Author's Note: Yes, this is exactly the same as the note I put up on Facebook. I wanted to move it here because...well, because I wanted to, I guess. Does that make sense? Good!
So...here we are. Well, here I am. Sitting in my room, typing a note I said I would write.
I've got three weeks of school left at good ol' Glenbard North. Four years suddenly turned into three weeks...how did this happen? Where's the time gone?
I'm sure you're not here to listen to me ramble...or are you? That's basically what this note is, my ramblings, observances, and reactions to things that have happened over the years. Well, let's get to it then.
By the way, these might sound cliche (lol rhyme). They're things you've probably heard before, but I've found that they work fairly well. Do with my ramblings what you will.
1. Calculate.
Calculate?! What is this, Calculus?
'Tis not what I mean. While one does calculate in math, it doesn't hurt to do so in life, as well. Think of every decision as an equation. You've got a situation, it's player's, your role, and a choice. These factors add up to some kind of outcome. To shape the outcome in your favor (or perhaps not?), the decision requires careful dissection and analysis.
What will be saved? What will be lost? Who will be hurt? What is the gain, the loss? Who else needs to be involved? Is it reversible? These are but a few considerations take into account when choosing, however irrelevant the choice.
In other words, think before you speak and/or act. It will be to your *ahem* "utmost benefit." (Bit of fancy wordin' there.)
2. Apologize.
That's right. I know you did it. Say you're sorry. Now. I'm not kidding.
I'm waiting.
Still waiting.
Not for that thing, the other thing!
We all make mistakes. Tension, stress, emotions, etc. can make us unintentionally hostile towards someone for a moment. We may yell at or blame them for something they aren't related to. The sooner one apologizes for an outburst, the better and less awkward.
But wait. What if the hostility is intentional? There are too many complex situations for me to even attempt to give an answer there. The most general thing I can say is to swallow your pride, make ammends, and start again.
I can't stay much here because I've never been in a fight where apologizing is so difficult, which leads me to my next point...
3. Cut the crap
Hamlet. My biological clock is
No, that's not what I mean. Drama is, unfortunately, a part of life, and we must learn to deal with it. Sometimes it's unavoidable, but there are things we can do to cope.
As I've said before, calculate every decision. This may keep or get you out of drama that may occur. Also, apologize before an accident-at-first incident becomes larger than it actually is.
If you find yourself suddenly in the midst of a conflict, don't inflate it to epic proportions. Keep the disagreement small and limited to the people involved.
That's not to say you can't tell anyone. It's just that when people hear a juicy story, their minds make assumptions, and they may "choose a side" without knowing the whole truth.
If one must tell a group, please, keep it honest.
4. Stay out of others' crap.
I know that man is naturally curious, but mind your own business unless someone comes to you for help. People don't need to butt into where they are not needed. Conflicts don't need to become bigger than they already are by adding unrelated parties into the mix.
If you're dying to know what happened, wait until the drama has long since past. You'll get a proper tale, as it'll have a beginning, middle, and end, as opposed to some biased tale with tension still lingering.
Remember, sometimes being out of the loop is a good thing.
See, now I feel as I'm starting to yell at you. Fret not, for I am not. There will be more in store for your pleas...ore. Again, take these words for what they are. Use them, don't use them, whatever.
JOKE TIEM!
Q: What's the difference between an actor and a mutual fund?
A: A mutual fund eventually matures and makes money.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a Reese's egg...
UPDATE
5. Make'em Laugh, Make'em Laugh
everyone knows the world loves to laugh!
Laughter is, truly, the answer to life, the universe, and everything. It breaks the ice, destroys awkwardness, and eliminates sadness. It can be one's greatest weapon in times of great darkness. When in doubt, laugh or smile. It'll make things better.
Embrace the hilarity, you must.
6. Be yo'self. [INSERT GAGA LYRICS HERE]
Never, ever, ever change yourself for others. You are who you are, and we like it that way. Like Friday? Love it to your heart's content. You're a bit of a nerd? Join the large, non-exclusive club. You nostalgically sing Disney Renaissance songs whenever you get the chance? (HAKUNA MATATA bud doo doo doo WHAT A WONDERFUL PHRASE) Share your nostalgia. Like to show off your muscles using a buff beach boy gag? Stop it. Just stop it.
But seriously, do whatever you want. What you shouldn't do is flaunt it to the point of annoyance. That's the reason people hate Justin Bieber, Twilight, Feminists, etc. They won't stop rubbing IT IN OUR FACES!
Pshtft. Women's rights.
7. Accept others fo who they are.
If you expect others to accept you, you must do the same. Never, ever, ever ask others to change themselves for your benefit.
...actually, I guess there are exceptions. If something someone does annoys or hurts you, talk to them about it. Do so constructively and unintrusively. This will make the issue easier to work out.
To sum up, be yourself, and be willing to accept others.
Except for JB and Twilight lovers. Never accept them.
Just kidding.
But not really.
8. L'amour
I'm going to relay what my very wise french teacher once said. You ready?
No dating until you're married.
I've stuck to that philosophy ever since, and look at me now!
9...
...
...Really?
*sigh* ...No...
High school is a a time for experimentation (not that kind...or maybe...?...oh crap...my awkwardometer is showing levels off the charts!)
Many, many relationships in high school don't work out.[Cliche mode activated] We live and we learn. There are plenty of fish in the sea. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. [Deactivated]
For those of you who've never been in a relationship, or haven't had your first kiss, or whatever the social norm for young whippersnappers is these days, don't rush. You're looking at a textbook example right here.
[Warning: Negative Opinion of Teenage Relationships Ahead]
Ya see, sometimes it seems that hormones are too involved in these kinds of things. Breakups seem devastating. Jealousy and regret replace the emotions once shared. It's an ugly thing to watch. Not to mention the time the end of senior year rolls around...
High school dating just seems to be a big mess sometimes.
[Opinion Over]
I know for a fact some of you are saying "But I really want to get with my crush" or "I'm in a great relationship right now." There's no problem with that. If it's meant to be, it will happen. If not, then it won't.
What's the secret to a long lasting relationship? That's something I can't tell you. However, if you need to ask someone, ask...(how the devil can I do this?...OH! I've got it) a couple who's initials are JL+CH, or SL+PW.
A concluding thought: Never let you're relationship with one person interfere with the relationship of many others in your life.
10. A Prayer to the Facebook Gods
Not really.
Keep in contact with your friends as much as you can. The Seniors are leaving, but through the wonders of "Phones," "Textual Messaging," and the "Information SuperHighway," we can all keep in contact. Friend'em. Drop a text message every now and again. Heck, give'em a call. I've also heard about this new fangled device called Skype. Just keep in touch if that's what floats you're boat.
Update 2
11. Have an outlet
Seriously. Phones and iPods can't charge themselves.
Whenever you're sad, angry, or need to perk up, it's always good to have something nearby to help you do so. Never let the emotions bottle up inside.
For example, I know I did pretty bad on my AP Physics exam today, but did I cry? No. I felt depressed, but with the comfort of my friends and the singing of "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," I got over my unpleasant mood. Let's give more examples.
Good outlet: Writing in a Journal
Bad outlet: Writing a message to a friend...in cat blood.
Good outlet: Revealing issues to a close friend.
Bad outlet: Banging your head with your own fists. Who are you, Dobby?
I've heard channeling stress and emotion into something productive also helps. Experiment and see what best calms you down, or lightens your mood.
12. Don't sweat (on) it
Little issues are easily overcome. Don't stress out over the tiniest of unwanted happenings. Everything will be okay.
Those of you who know me well are laughing right now. "Alex, you worry too much all the time (and overly sweat, for that matter)." And to those people I say...well, I say...umm...shut up. Which leads me to my next point...
13. Accept your faults
None of us our perfect, and we all know we have issues with ourselves we have to work on. Accepting them is the first step.
"But Alex, you're perfect." Hahaha. Oh you!
No.
Before I leave once again, let's have fun with paradoxes!
If Pinocchio says his nose will grow, will it?
Your mission is not to accept the mission. Do you accept?
Will you answer "no" to this question?
Update 3 (With two weeks left)
14. It's alright not to be everyone's bestest friend
Just don't be the person everyone finds annoying by making too much of an effort. In other words, it's okay to be under the radar with some people.
15. Get involved
in something, anything! Theatre, a choir, a band, a bookclub, sports, anything that will get you doing something you like with people who share the same interests. You'll quickly find new friends. I guarantee it.
This activity could also be the outlet I mentioned earlier. They also may lighten your mood.
And this is where I sign off dear reader. May your future be a successful and fruitful, whether you're leaving Glenbard's haven, or sticking around for a few years. Embrace this time together, and remember it, forever.
(Psst...there's more to come when I have the time...
...and sanity)
