Only the Strong Survive

People who live in New York are some of the strongest people in the world. Just the other day, I was second guessing myself, and my ability to hang with some of the toughest people. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to make it. There are so many people that are just as thirsty as I am to make it in the city. What sets me apart from these other people? How can I stand out above the rest?

And then it hit me. All my weak questioning, and fear would be my demise in the city. What was I thinking? No one's journey to the top is ever easy. If it were easy, NYC wouldn't house such strong-willed individuals. I decided that I would set all my inhibitions, and fear aside- no more second guessing myself. Yeah, there may be people just as thirsty in the city, but damn it, I'm thirsty and willing to do anything to quench this thirst. I believe I have the qualifications and ability to be a part of this elite and envied group that is being a New Yorker.

Watch out. Another breed of bitch is coming soon. And she is so incredibly parched.

Labels or Love

Alas, I have decided what I would like to write about. After careful thinking, and spit balling some posts to get in the swing of this blogging thing, I have made a decision on where I would like to take my writing. In the spirit of my all-time favorite book/show/movie that coincidentally is about my all-time favorite place in the world, I will be writing about a concept derived from Sex and the City. Sex & the City describes that people come to New York for 2 L's: Labels or Love. As I mentioned before, it is my dream to move to NYC & become a successful copywriter for a top ad agency. As illustrated through "Labels or Love", that "label" is my sole purpose for coming to New York.

Through my blog, I will describe my experiences, thoughts, and observations that I endure while chasing my dream. Tying in the concept of labels & love, I will analyze how each experience, thought, and observation will make me better prepared to take on The City. Everyone has their own story of how they made it in the city. Here's mine.

Have a Meaningful Vote PLEASE

In an attempt to not reveal which presidential candidate I will be voting for on November 4th, I will try to be as neutral as possible with what I am about to say. I debated whether I should even write about it, but I can't help myself. So here it goes...

I was listening to the radio the other day, and the DJ was asking listeners to call in and tell who they were voting for and why. One person called in and said 'I'm voting for Obama because he's black.' Another said 'I'm voting for McCain because Palin is hot.' Since when did race or sex become a factor in elections? Both of those statements are extremely scary, and what is even more frightening is there are probably more voters out there that have this mindset. What does Obama's race have to do with what he is going to do for our country's economy? Or what does McCain's running mate's attractiveness have to do with what he is going to do for our country's health care? A respectful voter supports the candidate that stands for what he or she stands for. What if the person who is voting for Obama "because he is black" is pro-life? Or what is the person who is voting for McCain "because Palin is hot" is pro-choice?

I understand that there has never been a black man in office, nor a female VP. But with all due respect, it isn't about getting the first black man, or first female in office. Whenever the time comes for either of these to happen, it will be a great day in history for equality. However, the election should not be about getting blacks or feminists ahead. It should be about raw facts. In past elections, people did not vote for Bill Clinton because he was white, nor did they vote for Ronald Reagan because he was attractive. People voted for these men because they agreed for what they stood for and what they could do for our country. It should not be any different in this election.

This election will probably yield the highest amount of voters in our nation in a long time. And with good reason too. This election will also be extremely pivotal and dictate which direction our country will be headed towards. Don't you think as an American citizen, given the power to choose who will lead us, you can put more thought into your vote besides race and sex? Be educated about who these candidates are, and what they stand for. Be educated on whether you agree or disagree with their stance on these important issues. Be educated on what is going on with our country right now. With all this informtion, then assess who you think is the most qualified person to be the President of the United States. Rock the vote does not just mean register and vote for whoever. It means take control of your vote, and let your educated voice be heard.

So no matter who you decide to vote for, make it meaningful. People will respect your vote more if you say "I'm voting for Obama because I agree with the plan he has outlined for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan" versus "because he's black". Or if you say "I'm voting for McCain because I think he has the experience and wisdom to lead our country" versus "because Palin is hot".

a dream is a wish you heart makes

I have been dreaming a lot lately, and a few nights ago I dreamed that I was engaged to be married. I couldn't see my alleged fiance's face in the dream, but I could feel the joy and elation of being in love. Being at a young age of 21, I have never been in love with anyone. Infatuation? Yes. Love? Not even close. But this dream allowed me to step away from the harsh reality of my loneliness and truly feel the strong emotions of loving another.

Now, I'm not one to be mushy gushy. But after this dream, and after feeling what I hope love feels like in reality, I can't put my mind to rest about this small 4-letter word that holds so much significance. Crazy as it may sound, when I lay myself to sleep, I hope I will dream this same dream just so I can feel what I felt that night--utter bliss, unwavering joy, love.

I always loved this quote by Dr. Suess:

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
-- Dr. Seuss

Now, I love it even more. So until my reality of true love comes along, I will meet you, whoever and wherever you are, in my dreams.