. . . w.h.o. can ''say'' [ i f ] i`ve BEEN - changed - for the { B E T T E R } ?

It's beautiful.

The things we see with our eyes - they are so very remarkable. Whether our mind sets a particular label to whatever it is we see, it was once beautiful and wholesome. It was once pure and, possibly, still could be.

"For Good" from Wicked [ Sam Tsui & Nick Pitera ]

Another Tuesday, another weekend gone, and more tales to tell. I feel like, as of late, things have been a bit damp. Of course, with the hurdles and obstacles set to overcome in life, we come equipped with whatever it is we need. People, however, are not always going to get over these hurdles on their own. Sometimes, whether we know it our not, help is appreciated more so than we're aware.

It's a driving statement - a credo, if you will - of mine: "Everything happens for a reason." This song, "For Good" from Wicked is a favorite of a particular friend of mine. She's going through rough times, and it is most certainly excellent that she is being showered with the love and comfort that she and her family deserve. I'll repeat anything and everything I said, if I needed to, but what I said doesn't simply apply to her. And, if you're ready for smiles to come flowing from you, you better start that song from the beginning, turn the volume up, and sit back.

Compassion - it's a word that stuck with me during lessons in school today. Speaking of a particular belief system, the word "compassion" sprung up. It was dissected to the rough definition of "to suffer; with". Granted, compassion is sharing one's suffering, or doling a burden evenly. No one person can carry a mountain on their back, we all can concur. No one person should try, either. If you listen to the song, the words, lines, and melody are very passionate - connections and comprehension.

Compassion.

"Because, I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Is there much to say? All of the peace and bliss we can ever imagine and dream of stays right where it is - in our minds. It's always seen as an impossible and unfathomable thing to achieve - to have everyone on the same plane of understanding. Where this sense of inherit superiority came from is most certainly beyond me, but perspectives of life and humanity altogether have been coasting along the tidal wave of conformity. We shouldn't need to sacrifice our genuine thoughts in fright that we may get plucked from the sky.

It is important to know: we must not put each other down. Everyone makes a big deal of bullying, and many make joke of it. As serious the issue, there are many bigger dilemmas at hand. That isn't to say it should not be remedied - not at all. In fact, in order to reach such a solution, the root must be identified. And, going from the wit of my mind and the ebbs of the music, I have a feeling that everyone has the answer somewhere in them. In their mind, in their hearts - it's there.

Do not be afraid to care for others who you know, for those who may need it. In order to trust someone, you must make yourself vulnerable. Furthermore, if you truly have no discretion or anything to be concerned with, you needn't to fret over being vulnerable. Should we all behave the same in our true and genuinely genial nature, it's possible for us to hold a completely pointless conversation with an absolute stranger without all of the frivolous matters we get worked up about.

If we were all compassionate to the same degree - completely and totally - there would be no need for war. There would be no need for violence, no need for any infliction upon one another.

It sounds far-fetched, and I don't think we can achieve it in just one day, but I think we're capable of opening our eyes, sitting down for a moment to think about life, and come to a general consensus. Now, we're never going to be able to please everyone all the time, and it's human nature to change.

C. H. A. N. G. E.

It's very interesting, the change in the world. Change in time, change in people, change in existence overall. We've developed a sense to only look at the negative aspects of life, because they're weighted so much more and heavily impact us more so than the good. That does not mean we should ostracize the wonders of the world, or its inhabitants. We can look at life with bright eyes, bright smiles, bright hearts, open arms. Accepting and understanding - that is how we should proceed.

Now, I'm not here to sit and type out commands, as you all already are aware of. But, if you're listening to the same song I'm listening to [ over and over, of course ], then you'll know - better yet, you'll understand the compassion of which I speak. All it ever takes is always just a beautiful voice, some magnificent music, and impressive lyrics to turn the world upside down.

Would you listen to music that would destroy the world simply because it appealed to you? Upon a destructive path, things can only get worse; all types of music, artists, genres, etc. are exceptional and magnificent. However, when in need of enlightenment and a good atmosphere to think within, find something with a great roster of lyrics, beautiful melodies, and dedicate as much time as you need to clear your mind. It's easiest to think within your mind, but thinking aloud will verify that you are capable of such a feat:

Hosting compassion and insightful wit.

I think I'll leave you with that. Not with a method to contemplate more so than another thought to add to your collection. Go through your days, not only wonder, but wondering and then acting. A smile most certainly goes a long way, and embracing a friend or loved one is always cherished. Rough relationships considered, everyone is always proclaiming to love your family, because they're the only ones you have. While it is most certainly true they may pass on and it hurts, but they'll never leave your side.

Never.

<3 ~  Monty
=]

. . a . . . [ s l e e p y h e a d ] . . !

Every time I come in here, I've got this all set up in my mind: I'm going to sit down and let my thoughts stumble over my fingers, say nice things and intend to make someone's day. On occasion, I don't actually aim to make people smile with the words they read as much as I smile in reaction. It's interesting - I can say that this is neither for you, nor for myself.

Sleepyhead - Passion Pit [ A Capella Cover ]

The link there is an unlisted video on YouTube. I'd like for you to check it out. Sit down and just watch it through the whole two minutes and twenty-nine seconds that you have to spare. A good friend of mine, Christopher, tossed this at me. It is very interesting and entertaining, and she looks like she's enjoying it herself! All the more reason to smile along with it. So, with that being said, check her out - it's definitely worth switching windows and tabs to click on the repeat button.

The weekend seemed emotional for most of the people I spoke with. I would love to proclaim that my consoling of those crossing my path who have problems is far beyond superb, but I can only do as much as I can. Whether the individual takes my words as heartfelt and sincere as they should is completely up to them. Assurance and confidence - they are the two things I am learning that are very importance to the insurance of one's attitude. And, as you can expect, we want the best, happiest, and most optimistic attitude we can manage.

In finding memories that we can share, they are oft the ones that make us smile. Rarely do you think back on the times least enjoyed when reminiscing. Perhaps in jest, or - at the very least - in retrospect to the beneficial outcome, but as par custom, we look to the path with the least amount of pain and suffering possible.

Simple happiness is the one of the greatest pleasures we can strive for.

Monday, I spent time with a couple of my friends. They requested that they also make an appearance in this entry, so I decided to focus on the delightful things they did as well. Samantha and Denae, you two are very wonderful woman in your own respects and I enjoy spending time with you both. Samantha, a very jovial and carefree individual, enlightened me on something else that I would very much enjoy doing, had I ever the chance to walk through the town; in our idle voyage about, she pressed a parking meter button. Why had she done that, Denae and I inquired. Samantha explained that it would grant the particular person parked in that place an extra, default fifteen minutes.

Remarkable! Kindred souls doing the same deeds I would love to discover before my very eyes! This was a selfless deed, for people she didn't even know. She held no airs that wanted to flaunt her brandished ethics, to showcase how nice of a person she was. Sometimes, when I mull over the things I do for other people, I wonder if I'm doing it for myself more so than I am for them.

Then, I recall, that in one of my previous entries, I stated that all actions - in their own right and to their own degrees - are selfish. This is a truth, no matter from what angle you may attempt to perceive it. Samantha, with her perpetual smile and pleasantly incessant, bubbly aura soon infected myself and Denae even further as we stopped at our destination and sat a spell. We sat and talked absently, enjoying our foolish conversation as we would.

Now, it may seem like I am amplifying Samantha's persona to magnificent proportions, but these words are doing her pleasant presence no justice.

You know those people who you just find yourself gravitating toward because they make you smile because they're smiling? Even if we get distracted from whatever it is we are supposed to be doing, it's never a wasted distraction.

I'll be honest, I'm no sports fan, nor do I entirely intend to follow them any more than I already do [ which could virtually be not at all ]. However, a particular football player came into school to speak with my class today. Initially, my reaction was of distress and irritation because it was during lunch, and let's simply say that lunch is just as important as any other meal of the day. It was a massive occurrence in our day, apparently - a surprise to most. His name? Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Say what you will about the team - if you like it, disdain it, don't care much for it: whatever's fine. Sports are diverse for individuals to converse and discuss.

I, however, am not particularly interested in speaking of the facts as much as I am in enjoying the game for myself, if at all.

Mister Holmes came in and spoke to us. He spoke to us about many things: the routine and typical message of peer pressure, of directions in life, about obligations and preparation. It's as if they [ the standard public speakers ] run over the generic basics to remind us that they're older and more experienced, but not so much as to seem obnoxious and impressive about it. They'll let us experience it for ourselves, with the hope that their insight might instill a bit of justice and sense into us. I think they've little to worry about, but I digress.

Three particular topics I gathered from his speech, free and casual as it was, were of self-confidence, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication. He also focused on a positive outlook on life, but, as we all know, this is most certainly more than a vessel for that message in its entirety. I won't dive too far into the topics, because you most certainly are more than capable of dwelling on it for yourself. Ultimately, I suppose they all came back to the focus of yourself - your confidence and awareness. He gave us anecdotes to leave with; these anecdotes delivered his message with as much finesse and prowess as necessary. I can confidently say that the perspectives he shared on these particular three aspects mirrored my own.

And, with the underline of the speech being confidence more so than anything else, he relayed the importance of our identities. The quote is a bit fuzzy, but if I'm off, it doesn't entirely matter - his words were only a means to convey a message.

"It's [ The perseverance necessary in life ] about waking up one morning and taking a look in the mirror; you should know what that person looks like for the rest of your life without needing to look at it again."

-Santonio Holmes 

 And, you know what's funny? When you look in the mirror, what is it you see first? The good or the bad? Your strengths or your flaws? Mental or physical? It's an irony how we can hold others so highly esteemed, but cannot bother to grant ourselves a compliment off-handedly. Without sounding obscenely narcissistic and conceited, that is.

I dare you to wake up tomorrow. Find a mirror. Take five seconds. Observe yourself and find a flaw.

Then find an aspect about you that conquers that flaw.

If you can look past the bad to get to the good, you'll be in good enough shape to conquer the bad. "Conquer" in the sense that you are capable of acknowledging it, remedying it, and maybe even molding it into a strong point of yours. No one knows you like yourself, so how would someone be able to pick you apart without you letting them know all of your weaknesses? Better yet, why let anyone know that your weaknesses are, in that very sense, weaknesses? Why not consider them objectives and targets to pinpoint your focus on. Work on them to become better people.

<3 ~ Monty
=]

K E E P . your . ~ head . { ``up`` } !

I forgot to mention it when I started typing, but I'll just toss that in here. Song for this entry is Imogen Heap's "Wait It Out".

Mm. It looks like I've been slipping as of late. Slipping with schoolwork and slipping on my personal obligations, recording - all of these things which I consider important. I'm not falling drastically behind or anything, but I'll admit I'm not on top of the ball as I thought I should be. And, to be honest, I think this week of essential relaxation and a calm burden of schoolwork was what I needed.

It was Spirit Week.

I've been going to my school for four years, and every year is just as enjoyable as the others. First day, Monday, was an addition to our weekend, being Columbus Day. I took that extra day to actually buckle down and do my share of work for the weekend, even though parts of it still were incomplete - I'm not the perfect student, and I will accept that. So, Tuesday, was the first, "official" day of Spirit Week. We jump-started the week with the 3rd, Annual, Charity Dodgeball event. Let's just say, since Sophomore Year, a particular team had been dominating and going strong, and expectations were pretty high of them.

It was exciting, to say the least.

And, as you can imagine, dodgeball is so much fun - on so many levels! So, while everyone was screaming from the bleachers in adrenaline, and with an allegedly inadequate D.J. blaring his apparently unappreciated music, kids were also running around and trying their best to dodge and throw, all at the right and precise moments. I'm glad most people left with smiles on their faces, and even though there are those who take it to heart, tensions melted and we were all basically back in rhythm with one another.

Hopefully... Thankfully.

Wednesday was testing for those who take the PSATs. I spent my day "off" running around and running errands. It was a nice day, if I recall, and I got a lot accomplished. I also made amends with a particular peer of mine whom I've been having troubles with. All it took was a deep breath, a clear mind, and a tranquil demeanor. The conflict nor the individual, as always, is not important, but the simple notion that it was capable to dissolve about three years of impartially mutual tension is somewhat fathomable, is it not?

You've got some individual in your life who you do not find yourself very fond of, right?

It's remarkable, how we can hold someone over a flame, but proclaim that we're completely without scorn, not holding any grudges or regrets. Now, I can honestly say that, what I write in my Yearbook is completely true. I'll get to that in a second.

Anyway, back to Spirit Week.

The highly-anticipated arrival of Friday meant that the Talent Show had arrived. At the end of the week, students from all grades would be entering in acts to participate and showcase their personal traits that would be more than noteworthy - memorable, even. I could only imagine how many people were expecting better or worse, but everyone when out and did what they could. I've come to the collection that everyone is their best - and biggest - critic.

There were a lot of people whose acts were remarkable. I didn't get to see every single act, though I'll share my own with you all.

Darin Earl & Erik Garnes - "Keep Your Head Up" By Andy Grammer.

And, as you can tell, we had a rocky start, but a lot of things were going wrong that day, it seemed. Even after the performance. But, in my eyes, and as I always say, things always happen for a reason. Lately, I've been shrugging my shoulders at a lot of things. But, even now, with my head no longer buried in the ground out of irrational, self-imposed shame and humility, I'm proud of everyone who participated in the Talent Show, and those in the audience. They're all great.

Give me a second, my Nephew calls me. =D And I return.

Alright, so I think, despite the simmering ending to the day - as a great day always has its minor faults - that the entire week was suspect to be fairly difficult to follow. I mean that in the sense that, with a lot of things going on, finding a particular focus for this week would be much more challenging than anything else. But, I can tell you, with the smiles littering this whole week, it's absolutely absurd to say that it was not delightful.

Not too many are as fortunate as we to even be treated as we were.

I just hope, even with the Talent Show included, that I can exercise my basic beliefs in the environment of the school. I mentioned it in the "Senior Page" information for the Yearbook. Don't ask my why it's done so early, or what it was that I put exactly, because it'll be out there eventually. Just know that, compared to the rest of the entries you may have already read here or are going to read - it's nothing new.

I'd just like to say that I'm happy. Considering all that's been going on as of late, I can't complain. All of my problems could be so much worse, and all of the people around me could be so much more difficult to deal with - and for the fortune I've been able to explore and appreciate, I am grateful.

Oh! A dear friend of mine shared this quote, and I thought it was very, very interesting. I'm not entirely sure if it is an indirect quote, but I retain no right nor claim to this. But, to all of you who have read this far and will bother to read further, I love you, and I thank you. For whoever you are - whether I know you personally or not - I appreciate you for who you are. Just sit back and think for a couple of seconds after you're done reading...


And realize that it should be true.

I am thankful for:

...the mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

...the taxes I pay
because it means that I'm employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.

...my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.

...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.

...all the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.

...that lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means that I can hear.

...lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing
because it means I have a home.

...my huge heating bill
because it means that I am warm.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means that I have been productive.

...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours 

because it means that I am alive.

<3 ~ Monty
=]