Don't You Worry

I'm going to lay this out right now, I am an xbox fan. I personally have an Xbox 360 and I prefer that system over the Playstation. But the system I'm going to talk about today is the Wii, the black sheep of the gaming family. Now don't get me wrong, I love nintendo, the gameboy (I got a gameboy colour in yellow at the age of seven), and the gamecube (my original multiplayer gaming device). But it's not exactly impressive, though perhaps with the addition of Wii U it is? I've never tried it so I wouldn't know personally. The only reason that I have access to a Wii is because my mom wanted to use it for exercise as she doesn't like playing video games. Personally, I love using the Kinect with Zumba: Fitness Rush or Dance Central for my video game exercise but I thought I'd give her Wii a shot. If you can't tell, I love to dance and those are games that make it entertaining. What does the Wii have? Wii Fitness or Wii Active, that already sounds less appealing than the Xbox's games. I plugged in her Wii and the controllers are dead because she hasn't used it in so long. I wasted some time getting myself a glass of water because its June and my house is really quite hot, plus obviously I assumed I'd get thirsty. Exciting stuff, right? Anyway, by the time I'm done with that the controller works, so I put the disk in and have to register my mii or something. Not sure how that works, I already have a girl in a yellow shirt that vaguely resembles me if you squint a lot. With a little animated cartoon person, its hard to get it to resemble you and frankly their pants are creepy. My avatar on Xbox looks just like me, except I can never find hair that's long enough to resemble mine. Do people on playstation have things like Avatars or Mii's? I honestly don't know.

I took the body test the first time and it told me that I have terrible balance, which I don't think I have but perhaps that test was just not my forte. Overall, my wii fit age was 20 which is two years less than I am so that's a positive right? The game is separated into four categories (not including your favourite games). The first day, yesterday, I tried the Yoga and Aerobic Exercise categories, though today I changed it up by trying the Balance Games and Muscle Workouts. My best activities were whatever ones involved lunges, but I don't recall their names. I'd get the full stars on those, whereas on the balance ones I'd get one or two stars. I clearly need to work on my crane style, but since it's a first try I know that I will get better as I work on it. I love the Aerobic Exercises category because it allows you to hula hoop and I'm kind of a pro at that.

When I was in elementary school, I was not able hula hoop but my cousins and I were going to have a birthday party together. The three of us all have March birthdays, so occasionally we did that. Our parents rented this hall, we had a bouncy house, and *drumroll please* a hula hooping contest. As my older cousin is the best at everything, including hula hooping, I knew that I had to learn. That was probably the most dedicated I've been to anything in my entire life, its quite ridiculous. I practiced until I was able to hula hoop indefinitely, or so I think, I have hula hooped for over an hour until I got bored and stopped. To my knowledge, I would only stop if I became tired or bored not because I couldn't sustain it any longer. The day of the birthday party, I proudly stepped up to the man hosting the hula hooping contest and joined in. The final two in it honestly ended up being my cousin and myself, and I won. The little six or seven year old me so was excited, though he wasn't.

So of course, when I see a game that lets me hula hoop I'm going to do that at least four times before I try some other activities. I mean, I hula hooped in my school cafeteria one day with my friends because they were hosting a carnival - and hey what else do you do during a carnival in your cafeteria? It strange because I had to swing my hips first to the left, then to the right. Right feels unnatural to me when I actually hula hoop, but its not weird when its fake. Then the little miis throw more hoops at you until you're doing over 400 revolutions per direction in a minute and a half. I'm not sure how they calculate it, though I expect each hoop it one revolution by the five or six hoops you're balancing, it can add up fairly quickly. According to this wii record site, the record is 346 revolutions (obviously not nintendo posting these, just people so I'm sure it's higher.) If that's close to the record, perhaps I should register to keep track and challenge myself.

I feel like I've talking about hula hoops for an excessive amount of time, so back to the other games. I tried the running and it was cute but awkward with the wii remote on my person. The skiing was absolutely embarrassing, I missed about six of the maybe twenty flags I had to get between. If I focus, I'm good at doing something, but once I make a mistake I get flustered and take a couple of seconds to recover. The soccer was confusing because I'd hit most of them, then the players would throw shoes and pandas at me. Who wants a round squishy panda thrown at them? I'm sure a lot of people do, but that's besides the point. I'd lean into things (and as we've established, my balance is not my best feature) and either lean too far or not enough. I was hit by cleats quite a few times and though its not real, its confusing.

So the moral of my story is that you should give Wii Fitness a chance, its actually pretty fun. I think I'm going to make a goal to get on it everyday for however long I can maintain it. If I still enjoy it after a few weeks, maybe I'll invest in something else if Wii even makes anything else. Do they make Wii Fitness 2 or one with extra games? I'm woefully uneducated about the Wii Nintendo-verse.

Release You

Just started watching the HBO series: Girls and I'm surprised by the fact that I actually enjoy it. The storyline centres around four very different girls: Marnie, Shoshanna, Jessa, and Hanna. The focus is generally on Hanna, the girl with aspirations who had been living off her parent's money until they cut her off. Suddenly she's forced to survive on her own, find a paying job, and continue writing. Her dating history is far from impressive, as she has fallen for any guy that likes her even if they don't treat her as she deserves. Hanna's best friend is the oh-so-put-together Marnie, who isn't quite as she seems. She is like the mother of the group, the responsible one, who pays her bills and has had the same boyfriend for four years. Except, he doesn't make her happy anymore so though she loves him, she is no longer in love. As the series progresses, we see that her persona is not always who she is as she struggles to find where she fits in the world and what she wants to do with her life. Shoshanna is a very energetic girl who is still in school unlike the other girls. She is very nervous and does not know how to act around guys, mainly because she is insecure about her virginity. Her cousin is Jessa, the typical embodiment of the world-traveling, unique, free spirit. She is very open with guys, experimenting, and has a take on life that is all her own. The four girls are all close but very different from one another, allowing the audience to see themselves a little bit in each of the characters, or completely empathize with one in particular. The supporting cast range from current boyfriends, exes, family, to roles played by faces you might recognize from SNL (Saturday Night Live). Now I'm not going to divulge who I feel is most like me, but I also see my best friend in one girl and my cousin in another. I've yet to find someone in my life that embodies the final girl.

Hanna is twenty-four years of age, yet she acts like any nineteen year old you might meet in college. She lives in her own world, a world that lacks responsibility or consequences. As much as she might think she's an adult who can support herself, throughout the series she leans on guys or Marnie for the help she needs. She wants to be a writer, but finds herself working as a barista, in an office job in which the boss is very touchy, or an unpaid internship. None of them further her career or help her achieve her goals, rather they are solely to pay the bills.

As her best friend, Marnie is always there for her no matter what but has her own problems to deal with. During the second season, she loses her job and is forced to come to the realization that being a curator is not a career. This makes her wonder what she is going to do with her life, the once perfect environment is now full of doubt. She moves out of her apartment, is no longer with her boyfriend of four years, and gets a job as hostess because its good money - not because its what she wants to do.  After breaking up with her boyfriend, she still thinks about him constantly despite the fact that she was not happy when they were together. Sometimes people want what they can't have or stay in a relationship that they're not happy in, just because its comfortable. As much as you worry that you will never find someone like them again, you will find someone that will treat you the way that you deserve to be treated and you won't even realize that they have flaws. That's what love is, you fight, you make up, and you're stronger for it.

Jessa surprises everyone when she plans a spontaneous marriage to a man she had only spent the last two weeks with. Though she is now "tied down" she still seems to be herself, ignoring societal rules, and acting however she pleases. Shoshanna loses her virginity, but is faced with the hard truth that not waiting for the right person might give her regrets. Many people speak about regretting their first time because they didn't care about the person or didn't even know them. Luckily for Shoshanna, the guy comes to his senses and begins treating her well again.

I'm glad I took a chance on this series (as entertainment while I clean, get rid of clothes, shoes, and just stuff I've accumulated over the years) because I really think its an honest portrayal of life. Though I may only have 22 years of experience in that department, it resonates with me so I guess that's all that matters even if others don't understand it.

Plato spoke to Aristophanes about this theory, "According to Greek mythology humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate beings, condemning them to spend their lives in search for their other halves..." (The Symposium). That is the concept of soulmates, someone perfectly matched for you as long as you give yourself the chance to find them. And if you try, I believe that you will succeed. 

Trepidation

Today begins the rest of my life, sort of. The job search is on and though this won't be the job I have for the entirety of my adult career, it helps me further my educational goals. I need a job because education is expensive, there are very few schools that I've looked into that offer any type of financial aid other than a Stafford Loan. And guess what? A loan is not financial aid, its a financial drain on my future. If I took out loans, I'd probably spend a good portion of that illustrious adult career paying them back. And I have no intention of being one of those students who take out over $100,000 in loans just to go to a school with a prestigious name. For my undergraduate degree, I chose to attend the school that offered me a full academic scholarship and I've never regretted that decision. I loved my school and plan to be an active alumnus if possible, despite the fact that it is two hundred miles from my current residence.

A few days ago, I went to an informational interview with the campaign manager of on of my state's congressmen. It was an incredible experience as I've never been to an informational interview before. He suggested that I apply for an internship program in the state government, which was paid and over the summer. As soon as I arrived home, I sent my resume to the individual in charge of the program and the next morning they called to schedule an interview. Today is that interview and I'm excited, a little nervous but its not as dramatic as my title alluded to it being. I'm dressed in business attire: dark blue shirt, grey slacks (yes, I said slacks), black flats and my hair is up. Apparently, hair up is professional and my hair down is not. Go figure. I have a bag with a fancy pen in it, my leather padfolio, and multiple copies of my resume.

I just returned from the interview which it was less of an interview, more of a... "Hmm where should I send your information for a job" conversation. Well that was fast, not that I'm complaining. Here I was prepared for standard interview questions, my strengths, my weaknesses, and had queries for them. Instead, he asked me what I wanted to do and immediately began to sift through his file of internship opportunities. Since the state government cannot help me pursue my ultimate career goals of working in an international setting like in a diplomatic embassy or for the United Nations, he concentrated upon my interests in conflict negotiation, dispute resolution, and peace studies.  He kindly forwarded my information/resume to Health and Human Services, where I may see conflict under the tutelage of a seasoned attorney. That's if I get the internship there, and my interview is next week so we'll see.

I've also received news that a city near me is looking for a Town Planner. The Universities in my state have either stopped their planner programs or are just not educating as many planners these day. Planners help to develop and potentially implement various things in the state, including growth plans, historical conservation, and regeneration plans. I barely know what a town planner does in their day-to-day jobs as the research I've done does not give enough details to give me a clear idea. Research also does not equate to talking to the town planner, being taught how to be one, or learning through coursework.  I've also noticed that it can be a very political job, which is why I should not be surprised that the Town is looking for a smart, energetic, political science student to do the job. It's an incredible opportunity, but it also requires not only a thirst knowledge but desire to learn new things. And honestly, though I never considered a job like that I think I would really enjoy it. I may be asking for an interview there at some point in the near future. Who knows what could happen from that?

An Introduction

So, for my first post I felt that it was probably best to introduce myself - hello, I'm Kyera. And now I'm sure you're saying, "Well I gathered that much already if I've found your blog, silly blogger." Okay, okay. I see where you're coming from new friend, so where shall I start? I am officially a college graduate, exciting right? As of two weeks ago, I walked across the stage crowded with distinguished professors who were bedecked in their graduation regalia - or wizard robes. One even resembled a plush velvet foot cushion, but I digress. Upon crossing that stage and receiving my rolled piece of paper (diploma to be received at a future date), I became a member of the real world, the adult club, whatever you wish to call it.  Once I have enough money saved for an apartment (for about two years) and tuition for grad school, that's where my life will be heading. For now, its just working, cleaning, and saving. But you don't particularly care about that, do you? To the interesting stuff - hobbies, likes, dislikes, and all that jazz.

Music is my life. There, I said it and its completely true. Its not just one of those overused tag lines or graphics, music really means so much to me. And I think the same can be said for many people, as music can get one through the good times, the bad, express every emotion you've ever had, or bring you to a type of realization. When I write, music inspires the stories and the characters, when I sing, I am able to express myself or just have pure unadulterated fun. I may not be the best at what I do, but I love it and would never want to stop. I've been singing since I was 16, not professionally, but for fun. Obviously, I sang before that as everyone does along to the radio or to a CD. At the age of 16, I convinced my mother to let me take voice lessons and that is when it all began. My sophomore year of high school, the drama club at my school decided to put on a Disney Cabaret in which we sang various songs from Disney movies such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, the Little Mermaid, etc. I'm a pretty quiet person, but I love Disney and wanted a part in the Cabaret. Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding the auditions did not play out in my favour. They were down to the last 5 people auditioning (there were four people after me, so I was nervous and the next one up) when we were forced to relocate because the basketball team needed to begin practice. At that point, they were already tired and essentially ended the auditions there. I was allowed to sing the first few lines of my song (Colours of the Wind) before they said thank you, that was really sweet (referring to my style of singing), and asked me to do a quick read through. Who knows how it would have turned out had I been given a true chance to audition? Honestly, it probably would have turned out the same way - I was probably not ready to perform like that, I never had before, but it would have been a great first opportunity.

Now as I mentioned, this was hosted by our (newly created) Drama Club, not the school sponsored Drama/Theatre that occurred every other year. So the "director" was a senior, a boy who picked who would be cast in what role. Ironically or not, his friends were the ones who received the main roles and the remaining roles were given to people I believe were deserving of roles, but did not fit the roles they were given. By that, you have someone who sings well in their alto-range, but they were cast as Annie, a small child with a high range. I played one of the orphans from Annie, a townsperson from Beauty and the Beast (who has one of the singing lines in Belle), Nakoma from Pocahontas, a napkin from the Beauty and the Beast number Be Our Guest, and was almost in the Lion King number but it was cut due to time constraints and a limited budget. Now, I may be forgetting something, but I think that's everything. I was asked to help certain individuals with their songs over the course of the rehearsals. Now I was incredibly honoured that they would ask that, believe that I could help people in any fashion, but at the same time - it made me wonder why I was helping people sing and not being allowed to be the one to sing. I was even forced to be a stand-in (pseudo-understudy) for the people who rarely showed up to rehearsals, to sing or act for them. Overall, it was an incredible experience, it was fantastically fun, but the feedback that I received on it "the singing wasn't very good."

It was because of this experience, that I decided that I wanted to start taking voice lessons. For two years, I saw a wonderful person who helped me with my technique, breathing, and range. (Now, my mom didn't like the way that she taught me, thought it didn't make me sound "good" but I definitely think I've improved since I went to her.) When I went to college, unfortunately those lessons had to stop and I've not received any training since then. As much as I would love to take voice lessons once more, I can't afford it at the moment. But someone must have thought that they were worthwhile, as I performed in a few open mic nights with my friend on guitar, and was in a band for a few years though we were never able to record anything, instead just performed covers. In the band, I shared vocals with one of my best friends who was great at figuring out harmonies for us to do. The main reason for the shared mic? I am still not comfortable being the centre of attention. If you're in the car with me, my room, a concert, chorale, or anywhere else... chances are you'll hear me singing. In chorale, I know for a fact that I project more than anyone else there (a curse or gift of my voice lessons) and that means even in a room full of people, if you know my voice you're going to be able to pick it out. And that doesn't bother me. But the solo I'm given in the chorale concert? Incredibly nervous. If its a formal occasion, one in which attention is on me - I become nervous. I just can't help it. Even if I'm the only one singing somewhere like my room or the car, as long as its just casual singing, I'm completely at ease, even if there are multiple people in the room.

I would love to be a singer, to make music videos on YouTube, or record covers on my computer - but I still don't think I'd be ready for that. For the attention, its just not me. If there's someone else with me? I'd probably be more than happy to do it, let them be the one out front and I'll just be supporting in the background. I'm happy that way. Perhaps I can find someone talented to teach me guitar, piano, or ukelele so that I have my instrument and I can officially just do backup vocals. Any takers? Granted I also have a djembe drum, but I think I'd be better off learning the strings or keys to accompany myself. I've tried picking them up and learning on my own, but I honestly think that I'm not disciplined enough to do so unless I have a teacher. Otherwise, I pick up the guitar, strum the chords to Mad World for a few hours until it feels natural and that's it. I memorize how to play something (usually on piano, or the notes on guitar) before I am able to internalize the chord structure, scale, or read the music. I'm sure I could memorize the note scale, but as a kinesthetic learner - I learn by doing.

Since we're talking about music, you may be wondering what I'm listening to as I write this ramblog, because I know that I can ramble a bit when I blog or write. Two days ago, I discovered this incredible band by accident - Anthem Lights. If you've never listened to them before, I suggest you do so right now. Best of Pop 2012 Mashup begins playing through my speakers, "I'm at a payphone... I threw a wish in the well..." and instantly the music junkie in me becomes interested. Whenever I sing, I usually try to harmonize or figure out how I can turn a song into a duet. This is because whenever I sing, I have one of my best friends (the great harmonizer) singing with me or my actual BEST friend. Which means, its a duet and if I'm singing with my best friend it means that I need to figure out how to harmonize on it, pick who sings when, etc. That's just kind of my job with us, I figure out what we do and she learns it. The second the song begins to play, I just know its something that we need to cover, its beautiful and all their harmonies are spot on. I'm incredibly jealous. I am not very talented in that department, if you figure out a harmony for me to do I can be spot on, but I just need to practice a lot more to develop my talents of harmonizing on the fly. Back to the song though, its immediately one of the best harmonies I've heard, and on top of that its a mash up, even better. I finish the song and go in search of their music, discovering they have an entire album of covers (score, download album from Amazon) and some of their covers are Give Your Heart A Break, Don't You Worry Child, and a One Direction Medley. (They've also recently posted a Mirrors cover on their YouTube.) I hope