The Online Universe

Like many people, I spend quite a bit of time online.  Whether I'm checking e-mail, going to funny websites for a laugh, or keeping up with social networks, an hour can pass by without my noticing it.  One thing I've been doing lately is watching YouTube videos.  In particular, I have found myself watching Kristina Horner's channel.
We actually have quite a bit in common.  We both like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Doctor Who, and singing.  She's also traveled extensively, something I can't wait to do.  Had we lived closer to each other, I would definitely have wanted her to be my friend.  In truth, she actually reminds me quite a bit of my friend Megan.
Many people argue that technology has worked to isolate people, and to some extent, this is true.  We spend lots of time on the computer and playing video games rather than physically interacting with others.  We've all spent time with people who seem more interested in the person they are texting than us.  I've even heard of relationships ending because one person spends too much time playing video games.
However, it also cannot be denied that technology brings us together as well.  Because of Facebook, I've been able to keep in touch with people that have meant a lot to me at various points in my life.  Some of my friends live far away, but through social media, I am still able to keep up with them.  Many video games are also interactive.  My entire family became addicted to Words With Friends.  We loved challenging each other, and we could still interact with each other even though we weren't in the same place.
One of the coolest things, however, is that we can use technology to easily connect with people all around the world.  No matter what your interest is, you can find others online who share your passion.  Without technology, we wouldn't even know those people exist.  Who knows?  Maybe you can even find someone close by and make a new friend. 

The Places I Want To Go

Like most people, I have a long list of places I would like to go.  Some are here in the United States, while others are overseas.

Places here in the US:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Los Angeles, California
• San Francisco, California
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Yellowstone National Park
• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Boston, Massachusetts
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Seattle, Washington
• Chicago, Illinois

Places Overseas: 

• The United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Germany
• Japan
• China 
• India

I Specifically Want To See:

• The Mississippi River
• The Rocky Mountains
• The Great Lakes (All of Them)
• Loch Ness
• Stonehenge
• Stratford Upon Avon
• King's Cross Station
• Mount Fuji

I am sure that this list will continue to grow, and I'm also sure I've probably forgotten to list some of the places I want to visit.  So now it's your turn.  Where do YOU want to go?

The Pursuit of Greatness

"I am very firm about the rules I set forth ... and very adamant about being the exception to every single one.  Most people learn by contradiction, so I provide the perfect example.  Devil's advocate of my own philosophy."

All of my friends have amazing talents, and I consider all of them to be highly intelligent people.  The quotation above is just an example of some of the things my friend Nate says.  Nate may be a computer scientist by trade, but he has the soul of a writer.  He's a better writer than a lot of people I know who have degrees in English.
Another gifted friend of mine is Megan.  She's an artist, and her paintings and drawings are truly something to behold.  Not only is she the creator of beauty, she's also a possessor of it.  She's been the subject of many a photo shoot.  Her personality is equally beautiful.
As much as I hate to admit it, I do occasionally envy their talents.  I would love to be able to say thought-provoking things or to actually like something I create.  Instead, I often find myself feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.   My work is never good enough to suit me, and it's often discarded.
I've been told that most people form connections by seeking out those with qualities they wish to possess themselves.  This is definitely true for me.  There are lots of things I admire about my friends.  They all inspire me to be a better person, whether than means worrying less or being more assertive.  They've also inspired me to pursue interests that i may not have otherwise.
I think it's vital to have inspiration in your life.  It's important to try new things, work on our shortcomings, and get out of our comfort zones every now and then.  It's good to learn and grow.  I am very grateful to have friends that help me on the way to becoming the person I want to be.  They will never know how much this means to me.
Guess this is all for today.  Hope you have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading.  Until next time!

And So It Starts

Hello!  My name is Amanda, and I'm pretty much your average (soon to be) 27-year-old.  My goal with this blog is just to record some of my thoughts on various topics.  I hold no grand illusions.  I do not imagine I will have a huge following, and I do not believe that any of the observations recorded here will be life-changing, save possibly for me.  I do, however, believe strongly in the power of words.  Words have the power to incite revolutions and transform lives.  While I am doubtful my words will do any of those things, it is my hope that they at least inspire a smile or even a chuckle.  You might possibly even find them helpful, which would be awesome.
I'm not sure how often I will blog.  I only intend to write when I have something I feel I need to say.  I don't want to blog purely for the sake of blogging.  Other than that, I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens.  Take care everyone, and thanks for reading!