Being judged

There are times when we feel like our friends don't get us. That they judge us for how we feel. That we can't speak to them in confidence without feeling guilty. We fear they think we're being unreasonable. And in turn, we start to believe that we ARE being unreasonable, so we force our emotions into a bottle.

My question is... Who are we to judge other people's feelings?

If there's something going on with someone we love, and it's really hurting them, isn't that enough for us to be supportive and caring, no matter how big or small the problem is? Because frankly, being judgmental will in no way help them get over their issue; it only adds to it. 

When somebody talks about something that's going on their lives, we tend to compare it to our own problems. We then make a mental conclusion that their problems are complete and utter rubbish, so we try and shut them out.

Well hey, newsflash. The person is hurting, aren't they? Their issue is affecting them. So 9 times out of 10, it's not rubbish. What this person needs is someone to be understanding and tolerant; to not complain about them behind their backs. Some may not admit it, but as humans, this is all we want from people. The least we can do is try to understand. It could be difficult for the person to talk about it.

So next time we complain about how ridiculous we think our friend feels about something going on their lives, we need to put ourselves in their shoes for a moment. How would we feel if somebody thought that about us? We'd feel insulted, plus we'd experience more hurt.

Something to think about.

The Cup Song + songwriting

After seeing Carrie Fletcher's take on the cup song (a mashup containing many different songs), I decided to do my own:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTDKFWJwXlQ

And I gotta say, I'm quite proud of it. I had a lot of fun arranging it, and I'm happy with my final product.

So please, check it out. Or not, I'm not forcing you.

One day I hope to record my own songs/covers and put them on YouTube with little music videos a la Alex Goot/Boyce Avenue/other YouTube musicians. That, my friends, is my dream.

Wahoo, I have a dream! *insert Abba/Martin Luther King reference*

Next year in my final year of high school, I'll be doing a music subject called individual study. This will allow me to work on my songwriting/videomaking dream, which I'm very excited about. So you'll be hearing all about my music-making shiz next year. 

Of course, I'll still try and make time this year to work on it. It'll be difficult, given the demands of school this year, but I'll do my very best.

In the past I've written about 10 songs, none of which are extraordinary. In fact, most of them are quite hastily put together little ditties. However, they're still stepping stones in the process. I might come back to them and try to rework and improve them.

Note to all songwriters (and any other artist for that matter):

The very first things you put on the page? They don't have to be gold. Really they might be a lump of coal. It can take a few (or many) drafts to get your desired product. So don't give up.

Look at me pretending like I know stuff.

View of The Voice

For a long time I've been very skeptical of reality TV. Most of the time it's so obviously rigged that it's almost painful. In particular, I've always had high expectations of talent show judges that unfortunately lately haven't been met. I mean, come on; in what universe is Nicki Minaj sufficiently musical that she gets appointed as an American Idol judge? On what test did she cheat to be given a spot?

(I'll probably rant about her in another post. Stay tuned.)

But after watching Ricky Martin on The Voice offer fellow Adelaidian Mark Steffanoff a well-deserved opportunity to pursue his dream as a Broadway star, my harsh view has somewhat softened. As soon as the words "I'll hook you up with my agent and you're going to New York" came out of Mr. Martin's mouth, I was astounded. He genuinely wanted to help the guy. I mean, I don't blame him; Mark's talent for music theatre is undeniable.

And as the episode wore on, it occurred to me that these judges actually know what they're talking about. Joel certainly surprised me after taking on a jazz singer to be part of his team, revealing his secret love for the genre. It'll be interesting to see how that situation unfolds.

So after a long time of harboring an unrelenting hatred towards these shows, I can safely say a small fragment of my faith in humanity has been restored (with emphasis on "small fragment"). 

However, something still bugs me.

Does Seal really have to embarrass himself by wearing black nail polish?

Nicki Minaj probably told him to, given her taste in fashion.

(Too much sass?)

So in conclusion, Ricky Martin's a hero, Joel Madden has an unexpected soft spot for jazz and The Voice actually has substance to it. 

Oh, and Nicki Minaj is unmusical and tasteless. 

Thank you and goodnight.

Understanding mockery

I have been picked on throughout my entire school life, which is something that, until recently, I've never fully understood.

In primary school I was mocked for my trademark mushroom haircut; something I had possessed since I first sprouted hair. You know, the old bob-and-full-fringe look. I sported my fringe for the first 12 years of my life, with my unlayered lengths gradually growing to my hips by year 6.
(Ah youth.)

My hair was so memorable that my new nickname emerged: "The Fringe".
(So original, people. I mean, really?)

The "Fringe" epidemic affected my confidence. I became quite a shy child; self-consciousness and sensitivity were oozing out of me, which made me an easy target for those bullies. Whenever anyone commented on my fringe, I became upset and reacted rather defensively. My reaction itself would then set off yet another surge of mocking, causing me more grief.

Either you relate to this or are marveling at the weakness of my pathetic primary school self. Either way, we're on common ground.

Now in my penultimate year of high school (fringe thankfully grown out), there are still some people who would love to watch me crumble under their mockery, purely for their own enjoyment.

However, I've realized something so simple, yet too important to let slip.

People only mock for your attention, which is probably the most pathetic goal to have. These people will keep trying harder every time to grab hold of your attention, but as long as you don't give in, they'll squirm under your laser light of indifference.

But why would they want your attention?

I'll bet it's because they think you're attractive.

The fear of Tumblr

In finding a suitable site to start up a blog, a lot of places suggest Tumblr. For me to have chosen this would've been the worst possible decision.

There's a reason why I'm scared of creating a Tumblr account. Whilst it's practically the king of social networks, Tumblr has a reputation of... Well, how else can I put it. Draining people's social lives. Kinda like how dementors suck happiness from people's souls in Harry Potter.

(Too dramatic?)

I can almost certainly tell that if I were to create an account, my social life would crumble even further than it already has. Not to mention my sleeping patterns and my overall sanity. 

As a student, I already struggle with keeping things in check. And yes, I spend way too much time on the net anyway. (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pottermore, how I love you...) 

Luckily I don't spend so much time that it severely affects my studying... though I'd be lying if I said it wasn't borderline. Plus I have friendships to uphold, musical instruments to practice and concerts in which to perform as well as to attend. It's a fair bit.

So what would happen were I to create an account? BAM. So long, social life. Nice knowing you.

Surely there are other people with this fear. Honestly, I don't know how my friends do it.

That's not to say that all people who have Tumblr are subject to this outcome. Some might have an account and have found a balance between their life and the internet. (Kudos to you, you deserve a medal.) But much to my dismay, I know for a fact that I wouldn't be remotely close to having this balance. If I go onto a website and I like it and it appeals to me, I become attached. It's just how I operate.

I'm not calling people with Tumblr complete losers with no life purpose or anything like that. We can all agree it's a pretty awesome site. Most of those gifs and memes absolutely crack me up.

I'm just not prepared to become part of it just yet. I'll probably give into it one day, ONLY when I have literally nothing else to do with my life. You'll hold me to that, won't you? Great.

To all whose lives have been taken (excuse the dramatics) by Tumblr, I salute you.

But for now, I think Blogger's a smarter choice for me.