The Last Post Ever!

My blogging experience wasn’t memorable, it was just annoying. I am not a fan of social networking as you can probably tell, but I did enjoy getting to read many of my peers’ essays. Every week we had homework that was due and I hated it because I knew one of those assignments would include writing something personal and then posting it for everyone on the web to see. So I guess you could say I dreaded these blogs every week. Fortunately, class is coming to an end and I don’t have to keep posting my thoughts for everyone can see. Another positive outlook is that my audience doesn’t have to read my crappy writing anymore.

Well so long Blog World.

A Great Night

Halloween ‘09 was a blast! It was just my best friend and me. I was dressed as a sexy mailman with a blue hat and a blue satchel and my best friend was dressed as a sexy construction worker with a highlighter colored vest and a tool belt wrapped around his waist. After a week of debating on where to go, we decided to go to the gay bar, Paddy’s, on Main St. in Ventura. We arrived at the bar at a perfect time because they didn’t start the costume contest just yet so we got a couple of drinks and danced first. The place was so crowded with tons of different costumes to look at.

There were people dressed in elaborate handmade outfits and then there were people who were hardly wearing anything at all! It was definitely a sight to see. We made our way from the dance floor back to the bar to get more drinks and that’s when they announced the judging of the contest. Everyone scurried to the dance floor and packed in close together like sardines in a can. We decided to watch from afar because we didn’t want to be squished in with everyone else. The judging was rigged, I thought, because there were plenty of great costumes there that night and the person who won looked like they threw their costume together at the last minute.

We had no idea how late it was until the bar was almost closing down for the night. We were having such a great time talking and dancing and socializing, but unfortunately everything must come to an end. That night was filled with energy, entertainment and excitement. I’ll always remember that night and the people I was with.

3 Important Individuals

            My stepdad, Bill, is a great person. He was always there for me during my difficult teenage years, always gave me advice when I needed it the most, and loved me as if I was his true biological daughter. I consider him my real dad because my biological father doesn’t want to take the time to get to know me or even talk to me. Bill is a big guy with a big heart. He coaches youth football and is currently coaching my younger brother for freshmen football. He always goes out of his way to help others and I admire that. I respect him as a person and love him because he’s my dad.

            My ex-boyfriend is a pretty important person who affected my life. I had some really bad relationships before him and he unexpectedly entered my life. I instantly knew he was different, but I knew I didn’t deserve him. Now that we aren’t together, all I seem to meet are jerks and assholes. He’s a handsome, sensitive, adventurous guy who is an incredible dancer and he deserves to be with a girl just as amazing as he is. When we were together, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more loving and caring person to call my own. Things happen in life for certain reasons that I may not understand at the time, but I know it will all make sense in the end.

            I have three brothers and my two oldest brothers have influenced my life dramatically. We all got matching tattoos, they bought me a skydiving trip, I have been bungee jumping with one of them, and they have taken me to see most of the concerts that I have been to. I’d have to say that my randomness and explorative side comes from them. I appreciate what they have done for me and love them deeply. There is no question that I would take a bullet for them any day.

The Best Darn-Tootin Whiskey

Being of the legal drinking age, I have tried many types of alcohol. I have come to find that I do not like the bitter taste of beer and my stomach can’t handle the sugary fruity drinks, so hard liquor became my last option. I then realized I still had a dilemma because there are many different selections of hard liquor. After careful test tasting, whiskey has won me over; specifically Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. It has been around since 1866 and has added other delicious members to its family.

            Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is the top shelf of the family. It tastes so smoothly incredibly that it does not need a mixer. Just pour it on ice or serve it Neat and the flavor will naturally take its effect. It’s about 90 proof, but in my opinion, it’s not over whelming like its original member. The original member is 80 proof, but has a severe after “bite” if you’re not used to drinking it. For me, I did notice the strong taste of alcohol and that harsh whiskey taste, but I think that specific taste is what attracted me to it.

            I like to think of myself as a “whiskey girl” and I’m proud to admit it. If you haven’t tried whiskey or Jack Daniel’s, I would suggest taking a test taste of it. Just make sure you drink one of the members of the top shelf because to be deprived of that caramel smooth taste would be a shame. I always like to joke that Jack is my man and he is the only man who knows my tastebuds.

Short Opinion on FFN

           After finishing Fast Food Nation, I was shocked to realize the truth about our corrupted food industry and the interesting and disturbing facts that were provided by Eric Schlosser. Although these facts didn’t affect me too much since I’m already a vegetarian, they only justify why I’m a vegetarian. I will certainly use the information to pass along to my friends and family so hopefully they can make healthier choices when eating out or shopping at the grocery store. I would not want to force anyone to become a vegetarian, I would simply just want to educate them properly just like Schlosser did with his book.

            I enjoyed reading his book because every new chapter was different from the last one. Each section contained new information that was both shocking and upsetting. I have a couple of favorite chapters, but the best one in my opinion was “the most dangerous job” for a few different reasons. Schlosser’s great description of the slaughterhouse immediately caught my attention and so I ended up doing my own thorough research on a slaughterhouse. The other reason why I enjoyed that chapter was because I learned about how dangerous and unsanitary the jobs in the factory are. I found it troubling that factory workers are so dedicated to that job that they are willing to lose their limbs over it.

            I think Eric Schlosser is a terrific researcher and a good author and I think I would enjoy reading another book that he has written. This book is meant to be read with an open-mind and it is not there to persuade, but only to inform. After reading this book, we have to stay optimistic about our culture and hope that we will see a positive change in the future. “Despite all evidence to the contrary, I remain optimistic” (Schlosser 288).

Ugh! School!

I am forced to reveal the one truth in my blog last week and that is I really do have my motorcycle license.

            This school semester is different from my other semesters in college because many surprising life-changing events have happened within a short amount of time. I was enrolled in two classes this semester, but had to drop one because it was hard trying to work two jobs, do the homework for both classes, and work on a relationship that was failing quickly before my eyes. I regret now dropping that class because that means I’m just going to have to go back to it next semester. I am glad that I didn’t drop my English class though because I enjoy writing and it’s good to get this class out of the way.

            The only problem I have with this English class is the blogging. I am not a blogger which means I am definitely not a social networker. I absolutely dislike Facebook, Myspace, and any other public diaries that are out there. I am also very uncomfortable about other’s reading my writing, so when I found out that we had to sign up for a blog and post our personal writings for everyone on the World Wide Web to view, it was difficult for me to be O.K. with it.

            The homework for English is, yes a lot, but it’s useful because the more writing assignments there are, then the more practice we obtain by using our own techniques and in the future we are apt to make fewer mistakes. Even though I enjoy writing, it is not something I wish to have a career in doing. Although, I think it’s really important to know proper writing because that’s the first thing an employer looks at; your résumé.

            School is a place that I hated being at when I was growing up, but then I learned that in order to have some kind of financially stable future for myself, I would need to recieve a college degree. I have been working at it ever since I graduated high school and I haven’t given up and I don’t plan to until I have accomplished what I wanted for my life.

Truth.... or Lies?

1.     I have been on a cruise to Mexico and loved it.

2.     I don't have any piercings or tattoos.

3.     I have my motorcycle license.

4.     I'm a pianist for a small band in Ventura.

5.     I love money, social gatherings and attention.

6.     I enjoy working in customer service.

The Love of My Life Song

The Look by Ryan Tedder

Is it possible maybe to have a love so strong

That nothing could ever compare

I’m holding back nothing

Just for the look in your eyes

So baby don’t be surprised

Well I want to know what makes your world go round

And I want to hear your voice for the sound

A love that defines all I’ve had in mind

Now I’m holding back nothing for the look in your eyes

Impossible, maybe, but worth one last try

I’m waiting on your own reply

I’m sitting here patiently just for the chance that I might

Be able to hold you tight

And I want to know what makes your world go round

And I want to hear your voice for the sound

A love that defines all I’ve had in mind

Now I’m holding back nothing for the look in your eyes

Now time is all that we have

So won’t you let me inside your perfect world for one night

Just open up for me

Girl I swear that I will be everything you’ve ever thought a man should be

And I want to know what makes your world go round

And I want to hear your voice for the sound

A love that defines all I’ve had in mind

Now I’m holding back nothing for the look in your…

I can see the way you’re looking back at me

Ohh, could it be that you see what you want to see

Just let your eyes believe it

I’ll never lie to you, in my arms you will be

Forever and I…. Yeah…

I’m holding back nothing

For the look in your eyes

For the look in your eyes

The Family I Approve of Now

At the young age of eighteen, I wanted freedom from my family and my life, so I decided to move and explore the southern U.S. The further I got from my family the more depressed my life became and the more I realized I wanted to be home. I experienced life in a way that I never expected I would, and became close friends with people who I felt were my family back then. Being gone for only 6 months changed my life and drastically changed my maturity level.

            The day I left was the most thrilling incident I’ve had so far in my life. I remember being extremely sad to see my mother cry, but I knew she would be O.K in a week or two, so I hugged and kissed her and said, “I love you” and she left. The next day I boarded my plane to Texas and didn’t arrive till late that night. I stayed up for a good twenty-four hours just sitting and waiting with no phone, no food, no movement. It was the most scared and vulnerable I have ever been. A week passed and I finally had access to a phone, and immediately I called home. My mother’s voice answered and instantly tears flowed from my eyes uncontrollably, and I could barely speak through my sobbing which was making it a hard conversation.

            Weeks passed and the next thing I knew, I was gone from home for almost 4 months. I grew to be attached to my roommates and others in my squadron. We were all so close to each other because we had no interaction with our real families and so we became our own family. None of us had anything in common, in fact, we hated each other most of the time, but the only thing that kept us together was the one thing that was keeping us there.

            I couldn’t stand being there though because I realized my family was really important to me and I took them for granted, so all I wanted to do was to get back to them. I decided to leave and it took almost a month for everything to be processed and finalized, it was definitely the longest month I can ever remember. The time came for me to board another plane from Mississippi to California. I surprised my family with my homecoming and I can still remember my mom crying in disbelief that I was truly home. Ever since then I have been close with my parents and my brothers. I love them very much and will never take them for granted again.

Interview

We had to interview another student in class on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. My classmate was randomly chosen by our Professor. His name is Ricardo Rivera. My immediate impression of him was a casual, laid-back kind of guy; come to find out, my inkling was right. We sat in the back of the class and introduced ourselves. We talked and refreshed our memory about the assignment that was in front of us. I began first as the interviewer and learned quite a bit about the stranger sitting next to me.

            Even though Ricardo was born in Oxnard, he spends a lot of his time in another city. He works full-time in Westlake Village at a pet hotel called the Bark Leaf Hotel. He also attends school Wednesday and Thursday nights. His goal is to graduate with his AA from Oxnard College. During his time in school he hopes to see the parking improve because he now parks off campus and has to walk at night to his classes, which is not safe. Although, I know he can protect himself because one day he plans to become a Police Officer and has already been through some police training. Being a Scorpio, means he’s very independent and can accomplish anything he sets his mind to, so if he wants that AA diploma or the graduation ceremony from the Academy, he’ll get it.

            His personality is so relaxed that it may come off as disinterestedness, but in fact he just hates drama. He enjoys having a good time with his friends, playing soccer, and working hard for his money. He is enjoying college life because he loves the feeling of being in control of his classes and schedule.

            Overall, Ricardo is a calm and collective guy. I was really glad to have met him because we did have some history in common and share similar personality traits. I do believe he wasn’t going to be in our class anymore, which is a shame, but I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed. Like I have stated before, Ricardo is an independent, strong headed guy and can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to.

The Kiss

A Significant Event in My Life

            My older friends and my parents say that high school was a blast for them, but my experience was completely different. I absolutely hated high school because it was an awkward time growing out of my adolescence and becoming an adult. I also didn’t have many friends, especially girlfriends. I did have a best friend though and we were inseparable. Looking back on it, I feel that she was my first real relationship.

            Her name is Ramie and she is 22 years old, my age. She has a wonderful personality which is hard to believe because she had such a hard life growing up. Her mom was a drug addict and she never saw her biological father because he wanted nothing to do with her. Ramie was raised by another man, who is currently a meth addict and an abuser. When Ramie was a little girl, she was molested by him and her own mother knew about it, but ignored it. For years Ramie had to live under the same roof as that man until he finally moved out. Her mother finally stopped using drugs, but became an alcoholic. Despite everything, Ramie had a terrific attitude about life and was a responsible teenager. It was surprising how different she was from her own brothers and mother.

            I moved around so much, so I went to three different high schools and finally graduated at Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard. I met her in my junior year at Rio Mesa and we immediately clicked; we spent all of our free time together. We did party a lot, but it was always fun because we got along so well. There was one significant time when we were hanging out that changed our relationship and my life.

            We were in our senior year of high school and it was close to graduation. My older brother had an apartment in Camarillo and we would party there quite often because it was convenient. His apartment had no furniture in the living room except for some stools, dishes, and a dartboard. The typical bachelor pad. My brother had a messy roommate who would leave bottles of alcohol on the counter and dirty dishes piled in the sink.

            So this one particular night we were hanging out there, just talking about random topics and drinking a little bit of alcohol. It was always interesting being there because my brother would have his music blasting and his roommate always had his computer games’ volume up way too loud; the noise was certainly distracting. She was sitting on one of the wooden stools and I was standing, leaning against the cold tile counter. There was a silent minute in our conversation. I said “Have you ever thought what it would be like to kiss each other?” and she casually replied “Yeah.” My thoughts were going all over the place because I didn’t know what to do after that. I wanted to kiss her because I was curious and at that moment I knew she was curious too.

            Ramie is a very tall beautiful blonde girl, so when she was sitting in that stool she was effortlessly my height when I was standing. We set our drinks on the counter and were awkwardly positioning ourselves. From an outsider’s view it probably looked like we were so nervous and gawky. Our fingers met and her legs were touching mine; we stayed face to face not moving. Then I leaned in and met her lips with mine. The moment was tensed, but quickly became comfortable as our kiss gradually opened and our bodies relaxed. It felt strangely nice to have the back of her neck and hairline intertwined in my fingers. It was a moment of innocence, passion, and curiosity. I was slowly breaking away from the kiss, concealing one small kiss upon her soft lips. We looked at each other and didn’t say anything. Our hands weren’t in lock anymore. We reached for our drinks, and as we were sipping I said “Well, um,” trying not to stumble over my words and control my nervousness “I liked it.” She looks at me and smiles. “I liked it too; it was actually really comfortable.”

            That incident changed our relationship. We became closer because we were still best friends but we were now allowed to be curious with each other. The year passed and we slowly were going in opposite directions. She ended up moving to Arizona with her sister because she didn’t want to deal with her mom anymore. I had the chance to meet up with her a couple of times when she came back to visit, but that was the last time I saw her. It’s been four years and we have had no communication. Still, I know she’s a strong person and she will make her life into anything she wants. I have always wished the best for her.

            Our relationship definitely impacted my life for the better. It opened up my view on people and relationships. I can enjoy the feeling of being with a strong handsome man, but I love the feeling of being with a smooth skin, soft hair, sexy woman. I think it’s perfectly natural to have a desire for males and females because everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way and I don’t want gender to stop me from meeting someone.

Text Messaging

Imagine trying to fit a cell phone that resembles the shape of an iPad, but a little bit longer and much thicker like a DVD box set, and weighing over two pounds in your pocket or in your purse. Well fortunately we don’t have to struggle with that kind of a cell phone, but in 1973 people did. In April of that year, the first cell phone that closely resembles our cell phones today was invented by a man who worked for Motorola, Dr. Martin Cooper. It had no display screen and only supplied 35 minutes of time to talk! Very different from what we have to choose from today.

Presently there are 4.6 billion people who own cell phones, that’s more than two-thirds of the world’s population. Cell phones are so popular because they are useful and convenient. One of their wonderful uses is text messaging; it is quick and efficient. It’s usually used when the person can’t physically talk so they’ll message instead. I feel that texting is a great addition to cell phones because it can be used carelessly whenever or discreetly like during a meeting, in class, or at work. As our technology advances, I’m sure something more proficient will be invented and will be even more useful and convenient.

I really have to write about Reality T.V Shows?

Every television show is about catching the eye and attention of the viewer, that goes double for “reality” shows. Producers of these shows know how to advertise, gain attention, promote, and sell their product effectively. They know what we like so they give it to us bit by bit, teasing us with each episode; in a way you can say they’re strippers. The dance on the stage is the advertising for the show during the commercial breaks; the lap dance is the actual show; the clothes being stripped off is the hook at the end of each episode that keeps you wanting more and makes you guess what’s going to happen next; an extra minute with the stripper costs money, so instead of giving the producers more money out of our own wallet, we give them one or two hours once or twice a week from our own time. To me, that sounds like stripping.

            I guess you can say I’m not a fan of “reality” shows. I do love watching T.V, but only for the movies. If I were to watch a T.V show it would be House M.D, True Blood, The Office Family Guy, Seinfeld, and The Simpsons. I think “reality” shows were created because the Producers realized that it’s cheaper than paying for actors and actresses to be on the set. Then they figured that it’s good entertainment because they can make any situation into a big dramatic event, which is good for the viewer since we love drama and voila! Cheap entertainment that sells! It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

            Everybody knows at least one person who loves one or two or even three different reality shows. My parents are sucked into American Idol, my aunt and cousins love The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars, and my brother loves Jersey Shore, so for me it’s hard to escape the topic of reality shows. Usually, to avoid it, I pretend to be really interested in their conversations about whatever show their watching and I try to input my comments like I was watching it, but then they quickly catch on and realize I’m just joking. It’s actually a funny situation when they become agitated at my joking because they feel they put all this effort into talking about it and I just ruined it by my insincere contribution to the conversation.

            I think people who are good at selling a product and their job depends on them being good at selling that product, they will do whatever they have to just to save their butt or meet their quota. The entertainment industry is always looking for the next hottest issue and if they don’t have a hot topic to sell then nobody makes money, and since we are a society based on money, then making no money is never a good thing.

Fast Food... Yum??

            Fast food isn’t really interesting to me. I understand that its food and you’re just supposed to eat it, but I enjoy the whole dining experience much better. When I was younger I could care less about the experience and I would just eat it because it was food; then I grew up. I found out that nutrition is important in keeping my body healthy and happy. About the same time, I learned that my family’s health history wasn’t great. So I knew it was time to make some changes.

            I’m not sure what age I was when I became educated, but when I did I was sure different. Unfortunately, my family was and still is a fan of fast food. I was fed McDonald’s quite often when I was in elementary school because it seemed like my parents only cooked on the weekends. Nowadays, I will not eat anything from McDonald’s. I haven’t touched it in about eleven or twelve years and I don’t wish to eat it ever again. I didn’t eat much pizza growing up, but now we eat it more often. We did and still go to Subway a lot; I am actually more of a fan of sandwiches than anything else. My mother used to feed me Wendy’s on special occasions, so now I only enjoy Wendy’s every now and then. I tend to eat healthy food, so if I have to eat fast food I try to pick a place that I know offers healthy items.

            My genetics play a huge part in my appetite. I think that if I had normal genes then I would probably eat and drink whatever I wanted. My family has a history of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sensitivity to grease and any milk products. At this moment I only have the last two from that list: sensitivity to grease and sensitivity to any milk product. Every day I deal with the frustration of wanting something that I can’t have.

            Currently I am a semi-vegetarian. I don’t eat pork, beef, steak or any other animal besides chicken and turkey; that’s partly my choice and partly because I have to. I watch my intake of dairy because if I don’t then the outcome would be horrendous. I love seafood, so my favorite seafood fast food spot is Rubio’s. I enjoy veggie burgers from Burger king, chicken sandwiches from Chick-Filet, and grilled shrimp burritos from Rubio’s.

            In wrapping up, I enjoy the sit-down restaurant and the company of another individual unlike fast food, which is so impersonal. I like to eat my meals slow, savoring the bites; I’m not up for eating on the go. I like to appreciate the food that is in front of me because it has its own presentation that’s not covered up by a wrapper. Lastly, I like to enjoy my meal with another individual and if it’s a great encounter, then it just turns the whole dining experience even more enjoyable.

My Life in a Very Small Nutshell

My full name is Camille Maria Leyva. I was born October 4, 1988 in a little town called Ojai. I have three brothers which makes me the only girl in the family. Two of my brothers are much older than me and I rarely have the chance to see them. My younger brother lives with me; he is in eighth grade. I live at home with my mom and my stepdad. I have no connection with my biological father so I naturally call my stepdad my real dad. In my teen years, we moved quite a bit so I have been to three different high schools. I graduated Rio Mesa in 2006 and quickly began college and working full time.

            I am currently working two jobs in Camarillo. I am a server at a café on the weekends and a veterinary surgical technician during the week; both jobs are a handful. I am presently looking for somewhere to live because I would love to be out on my own. I love drinking, music, tattoos, and Disney movies. I am a punctual person and rarely do I lose sight of my goals. I am a planner and an organizer, but I do love to have random moments in my life. My relationships are always complicated and never easy, but I’m beginning to realize maybe that’s just how relationships are. I do know one thing for sure and that is, I’m in love, even though at times I absolutely can’t stand him.

            My future is constantly changing. I do hope for the typical situation: have a career, get married, have a nice home and live happily ever after; but life is never that easy. I plan to graduate soon and get my phlebotomy license and maybe continue on to the nursing program. My biggest goal is planning to go backpacking in Europe before I turn thirty years old. I want to travel and experience as much as I can before life passes me up. I want a future that’s best for me and only I can get myself there.