'Tis the season

Why is it that every year,
Teachers ask us to write a poem about winter and Christmas cheer?
I am not very clever.
I have never been good with poetry, not now not ever.
I don’t even like winter that much.
It is too cold of a season with the snow and such.
I am already cold most of the time.
Boy I hope I am almost done with my little rhyme.
However, there are some things I like about this blustery season.
Hot cocoa and snuggling under a blanket being the main reasons.
I also love the freshly fallen slow, all crystal white.
It is such an ephemeral sight.
During this time of year, I’ve had some of the best memories of my life.
I’m thankful for a lot and have trouble complaining of any strife.
So I guess I can get over the cold.
I have to enjoy life before I get old.
Cause let’s face it, past 30 it’s all downhill from there

EL FIN

Globalization

I love Chineese food. I listen to a lot of merengue, cumbia, and bachata. I’m pretty sure very few of the things I wear were actually made in America. Globalization is in everything we touch. America is a unique nation because there are so many different races and religions. It is one of the most globalized countries in the world and it also does the “globalizing” to other countries…I don’t think that is a word...moving on.

I’m not sure about how I feel about globalization. Theoreticaly speaking, globalization should be benefiting everyone financially and teach tolerance and all that good stuff. However, I can’t ignore when I hear about companies going over seas to exploit cheaper labor. Companies like Nike get associated with sweat shops for a reason. It angers me to hear about people barely able to get by on their pay when the multinational corporation is making millions a year.  It not only digs them in a whole, but it leaves many unemployed back home. I’m not saying that every business and every country should stay within its own boarders; globalization is a good thing.

Being exposed to different cultures and having options are all pros of globalization. It helps nations develop into a more cosmopolitan society. When nations are closed off from the world like Serbia was,as seen in the book, they are left behind. There is big money in being appealing to other places.

It doesn’t really matter how I feel about globalization anyway. It is inevitable. The United States tries to avoid following other countries and sticking to things that are “American,” but globalization still occurs.

Dad: He's out because of a groin injury. Me: (Giggle) Dad: You know the groin isn't the penis right? Me: ...

For the entirety of my life I have been incredibly average at sports (except soccer at which I’m just terrible). I could always play them decently enough to get by in gym class but not decently enough to really compete. I’m pretty okay with that. I’m not really into sports when it comes to seriously participating in them. Some of my best memories are from just messing around playing volleyball or softball with friends and family. What I really enjoy more is watching them (once again except for soccer).

I don’t know how my dad and I would communicate without sports. It kinda helps to get the ball rolling. Over the past couple years, our relationship has been a rocky one. I hate to admit it because I love sounding independent, but my parents’ approval does matter to me. I don’t like that it’s hard for us to talk, so since sports can ease the tension, I’ve become very appreciative of them. Sitting down watching a Cubs, Bears, or Hawks game has become one the few things we do together anymore. However, even without them I still like to watch my Cubbies.

I’m not sure why I love the Cubs. They suck pretty bad. Every season I watch every game despite the disappointment and heartache. Why? I guess because it has become instilled in me to love the Cubs. Both my parents and most of my relatives are Cubs fans. I know I’d be messed with relentlessly if I decided to switch sides. I couldn’t imagine being a Sox fan either. It’s just not possible for me to switch teams. I have too much loyalty and bias. I’m not even a northsider. I love the southside and have lived here my whole life. The Cubs have just become more associated with family to me than the Sox or any other team has.