CARDS!

So I don't know about you, but every year my mailbox gets full to the brim of Holiday cards.

Whether it be a Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Happy Holidays, or Happy New Years card..they all slooowly find their way to my kitchen counter where my family picks apart the cards.

Looking at pictures of each family that chooses to send a photo, appreciating the nice paper or the fancy photography- it's a wonder what these are really for?

Are the cards really what they're meant to be- to wish each receiver a very blessed holiday, another year filled with peace and joy?

I feel as though some of the Holiday cards I receive are no longer to spread good cheer, but to ensure each receiver knows just how well the senders are doing.

Which makes me think..

Have Christmas cards become an egotistical way to broadcast family success?

I sure hope not...I was wearing a Santa hat for this year's.

Persuasive

For my persuasive essay, I chose to focus my attention on the affects the recession has been having on the holiday season. Our country has been struggling with our economic stability for the past two years, and unemployment rates have skyrocketed.
So many people have been struggling to make ends meet- it makes me wonder what they'll do for the holidays? And what about the people who are blessed enough to not feel the burn of the economy. Everyone can afford to help out during this holiday season.

In my essay I elaborate on the spirit of Christmas- that it's all really about helping one another, peace, love, and joy for all. It's not about the gifts. It's about how humans should be there for one another.
I go into further explanations about how easy it is to give this season- through charities and organizations needing volunteers, of both time and money.
And for the people who can afford it- to spend less time on themselves with usually useless gifts, and give more to people who really need it this season. After all, it is "better to give than to receive"

walk of shame vs stride of pride

Being a girl, I'm going to have to admit college has been a little bit easier for me in some facets.

For once, I almost never have to pay for cabs or drinks when I'm out, and it is a lottt easier to get into parties that are otherwise full to males.

However, there are some issues that are really bothering me (being a girl) now that I'm in college.

For example, the whole hooking up scene and the countless "walks of shame" I've witnessed are becoming ridiculous. I'm not here to be hypocritical whatsoever, as I'd be lying if I said I haven't experienced it myself... but I feel like some aspects of the issue are just wrong. The thing that really gets me about those walks are the amount of bragging and jokes I hear after them from the guys. It sickens me that men are finding humor in making a girl walk back the morning after a hookup, usually wearing what she wore the night before. Some of the boys seem to keep their fingers crossed in hopes that someone they know will see said girl on her walk back. I know most of the time It's just a one-night-only thing, but really? A girl you seemed to really like and want to be with 12 hours ago you're now making fun of because she had an awkward walk home?

On the other hand, some people love these walks back, as though they just won sort of competition. In these cases, it's no longer the walk of shame, but the "Stride of Pride". I guess if you're gonna walk back in last nights heels- you better walk like you're damn proud of it.

What's your take?