Hurricane Irene...

       As most of you already know, a category 1 hurricane is going to hit the east coast this weekend. Every news channel and radio station are talking about the impact of this hurricane on our area. This hurricane will blow through full force, originating in Puerto Rico, now traveling the coasts of Delaware, Rhode Island, North Carolina, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey issued a mandatory evacuation off the coast of New Jersey, which will be hit with full force. My family's summer home is just one block away from the shore in Ocean Grove, NJ. NYC as well as Long Island have been issued evacuations. State emergencies have been mandated and bridges located in NY have been closed. Many college students move into dorms and start classes this week but due to inclement conditions, many of these dates have been post-poned.
   Now, a lot of people believe this hurricane is mostly hype and that we will not be hit as badly as they say. People are anxiously awaiting the storm, rushing to the grocery store buying supplies for their homes, emptying the shelves of super stores such as Wal-Mart. Each story is different and changing about the effects and nature of this storm. The latest update I have heard is that in NY and NJ there will be 60 mph winds which will last for 12 hours. The storm was supposed to begin around 8pm eastern time and mostly hit the Hudson Valley area and the city in New York.
     What you should expect: I have never been in a hurricane, or one this large at least, in my lifetime because I am an eastern girl. But I do know from what I have seen occur in other places around the world and country winds will be extremely high, trees and free floating debris from houses and excessive flooding will occur. It will make driving conditions impossible, as well as visibility. Flights will be delayed as well as transit authorities. Power outages will affect millions and you can prepare to be without it for days maybe weeks due to the high amount of grids and lines that are down.
     Here is what you need to do: Although this is basic stuff, just remember to stay indoors and get as far away from windows as you can. Stay in a closet, or bathroom without windows, or a basement. Keep flashlights, water, food, and first aid kits handy, a radio/ tv and loved ones nearby. Keep a close watch on the radar on a news station or radio, and try not to panic! You can expect to see live coverage of news for days to come, and sadly, news of those who have been injured and yes, even killed during this storm. (5 have already lost their lives to Irene)
         When it is all over, your backyard and even house, may look like a war zone but if you and your family are  safe and sound, that is all that matters. Remember, houses can be rebuilt and material items replaced. A person can not. So, please be safe and God bless. I will try to keep you updated on how it is over here. Peace <3

Love: What Has Been, Is, And Always Will Be.

       When thinking about time and history, one thing that hasn't really changed over time is love. Sure, it may seem different during these times of instant communication, lack of emotional expression, self centered dynamics, impersonal relationships, and technology. With such a fast paced life we must live in, how can we stop to love properly? Okay, before I go on, if you think I am just going to talk about romantic love, you are mistaken. I am talking about the love a parent has for his/her child, the love within our families, the love siblings have for each other, and the love which holds friendships.
        Lately I have been thinking about the short time each and every one of us has on this earth. Don't worry, I won't get all Edgar Allen Poe or Sylvia Plath on you. But death is a harsh reality we all must face, whether it be ourselves personally, or watching the ones we love part from this world and our lives. Every human being must come to the realization that we will have to forcefully part with our loved ones and separate our earthly bonds. So, before this day and rather than spending hours lying in bed at night thinking about such tragedies, why not actually mend or strengthen the relationships we have while they are tangible?
        Between cell phone texts and face book chats, we are always in contact with the ones we love. However, because we are so used to speaking with each other 24/7, we take for granted fully appreciating them. We just always expect to see them or hear from them the next day via one of our communication tools. We can listen to a friend complain about her boyfriend on the phone while talking to that cute guy in English class on face book chat, during our favorite reality series, and at the same time, half listen to our mothers talk about something that frankly, we could give two shits about. But are we really paying attention? Are we fully appreciating these people? Or, are we just filling spaces, voids. Killing time, or trying to talk to everyone at once to we don't have to actually "talk" with them? I think the second scenarios are true for our modern society.
   Here is what I propose: Put down your cell phones and take your little sister out to the mall or to lunch. Spend some quality time with her. Don't just say you love someone and walk away. In fact, say it often but show it more. Sure, you fight with the ones you love and say really harsh things to one another, thing you don't mean but words that can never be taken back. For some reason, it is so easy for our hearts to fill with rage and our tongues to utter words of hatred than it is to praise someone and pour out our hearts and tell them how we really feel. The partial reason is we are also a closed off society. We do not feel the need to open up to one another because that would make us feel weak and seem vulnerable huh? Who cares anymore. It's time people to express what has been since time began: love. Yea, this is corny but when it's too late, really it it too late. Don't wait for the person to be sick and dying before you tell them and show that person how you feel. Life goes by too fast and before you know it, you are looking at a man sitting in his chair who can barely walk anymore, let alone think properly. You know his time is ticking and you look at this man and think, my God, that will be my mom or dad one day, even me. Then you go to the funeral of a deceased loved one and you see angry mourners there because they didn't get to know the person or they feel guilty or maybe even hate the person still. If this doesn't make sense to you, just think of it this way. Life is too short and too precious to waste on not loving someone, especially the ones God has blessed you with. The ones who will love you endearingly. These people will love you no matter how you act and honestly, that is a gift from heaven.
      Remember, love has no limits and it is not bi-polar. It always lasts and when you love the right way, you will know it and be happier for it. So don't wait until it is too late and you are kicking yourself in the ass for not expressing what you should have. Love will find it's way out of you if you let it. Until next time guys, peace out! <3

Random Thoughts At 1am by Caterina

It's August 4th 2011 and about 1:20 am. I just gulped down 20 ounces of an iced latte drink so I am up, and I mean really up. The norm with these things is to blog everyday, which is a huge commitment so it gets kind of hard to do so. But I am writing early this morning for I feel I must. I want to discuss briefly a crucial topic today; dating. I know, I know totally cliche. Hey, it's late or early, however you want to think about it, and so a lot is racing through my mind.
    First things first: ladies, and gents, in the dating world today, it is hard to find a decent, mature, and committed partner. Take it from me; I have been on many dreadful dates and through heart breaking and un-fulfilling relationships. I have seen it all, From manipulative bastards, to sex addicts and the sexually frustrated. Let's just say that sitting in a tattoo parlor for 5 hours with a narcissistic dumb ass is not my cup of tea. Hey, some girls might like the egocentric little man complex. If it works for you, it works. Bottom line is, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get to your prince or princess....and that's putting it nice and simple. If you feel discouraged, at the end of your rope, and at a loss of hope for the good in the opposite sex, then you may want to keep reading.
    By now, you catch my drift. My dating experiences have sucked and I know that I am not alone in this mayhem. As a young adult, I feel the pressure to have a partner, someone who is constantly by my side to cuddle with, go to the mall with, introduce to the folks, yatta yatta yatta. Seeing best friends with long time boyfriends and girlfriends, dropping the "L" word, and talking of marriage and children, really adds to the pressure. Know what I'm talking about? If you are reading this, you probably do..or did at one time or another. Point is, the pressure builds as time goes on. But you know what they say, the more eager and desperate you are, the harder it is to find true love. As mom always tells me, "It will happen when you least expect it. The right guy will come along." It takes the edge off just a little bit, but as I continue waiting, the clock ticks and I get older. (I don't think this advice will work for me when I am 30 ma!) I suppose love has no time limits or age caps. Point is you have to be patient, but bold in the act of love.
     No, I'm not saying drop everything for the first guy or gal who asks you out. That would be settling. What I am saying is don't be impatient like me, and never throw in the towel. It is crucial that you don't end up with someone who is going to drag you down and be sure that the other person wants what you want. Are they committed? What exactly do they want from you? And last but most important, don't be a straggler. This is way easier said than done but don't get "trapped" in a bad romance. Basically, try not to fall in love with or get caught up on the wrong person. He or she can become like a poison, a drug even that you need. I speak from experience and yea, it's hard to not love the guy or girl who is completely wrong for you. Buy hey, you have to begin somewhere. To go up, you must be down first right? Corny I know but hold on just a little longer.
     Similarities in values and life goals is a must must for a thriving relationship. The person must help you grow to be all that you can be while encouraging you to stick to what you believe. Do you hold on to Christian values such as saving yourself for marriage? Fine but you better be sure the person feels the same way or else one of you is going to compromise who you are as a person...usually the one with that belief. If you don't that is cool too, but still you need to be sure that the other person is loving and respectful of you. Pretty straightforward I suppose, but we don't usually recognize these things in the heat of the moment.
     Alright, I know this is long but I just don't want you guys to go down the same road I did which led to heart break and a period of feelings of despair and loneliness. I can't prevent it from happening to you, but I can give my advice. Truth is we all have been or will be hurt by someone we love and put our complete trust in. Just remember this, do not let it ruin you for the next one...the person who might just be the one for you. Let the heartbreak be a lesson to you...a sort of empowerment if you will. You have to experience sorrow in order to feel pure joy after all. When you are hurting, take the time to heal, no matter how long it takes but please do not use it as a crutch. I mean you can miss out on the love of your life if you host a pity party for yourself. (Hurt people hurt people) :/ I've been there but I picked myself out of it because I know there is a prince charming out there for me, my own version of whatever the hell that means and there is a prince/princess out there for you guys too. Of course, one who fits you perfectly. No matter what or who happened in your past, it is the past for a reason. Let the maker take care of that and you deal with the present. So, don't give up on love because as hard as it is too see in this world, love will not give up on you.
    Alright, it's late and that caffeine is wearing off! I gave you my little Nicholas Sparks rendition of the love speech. Read it, discuss among your friends and peers, reflect, do what you want with it. Comment please! Oh and keep it real out there and be strong! Keep dating and being yourself and love will find its way at the right time. Everything always works out in a timely manner. Peace everyone. Good night! <3

More to come in the next blogs: World news: Somalia famine. National news: President Obama, National Debt and Congress's decision, Other life stuff....