Back to Basics: A Flower List Update

Do you watch Jersey Shore?

12% said YES! OMG fave show

25% said Sometimes when I remember

12% said I'm obsesseddddd

0% said Never heard of it.

12% said Ew, are you kidding me?

25% said That shows gross.

12% said I won't admit it but... yes.

Everywhere you go, people know the Jersey Shore. Since none of my readers vote "Never heard of it." I won't bother describing it, it might be too explicit for this blog anyways! Haha, but anytime you mention this MTV hit, you're sure to get a strong reaction. "OMG GTL!" "That should be banned from TV." "T-Shirt time!!" "I don't know why people waste their time with that."

I myself am not an avid watcher. I wanted to talk about this because it seems to you guys probably that I'm obsessed with every other MTV show! Why not? Truthfully: I like to be in my room winding down by 10 o'clock. I'm the kind of person that needs their sleep! And since I don't have a TV in my room, rarely do I watch it when it's a new episode. I do watch episodes with my friends sometimes or if their on during the weekend, but besides that the "Shore" is out of my house most of the time. I personally think this show is hysterical. Some people take it way to seriously, and some don't. I just laugh and play along with the scripted and not so scripted antics the guidos display, and it doesn't affect me afterwards. Some people though, have to get their heads out of all that hairspray, and some need to get their heads out of a Bible. It's not poisonous! It's stupid. And watching stupid doesn't automatically make you stupid... well for me anyways. You can't blame a certain thing like a TV show or a video game entirely for people's actions. Everyone responds to things differently. What do you think of the show?

Song stuck in my head today: "We Speak No Americano" by Yolanda Be Cool Vrs DCUP (fits right?)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

World of Jenks: "The Takeover" The Buried Life: "Get Married in Vegas"

So, this week's MTV episode of World of Jenks and The Buried Life both had one thing in common: VEGAS. Parties, pokers, penguins (!) the whole sha-bang.

Uncovering the real truth again, is Andrew Jenks. This week he rooms with a young pro poker player, Nick Schulman who at the age of 21 was the youngest person to win the World Poker Series. I don't know about you, but I don't know a thing about poker or the lifestyle of its professionals besides the fact that this game is played with cards... So thank you Andrew Jenks for making an episode that I watch with a clean slate! This episode surprised me in a few different ways. First off, I never realized how addicted someone could become to betting/gambling/playing poker. Nick never stopped playing poker, or making crazy bets with his buddies from the moment Jenks arrived to when he took his flight back to NY. It was crazy! While at the house Nick played online poker (where he won or lost real money), played Chinese poker with his friend, and bet his friend $500 for every time he threw a card into an ice bucket. After this, Nick took Jenks out for a night on the town which consisted of what seemed like endless rounds of shots, pool games motivated with money, rock paper scissor bets, and more poker! With all this money flying left and right, it was hard to keep count of what Nick was actually gaining compared to his losses. His life was so crazy and he would bet money at the drop of a hat. The thing that seemed odd though was he didn't care much about the money. He told Andrew that when he played, he thought about the units. He won x amount of units not $10,000. That was his thought process. Pretty wild...

The last thing that shook me was Nick's mental state. He was never truly happy in his time with Andrew, and hasn't been for a while. Andrew was able to capture a moment that Nick shared with his therapist and Nick felt like his poker playing was a sanctuary. That his love for the game started as a way to escape his depression. The rush of the money, and all that poker encompassed made him feel happy. But if he lost, that was it. Nick dropped out of high school because he suffered from these panic attacks and severe anxiety. It completely changed my view of how he lived, and what he went through. Living life without being really happy. I don't know how I could go on.

The Buried Life boys seemed to have a much more lively stay in the sin city, they were trying to cross of #91 "Get married in Vegas". I was excited to see how they'd compete this task, because I think it'd be pretty hard to find a girl willing to get married on the spot in only 72 hours. But, the boys pulled through. In the end Dave did tie the knot to Michelle, who he met at their hotel in Vegas while she was on duty as a lifeguard. The whole episode was great and I was so surprised how they managed to get everything worked out in the end! They pawned their bus once they found out Michelle would marry Dave because they wanted money to spend on blackjack to try to get noticed by some of the hotel bigwigs so they could get hooked up with a penthouse suite. It. Worked. Duncan and Jonnie faked their way through a game of blackjack and ended up with $5,000 and a free suite for a night. After stirring up conversation with a man next to them, he pulled one guys over that worked for the hotel and let them work out a comp with the boys for a suite. It was unbelievable! The suite had a bowling alley, huge rooms, a hot tub, everything! I don't know how they did it. So after throwing a huge party for Dave and his bride to be complete with fire-breathers, flashy cars, Jonnie decked out in a penguin suit, and a bubble bath fight, they went to the chapel to say their vows. Though I was still shocked at the end of the episode that the really went through with it, Dave and Michelle are still going strong. I don't know what to make of this, and I guess I really don't have to make something of this. But I feel like I always have an opinion or an inclination about something. I think marriage is a sacred thing like Dave's mother says, but why not? Why not have some crazy fling? Ah, I don't know. I mean you fall in love so many times in your life. People whose spouses die find new lovers, does that mean their first marriage wasn't meant to be? If everyone can move on in their lives will we ever really know who is the one for us?

In this episode the guys help Rick, a man living under the streets of the Vegas strip in the sewers, find his way back to his daughter who now has her own daughter that he hasn't seen in years and years. At first I was shocked to hear of Rick's lifestyle, and that many others live the same way. Living under the sewers of Vegas is not only unsanitary, scary, and just like living on the streets but you have the added danger of being washed out of your 'home' at any given time. There was one time, Rick says, when he wasn't sure if he would make it out. It makes me really appreciate the life I have. After a long road trip the boys find their way to Rick's daughter's house in Missouri. I teared when I saw him standing at her door with a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed animal. It made me so happy that the guys were able to put this together for Rick and his family.

Song stuck in my head today: "Who Owns My Heart?" by Miley Cyrus (Sorry, I had to watch that video!)

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #12: "Grilled Cheesus" (Episode 3, Season 2)

I'M SO SORRY I'VE BEEN BEHIND, I WAS BUSY WITH SCHOOL ELECTIONS AND WAS AWAY THIS COLOMBUS WEEKEND WITHOUT COMPUTER ACCESS!

This episode did not in anyway disappoint, while some thought it was too sad I felt it was amazing! The storylines were so heartfelt and endearing, and you really saw the glee club come together in the end.

*SPOILER ALERT* (By now you should've watched it though!)

It's a proven fact that any guy with a guitar is automatically swoon worthy, and the fact that Puck did a Billy Joel song made it even better. I LOVED "Only The Good Die Young", the whole club got into it and it was all great. "Papa Can You Hear Me".... well it proves that the writer's go to length to fit Rachel Berry in for a solo. It was great, but took a while to set in and was a bit overwhelming. As an avid Beatles fan I love the song "I Want To Hold Your Hand". I think it's one of the best love songs. But after "Grilled Cheesus" I will never look at it the same. The point of view that Kurt had while singing this song, did a total 180 from what we were use to with this classic ballad. It blew my mind. The other song I was most looking forward to, "Losing My Religion", did not disappoint at all. Finn delivered it beautifully and I loved every second. Seeing Mercedes sing "Bride Over Troubled Water" was great, I loved Kurt's hat in that scene!

Besides the obvious fact that Kurt's dad was sick in this episode, not much other drama came into play. I thought the whole fiasco with Burt Hummel was written well, and the only other side note I made was about Finn's wish to become quarterback again. While I'm glad he's back in the glorified position, as he should, I was shocked at how it came to him! But as you see, Sam will be returning next episode (tonight AH!) and I'm super stoked for that.

My questions... (hard to come up with!)
1.) Since Sam is injured in the football game, will he get a different storyline?
If you don't religiously and intently listen to the last minute after the credits roll, you'll see in the preview for next week's episode that, yes, Sam is back, and has his eyes on a certain head cheerleader...
2.) Will Burt's recovery pull together or strain Finn and Kurt's relationship?
Dealing with his dad's condition was hard for Kurt especially when he realized just how badly Finn was affected by it too. Now that Burt is all well again will Kurt push past things aside, and just be happy for his dad or will things stay the same?
3.) When will the love triangle of Artie, Mike, and Tina reach a boiling point?
Next week, I know there is some action between these three, but will this issue finally be resolved?! I'm excited for Mike's first solo. Whoohoo!

(Quick mention!) I thought Finn's wish to touch Rachel's boobs, as weird as it might have come off to others, was sweet in a way. The writers didn't come up with some other desire for Finn, they really gave him one that any other teenage boy would have! Some people thought it was awkward, but I applaud them for writing something realistic like that and not doing it in a too provocative way.

The glee club sings "One of Us"

Here's your quotes!

"Whenever I pray I fall asleep." - Brittany
"Is God an evil dwarf?" - Brittany
"This country isn't a monarchy William, trust me I've tried." - Sue
"Heart attacks are just from loving too much." - Brittany
"Now I know what Miley feels like." - Brittany
"I realize you're only half orangutan, but I'm still very allergic to your lustrous ginger mane." - Sue
"And last week you had to camp out early so you could be first in line for those Grey's Anatomy DVDs." - Burt
"I did a book report on heart attacks if you want to give it to the doctor. It got knocked down an entire letter grade because it was written in crayon." - Brittany

Tonight's episode titled "Duets" is going to be (hopefully) really great. I like that after all this drama they're getting back to their fun and old school glee club competitions that always make for interesting pairs, funny dialogue, and great songs. The twist though, it that new characters Sam starts to get the hots for Quinn Fabray?! Yep, I'm excited. The songs are...
"River Deep - Mountain High"
"Happy Days Are Here Again" / "Get Happy"
"Le Jazz Hot!"
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart"
"Lucky"
"Sing!"
Do they mean "Lucky" by Jason Mraz (AKA my future husband?) hope so. :)

Song stuck in my head today: "Loosing My Religion" by the cast of Glee

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

O is for

Street fair, street fair, going to the street fair.

If I haven't mentioned it before. October is my favorite month. And so far it's been great. I kicked off the first weekend with my town's street fair: AMAZING. I live for the street fair. It's sad but true. My town doesn't have just any rinky dink street fair, it's huge. Filled with rides, free stuff, food, games and everything under the sun it draws in people from all over and was rated the 3rd best festival in the big area where I live. Since I'm in walking distance from the fair -so close I fall asleep to the noise of the rides- I spend my whole weekend there when it's happening. This fair was the bestttt ever. I spent it with my two friends Danielle and Shilpa and it was super great 'cause it was the first time Shilpa, Dani and I were getting together. Dani and I met Shilpa at a track meet and since then we've just always stayed in touch.


The weather was perfect, the rides (or should I say ride) was fun. The pickles: delicious! And the memories unforgettable. I had so many fun moments with them from painting faces, to taking pictures with strange lizards named Dave and their pirate owners, and I was so sad when I had to leave but so happy I got to spend it with them. I LOVE YOU GUYS!



The rest of October has been pretty great so far too. Everyday I get to throw on comfy sweats and snuggle on the couch with a cup of tea. Mmmmm... tea has become a daily thing nowadays. I'm not a coffee person and this weather gives me too many excuses for my caffiene of choice. Doesn't it just feel amazing to curl up with a good book or movie, rain pounding on the roof, and a hot cup of tea in your hand?


Song stuck in my head today: "Hey Julie" by Fountains of Wayne (my current favorite!)


Keep on keepin' on,


Madison

yeah.

;& why do i still torture myself with you?

The mind is a funny thing. You try to drive something out of it and like a boomeraang it just keeps coming back. You keep yourself busy, knowing something's not good for you. But once you're alone it come crawling up out of the dark, daring you. Daring you to do it. But you can't. You want to so bad but what happens if it falls apart. You move on, it says. But you can't. You can't pursue it and watch it die. You can't walk away from it and let it sit there laughing in your face. If you do it, it has to work. It must. You'll be lost, much more lost than before if it doesn't. But if something new comes along, something better, are you able to let go? Will you spend the rest of your nights tossing and turning about your new feelings? Or will the old ones keep creeping up on you? What if the old ones were never meant to be? What if they were never ever good for you. But why would something keep popping into your head?

Song stuck in my head today: ♥ ♪

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Dare to Dream

Dreams are funny little things. Not the ones you have in your sleep. Well, those are very funny, but I'm talking about the dreams YOU create. The things you hope and wish for in life, even though the odds are against you. But, not a specific dream. One that's just a random slurr of events, not something that you can acheive solely by yourself. Like that somewhat stupid dream that you have about having your first kiss on a ferris wheel, the one that you know will never happen but you still think about at night. Maybe you dream about having crazy adventures on a road trip, but you're not quite sure what those adventures would be but the thought of it keeps you from focusing in class. Those dreams that make no sense, that you don't know how they'd happen or what they would entail but you know you want them.

Not to be Debbie downer, but they probably won't happen. You're going to have your first kiss in some sleazy game of spin the bottle and you might go on that road trip and be completely adventure-less. These dreams of yours, can't be achieved sometimes by just your doing. I mean, you could grab a random guy and kiss him at your street fair, and you could do something stupid while on the road that makes you run from the law. But you know that's not what you want. You want something, seamless, perfect, and completely "random" something that will happen that's not obvious to others but you smile to yourself knowing you've hoped something like this would happen for a while. But who knows! Things have a wierd way of falling into place. The first time you spin the bottle, it could land on the boy you've always had a soft spot for since middle school and the kiss could be totally amazing! The road trip you go on could be peaceful and touching, and not what you expected but you'll never forget it.

I ask myself sometimes if these dreams are necessary. If they don't happen then what's their purpose? Are they there to mock us, and taunt us, because the didn't happen? Or are they there to keep us going, to help us strive for something greater?

That's what life does. You throw something out there, and most likely, you'll get something different in return. But you got to run with what life gives you, give it a try and hopefully you can make it just as great as what you asked for in the first place. Because not all dreams can be a reality and not all reality is a dream.

I wonder if I'll still be sitting in my closest dreaming my little dreams, or if any of them will come true.

Song stuck in my head today: Read my other post and find out!

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Stuck In The Middle.

My town has a lot of people in it. So we have two high schools- one for the north, and one for the south. Simple, yes? Eh, maybe. You see, these two sides of the town for two very short years, come together to go to middle school. This gives us the amazing opportunity to meet new friends and people, but also teaches us how to go our seperate ways, which is good to learn, but hard to go through. I live in the center. Not north, nor south. Just the middle. There's a middle of everything and that's where I live! People always say "No, no, no, you're either north or south you can't be middle! There's no middle!." But there is, and I'm stuck in it. North and south are very different, there's obviously a line drawn between them since everyone's convinced I don't like in the middle. But they mesh together fine because like all humans, they're the same in many ways. But since I live in the middle, I have to be zoned for one school district, and one only. Since the middle's so tiny, I'm either in the north or south. Unfortunately (to a certain degree), I'm zoned for south.

Not that the south is horrible, it just has a bunch of annoying qualities that I won't go into detail of. But the thing is, I'm a BLOCK away from the cut off line for north school zoning, and every since I was little I wanted to go to the north's high school. My dad went there, my cousins and aunts went there, I just think it'd be so cool to be walking down the same halls they did- plus I have a lot of friends who are going there. Since I'm a block away from the north school's it's a hassle to go down south for school, why should I drive for seven minutes when I can walk there in five?! Well anyways, during my middle school years I was given a chance to go to school with my north friends and I've always dreaded leaving them this year for high school. Well, as you know, I did. And it didn't feel much different.

Until this week.

On Wednesday we had a soccer game at there school (yes, our rivals, big whoop) and I saw all my friends from middle school, and all these familair faces, and stepping on their field looking up at their school felt like one big slap in the face. I swear, I nearly cried. Actually seeing the people I'm no longer with, at their school (what I've always considered my school) made me want to crumple up my soccer jersey and play for the other team. You never realize how much you wanted something, or missed someone until you physical see them or something that reminds you of them, or hear their voice. I've thought about all my good memories with my friends in middle school, and have talked to them online, but nothing gets me more sad than walking down to their school and seeing them all there smiling without me!

I like my high school, but I'm wondering now how things would be better or worse if I went to the school I've always wanted to go to.

Song stuck in my head today: "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison