when did we all grow distant?

it has become apparent to me for some time that I am not as close to my relatives and childhood friends as we once were. It's something out of our control, we grow apart to live our seperate lives. I wish I remained somewhat of a open communication with them but oh well. Now that we are on break from classes from college. I wonder what will happen since I lack social interaction with the few friends that I was able to hold on to. I'm not saying I'm a complete loner. My mom has that concern for me and it bothers me when she brings upon the subject. I made the conclusion that I would rather talk to them versus hanging out but nothing can make up for social interaction. If I am able to hang out with a few friends during the break I'll be fine. I already hang out with a friend once a week during classes.

freedom of 'no' religion?

lately I've heard a lot of lawsuits and issues that come up about the freedom of religion and how the atheists are getting their way about dominating the race. My mom's views are simple: "If you are an atheist and you value nothing in religious symbols or artifacts then why should it bother you so much?" Someone complained to a Costco employee that they didn't want to hear Christmas music. And now I watched a news story about the atheist organization in my state making a protest and not participate in the silence of prayer. Good then, if you don't believe in a God then the more power to yourself but you don't have to make a big deal about it. This country was found on basic rights and the freedom of religion is one of them.

studying for important exams

so this is about the time where college students like myself are preparing and studying really hard for their final exams and say a good bye to the end of yet another semester right? As a student at a community college, I have yet to take a really difficult college class (well I took one, last spring but I managed) And this semester it hasn't been all that bad as far as content goes. My math class is a refresher course of what I learned in Algebra I (which was my highest high school math course I got to) and I remember all of the topics and know how to do most of the problems. One I don't really have a final in, just a presentation. My English class, I just had to hand in a portfolio (no pressure there) and my Health, Safety and Nutrition course is common sense when it comes to preparing healthy meals for children. Atleast I am not pressured to do well at some university like the Ivy League universities or state colleges.

one's dumbwitted actions leads to...

a few days ago, my father was telling me that my former high school band wasn't going to continue their *educational field trip to either Virginia or South Carolina (or wherever the competition is being held for that year) any longer. They used to go every year but had to cut down to every other due to budget cuts. Well the reason that they had to stop attending altogether is because of an incident that happened my graduating year. Someone had the brilliant (use of sarcasm here) of making brownies and putting marijuana in them (aka: 'pot brownies') What a great idea. So not only did the girl didn't know what was inside the casual dessert, but she had a empty stomach and on a hot day, that isn't a good combination. (We were at Busch Gardens for the awards ceremony, and it was also our relaxation day to spend with our band buddies) She was admitted into the local hospital's emergency room and had her stomach pumped. What really gets me mad is that one person did a stupid move and it ruins it for everyone else. They ruined the school band's reputation I'm sure and now the good kids are beingn punished as well. Not to mention it was a educational field trip and that drug tolerance is never allowed. So the mastermind of this plan was expelled, what a bummer because he was a senior too. Yes I understand people do whatever they want wether it be legal or not but please, think ahead of the consequences and don't be stupid enough to carryout such a dumb plan.

getting along with the people you interact with

people see each other everyday of our lives. Sometimes, people see each other once and that'll be it. The people we choose to associate ourselves with (in our little social circle of friends) is an important aspect in our social development. What draws us to become friends is the common interests we share, what kind of personalities they have and other factors. So we have to find some common ground if we want to remain on a friendship level with them. We might disagree on something and the way we choose to handle it is important. If you share some kind of connection with your friends and loved ones, it may not matter how bad the arguement can turn out, you'll always end up on a positive note. Although, there are circumstances that can change a person's relationship with the other person and can alter it in some way or have it completely ruined. That's another thing too to remind yourself, people change throughout their lives. If you really want to continue a positive relationship, it can work if you put through the effort and even if it doesn't turn out the way you'd hope, atleast it wasn't time wasted because it was for a good cause (in most cases).