Connected Everywhere

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
Technology overload. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Technology overload. ‘Double Teamed’ plays. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

My generation is overly connected. As a 20 something I have absorbed way too much media, and not enough life. Sometimes life comes in the form of two (men’s) lacrosse sticks, that get pushed to the side near the “my coke rewards” points, because I avoid the outside for electronics. Despite not owning an iPod, iPhone (but my Mom has one), or tablet, the computer and TV have me hooked.

Before moving into a residence hall I would automatically turn on the TV every morning, followed by the family laptop. The only thing that ever changed was the order in which each device went on.

Old Disney Channel Original Movies, shows like ‘Shameless’ and ‘Ridiculousness’, and some movies sucked me in during all of my free time. I would surf between great stories and immaturity.

Sometimes I would turn down the volume real low, and watch YouTube videos, but I would never turn either device off. Both of them were like little “worlds” that I had to be a part of. Most of it is mind numbing, but I was addicted to having media come at me from two sources. On the rare occasions that the computer was moved to the dining room, or I just didn’t turn on the TV, I surprised myself about how long I had paused one of the “worlds”. Other times I felt like I missed something if I didn’t have everything on. My addiction grew, but I was not alone.

My generation has complete access to the media, and I don’t break any stereotypes. Even if I don’t have one of those amazing iPhones. I only enjoy my Mom’s because of the picture and video quality. She has an iPhone 4, so it’s durable. Thank God a phone upgrade wasn’t around the bend. It would have dented her wallet too much, and no one in the house had spare pocket change for a luxury item.

Now a junior, in a college dorm, I don’t have a TV in my room, so only my laptop goes on. There’s a TV lounge, but I don’t bring my laptop there. My mind couldn’t be clearer. I have stopped home a few times, and yes, I start my old habits again, but they are not as bad anymore. I can only relapse for 2 1/2 days.

If I ever get bad again I can use the dining room as a computer room, and only watch TV in the living room. Only a few inches separates the space, but I did this during community college, and it works.

My partial disconnect has allowed me to focus more. Procrastination hasn’t been wrestled out of me, and neither has garbage TV or videos, but only opening one “world” at a time has been an excellent experience. My brain is on one solid track.

– Katelyn Avery

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Smoke Free Campus Life

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
No smoking. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

No smoking. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Most of my colleges campus is smoke free, and I’m very happy about it. I’m not a smoker, and I know I’ll never become one. My Dad smokes, as do other people in my extended family on both sides. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t hate smoking, because it placed a chokehold on my life at a young age. As an adult I like to see people my age staying smoke free. At the very least, I don’t want someone else’s smoke in my life.

Walking around campus I can usually breathe just fine. There are a few people who break the rules, usually at night, but for the most part the smoking ban has had smooth sailing.

As a transfer student I didn’t experience campus life before the new smoking sections were made. They are at different ends of the campus, away from us non-smokers. I haven’t even walked into one of the smoking sections, because of the distance. Unlike my community college, which because of space constraints had two smoking sections along my typical route. One was near the entrance for drop-offs, and another was near the path heading towards Dunkin’ Donuts.  I didn’t catch smoke in my face or anything, but the more populated smoking section, near the Dunkin’ Donuts path, had a nasty smell.

A few smokers gather outside the front entrance of my residence hall at night. This is what I’ve heard through the grape vine. I live in the back of the building, so I haven’t experienced this. While heading out to breakfast I’ve seen some cigarette butts off to the side, so my doubts have been squashed. Everyone is doing their best to clear the smokers from a non-designated smoking stop.

Considering what I could be going through, my campuses smoker life isn’t that bad. I don’t have to deal with it most day, and the campuses courtyard isn’t ruined by cigarette butts. If you are a smoker I understand it’s an addiction, but consider stopping. You will be healthier, and you can join the rest of us non-smokers as we breathe easily.

– Katelyn Avery

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Mini Hoop for Life

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
Mini hoop in my college dorm room. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Mini hoop in my college dorm room. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

When I was around 8 years old my Mom purchased a mini hoop for my room. It had a cardboard backboard, plastic rim, and a purple foam ball was included. It went on my room’s main door, as I controlled the decorations for that one, and my sister owned the closet door.

I played with it constantly, and even moved it around the house. Living room games were just as good as ones at my “home court”, on my side of the bedroom.

Mini hoops were all the rage to kids in my school. Almost every house had a basketball hoop in the front yard, but that wasn’t enough for rambunctious children. Indoor activities had to be just as physical.

Somewhere along my childhood years the mini hoop and I had to part ways. I was in high school. My family and I were participating in street wide tag sale at my cousins’ house. The hoop would sell well, and I thought I had outgrown it. Two dollars later I was without a mini hoop, and a neighborhood kid had a big smile plastered on his face.

During my semester off between community college and four year University I began to long for the days when I had a mini hoop. I wanted to be able to take some shots, but cash was low. As college approached I had hoped to bring the extremely mini, mini hoop, that I had seen at the grocery store to college. It didn’t work our though, and off to college I went, mini hoopless.

During a visit home I was able to spend a little less than $4. The mini hoop was mine.

My desks back panel became the mini hoops home. Command tape wouldn’t hurt the desk, and the small plastic ball wouldn’t bother my neighbors.

College just got a whole lot better for me. My mini hoop made my dorm room rise up a level in awesomeness standards. I play a little bit, when it’s not quiet hours. Usually between classes, or when I need a break from a project. Mini hooping for life.  

– Katelyn Avery

352 words

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Giving Soda a Rest

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
Coca-Cola truck unloading in Connecticut. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Coca-Cola truck unloading in Connecticut. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I’m a soda addict. I’ll admit it. It was actually one of my concerns right before transferring to a four year university. Despite being a junior this is my first time in a dorm. My community college, like many others, was only for commuters.

I danced around the idea of bringing soda to college, but I knew it would be in the dining hall. Also, I wouldn’t have to pay for each drink. Well at least not in cash. My meal plan, and my ever growing college debt, covers my soda fix.

The first day in the dining hall was experienced with my mother. August 27th was move in day for transfer and returning students, and most students used one of their guest meals for their parents to eat. We rushed into the room, as only a few parents and students were there. The lunch hour hadn’t quite yet hit, so we tried to get our food before the crowd.

Diet Coke and Coke Zero were my options. Good choices because I don’t usually like regular Coca-Cola. I know Diet’s actually worse for you, but I prefer the taste.

It was hot. Outside, and inside the dining hall. Despite my desire for soda I opted for water. I’ve given myself a headache before, drinking soda when I should have had water. I’m getting older, even if older only means 21. Soda can’t be my 24-7 drink anymore. I had started to wean myself of soda in high school, but nothing as drastic as what I did next.

I didn’t have soda that meal, a choice I make during most college meals. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped drinking soda. It just means it’s hot and I need to stay hydrated. I opt for orange juice in the morning, water throughout the day, and sometimes ice tea. I’ve also had a few other options, but those are my main three.

This lifestyle change may not be permanent, as the heat will slide out with October’s arrival. However, I do know that I feel better health wise.

Soda helped me through some life problems. Money was tight at home so milk, mostly saved for cooking, water, and soda were the main drinks. I couldn’t stop drinking it. Now that college provides me with more options, and a mental boost, being a soda addict is no longer an everyday issue.

I’ll be home next weekend for a cousin’s birthday party, no doubt drinking soda once again. Still, it is nice to take a break from soda, from any brand of a soda.  Soda has not been removed from my life, but it no longer has 24 hour “chill rights”. It’s time to let other beverages hang out with me.

– Katelyn Avery

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On the Road: Summer Trips Part 2

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
National Iwo Jima Memorial. Street view. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

National Iwo Jima Memorial. Street view. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

The National Iwo Jima Memorial marked the end of the “going to” portion of our mini road trip. Not a bad place to stop. My mother and I have always loved things that properly honor soldiers. The military does an important job. Thanking them doesn’t mean you support war, it means you support them. They give something up for us to enjoy our (American) freedom. Whether it be their innocence, a stable mind, or their life. 

All soldiers deserve respect of course, but I mostly focus on American soldiers. It’s my home country, and as far as I know I’ve only come in contact with American veterans. 

My Mom and I didn’t have a lot of time, so we only drove by the memorial. It hit me, as we passed by, that I have access to so much. I need to be grateful for the men who fought, especially the ones who died at battle. Not only during World War II, which I was focused on at the time, but throughout every (American) war.

National Iwo Jima Memorial. Street view. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

National Iwo Jima Memorial. Street view. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Surrounding the memorial was a shopping center that included a Stop&Shop, and a fast food place called Mooyah Burgers. Cars were parked outside, and families were enjoying lunch together. On the other side of the memorial was Central Connecticut State University. I could see from one of the entrances that construction work was underway. Work was being done, and life was going on.

As my Mom and I made a U-turn to start the “going back” portion of our mini road trip, I chose to remember. World War II was many years before my time, but in school I was taught about how the memorial is dedicated to the 6,821 US servicemen who gave their lives at Iwo Jima. The historic flag raising moment is forever captured by the monument. There is no amount of movies, documentaries, photos or other media source that could prevent me from taking their sacrifice for granted. I can try to snap myself out of it, but as a non-military person I will never understand what those servicemen went through. I couldn’t even come close.

So many opportunities are in my life because of the soldiers from that war. Because of the soldiers from every war. Whether the war be one that’s out of living memory, or going on at this moment. Hard work is definitely part of my achievements, but I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to succeed. America created opportunities for me, and the military keeps them in place. 

Whatever I do, I owe the soldiers of the past and present a thank you. Regardless if they came home or not, they fought for something greater than me. I benefit greatly, and we all need to remember that. As they say “freedom isn’t free”.

Thank you military servicemen and servicewomen. I have so much because of sacrifices made by you.

– Katelyn Avery

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Facts or fact checking for this blog post from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Iwo_Jima_Memorial 

 Author’s note:

I know World War II, and other wars America was involved in, were not always solely American wars. I just said “(American) war” to describe any war that American soldiers fought in. 

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RIP Robin Williams

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist
Via Wikipedia.org

Via wikipedia.org

Robin Williams has passed away, shocking many fans. At 63 years of age he left us on August 11, 2014. A career spanning multiple decades has now ended, but it will not leave our memories.

Williams reached fans of all ages. Whether you remember him as Mork the alien, from “Mork & Mindy” (1978-1982), or as a desperate and loving Dad in “Mrs. Doubtfire” his talent has touched your life.

Multiple news sources report that Williams was suffering from depression, and that this may be another tragic suicide. No confirmation as of present though.

Williams is remembered as a funny man for his audience. He had serious roles of course. His acting range was worthy of an applause. “Dead Poets Society” and “Good Will Hunting” are on the other side of the spectrum when compared to “Jumanji” or “Flubber”. Williams was not boxed in by any one genre.  

Deaths like this eat away at our hearts. For my 90’s kid’s generation Williams was one of our favorite family film actors, in movies like “Jack” and “Hook”. The laughs he gave us make it hard to remember that even funny people cry.

Depression is not a joke, and deaths like this make us remember that. While it is not officially a suicide, his depression was real.

Please don’t let his death fade away too soon. I’m not asking anyone to be sad beyond the point of normal mourning though. I’m asking my readers to get help if they need it. I’m also asking my readers to remember that depression is an everyday battle for some people.

NBC Connecticut reported that Williams had gone to rehab in July 2014. He had been open about sobriety issues before, but this was a shock. As much as we don’t want to admit it, some people lose while fighting. Sometimes the battle is constantly uphill, pushing the victim down a steep slope.

I don’t suffer from depression. I’ve been sad before, but full blown depression is something different. I don’t know what kind of torture that is on the mind. Something that as far as I know, can’t be cured, only managed.

Depression is a horrible disorder, but you can’t run from it. Pretending it’s not there doesn’t fix the problem. Getting help is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re strong if you do. It’s hard for us as human beings to admit it when we need help. The strong ones can accept when something is wrong. They are true warriors.   

If you know someone with depression be there to support them. Don’t be their doctor or therapist. They need to seek out professional help for that, but let them know you care. Let them know that they are still normal. They just have an issue at hand.

 – Katelyn Avery

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On the Road: Summer Trips Part 1

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

To college (6) Tunnel exterior. Connecticut. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

It was near the end of July when my Mom and I enjoyed a mini summer journey. We drove for a little more than an hour toward the middle of Connecticut. One of the stops was a little less conventional. Mostly because we didn’t stop.

Along the highway I found two worlds colliding. Our man made world full of cement and bricks, and the beauty of a natural site. The abundance of trees could make a person think they were hiking through unclaimed territory, found deep in a secret woods. The view just beside the tunnel easily masks the fact that we were actually driving along a Connecticut highway, close to small cities and suburbs. I quickly pulled out my Mom’s iPhone, to catch the piece of art.

To college (7) Tunnel interior. Connecticut. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

As we cruised through the tunnel I took time to admire the sleek walls. A lot of time and effort had went into this project.

I had actually entered this tunnel many times as a kid, on the way to my (paternal) Grandma’s house in New Hampshire. She taught me how to get more fun out of the ride. She told me to make an “Oooooh” noise, because of the echo. My twin sister Jen and I loved it, and did so for the next 5 years every time we entered a tunnel. Now many years past early childhood fun, I still smile as I hear that sound in my memories.

– Katelyn Avery

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Premade Cupcakes

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Cupcake 3Premade cupcakes. Photo by  Katelyn Avery.

Too much frosting is on top, but I’m not complaining. I can feel the sugar come into me. There’s definitely more sugar than when you make cupcakes from a box. Premade cupcakes. Sometimes you just need them.

It was my Dad’s birthday, back in mid-July, and I was under the impression that we weren’t going to have a family party. The kind where we eat cake together and wolf down pizza. Waking up that morning I believed we were just going to hang out at home together. Then I opened the fridge.

Inside the white rectangle was a clear container, hidden away in the back corner. Cupcakes were within my reach. Those bite size ones that everyone loves, but never buys until a special occasion occurs.

CupcakePremade cupcakes. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I was able to eat them immediately. My Dad hadn’t bought them for himself, although he did have four. He can’t really eat sugary treats like this anymore, even if it’s a special occasion. They are hard to resist though, so I can’t blame him for having some.

My sister and Mom had their share, but I definitely had the most. I’m a bit of a cupcake hog. It’s a bad habit, and I should stop, but I’m not ready. Too many cupcakes are waiting for me.

– Katelyn Avery

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Christmas in July

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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 Candy cane. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Christmas music still sounds good in July. Songs from artists like Mariah Carey and Michael Buble. The list goes on. I surf through YouTube looking for my favorite songs. Trying to keep the Christmas spirit with me.

I’m not a year round Christmas fan because of presents. It’s the mood of the holiday that pulls me in. Images of snow and friendly neighbors make me smile. To experience a little “Christmas in July” my mother and I sat through A Very Brady Christmas (1988) together. Nothing like Christmas cheer and nostalgia. 

My first Christmas’ that took place in the 90’s were similar to the ones of the late 80’s. My Mom and I could remember most of the outdated 80’s home design. My (paternal) Grandma had styled her home in a similar manner. 

I took a stroll down memory lane with the Brady’s beside me. I remembered sledding before school, when there was a 90 minute delay. I remembered hoping we would have a snow day the Friday before winter break. I remembered leaving cookies out for Santa once, when I was 5 or 6. My Dad was all for it of course. He made sure Santa got his cookies.

As the movie ended I tried not to let go of all of my memories. I wanted to keep some Christmas cheer with me. July may be a warm month, but it doesn’t have to melt my love for Christmas away.

– Katelyn Avery

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Watermelon’s Helper

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Watermelon Watermelon. No rind. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Red velvet is the wrong term to use, but it’s still sweet. A healthy dessert. Watermelon will never be put in the corner.

I have preferences of course. No black seeds. Their a burden. They have to be removed before eating, because they’re hard to swallow. Even the white seeds bother me, but their slightly less annoying. Mostly because I’ve grown used to them. Only my paternal Grandma bothered to remove those. You know Grandmothers. Believing their little ones could choke on anything.

Despite the universal praise watermelon receives, one part of this food gets little or no attention. A sad fact. The green shell goes through life forgotten. It deserves a moment in the spotlight.

The rind isn’t as pointless as people assume. You drink from a cup with a handle, so why can’t the same principle be applied to food? I for one love it when I can keep my hands a little dry after such a juicy treat. 

Cubes and red only slices aren’t something that I’m against. I just don’t want to be mean to the green. That rind really deserves its spot, and I welcome it anytime.

– Katelyn Avery

192 words

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