his ability to walk, it was crazy! What a miracle I didn't expect! Finn's persistance to keep the holiday spirit was really endearing and Sue's "Grinch" escapade was hiiiilarious!

A couple quick questions....
1.) Will Artie's artifical whatevers..! effect the show at all?
Will this prevent or help Artie from performing with the glee club? I'm wondering how much of a change his life will be, and if this will strengthen his relationship with Brittany. I STILL find it odd they're a couple, it's just one of those things I will never get over!
2.) When will Kurt and Blaine go out?!
Why is it taking so long for these two to get together, it seems like they both are very forward people and I'm shocked nothing has happened yet. In this episode didn't Kurt admit to Will that he liked Blaine?! Why the holdup?!
3.) Any Cheerios news in the coming episode?
Last season we caught a huge look into Sue's cheerleading centered world, even Mercedes and Kurt were part of it at a time! It seems that besides the uniforms in every episode, Sue's track suit and Becky's assistance we haven't seen much drama between the cheerleaders in a while.

The glee club singing "We Need a Little Christmas"

And your quotes...!
"When does Asian Santa arrive?" - Tina
"You've gotten really tan." - Brittany
"Just know you have rights." - Brittany
“Last year I left my stocking up over Christmas vacation and an entire family of mice started living in it. Their Christmas gift to each other was rabies.” - Brittany
“I told my parents that I only want one thing for Christmas this year: Stop friend requesting me on Facebook.” - Artie“Remember: Even the smallest envelope is heavy for an elf.” - Brittany
“I want Channing Tatum to stop being in stuff.” - Mike
“You don’t know how many kittens I’ve given away because they haven’t been just right.” - Rachel

Question for you Gleeks: Was this our season finale?! I'm so confused, I didn't hear any promotion saying it was but it must be because the next episode (at least on certain websites) will air after the Super Bowl on February 6th. It's the most expensive post-superbowl TV episode yet and will feature the songs "Thriller" and "Bills, Bills, Bills". Huh. I can't believe I didn't know this!

Song stuck in my head today: "Bed Intruder Song" by Antonie Dodson & The Gregory Brothers

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

I want to run.

I want to run on a gorgeous day, it will be 55 degrees out and I don't need any hats and gloves and I will not have to fight against the wind for my place in this world. As a run the cars and roadblocks, people, stop signs, buildings, they will all melt into one big wall and I just keep running with nothing in my way, as I run every comes out. The sit on the street corners, peep through their windows, have a picnic in a parking lot. Just to see me, and to stop and give me a smile. Just a smile. No wave no "good job!" or "hi!" or "quack!"s. Just a genuine smile, the most heartfelt you can reach.

As they smile, all the apologies start to seep into the ground, murmurs of "I wish we were still friends" "I'm sorry for that fight" "I shouldn't of blew you off" "I lied when I called you stupid and ugly" "I really want you back" will go up through my feet and make me run better. My hands stop clocking together, I'm staring at the horizon rather than the pavement and my legs don't feel sore and confined. And I smile, giving my own universal apology as everyone starts to wander around.

I keep running, and as I run things fly off me. All the cigarettes in the world burn up, I step in their ashes. With every step I erase all the funerals, all the cry fests in my house, and from the ashes they come like nothing ever happened. All the glares hit my body and they are softened, no longer will anyone feel like grim walking through the hallways. All the condescending sarcasm that leaves a metal taste in everyones mouth is ripped off like a band aid. Brand name tags whip around my ankles, getting torn up and snaggled in my shoes. Loneliness, pain, sorrow, betrayal, they all jump of the pages of Webster's and fly into my clenched fists. The sky is clear, there is not a cloud in the sky and all the people in the world stop for a moment.

I run a marathon, slow and steady I run a marathon. Pushing out the last mile I leave myself behind. I leave every roll of the eye, kick and punch, every hurtful comment I've ever uttered trapped inside the Earth for good. All the time I've spent skulking and bathing in my own self-pity is added up and thrown at me. I run for the times I've made others feel less, I run for the times I've ignored the ones I love. I run for the times I didn't stand up for someone.

And when I'm done, you're waiting there. Standing as if a hurricane will hit you any second, but you're so happy for it to come. I run straight into you, I don't stop even as my arms find their place around you, I pummel us into the ground. And you smile and kiss me and everything's divine.

Song stuck in my head today: My own composition

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Track.

Track's great! I love hearing people talk about being in track, I really don't know why but everything you can say about it is pretty funny. My favorites so far....

"You should be in a freak show...!"

"That's what track is!"

"Track and XC are the only sports where an old guy with a gun can tell you to take your clothes off."

"Everyone dates everyone on the track team. We're one big family, it's a little like incest more in a more excepted form."

♥

Song stuck in my head today: "Saskia Hamilton" by Ben Folds & Nick Hornby

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

How often do you regret things, or wish you could turn back time?

20% said ALL the time. Who doesn't?

0% said Here and there, I don't think about it much.

40% said I try not to think about it. What's done is done!

40% said It keeps me up at night, I'll admit it.

and...

0% said Never. I've done nothing I regret.

‎"and there we were. together, but not together. not knowing what the hell we were doing."

It hurts to keep things bottled up inside. There are too many moments that I have the chance to really let something out, and it always just gets lost in the layers of emotions and I can't get it out. So, wheter something happened a few minutes ago or a few years, most psychs or whatever say that you should LET IT OUT. Even if it's something you might view as minuscule, if you keep thinking about it, tell that person! But...

on the other hand. Should we let "bygones be bygones"? The other day I apologized to a friend for doing something mean I haven't realized I've been doing to him for a while now until someone did the same thing to me! He was really sweet about it and appreciated the gesture but didn't see why it bothered me so much. So we started talking about what I did wrong, and then talking about it made me do the thing I was trying to stop doing. Ugh it was bad.

But it felt good! At least we both addressed what was going on. So, I may not have changed my ways entirely but at least let him know I realized what I was doing and I'm trying to think more about his feelings when I say stuff. That's why I think it's good to talk about things. But...

What if something happened let's say 2/3 years ago and you're always thinking about it. But you know that if you brought it up to the person you shared this confusing moment with, it could break or make your friendship. They might think that you're either really brave or completely insane. What would you do? Because as you sit here, waiting for the pieces to fall back into place the way you want them to. You know there's a chance that may never happen. And if it doesn't you at least deserve the truth.

Song stuck in my head today: "Rhythm Of Love" by Plain White T's

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Fashion.

How many of you love fashion? You can't walk out the door with your "face on" and an ensemble that is at least a 9 out of 10? I feel like my school is a fashion show. Sometimes I feel like I need this intricate showy outfit just to go to school. Honestly, I'm a jeans and a t shirt time of girl. Throw in my boots or converse and a couple bracelets, I'm good to go. That doesn't mean I'm not girly or anything, I live for sundresses and flowy shirts once it hits 65 and sunny.

But honestly, I don't care.

Yes, dressing yourself well shows that you have a sense of self-respect. But then dressing yourself with too much effort, I think that means you need those clothes to feel good about yourself.

For a couple days I'll become obsessed with fashion but then it always goes away. It so much to follow up on! It's like celebrities. Always a new trend, do this not that, no wait being different is cool, now it's not, those are ugly, these are hot... As long as your nice to me I don't think about what you're wearing too much.

Often I'll waste a lot of time in the morning fussing over an outfit, that turns out in the end to not even be me. I'll over think things way too much. I think outfits that are you should be effortless, and outfit that takes you days to plan, just doesn't seem like you! But one you wake up and throw on and are happy with sounds good to me. Because being you should be effortless.

Song stuck in my head today: "Candlelight" by The Maccabeats

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #18: "Special Education" (Episode 9, Season 2)

Oh my, how many times in my life will Glee make me cry?!

*SPOILER ALERT* Make sure you've watched the episode!

"Don't Cry For Me Argentina" was amazing. A great song to start off the show with! "Hey Sould Sister" was so great also, but seeing Kurt keep all his talent to himself in the background was so upsetting to watch. "The Time of My Life" was super cute, and brought us all back to the Rachel Finn moment that they had last time they performed a duet. Really showed us how far we've come! "Valerie" was perfect! I love Santana's songs. "Dog Days Are Over" = OHMIGOD. Perfect. Way to wrap up an episode! I love Mercedes and Tina together.



Wow, all the drama in this episode! First off, we were right. Finn and Rachel are over for now. In a rollercoaster of emotions and songs the constant on and off couple who seemed stabel for a while now are done. Is it really final though? If I had to sum up this epsiode it'd be lost. Everyone was. Kurt was lost in his new school, Will was lost because (What the hell?!) Emma got... married?! I think Emma was a little lost there too... Rachel and Finn were lost dealing with their relationship troubles, and the whole team was falling apart! It was so upsetting. But hopefully with some Christmas spirit next week the glee club will get their act together again, they have no choice!



My questions for you...
1.) Will there be new characters soon?
It seems like no one can stay single for long on this show, and with Finn and Rachel's breakup will they introduce new love interests or actually give the show a dose of reality and keep them alone for a bit? I think Mercedes deserves a boyfriend next if anyone!
2.) What?! A new recruit?!
With Kurt's absence Puck was asked to find a new glee club member. Their latest recruit, well I just want to punch her in the face! Hopefully they'll find a better substitute because no one joins the glee club and helps them at sectionals to say it's stupid and sucks! Find someone better, please.
3.) Is this whole Emma thing serious?
Our once germaphobic reserved little Emma is now running off to Vegas with some dentist and getting hitched?! Something seems fishy...

The Warblers performing "Hey Soul Sister"

Your quotes...
"Those things are hard to come by scalpers get like five bucks for these!" - Will
"I know I'm more talented than all of you. Britney Spears taught me that." - Brittany
"I'm not big on reading." - Puck
"Budda, Allah, Satan, help me!" - Puck
“Let me guess: Finn and Rachel are gonna do a ballad, right? Followed by the kids joining in with a classic rock number where Mercedes will belt out the last jaw-dropping note.” - Emma
“You used to be just sort of unlikeable, but now I pretty much feel like punching you every time you open your mouth.” - Quinn
“I know that I can’t. Just like I know the cricket that reads to me at night is totally stealing my jewelry.”- Brittany
“More like its am-bad-ass-ador.” - Puck
"If we lose we should throw possums.”- Brittany
“Is the problem your outfit? Because you look like a cheerleader zombie corpse.” - Artie
“You are as brilliant and talented as you are irritating.” -Kurt


I really can't wait to see what Glee does with Christmas! The songs they'll be singing are...
"We Need a Little Christmas" (love this one!)
"Baby, It's Cold Outside"
"Merry Christmas Darling"
"Welcome Christmas"


Song stuck in my head today: ...


Keep on keepin' on,


Madison

A Medley Of Thoughts

There are too many things I need to write about today! So many things happened that I wanted to write about or had to do with what I wrote about yesterday, so here it goes...

I have my first track meet tomorrow. I'm really nervous! I'm less nervous now after thinking about it for a while but I still can't believe it's tomorrow! So this morning on the bus I listened to some music to keep my mind off of it. The first song that came on shuffle was "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" by Jason Mraz. Isn't it funny how the subtitle encompassed it all? I love how music has its way of doing that.

So shine the light on all of your friends. When it all amounts to nothing in the end.

So if you have something pretty minor coming up like a track meet (they don't change anything huge in my life!) but you're still nervous, don't worry because in the big scheme of this world it really won't matter much.

Something happened today that I really wanted to vent about so much! It reminded me of my whole honesty post and how this blog is supposed to help me, not suppress my feelings! I think the world was giving me a test to see if I'd write about it or not, well thanks world for screwing up my night! It was like something so cheesy out of a movie. Ugh, if only I could tell you in full detail. I really am afraid though... why can't I be open about certain things?! Please show me someone who honestly doesn't give a crap about anything people have to say! I need them. I want to vent about it so badly.

I'll try.

It'll sound weird but I'll try, for my own sake.

I was talking to someone today and in the most slow and hushed tone they said "So... I was thinking..."

Turns out, after minutes of avoiding the subject and beating around the bush, they just wanted to bring up someone they used to like.

WHAT?! Gosh, if only I could tell you how the whole conversation went, seriously! You got my hopes up and created all this damn suspense over some girl you liked! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Don't you hate when people do that?? Don't you?! Honestly the person said "No, never mind." No! Don't never mind me, you say you wanted to tell me something: so spill! But then when it turns out to be a total, complete and utter letout it makes it even worse! Hey buddy, normally when people beat around the bush it means they have to share something secretive, important or heartfelt. I know you had the hots for her and if you had common sense you would remember I was sorta against the whole thing!

Anyways, now that I somewhat got that off my chest and feel really silly and odd but happy...

When I got home in a bad mood after this conversation I saw that my mom had hung up the Christmas stockings and I really stood there, smiled, and said "Thank you" to these velvet oversized boots because they welcomed me and as freaky as this sounds, made me feel a whole lot better.

Song stuck in my head today: "Stuck On You" by Sugarland

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Honesty.

I've always been pretty good with being an open book. There's only a few people I have trouble being open with. Besides that, ask me anything and most likely I'll answer honestly. When I started writing this blog I thought it'd be easy for me to convey my raw, honest, stupid, weird thoughts just for me to vent. I know people are reading this, I have followers, people vote on polls, leave comments, talk to me about it in life etc. I don't even know if it's the fact that there's someone (YOU!) out there reading this, but lately I've really wanted to get myself to write about things, things I feel SO strongly and I resort to making them small encrypted paragraphs even I don't understand sometimes. Why is that? Why do we have such a problem with people judging us? I'm really confident on so many levels, but there's just certain things that shut me up. I'll be chatting someone's ear off and the minute they ask me about something I'll just say "Oh, I don't know". WHY?! Well, there's reasons why but then I'd have to get into the gritty detail of the actual subject. No thanks, I'll close my book right now.

Pst. To be honest I think you're gorgeous and it kills me every time I don't tell you.

Song stuck in my head today: reeaddd more!

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Just Making Sure You're Aware...

Today is World AIDS Awareness day. Don't judge anyone you know who has it.

Song stuck in my head today: read below

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

The Snow Will Come Shortly!

Can anyone believe it's December already? I sure can't! 24 DAYS 'TILL CHRISTMAS EVERYONE,

24!

That's insane. I'm really excited but then again time is just moving sooo fast. I'm having a good year though, so I'm glad because Chrismtmas time just makes everything that much better.

I don't care if you're Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, or don't really care Christmas has to effect you. By now for most of us, Christmas has almost been stripped of it's religious meaning. It seems like only extremely devoted Christians actually sit down on Christmas Day and think Huh, Jesus was born today what a wonderful thing! To me, Christmas is giving. It's hope and love and happiness. It's a time where for a moment in our life wrapping paper and caroling is the prority. Business meetings come after the buying of gifts and homework makes way for some holly. Even though we should be loving and generous year round Christmas really makes us step back and appreciate the world we live in. Sure there's always robbers murders and natural disasters but for one month all the news stations start playing "Deck The Halls" and everything's alright. Christmas gives you that hope you need. While everything may be going wrong, you can always fall back on Christmas no matter if you have a cross around your neck or not. Who can resist marveling at a lit Christmas tree or joining in to "Jingle Bells" for a chorus? Christmas is meant for everyone.

Song stuck in my head today: "Grenade" by Bruno Mars

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Current State: Happy In Your Presence

There comes a point, when you just cherish their presence. Just being with them is better off knowing how they really feel.

The laughs, smiles, every blissful second is great when you don't worry about the feelings.

And knowing that you're making the right decison, having your own little secret.
Because if you let it out there's a chance the smiles may turn to frowns.

Song stuck in my head today: ♥

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #17: "Furt" (Episode 8, Season 2)

What a great episode this week?! Glee, I just can't get enough of it!

*SPOILER ALERT* (It's been a week Gleeks, get to it!)

So first off I'd like to say that looking back at some old posts, I've been wrong on always one song the cast was going to perform in next weeks episode! "Jai Ho" was really far off, and I'm sorry! I'm still going to post songs I know of, and I apoligize if they're wrong. "Ohio" was sweet, what you'd expect. "Marry You" was AMAZING I've heard this song only once before, and now I love it even more. My lone year old sister even clapped when they were done with it! Another Bruno Mars rendition was "Just The Way You Are" which really summed everything up perfectly.

Drama, drama, drama. Well first I would like to commend Glee for really showing what bullying is like and making it a focal point of their show. Bullying based on sexuality is HUGE and I hope it's changed some people's views. I'm glad Kurt finally told more people about the harassment that was taking place, and I swear to you this guy on my bus looks just like Karofsky and when I saw him early in the morning and shiver went down my spine!

My questions...

1. Kurt is leaving?!

So after being introduced to the Warblers for a couple episodes now I realize it should be no shock to you that Kurt is leaving, but really? Now I can't believe it! I mean I never would've thought his parents would spend their honeymoon fund on the tuition. Isn't that like giving into Karofsky? Granted he has no one to hurt anymore but isn't that like giving up in a way? Let me know what you think...

2. Hopefully all the Kurt-Finn drama is gone now...?

It finally looks like these to are the perfect pair of brothers after Finn's performance of "Just The Way You Are" I'm really happy things worked out so no more drama with these two Fox!

3. Should we be expecting some Santana-Rachel-Finn fireworks?

Santana has nothing better to do than stirr up some drama when things are working out just fine. Out of the blue she reminds Finn about them having sex and how he had to lie to Rachel about it. We all know this will crush Rachel and I think we all know Santana doesn't give! So the only question is when and how? (And how/when Rachel and Finn will get back together... cause they obviously will! ☺)

Your quotes (only three?!):

"Which is why I prefer to think of the homelss as outdoorsy." - Sue

" have a trunk full of wedding magazines hidden under my bed. I’m thinking of a russet and cognac theme. Those are colors, Finn." - Kurt

"Not to worry, ladies, it’s an open marriage." - Rod

Some others thoughts of mine...

• "HE PROPOSED!" Aw, gotta love Furt.
• Sue marrying herself? No suprise!
• Quinn's so guarded now! Sam's a good guy, let him in!
• Sue's rehersal dinner was hysterical!

We don't know much about next tomorrow's episode but I'm really excited! I can't wait to hear "Dog Days Are Over" and I'm super excited for "Valerie". Here are the other songs they're singing:

"Don't Cry for Me Argentina"

"The Living Years"

"Hey, Soul Sister"

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life"

Song stuck in my head today: "Holiday" by Vampire Weekend

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

What's your favourite part about Thanksgiving?

16% said The food!

50% said EVERYTHING(:

0% said The parades

33% said Being with family

0% said I don't like it...

0% said I don't celebrate it!

Well, Thanksgiving's tomorrow and I can tell you right now that I love this holiday for everything it encompasses and I'm happy that I have so many things to be thankful for! So many of us everyday take things for granted so this year start realizing all the little miracles you have in your life. Think of the people that don't have a computer, a house, a family, shoes, a smile on their face. Always be thankful! Don't leave this feeling for just November and drop it down the garbage with your leftovers once the radio stations go from "Shake" to "Silent Night". Always take a step back every now and then and thank the people who are in your life. Don't expect people to always do what's right, be happy when they do and let them know. Give back year round. Just because there's no huge Toys for Tots drive going on doesn't mean there's no people that need them. So, enjoy your holiday and remember to sit down for a bit and think about what you're thankful for, I'm serious! Life will seem a whole lot better if you do.

Oh, by the way I'm thankful for my 100th blog post! :)

Song stuck in my head today: "Yea Yeah" by Matt and Kim

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

We The Kings.

I don't know about you but there's no word to describe how I feel about concerts. In the past year or so I've absolutlely become obsessed with them. Last saturday I had the amazing opportunity to see this GREAT band We The Kings free at a local outlet. Who cares it was free (why should that be bad anyways?!), who cares the venue was small, who cares half the people there didn't know who they were, a concert is a concert. And it was amazing.

I think everyone has their own secret professions of choice. Secretly, I want to be a rock star. Or at least something to do with music. But of course rock star is at the top. I'm always thinking of different occupations that deal with music, video director? band documentar? group photographer? song writer? I wish. If you haven't been to a concert (unless you hate music, ew.) GO NOW. Save your paychecks, skip breakfast if you have to! And buy the best seats in your house for your favorite artist. I can't tell you how amazing it is. You just escape into this paradise for an hour or so. It's the most euphoric experience ever. I swear.

In addition to my Flower List I've made two new lists, one of them being

Artists I Want To See Live

Jason Mraz

U2

Bruce Springsteen

Kate Nash

Maroon 5

Colbie Calliat

Vampire Weekend

....

You just lose yourself at a concert. So I've always wondered what it's like to be on stage, creating this whole universe with every strum of the guitar or flip of your hair. What's it like to control everything? To see everybody lost? Are you lost too or are you marveling at what your music does to others? I think I'd be lost.

So here's so videos from my concert. We The Kings is a great pop-rock quartet and I fell in love with them a couple years back and it was so refreshing to finally out of the blue see them an hear their new songs! So here's some videos for you.. they're only a minute or two each (so no full songs sorry) so I bet you can spare some time to watch them!

I'll let you know how my list goes, if I add or who else I see in concert. God, it's just the best feeling ever!

(The two pics I used are pictures I took of the band, I really like how they turned out... hm....)

Song stuck in my head today: "Promise the Stars" by We The Kings

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

World of Jenks and The Buried life MASSIVE review!

Ready for an intense World of Jenks and The Buried Life review covering three episodes? YES. Alright, let's go!

In this episode, titled "Me and My Surfboard", Andrew rooms with pro surfer Anastasia and learns not only the basics of surfing, but the pressures it brings and what keeps Anastasia going. I've always wanted to surf so bad so on an instructional perspective this was very eye-opening! Otherwise it was another satisfactory episode that only really revealed the vulnerable side of Anastasia that no one got to see. I would have to say the high point of the episode is this picture right here! ;D While I love all of Jenks' work this one wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it!

Dares are always interesting, but it's always hard for me to come up with good ones. So major props to the girl who dared The Buried Life team to steal a lock of RPatz's hair! This dare was completely insane, I was laughing and on my edge the whole time. In the end the guys were successful in getting one single strand of Twilight Saga 's lead actor Robert Pattinson's hair. If this show doesn't show you that anything is possible, I don't know what will! While 3/4 of the guys search for 'Edward's' lovely locks, Ben heads to Minnesota to meet Lexi, a young woman whose goal is to create a forum for people to discuss the pitfalls of depression - something she and Ben have both suffered from. Not only did Ben help create a safe haven where Lexi and others can share their feelings but he helped her achieve a huge scholarship to the college she's been trying to get into for a while.

In "Hail Mary" Jenks spent a week with Jessi, a former contestant that made it big on So You Think You Can Dance who is now a Tennesse Titan's cheerleader, trying out again for her homestate's team. Me, well just being me! I've always had this really judgemental preconception of all cheerleaders, wheter cheering on the field of some small town high school or at the big leagues. Not to say that Jenks shattered my whole view of cheerleading as a sport, but he definitely showed me that the glitter didn't mark their whole life. It also showed how much heart and soul the girls put into their career/passion/sport; and that there truly is a dark side to all the glitz and glam we see in Hollywood, and that it's hard to stay focused on your dream once you're so close.

There's many shows on TV that showcase a person alone in the wilderness surviving on the smallest amount of commodities. Many people doubt the truth in Man Vs. Wild for example, and some may say that what The Buried Life did with this episode is staged also, but it seems to me like the guys truly did escape off a deserted island. Jonnie being sick and Duncan killing a bird was real enough for me. This was one of their most life risking and specific items to cross off, but after finding a fishing boat miles off the island's coast the TBL boys left the island save, sound, and sunburned. This episode really showed how primitive we are when stripped of everything. So many people would think of killing a bird with a rock 'barbaric' but when placed in a situation like this, there's no telling what could happen and how you'll react!

Before watching this episode of World of Jenks I was vaguely familiar with V.V. Brown. I knew of her song "Shark In The Water" after it was used in a commercial for the TV show Degrassi but besides that I knew not much else about this British songstress. While documenting their time together Andrew really showed just how hard it is to make it in America as an up in coming artist. V.V.'s whole life was dedicated to promoting herself and her music. She only had a couple days off and year and had to leave all her family back home in England. She knows she could fail and she could never make it in America, but it's a chance she's willing to take. I really liked this episode, I never knew how much effort goes into something like this and I hope V.V.'s dream comes true!!

In this episode Dave takes a try at a MMA professional fighter. I really liked this episode because it shows how Dave really progressed in only

a minimal amount of training after deciding to go through with this list item. In the end after breaking his thumb in the fight, Dave technically lost but not being bias or anything he totally won! He was on top of that guy from the start. In this episode Duncan also helps a girl who wants to talk a motorcycle ride along the coast and spread her dad's ashes on the beach. This was something he had always wanted to do with her but never got the chance. I thought it was a very sweet thing but I didn't understand why The Buried Life guys needed to help her. Was it because she needed motorcycles? Not to say it's bad to document the experience just because it was so nice but I thought they're supposed to help people achieve their dreams and this one seemed pretty solid.

THANKS FOR READING! I KNOW I HAVE 5 MORE EPISODE TO REVIEW (YIKES!) I'M SOOOOO SORRY, THIS IS WHAT A COMPUTER VIRUS AND WINTER TRACK DOES TO YOU!

Song stuck in my head today: "Cousins" by Vampire Weekend

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

MENTIONS

So... I promised a few people some blog mentions and here's the remainder of them!

Alana Epstein If you actually read anything I post, you'll remember my post about my other friend Shilpa who I met under these really random circumstances. Well, in a way Alana's friendship with me was sort of like that. Alana and I have gone to school together since we were in kindergarten but only in 7th grade did we become close and honestly I wonder where she's been all my life! Oh, wait. She was always right there.... Isn't that so wierd? When someones always been there but you've never really talked to them and then once you do it's hard to imagine life without them? Alana and I have so much in common and we love all the same things I thought no one else knew of. I really hope Alana and I stay friends throughout high school and I love every moment we're together! By the way... her blog I was trying to share with you all is no longer on Blogger but you can read it all on Tumblr! CLICK HERE

Kara & Meghan Cramise

I don't know how you spend your summers but I spend mine at VBS and without this camp every summer I would've never met Kara and Meghan. The group of friends I share my summer with are amazing and I can't imagine spending those few months with anyone else... I miss you Kara and Meghan! I have the best times with both of you and can't wait until I get to see either of you again. You're each so great in your own ways (wow that sounds cheesy, but hey, its true) and I hope Meghan, that you're having fun teaching Kayla! Ha hope she doesn't bother you that much but she really loves being in your class. And Kara I know my summers would be a lot less funny and bright without you, hope you both are having a great year. :)

Stephanie Boegle
To cut to the chase, Steph is my cousin who is really like a sister. My life would be DRASTICALLY different without this chick and I cherish each conversation, picture, moment, and voicemail. I'm so thankful to live the life I live but I think God didn't realize how many gfts he'd already given me and threw me an extra one on accident. Stephanie is my go to girl. I tell her anything and everything and I really truly think she's the only person I have that much confidence in. Sometimes you can tell people things but it still leaves this wierd feeling in your stomach, not with Steph. Everything I tell her, no matter how deep and dark, is easy and natural. Steph is constantly and inspiration for my life, and is a person I am extremely thankful for. I love ya girlie!

Song stuck in my head today: "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

And We're Off!

Yes, I'm officialy back into daily running.

Winter track started yesterday, and so far so good. But it's extremely different this year.... :(

1.) Its harder- no duh!

2.) It's cold!

3.) I miss everyone. Either my good friends I used to run with are not doing track or are going to a different school and I'm sick of it already! I do have friends on the team, but none of them are really at my pace. They're either too slow or too fast.

I hope my season goes well.... I really don't know what to expect from it at all!

Song stuck in my head today: "Only The Good Die Young" Glee cast version

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #16: "The Substitute" (Episode 7, Season 2)

Wow! What an episode, exactly what I was craving.

*SPOILER ALERT* get yourself over to fox.com!

While all the songs were equally great, the one I'm listening to right at this moment on YouTube is "Forget You". It already made number one on iTunes! It was so funny because I just heard this song for the first time a week or two ago while watching MTV Hits and I think the Glee version was even better. It was simply fantastic. "Make 'Em Laugh" was really cute, and Rachel and Holly's version of "Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag" was great. It was good to see Rachel thoroughly enjoying a performance! "Singin' in the Rain/Umbrella" was just as I expected: amazing!

Drama this episode was left to the ever relentless Terri "Schuester?", and the lovable Kurt. Let's just go right to the questions because they have to deal with all this drama that went on...

1.) Is Terri FINALLY gone?!
Seeing her pop up when Will bought the Lamborghini, and in other awkward situations gave the show a comical twist, but her perpetual attempts to win him back have long ago become too tedious. I hope her last conversation with Will was the last straw, because it sure seemed like it. Then again you never know with Terri... Oh and also wasn't it great to see Will talk to a normal girl in his house without it resulting in a one night stand? Kudos.
2.) Is Kurt's "friend" going to last long also?
How many more episodes is this Neanderthal going to keep confusing our Kurt? After the threat he made to Kurt at the end of the episode, it seems things are coming to a final boiling point... I hope. I don't want to see Kurt hurt! Also, do you think he will tell someone about the threat? Ironically, we just learned about these kind of things during an assembly in school and our guidance department stressed the fact of telling people of anything that could possibly harm someone. So, do you think Kurt will? Or is this not serious at all?
3.) Is Kurt going out with Blaine?
After he gave Mercedes a speech about her "finding the one" it just muddled up reality even more: Is Kurt seeing Blaine or not?!

Will sees this when he turns around to face his class after being too sick.

QUOTES! (They were actually a lot this time!)
"You smell homeless Brett, homeless." - Kurt
"I'm Mike Chang." - Brittany
"At least I didn't fall and break my talent." - Rachel
"C'mon guys there's gotta be a Journey song we haven't done yet!" - Will
"Top 40 sweet cheeks." - Holly
"They look like deep-fried deer poop." - Brittany
"He taught me how to tie my shoelaces." - Sam
"Are you a porn star or a drag queen?" - Terri
" I suggest selling yourself on Craigslist under the heading of 'Men seeking Men with butt chins.'" - Sue
" Mr. Schu taught me the second half of the alphabet. I stopped after M and N. I thought they sounded too similar and got frustrated." - Brittany

Some random points...

• I'm starting TEAM FIGGINS, I love him
• The toddlers in the show were ADORABLE.
• Santana's moment where she almost mauled Rachel was too funny!
• "Conjunction Junction" made the episode.
• Brittany was hysterical all around.

Next week.... Carol. Burnett. Enough said.

The songs that will be performed are...
"Ohio"
"Just the Way You Are"
"Marry You"
"Jai Ho"
I'm wonder how they'll incorporate "Jai Ho"!

Song stuck in my head today: "In My Life" by The Beatles (Yeah, just freaking out that they're finally on iTunes!)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Acess Denied

So... two things you may or may not already know about me.

1. I LOVE Harry Potter

2. It's on my Flower List to see a movie at a midnight premiere

Being that HP7 is coming out this Friday, I dreamed about seeing it late Thursday night.

Well there's two things stopping me:

1. My mother. (I'll be honest!)

2. No one to go with!

You see most of my friends aren't Harry Potter nerds like myself.

And I'm tired of going with people who have no real interest in it!

BUT

It turns out I have an AMAZING FRIEND

named Shilpa

who I just found out...

LOVES HARRY POTTER!

How great is that?

Since there's no way the both of us (we live in different towns) could get together to see the midnight even if we were allowed,

we're seeing the film sometime this weekend hopefully and I can't wait!

I met Shilpa at a track meet and ever since we've kept in touch.

I have to admit, she's like my little miracle.

I can't believe a silly track meet created so many new friendships for me

and I love talking to her and spending time with her.

Though we've only hung out once outside of track related events,

I really consider Shilpa a good friend.

She's hilarious, really nice, and just so easy to have a good time with!

And the unknown fact that she read all the Harry Potter books makes me love her that much more.

Fact: Way to my heart, love Harry Potter ;)

&STRANGERS

ARE JUST FRIENDS

YOU HAVEN'T MET YET

So, be open.

Don't think you won't be friends with someone because

they don't like things you do,

they're weird,

they live too far away,

they go to another school,

they're a guy,

they're a girl,

they're gay,

they're stupid,

they're to smart,

they're not in your 'group'.

Wheter it's the guy that's lived on your block for years

but always thought was too... crazy

or

someone you've met for the first time,

you have to choice to create a lasting relationship!

So don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.

Song stuck in my head today: check out my other post! :P

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison