B.F.F.

On this day, my oldest and dearest friend was born. I can't help but reflect on how lucky I have been to have her in my life. I don't have a childhood memory that doesn't include the both of us and our crazy adventures. From riding our bikes miles to get the biggest cinnamon rolls at Oprandy's - to nights of laughing and giggling talking about absolutely nothing - life seemed so easy then. There wasn't the distraction of computers, or internet. We never had to deal with facebook friends; or the vulnerability of instant messaging or ipods. We were able to focus on our friendship, and build a foundation - which is probably why she and I are still close to this day. Happy Birthday Becky..I love you!

US Weekly For The Common Folks...

Hi, my name is Kourtenay, and I am a magazine junkie. I love my fix of US Weekly, OK, Shape, Glamour, Cosmo, and that's just to name a few. I know I'm not the only one to fork over the $10.00 a week to support the gossip habit. Board any plane, and you will see 1/3 of the passengers reading magazines they just picked up from the travel store. It's definitely a guilty pleasure, but I am starting to think that people, including myself, have become almost "obsessed" with the lives of others. We look at celebrities, and mimic their clothing, their hair, and ultimate lifestyle.

So where is the line that separates reality from a fantasy life? Thankfully we don't have a photographer documenting our lives, we don't need one, we are the photographer. I've got three words for you, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Facebook has the motto: "Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life." They are absolutely right. We join these free websites with the hope of re-connecting with others. I think our initial intentions are pure. With the ease of the search box at the top of the page, you can instantly find former classmates, work friends or even those you met while on vacation. Whoever said networking was a bad thing?

But sometimes it’s the curiosity that can be overpowering. In many incidences the three powerhouses, contribute to our own version of gossip magazines; almost like an US Weekly for the Common Folks. (This is also known as Facebook Stalking). Don’t act like you don’t do it, because everyone does it. Sometimes we can’t help but ‘wonder’ how old boyfriends, friends, or former classmates are doing. We have instant access to their photo albums, read their latest postings, and instantly become updated on their lives – without them even knowing. It’s kind of creepy when you think about it, but it’s something that we all expose ourselves to, if we choose to be a part of these websites.

This free entertainment doesn’t come without a price. You cringe when checking your phone because it blinks ten new text messages and seven missed calls, one being from your mother. You remember that load of laundry and trip to the grocery store that needed to be done today - will now have to wait until tomorrow because you just spent the last three hours on Facebook. So when is it time to log off and live life? (Probably never, because most have these sites installed as applications on their cell phones) Unfortunately, some aren’t willing to go a day, much less six hours without checking their Facebook or Tweeting, but to be honest, I think it’s necessary to try and limit yourself to the amount of time spent on the computer. There aren't enough Facebook posts, or Tweets for that matter, to equal a real face to face conversation, with a friend that needs you to listen or be there for them. Spending time with someone is part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory. We need to interact with people, and engage in real conversations. It's human nature.

Top 5 Songs:
1. Super High - Rick Ross
2. Pushin It - The Game
3. Hey Lover - LL Cool J
4. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
5. OMG - Usher

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain”

Anyone that knows me, can tell you that I LOVE music - always have. I can't even get in a car - without calling "dibs" on the radio. There's just something about music, its my drug. Music can play on so many emotions - from laughing to crying; and I think its partly due to the fact it triggers certain memories. Music is like a scrapbook, when any song comes on the radio -- you can't help but remember a time in your life when that song played. Whether it be driving in the car with your closest friends, a first kiss, a dance, an argument, or even a time when you had to say goodbye..music can take you back, without having to look at a single picture.

To me, music is soothing. When times are tough, there is nothing I want more than to get in my car, roll down the windows and blast the radio. Even though I have a special love for hip hop (I'm ghetto, I know) some of my favorite nights include going to the piano bar and belting out jams by Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Journey. Who doesn't know the lyrics to 'Living On A Prayer,' or at least the chorus? When you look around a piano bar, people are randomly grouped together laughing, smiling, cheering and (drunkingly) singing at the top of their lungs. Inhibitions are left at the door. No one is ashamed of their voice, no one is holding back, its people coming together to enjoy good music. All because songs can do that to you. Out of all the experiences in life, the ones that leave an impression with us, are the ones that we continue to hold on to throughout the years; some just happen to be attached to a song.

Top 5 Songs:
1. Lose My Mind: Young Jeezy/Drake
2. Tangerine - Big Boi
3. Love the Way You Lie - Eminem
4. Ridaz - Eminem
5. Whatcha Saying Tip - T.I.

Life is Like a Roller Coaster

So I have to admit, I've developed a fascination for roller coasters. I love the rush, I love the fear of not knowing when it's going to drop or turn, the speed - basically the entire adrenaline rush. The higher, more dangerous roller coaster - the better. I wish I could take this same approach to my life. I'm not always as enthusiastic when dealing with unexpectedness, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. In fact, instead of being the fearless one in line, I tend to cower away..afraid of being hurt.

I've lived the majority of my life, wanting to please. I'm non-confrontational. I want to get a long with everyone, and when things don't work out like that - I try to be the peacemaker and fix whatever problem there may be. My brother is always telling me that I am way too nice, and I need to get mean; but that's just not me. I've had my heart broken more than a few times, dealt with rejection in the work force, relationships, and friendships. I definitely have the cuts, bruises, and scars to prove it. But when I reflect back on things, they don't seem as bad now - as they did then. A few incidences are even quite comical. Which makes me wonder, why did I let it affect me so deeply? I am stronger than that; and I know that now.

As Lil Wayne said. "Life is like a roller coaster and then it drops, but what should I scream for, this is my theme park."

Life is going to be a series of highs and lows - but ultimately we have to take control of our own lives and be willing to learn from our mistakes, heartache, rejection, and even haters. Without these experiences, even though they may be painful at the time, we wouldn't know what we are truly capable of, or how strong we really are.

5 Most Played Songs:
1. So Bad - Eminem
2. Teach Me How to Dougie - Cali Swag District
3. If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
4. The Fire Remix - The Roots
5. The Best I Ever Had - Drake