Living Life.....Joyfully.....and To the Fullest!!

Chris McCandless had a view of how people should live life. He wrote the truth. In this selection, Chris tries to explain the difference of how people choose to live life, in routine and conformity, to how one should live life. He believes that truly living life is about not knowing what will happen next or just expecting surprises. He says that many people live in and expect whatever comes from their routine; these people are thrown off when a surprise does come. Chris talks about how a life full of conformity, routine, security and conservatism may seem to give you happiness ("a peace of mind"), but it is more dangerous. This is true because living a life routine ruins a person and makes the person rebel. This can make a person bored and feel like there is no point in life if it is all just a routine. He says there is nothing better than waiting for something new every day, it is what feeds our adventurous souls. He believes all men were created with adventurous spirits. All of what he says is true because living in routine drags a being into a place where there is no belief in anything. People need belief and hope to move on in life. It helps so a person doesn't stay in one place, bored, for so long. This is what Alex did, only literally.

Alex embraced these beliefs by following it. He didn't just have these beliefs, he bravely chose to live out these beliefs. What Alex would do is, first off, travel around everywhere and wait for a "new and different sun" every day. Alex would live these things out by abandoning his life of routine and conformity, to live out the new experiences he desired to have. He embraced his adventurous spirit and led the life he wanted, the life of a free man.

My life has been conditioned this state of conformity, security, and conservatism because of how I have been raised. I don't object it because I am just a child and under my parents' roof. It has been conditioned this way because my parents take care of me, (I guess you can say I depend on them), my parents take me to school, they have kept me safe since I was born, and I don't really travel that far without them.
First off, if I could meet Alex McCandless, that would be one of the best days of my life. It would be so interesting to get into the TRUE mind of Alex. But, what I think he would specifically question why I follow most of my parents' rules. He would question how I can endure it and how I forgive them for their mistakes.
Alex, would encourage me to leave once I hit 18 or once I graduate from the first 4 years of college. Alex would encourage me to let go and be free. Alex would push me to take the trip I want to take, to go to many countries, especially South Korea and Japan.

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

Alex/Chris McCandless

Go Alex! You searched for an answer just like any other human being does, the only difference is that you did something I would not be brave enough to do!

SHINee, BEAST, Block B, Miss A

SHINee came out with Dazzling Girl on Oct 8th
BEAST came out with Beautiful Night during the summer.
Block B came out with Nililli Mambo on Oct 17.
Miss A with Independent Woman/I Don't Need A Man

Check them out. They are all great videos and are very entertaining!
SHINee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8-aYW2biys


BEAST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckIGhwQtd-c


Block B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AYJZvHeKFo


Miss A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmw839nzcAo

Another Point of View

There were certain themes in many literary works that intrigued Alex McCandless. Certain themes of adventure, truth, nature, and beauty (of things like nature). Many times Alex is described as a romantic this way because of his love of all things natural. (NATURE)

Dawn -    Mark R Slaughter (1957)

Dawn blushed – betrayed her waking sky
To gently break another morrow fine.
Night waned – the black receding – highland
Reaching for the early morning wine.

The chorus rendered frantic caws and
Chirps and other avian song,
Mapping out the 'mine and yours, ' and
Goading more to sing along!

Quiescent water – deep of lake –
Reflected out the hazy red, but
Through the glass, a flick, a break:
An urgent tail from hidden bed!

And in the meadow, waking faces
Calmly spread a coloured veil;
The dew disclosing spider laces –
Oft with once a fly’s travail!

Dawn blushed; revealed her inner peace;
She handed on another blissful day.
Night ebbed, relenting to release of
Warming blood that gives to her display.

NATURE
 Nature is mighty

Nature is strong
Nature is usually always right
Nature is rarely ever wrong
Nature is beauty
Nature is moody
Nature is smart
Nature always has the greater part
Nature is blue
Nature is green
Nature is every color possibly seen
Nature is true
Nature is beaming
Nature is dreaming
Nature is in every place
Nature is always with grace                       
Nature is true

Nature is you
Nature is me

Nature will forever be free. 

Anees Akbar   

The first poem is about dawn. It reminds me of how Alex would see everyday and his own peace about life. Despite the fact that he had problems with his parents, Alex was still quite peaceful. He took things easily, like the dawn "blushing" and starting a new day. The dawn betrays the sky as Alex betrayed the people he met by doing what the dawn does, beginning a new tomorrow. He left Ronald Franz and began his new adventure, not realizing he would never come back. This is how Alex can relate to the poem. Alex would not only be captured by the beauty of the poem, but also by how he can relate to the Dawn. 

This second poem has a theme about nature. It is kind of plain and just says things like “Nature is…” I know Alex would like this poem because of the lines “…Nature is mighty, Nature is strong, Nature is usually always right, Nature is rarely ever wrong, Nature is beauty…” I’m sure Alex would agree with these lines. What these poems mean is that Nature is many things and is nothing like us human beings. The lines “…Nature is usually always right, Nature is rarely wrong..” could mean how Nature changes when the seasons do. You can’t say it is winter (when “Nature” is warm and more like summer) when the squirrels aren’t even hibernating. Nature is different everywhere, there are different seasons and animals everywhere. Alex knew this because he always prepared himself wherever he went. This relates to Alex in how (on his trips to the forest or Alaska) he would be free in nature and “live off the land.” A line in the poem says “Nature will forever be free,” Alex tried to be like nature, acting free and roaming around. It is almost as if Alex was a part of nature when he traveled.

 

My Escape to South Korea

It all had to start with an idea. The rest was to come up with ways to accomplish this "idea." Then came my plan on how to arrive here. That's how I am here, in South Korea. Against all odds and complaints from my parents, I have accomplished part of one of my "dream" voyages. I have arrived at Inchon Airport, only about 34 miles away from Seoul, the capitol of South Korea. I have finally made my escape to South Korea.  Now all I have to do is figure a way out of this airport.

All these people stare at me strangely while I find my luggage. I didn't bring much (main things), just some clothes for a week, toothbrush, toothpaste, medicine, and a pair of shoes (besides the ones I have on). It's not much to survive on for a 2 years. So as I get lost, I'm not even thinking about asking for help. This is one of the things that no one likes about me. I should just ask for help, it's not that hard. Advantage of studying a language (at least a little) "Dangsin-i naleul doul su?" I asked the Korean woman at a stand. I asked her if she can help me.She laughs as I blush because of my accent. "I...speak English  that was im..pressive," she has an accent, but her English was much more impressive than my Korean. She directs me towards a rest area and says there's exit near there. I bow my head as I thank her, "Gomawo!" Well, I passed one of my first challenges. Can't wait for what the future will bring! The airport is super bright and the lights dance off the signs to the seemingly squeaky clean floor. The people are all prepared for their trips out of the country and their arrivals back home. I smile as I see a couple reuniting. The man wears a business suit, obviously coming from a business trip, and his wife wears a beautiful blue dress that reaches her knees. As they embrace they look like a young couple coming from their honeymoon.

Aah, the outside, I think as I leave the foreign airport and just start walking across the parking lot-that has foreign cars with foreign license plates and Asians coming out of them. The clear blue sky and the bright sun makes me shine much more than before my escape. Time to explore! (And jetlag, I'm tired) After two hours of walking I have managed to walk to Seoul. The thing is I guess I'm not much of an adventurer because I haven't seen much. I hope I get fresh perspective on things though...Then there were screams. Too loud! I turn to see 6 Korean boys running for their lives and they seem....familiar. "Aus pgamsanghago idong!" Wait, they're coming...! They wear a lot of black. Did he just tell me to move?

Left to Right
Junhyung, Dongwoon, Gi Kwang, Yoseob, Doojoon, Hyunseung

Now I'm being dragged by one of the cute Korean boys. The street I was just walking had a lot of people on the sidewalks and it's easy to get lost. Additionally, these boys are taller than me and pretty fast. We stop,   "Nado bangab," I frown because I don't like people touching me. I just said, "Hello to you, too," and pretty bluntly at that. I ignore them and pick up the notebook I dropped. I write in it everyday. "Excuse me, miss. But, do you speak Korean?" the cute (cute, baby face) one asked me. I grin and...now I know who they are. "Si..."

They led me to a restaurant after they laughed at my response, but I just followed sleepily while someone dragged me."It smells delicious!" I can't resist the hunger in my stomach, but I still stare at the food as if its poisoned. "Because it is delicious, try it! Or are you scared?" The cute, baby face boy taunts me-his name is Yoseob-and smiles. He sits diagonally in front of me at a table. It's pretty clear that he speaks the most English. He has an accent, so I smile. "You know who we are, you can trust us!" Yoseob grins and the oldest, Doojoon with messy black hair, brings Coke and nods. I know they all understand, I have seen them on their show and they spoke (and understood) English. "You're BEAST and you're famous, sort of international K-POP stars," I take a bite of the Kimchi, "That doesn't necessarily mean I know you and you don't know me."

"Then...Can we have your name, B2UTY?" says Junhyung, my bias from BEAST, as he sits in front of me. Figures, they're satisfied with an American fan. (B2UTY is the name of their fans) His black hair falls perfectly above his left eye. I look around this restaurant to see a bunch of BEAST posters, they said they loved this restaurant for its Kimchi. I have no idea where they led me, I have no idea what street I am in. "What is it, B2UTY?" asked the youngest with the deepest voice, Dongwoon. "Oh, nothing. Just hungry." I keep eating and gulp down my Coke. "Wow, you like Coke, B2UTY!" says Gi Kwang, the bulkiest. That's annoying me... They laugh and I blush. "Nae ileum-eun Alexa ibnida." My name is Alexa.

"So you think South Korea is just an escape?What do you mean you don't like animals and nature like a hippie?"
"Don't you want to see our beautiful temples?"
"There's lots of Korea!"
"Explore and stop being uncomfortable! Aish!"
"Try new things!"
"Plus you need to improve your Korean!"

I blush at their comments, as they stare me down and remember the fight with my parents about this trip. I guess they were right. But I just got here! I have to try. I guess I can't be so closed off, I should be more well rounded....Plus it's gone so far, so good...They did find me...Oh, this jet lag. As thoughts flow through my head, someone pokes my left cheek. I grab the owner's finger and twist. "Aish! Be nice," says Junhyung. He shrugs and says, "You think too much." Then, Junhyung speaks to Doojoon and Yoseob about something in Korean. I'm suspicious, but Hyunseung leads me out of the restaurant (half covering his face and the others are behind us doing the same thing) and distracts me. We stare at all the commotion on the streets and he points to so many beautiful buildings as we walk at a slow pace. "Hey, you're not embarrassed to be seen with me, are you?" I ask, eyeing him, and look down at my clothes. I'm wearing black RUTGERS sweatpants, with blue converse, a dark blue sweater, and a blue hat that says SWAG. He removes his hoodie from his face, smiles, shakes his head "no," and resumes walking...Towards a building..."Come on, this way."

We enter a building and Yoseob is covering my eyes. It's like 1 PM and I want to sleep, can't I just go find the cheap motel I want to sleep in? The rest of the guys are talking to someone. "How old are you, Alexa?" asks Yoseob. "25 years old and counting," I laugh when he laughs. Hey, I see light! "Welcome to CUBE!" They yell and I frown. I..WANT..TO..SLEEP. I don't say it, but I take out camera and I tell Hyunseung to let me take a photo. (Gi Kwang joins in) He nods and takes it. I still don't get why I'm following them..Then again, they are persuasive...

...Not this time!! "Unhand me, I'm tired and I want to sleep! This is kidnap and I have rights.. Sure it's a foreign country, but still. You've dragged me everywhere and...." I kind of yelled in the CUBE parking lot. They showed me around CUBE (a few floors) and when asked if they had busy schedules...They said today was a day off...I'm not entirely convinced. The building's huge and pretty cool, but I'm tired. How did Chris McCandles do this? I better stop acting so weak. Doojoon covered my mouth and Gi Kwang says, "You scream a lot." "Well, this wouldn't be a problem, if you hadn't grabbed my arm when those crazy fan girls tried to run you over." I would claw my way out, but I'm too sleepy. "Why didn't you just leave?" Junhyung asked, grinning evilly. Stupid Korean boys. "I thought so," grinning wider because of his successful teasing. One of their hit songs played on the radio when they started their car, FICTION, and they started driving. I scoffed in the back seat as they sang along. I'm singing along with them, but you can't blame me. It's one of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzWT8mRoR0



I slept most of the ride to come here and when I woke up I instantly took a picture..or a few more. The trees are so beautiful and the temple itself seems a part of the nature. I was instantly awake when we arrived. It's breathtaking and as I take pictures, they laugh and say, "I told you she'd like it." They point out EVERYTHING, as if to convince me that nature was awesome and that so was everything in South Korea. I smile and say, "Thanks...I don't need any more convincing. I guess I should have been wiser about this decision and not have been so rash. But even though this was an escape, I have to realize the reality in all of this...I think I 'll hang around here, breathing it all in," I sigh and remember that at some point I am going to have to find a job to maintain myself while I travel. Bunch of odd jobs should do it. "Thanks for taking time out of your day. You guys are sweet," I give them an eye smile and tilt my head. This is the nicest I've been to them. They all nod and smile; they tell me to wait before I enter the temple. I sigh and walk around the beautiful scenery...Huh. 

...."Ha...ha...ha. You look...so funny!" I laugh at their ridiculous outfits while they complain about how rude I'm being. They're good people and they did teach me a lot. They refreshed my mind when they explained all about this temple and it's history. I have been so dogmatic and all I did was think about myself when I went on this trip. I should have focused on the real point of the trip. They view things differently than I do, but have similar opinions as well. Hmm...Something new about these people who live on the other half of the planet that I live on. "Smile and say BEAST!"

Rapture of the Deep

The "Truth" 

No one knows about what really happened to Audrey Mestre, whether she was murdered or not. I have been investigating this case since I read an article on it on Sports Illustrated. A free diving, married couple Audrey and Pipin Ferreras. All evidence (for me) leads to Pipin being involved in the Audrey's diving "accident." Some evidence that proves that Pipin was involved in her accident was Pipin and Audrey's relationship. They were having some problems because Audrey was doing better than Pipin who was an awesome free diver  He was going at this for a long time and Audrey had only about 5 years. She could beat his 45 diaphragm contractions with her 90. She could rev her heart rate to 200 when his max was 160 and she was much more educated than he was.

Then there's what happened at the scene of the crime. For some reason Pipin Ferreras had gotten very angry with the crew and he was the only one who helped Audrey prepare for her record breaking dive (so she could be on top again). He was filling the air for the tank that inflated the bag for the lift bag. He also didn't check the pressure. This all seems like he planned it all out...Then after she came back up, he "tried" to revive her and failed. When they arrived at the hospital with her body, he did not act like a husband would act after an accident that his wife has died from. He was "frighteningly composed." All this is even more evidence leading everyone to suspect that he was a participant in this "accident," he killed her. In the end, that's what he did out jealousy, he eliminated one his greatest rivals, his wife.

COMMENT IF U WANT