Long time, no see...

Alrighty guys, I am BACK! School is session all over again, working on my senior year. I have started an internship at a local publishing company here in Greensboro. It is going to be a pretty long semester on my end. I would love to know how things are going your end. Tell me about your classes, teachers, and grades. Give advice, ask questions and tell me about your experiences. How do you deal with mid-terms, papers, class, hanging out with friends, and finding time for family? How do you balance it all?

Now that we have a topic for you guys to jump in on, I would like to talk about a larger issue. This is a friendly website and all opinions will be appreciated and respected - no matter what. I would like to know where everyone stands on the controversial Mosque being built near ground zero. I am sort of riding the fence on this one. And, one thing that I learned this summer in my Women's and Gender Studies class is that it is okay to ride the fence. I believe the people behind the September 11th disaster were not committing the acts for religious reasons, but there is now a fear instilled within many Americans. This fear causes us to repel the unfamiliar. So, what do you think? Are you for the mosque being built at that location, against it, riding the fence? Do you agree or disagree with my opinions on September 11th? I would like to see how people are feeling about this. If you watch the news, you don't really get an accurate sample of opinions - so here is our chance.

I cannot wait to read your responses! Have a wonderful night!

Let's talk Universal Studios...

The first week of August my family traveled to FL and spent a week in Disney World. Two of the days we were there, we took a cab to Universal Studios. I am a big Harry Potter fan - love the books - and was very excited about visiting the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I bought a wand from Ollivander's, drank Butter Beer at Hog's Head, and explored the Hogwarts castle itself. Unfortunately, when I got in line for the castle/ride a woman pulled me to the side and had me try a test seat. She told me I was too large to ride. Many of you have seen the pictures on this blog of me and you can see I am not super huge. I do have a large chest but I had no problems on any other ride the entire week. I know its my own fault if I am overweight and I have actually been working on that. I have lost 7 lbs in the past month and even though that may not seem like a lot, I have lost it the healthy way. Exercise and a healthy diet is hard when you're not used to it, but I am proud of myself. I am just curious about why the rides in that part of the park are so much smaller and less accommodating to the general public. Feel free to 'weigh in...'

It's a Big Fat Revolution

I would like to use this blog to recommend some readings to you guys. I highly recommend "It's a Big Fat Revolution" by Nomy Lamm. It is one of the best Women's and Gender Articles I have ever read. Lamm talks about how she is a fat girl in a skinny world. She has come to her own in this world. She is happy with who she is and doesn't want to change. Everyone could learn a lesson from her. She has fought oppression by being herself and learning that it is O.K. to be yourself.

"Ignoring our Bodies and "judging only by what's on the inside" is not the answer" (Lamm 90).

"When I am fully conscious of my fat, it can't be used against me" (Lamm 93).

This is truly a great article. It is very interesting and eye-opening. If you are interested in articles like this, just shoot me an e-mail, I will recommend more for you.

Have a great 4th of July!

Tan-Tax

Today I received a phone call from the tanning salon I frequently visit. I haven't been in over a month, so I figured they were calling about my lack of visits. However, this was not the case. The girl was calling to ask me to come in to the store to sign a form agreeing to pay the 'Tan-Tax.' In case you are not familiar with this new government tax, here is a little information on it:

http://www.heartland.org/healthpolicy-news.org/article/27820/Obamacare_Tanning_Salon_Tax_Kicks_In_Violates_Presidents_Pledge.html

Basically, Obamacare is taxing every person who goes to tanning beds across the country. He is doing this to raise money for skin cancer research. Yes, I understand that by going to the tanning bed you are putting your life at risk and therefore you MAY cost tax payers additional money IF you are diagnosed with a form of cancer. The plan for the money, from the 10% tax increase, is to provide additional support to skin cancer research. I question whether or not the entire amount will end up there. Everyone knows that some political leaders are known for padding their pockets. Another thing, since we are going to tax tanners then, in my opinion, we should also tax every person who owns a microwave, cell phone, etc. (I know there is no actual proof that these things cause cancer. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2097661/common_every_day_items_that_can_cause.html?cat=5)

What do you think? I would love to hear from you guys!

Hey There!

Welcome to my new blog! This site is specifically for my thoughts on all parts of life, as well as any of my original photography and literature.

I also have a website for my photography: www.kforbesphotography.com


Thanks for reading!