The Blog-a-day Challenge

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/29/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today it is hot! Not just is it hot but sticky. I was down at the office, and literally you can’t walk out before pounds of heart air invade your body and you begin to perspire. Take wearing a full dress shirt and tie and you really have a nasty situation on your hand.

Beyond that, inside it isn’t really that but I think the AC has gotten to me and I’m feeling really stuffed up. Right now I literally have a booger filled tissue in one hand and another tissue to back up the runny nose I have . . . not a pretty site at all.

I think it was all that time I spent at the office. I don’t have an AC in my house and usually I don’t get sick or too hot during the summer. Right now however, I need to get something to plug up this runny nose before my mac becomes untouchable.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/28/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

20 dollars richer, it seems like money just goes out the window when I’m with Jay and Kyle and I’m really trying my hardest to save every penny I can. After getting paid for Cornell’s site, Jay and I find ourselves spending the next five hours together wandering through Waterbury as I try to get footage to show Jassica and Jay bothers me the whole time.

Every time I’m with Jay or Kyle it seems like I can never go without spending at least a dollar either on soda, pizza or snacks. Having only 20 dollars to your name literally means strapping for whatever little cash you can and trying to make the best and really it sucks.

It’s been like this my whole life and really I hate it. All the money I’ve ever had has been saved and any money I do get seems so small that most people would consider it chump chain. When I think about money and why I never have enough of it, it makes me think about Steve and Kyle and how I waste so much time doing stuff for them with no financial proof to show for it.

I guess all this has just made me think about money and if what I’m doing is really worth the investment; if it’ll pay off for itself or if it’s all just in vain and I’ve wasted my time.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/27/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So today Kyle is finally back and pay day finally comes flowing in for the hard work, sweet and perseverance I have demonstrated working at the company. How much was it you may ask? 20

No there isn’t a comma missing or any zeros waiting to be put in, just 20 dollars. Did I mention that was only half. Originally during the week, Cornell needed his site to get done and Jay was fussing to much with pushing it off so I told him I would take the job. Cornell had already registered a url with the business and just needed a couple of updates. Although reluctant, Jay let me do the site giving me a template he had downloaded that I was suppose to use.

Funny things is that the template is by Dreamweaver and Cornell’s site is made by Web Site Tonight, which means there’s no where to upload this template nor does it exist under Web Site Tonight’s various choices. So all sunday night, I worked long and hard on Cornell’s site, trying to figure out a way to make it look as good as possible just to wind up get half of the original pay as I gave Jay credit for a template I couldn’t even use.

After that, we went to talk about what happened through the week and what we thought about the business. Officially, I am now a web designer and don’t have to worry about selling and making cold calls. Jay is still a salesman but I can see him flipping any day now. Overall, Kyle just wanted to remind us that being part of the business this early meant we were destined for management positions and that we need to do our best to make that happen.

I could really care less but feel that the company needs some real changes if we want to start making some money. As long as it means some money, and by that I mean a lot of money, for me, than I’m willing to make the sacrifice.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/26/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So over the weekend, I picked up a site at the business to do. The site is basically for an actor who trying to host a play in Waterbury. Currently, he has a site with Kyle under Web Site Tonight, a content management system offered by GoDaddy.

Web Site Tonight is really basic and use WYSIWYG editing. The site for the most part has all the content, it just fixing it that’s such a bitch. I mean, something as simple as using a bold tag seems to never work. The images all need to re-size through some crazy dialogue box and never can you just simply create your own table or column, but some crazy “box” they give you for editing purposes.

I have till tomorrow to get the site done and it looks like it’s gonna be a really long night before I can hand this in and go to sleep. I’ll let you know what happens.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/25/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Finally the weekend is here I’m away from the office not to spend time by myself but at the museum; I guess I can never have any time to myself.

Really I don’t mind going to the Timexpo every now and then and today was actually kinda fun as we had a couple new volunteers and people coming in for a tour. Among the familiar faces there: Cathy, Kat, the people at the store there was a new volunteer. Every time I go to the Timexpo, it seems like they have a new volunteer. Having been there for so long, it’s great to see some new faces every now and again.

Since I was last there, we had Chris: a funny 13 year old kid who loves to have fun; even if he gets in trouble in the process. After Chris there’s Karey: a quirky 13 year old girl who seems to be more ambitious than I or anyone I know at that age. Beyond that there have also been random volunteers from the Greater Waterbury Community pageant and the Kat scouts.

Today we had a new face and her name was Kennea: a senior from the Waterbury Arts Magnet School who speaks 4 four languages and plans to major in linguistics. At first I had no idea she was so good but when she told me she could speak chinese, I’m not even sure how that came up, I was immediately impressed. I mean she even knew how to write the characters.

I spent a lot of time talking to her after that, and by that I mean just a couple of minutes, but for some reason Cathy took it as that I liked her. I mean she’s a nice girl, bright and somewhat attractive but that doesn’t mean I like her. I only met her today! I guess Cathy really didn’t take that for an answer and insisted if I was a man to admit it and go after her.

A few minutes later Kennea left and I went to Barnes and Nobles to find something to do. Interesting enough I guess.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/24/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So after a long week of going to the office with Jay I think I’ve had enough. Not just of Jay but of the office in general.

When I first got out of school and started my summer vacation I had dreams of taking over the world and making a really difference in the lives of others. Since that day I have accomplished nothing as no wifi, working at the office, and summer assignments have put a cap on my ability to create and actually produce.

Although wifi is an issue, there’s always a way to get around that as Barnes and Nobles and the office always provide an outlet that I can connect to. Making up the information in advance and trying to post it in time is another thing that’s hard to accomplish when you have so much shit to deal with.

Working at the office is another issue as countless hours seem to go buy and nothing gets accomplished. Literally I have no idea what Kyle is doing that we never have any customers or site to do. Most of the work we do is just added to some imaginary bill that people never seem to pay. What’s even worse is that I’m only paid by commission making all this a complete waste unless I sell something.

Originally, I thought I was coming on as a web designer, but I guess I was given the label of a salesman who spends more time behind a computer than anything else. Heck, I think they could call me their secretary as I just get assigned random assignments for basically no pay.

Overall the thing that makes it so hard to be creative and actually get stuff done is Jay. It isn’t just the office and how much time we waste their as even though we get out at 2, it seems like I can never get home till 5 or even 7 because Jay needs a buddy to hang out with. And what do we do when we hang out . . . NOTHING! It’s like seriously, just don’t follow me and let me go home to waste time on my own.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/23/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Among the many hours I spend on the Internet, not doing my homework or being as productive as I could be, something I do from time to time is watch anime. From an American stand point, I know anime can be considered pretty nerdy but the thing is anime has been a big part of American culture since as early as I can remember.

In my generation alone, I remember the biggest cartoons were all anime: Pokemon, Yugioh, Megaman, etc. It shouldn’t be surprising then that I like anime seeing as that’s what I grew up watching as a kid: anime.

Recently, I’ve picked up a new anime: Full Metal Alchemist. I had originally seen the intro to the Japanese version on YouTube and thought it might be cool to actually watch the whole series. Instead of watching the Japanese version though, I found an english dubbed version that so far is pretty good.

Basically, Full Metal Alchemist is the story of two brothers who lose their mother and try to bring her back with alchemy. Historically, alchemy is the science practiced during the middle ages when scientist tried to convert lead into gold. Although historically they were never successful, in Full Metal Alchemist, alchemy has gone way beyond turning lead into gold, as the decompositions and re-construction of everyday elements has allowed alchemist to transform the world around them.

In the anime, alchemy is preformed with transmutation circles but I guess those who survive conducting a human transmutation don’t need transmutation circles and are able to do alchemy by simply clapping their hands.

At the moment, the two brothers are on a journey to retrieve their bodies through the use of a philosopher stone. Legend has it that with a philosopher stone, a person can ignore the rules of equivalent exchange and perform alchemy as they please. Equivalent exchange is what the brother’s paid the night they tried to bring their mother back and it literally cost one of them their body and the other one and arm and later on a leg just so he could bring his brother’s soul back and attach it to a suit of armor.

Their search has brought them in touch with people who are made when someone does a human transmutation, a homonculi, and the people higher up in the military as the idea of corruption seems to run consistent through the anime.

We’ll I don’t know too much to tell you the whole story but maybe one day in the future I can give you a more holistic review. I’ll keep you posted.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/22/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So today at the office, yea that’s what were calling it now seeing as we have a new office on banks street, Jay and I are left in charge as Kyle is out for a week in Massachusetts figuring out some family stuff and what not.

Being only the third day, I can’t really say much accept GIVE ME THE CHICKEN! Let me explain.

Around lunch time, me and Jay decide to go out and venture towards KFC. At KFC we place our order and I tell Jay, why don’t we just eat here instead of at the office. For some reason, Jay insist we eat at the office. On our walk back, some random dude tries to stop us marveling the chicken we just bought. Instinctually, I just walk right past the dude but Jay for some reason bothers to talk to him and winds up giving him a dollar.

Although it was a noble act, I wouldn’t really have done the same thing because common sense tells me this guy isn’t really in that much need/you shouldn’t give money to people who practically hold you up in the process.

We finally do make it back to the office and Jay saying why I didn’t have his back, but it’s kinda like why would you just stop and actually reason with the guy. Just keeping walking.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/21/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

While on the Internet, you tend to run into random outlets that at times give you a way of expressing yourself and in other ways entertaining others. The fruits of these labors often can’t be measured in cold, hard cash but in views and comments by users who just appreciate your work and really want you to know how awesome it is.

In many ways, this art often comes at the price of a good job and steady income. It isn’t really till we commercialize this process that we really start to make money. The difference, I guess between those who sell out and those who don’t is those who are still around. You’re either living the high life, doing what you want with an advertisement shoved up your ass or your broke, working a 9 to 5 job that covers the bills while you try to find the creativity to pursue such crafts.

Often, I think about this paradox and how selling it might mean happiness for me and this community. It’s hard to find people who will visit this site and bother to join yet alone go one of these cultural exchange programs. More importantly, it’s hard to lose site and not give up when it seems like your having a conversation all by yourself.

I guess it really all comes down to how determined you are and if you’ll ever be able to reach that mythical level of self-reliance.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/20/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So, its been almost a week since I joined Franklin Business Solutions, LLC, I guess its time to give it a fair introduction and description.

So, I first found out about Franklin Business Solutions from Jay who wanted to “hire” me as a web designer. From Jay’s description, I guess you can say Franklin Business Solutions is a web design company that offers business solutions to minority businesses. So far, Franklin Business Solutions has done more than 30 websites and plans to expand their offices to Miami, Florida and Austin, Texas.

The idea seemed promising at first, but really I wasn’t too sure as to who I was dealing with the day Jay brought me to his “office” which was basically behind a car wash/clothing store/barbershop. When I went in for the interview, I was really asked to be a salesman instead of a web designer seeing as my ability to speak Spanish would help them get into the Spanish market.

Right now, I really don’t know what my place is within the “company” and really just hope to make some extra cash since my work with Steve isn’t bringing me in any money and Education Connection doesn’t really have much options for me anymore.

I guess I’ll keep you posted.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/19/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Over the last couple of days, I have had the pleasure to talk to Jassica as school is out and I finally have the chance to talk to her as much as I want or basically for as long as I can.

Well I guess I can’t really say that seeing as I always talk to her and basically for as long as I can (5 hours Skype calls say otherwise I guess)

However, with all this free time, I feel that wherever I am she follows me. I’m in my room, online, and she follows me. I’m at the office (we need to talk about that), online, and she follows me. I’m at my cousins house, online, and she follows me. Basically, the girl is all over me and sometimes I barely know what to do as just being with her seems just fine.

Its awkward to admit that, but I feel after almost 9 months in our relationship, we have evolved to the point where we don’t need stimulating conversation or games to pass the time. Simply hearing the other one’s voice/acknowledging their presence is enough.

Its kinda funny though how our situation seems to work and how even though so much time has passed, we are still loyal to each other. I mean, in her situation, I wouldn’t blame her for having doubts and fears. I many ways, I would understand the pressure, as a 19 year old girl, she faces and how in many ways I could be holding her back/myself back from the dating world and essentially college.

Letting go however seems like the hardest thing I could possibly do and something I fear might mean the end of our relationship. I’ve known this girl for only 9 months, but it feels like if I let her go, I would be making the biggest mistake in my life. There’s so many things about her that I love that I doubt I would ever be able to come by again if I threw myself out there.

College is definitely gonna be the next big step, but I’ll never really know until I try. I love chen qi yi and I would be crazy to not do everything I can to make our relationship work.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/18/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So today I was volunteering at home sweet home, the Timexpo. The day however was not wasted in random oblivion but with an old friend Emma. I met Emma as a volunteer at the Timexpo while volunteering over the summer of my freshman year. We established a pretty good connection since then and its always fun to meet up and reconnect.

At the Timexpo though, time seems to never move and a few minutes can seem like hours; pretty ironic when you’re in a time museum. For the most part, we spent the day just talking and trying to pass the time. Occasionally, pregnant cats and heckling store employees came by but for the most part, it was a rather calm day . . beyond the pregnant cat and heckling store people.

The thing is the cat wasn’t just pregnant, but violent. We only found out about it from a casualty who came in screaming he was assaulted by a cat. From there, we go into the parking lot and all you see is this hunched over ball of fur who whenever you get to close, strikes at you. The cat was obviously in heat and it took mall security about an hour to remove the beast to the local pet shop for help . . I guess.

The store people are another story as they always take me interacting with someone of the opposite sex as a full out expose. I’ve known Emma for a while now and I can admit that at one point, I may have felt something for her but nothing that could really evolve into a real relationship. We’re of different times, different worlds, and it would never really work out. And yet, the heckling store people continued to push the situation, convinced that I might at well try my luck.

From there, I basically find my way to Norbert’s house for an awkward party that was suppose to be jam-backed with people. From what I understand, Norbert had apparently been calling all the people in our class for a summer party he was gonna throw. As usual, all the girls said no and it ended up being me, kenhji, and some kid named Seth in a very educated, but stimulating conversation on technology right now and what we can expect when Darba releases the Internet 2. Ooooh.

Honestly, I can’t imagine how a girl would have fit in this party as card games and nerdy conversation practically made me fall asleep. Either way, I find my way home around 10 after Kenhji’s dad is nice enough to give me a ride back. . . wowee. I guess today just made me appreciate friends and how sometimes its hard to distinguish who you can really count on as your friend.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/17/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today I got one step closer to this goal as I finally found a way to get work done without necessarily being online. I downloaded a trial of Adobe Dreamweaver CS4.

I never really knew what Dreamweaver was until today. Basically its an html/css/xhmtl whatever application for web designers that allows you to work in html and present your work within your own browser.

For a long time, a program like Dreamweaver is what I’ve been looking for as I’m always getting kicked off the web but still need a way to get work done. The trial is only for 30 days, but it’s gonna be sweet.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/16/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So after my encounter with nature, I decided that so far my summer has been a waste. There’s no wifi, my summer to-do list is a sham, and time just seems to go by with no one even stopping take notice.

This idea of letting time simply pass by reminds me of my inauguration to the national honor society and how at the end of the meeting we all said “Carpe Diam” . . seize the day.

The phrase has inspired me to seize the day and make the most out of my situation. Managing my time and making the most out of whatever little time I have on the Internet will be difficult, but more the reason why I must work harder and accomplish what I can.

Carpe Diam I guess.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/15/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today I undertook a new level accomplish as me and nature became one and I reconnected with my “savage” roots. Today I cut a watermelon.

Ok, this accomplishment might not be that amazing or adventurous but it definitely was a unique experience. Usually, I don’t get the pleasure of cutting the watermelon in my house, but since no one had cut it yet and it was about to go bad, I decided to capture the opportunity and finally wrestle with nature.

First, I got a knife that would be big enough to pierce it’s large shell. Then, I grabbed the beast and made the first strike. Blood flew everywhere as internal juices started to seep out from the gory wound that I left. Only a few more cuts were made before I was able to feast on major organs and stand in victory with a knife in one hand, and a carcass in the other.

Ok, maybe that was a bit exaggerated but you get the point.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/14/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today my throat really hurts. The feeling reminds me of when I had striped throat, which would giant penicillin pills. The last time I had striped throat, I had to take these giant penicillin pills that were practically impossible to swallow. I literally had to stick halfway down my throat just to make sure I could swallow it.

The taste was also pretty nasty as forty five tries later, the people started to breakdown from all the water and this sour taste was left in your mouth. Orange juice (because you usually took it first thing in the morning) only made it worse as the acidity of the juice made you wanna throw up.

Well to change the subject, striped throat is not fun and I hope this soar throat is just the side affects of me being a dumbass or something.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/13/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Probably the one career I would never pursue is salesman, specifically the life of a salesman. Being a salesman, in my opinion, sucks seeing as you never really have any job security and your always trying to make quota.

Being your own boss is different but when you have someone constantly over you head reminding you to meet certain goals, it can get kinda of stressful.

Beyond that, the money you get in comparison to what the company is pocketing seems like 0 to nothing. 20% commission is like nothing when corporate is pocketing 2000 on that deals alone. Commission alone is another reason why I wouldn’t want to be a salesman. Not getting paid until you make a sale means never really having much money or security in general. You’ll always be selling, always be restless until you accumulate enough to say you can actually start spending some of that money.

I’ve worked for commission before but that was only with an hourly wage added on to it. I can see how people who get paid by the hour might become lazy but this idea of survival of the fittest through commission just seems to send the wrong message in a socialistic world.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/12/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

So to finally put a lid on all this madness that has been going on in the last two blogs, I decided to talk about my future goals and how what I was able to conclude after several hours of deep thought and what I guess others might call meditation.

For starters, I decided that any career I would choose would only the beginning of something greater. After looking at all the role models I have been blessed to encounter and all the crazy jobs they’ve had, I’ve concluded that one career would never suffice; that I’m better off sampling different avenues than to follow one road alone.

Second, I decided that money shouldn’t be a judging factor in the choices I make. Yes money makes the world go round and in the face of friends, money is what lets you say you’ve accomplished more than someone else, but that mean it should be the reason why I do or don’t do something.

Third, I decided that goals by themselves are pointless when they are not open to change. When I first started recruiting members to the website, i thought getting 1000 people to join would give the solution to all of my problem. Now at 800 something members, I’ve realized that getting 1000 members wouldn’t have changed anything; that it take internal change for real change to happen.

Finally fourth, I decided to take life by the horns and just jump in. Experience is what helps us get better and is the only way we will satisfy our thirst for school, for woman, and for life.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/11/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

After reading yesterdays blog, I started to think about my life and how mature I am when I think about the typical American teenager. For the most part the American teenager is defined as a lazy, selfish, irresponsible individual who has no idea what he wants to do in life and probably won’t until he’s 25. All these things for some reason don’t describe me as a person and make me wonder, am I different?

To be fair, being different comes down to perspective and what we define as different. In the eyes of the American teenager I may seem different, but in the eyes of my classmates, I might as well be another joe who cares about his grades and try his best o work hard. All these things define us and in one way or another define us whether we like it or not. We try not to be a slave to definition but without I feel we are lost, curse to always be misunderstood.

These things are what scare me the most when I think about my life and how all my hard work might as well be in vain. The best example I can offer is clothing and how we work so hard to only never be able wear the clothes we envied as teenagers. Would buying these clothes suffice for anything or are we forever doomed to never be happy, to never be really satisfied?

To not sound like Niche, I guess the ends justify the means and what we do now will determine where we stand five, ten, twenty years from now. We might not have the money today to live the life we wish but we might as well one day have it, even if it doesn’t fit our initial definition.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/10/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

As a teenager, it seems like your parents are from a different planets. Everything you say to your parents seems to make no sense and never can a simple discussion be resolved with a few words. At time it seems like just like talking has no use and that we would be better off not talking at all. However, we are human and these things must be discussed. Why? Well that I guess will never have a simple answer.

Probably the biggest issue between me and my parents and probably every other teenager reading this blog is how much they stress the simplest things. For example, shoes. When I wake up in the morning, I have the bad habit of just getting up and not grabbing a pair of shoes. Now you would think, “so what, there just shoes”. For my mom however it’s the end of the world. Literally not even two second would have passed before she starts totally freaking out and yelling at me to get a pair of shoes.

Now, to be fair, the woman means well considering what happened to her mom and how as I diabetic she wouldn’t want anything to happen to me, but sometimes its so hard to remember. It might sound bad, but I feel these things are human nature and sadly so one of our natural faults.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t blame me if I don’t remember to put on my shoes, just remember that I know you mean the best.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/9/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

In the same boat as historians are educators. In my opinion, all major fields of study and practice are only as illustrious and complex as we make them. That the moment we actually get into them, we discover they actually aren’t as scary as we think they are.

For instance, medicine for many seems like the craziest field of study where only the brightest are able to survive. These young men and women take hundreds of courses and absorbs bounds of information so that one day they can practice medicine and give back to their community. As doctors, they have no specimens to practice on and no test to cram for. Overall, their life becomes routine and I bet many wonder, why was med school so hard? Why did we have to take such crazy test that don’t have any real world application? Why couldn’t we just skip all that and actually practice medicine rather than analyze it.

In my opinion, I this happens because experience is more practical than knowledge. As students, I feel we learn best what we practice the most. That when we actually get out there, the things we practiced the most are what will help us the most.

You might ask yourself, then why do we waste so much time gathering knowledge when we can be practicing it. The reason is knowledge and how with it we are able to learn new things and tackle new situations in new ways. Without it we are simply machines who push buttons for specific results.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/8/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

At the moment, I am thinking about pursuing a career in history and one day teach history at the college level. Although it might sound crazy, teaching history to me is something I feel would be good at and would open doors to me around the world.

Since my sophomore year, I have been contemplating this possibilities and reason why I wouldn’t pursue other careers.

For instance, I would never become a doctor because I suck at math and science. Grade wise, I do just fine and have no problem passing a test or a least getting by while everyone else seems to get so easily. Not for nothing, but I’m more of an english and history person.

Second, I would never become a salesman because I’m not a man of competition. The idea of always having to meet a deadline for only a fraction of the pay makes me crazy. I’ve been a salesman before and never was I really able to get into it. It just wasn’t for me.

Overall, I think I would be great at any career I choose and that the things we learn in school are only taught so that someday you can apply them. That it’ll be a long shot the next time you have a crazy math test ever again after you graduate.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/7/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Recently I was thinking about freedom of speech and how free we are to say what we like. Although we technically have the right to express ourselves the way we choose, we still face censorship when the words we spew infringe on the beliefs of our fellow man and his way of life.

We often run into censorship when discussing religion or politics. Things that are obvious to the naked eye seem to strike the wrong note when discussed in the presence of others. It could be something, that at the time, made perfect sense, but in todays world would be considered madness.

For example, in the past, homosexuality used to be looked up with even more disdain than it is now. In the Quran, for example, it is stated that homosexuals should be disowned if not killed for this betrayal to his religion and role in society. Say this to a Muslim, and the reaction you’ll get will be of utter shock and disbelief.

Christianity is no better, as the persecution of Muslims is even more epic in the bible. The issue here isn’t the faith or the text, but the distinction between interest and faith. Would it make sense for God, our government, or any other “holy” body to persecute people this way? Really it comes down to the time when this was written.

The context might not match the time, but discussing these issues shouldn’t promote hostility. We should learn to look beyond the hard core evidence and at what these mediums represent.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/6/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today I got up a little earlier than usual and for the first time in a while got some reading done. It wasn’t anything for school, but a book I recently bought during the summer. It felt good getting in there and seeing the pages hurl, but it made me wonder why I don’t read as much as I used to.

When I was in elementary school, I remember I used to read all the time. Goosebumps, Harry Potter, etc. As I got into middle school though, the habit started to die as I read less and socialized more. My grades remained the same and I did well in school overall, but there was something I feel I lost when I stopped reading.

Since then, I only really read when it comes to school assignments. It isn’t so much that I don’t like reading anymore but that I don’t have the time for it anymore. School, family and reason just make it hard to pick up random books like I use to. Now it’s either sleep or work.

The scary thing isn’t losing the ability to read or the art, but the rawness it leaves to one’s life. Reading in many ways is an escape from reality. Without, I feel there is an emptiness to life where we no longer have the ability to imagine and foster new ideas. That no matter what we do, we are doomed for an eminent tomorrow.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/5/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today I found myself lost in the idea of media-based outlets and how they function in the 21st century.

We all know that today blogging, collaborating, and sharing are second languages to today’s digital natives. These media-based outlets provide room for expression and creativity that many times has little or no cost. There impact however is huge as many levels of big business are stepping away from advertising on TV, to advertising on the Internet as more people are spending time online and away from their televisions.

Even regular individuals are stepping into this game: making money through sponsors, partnerships, and ingenuity that can only exist in this age of digital information. The compilation of these media-based outlets is where books like “The World is Flat” and “5 Minds for the Future” make me question if we’re what were doing is only a waste of time as global competition seems to reshape the Earth.

In many ways, this battle has always existed and will forever exist as long there is greed and reason to push forward. The Internet and 21st century technology has made this point strikingly clear across the globe, as the same connectivity that has allowed to share, collaborate, and create will one day be the fall of our nation.

Rigorous studying habits is one thing, but I feel that media-based outlets like YouTube are just as valid as the fight for tomorrow’s workforce as today’s students enter a world whose distinguishing features are always changing due to the ingenuity and determination that could only exist in the 21st century. Preparing them for any other world would just be utter chaos.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/4/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Independence Day!

Today in America, we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. On July 4,1776 the United States of America signed the Declaration of Independence and emerged as new country on the world map. This feat is celebrated every since then and invoke a sense of patriotism within every American.

Usually people celebrate with cookouts, spending time with family and fireworks. The fireworks are always great on the 4th of July and it is the one time in the year where I feel, people come together and forget how much things suck in life and celebrate all the things we are grateful for within our nation.

For me, I spent the day with my family. We had a little cookout in our backyard and passed the time playing badminton and listening to music. Time just seemed to fly by and I almost wish it didn’t have to end. The fireworks especially were great this year and we got plenty of pictures.

Well, I hope everyone had as great a day as I did and will continue to stay in touch in for celebrations just like these.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/3/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Summer is coming in rather smoothly and progress has been slow. I no longer get wifi in my house which makes posting these blogs nearly impossible without the help of friends and local free wifi spots.

In terms of school work, I haven’t really started any of summer assignments. It isn’t totally my fault. The last time I went down to Barnes and Nobles, I looked for the books I have to read for AP English, but couldn’t find them. One of the people told me they were ordering some more, so I guess I’m a sitting duck till then.

Last year alone has left me exhausted as I spend several hours a day either sleeping or planning. Procrastination has been become my best friend as I fail to tell the difference between the moment I woke up and the moment I went to bed.

Losing wifi though has put a major damper in my summer plans. This summer, I planned to finish the Analyzing Digital Media course and start working on building more courses in Curriculum Designers, Inc. So far, neither has been attempted and I fear will never be completed if I don’t sit down and actually get some work done.

I guess my best bet is to start getting more rest earlier and start to taking advantage of the time I do have. School this year is gonna be hectic and I have to many things on my plate to worry about because I’m lazy.

I think I need help.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/2/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today, at least according to the time we officially land, marks the 1 year anniversary of my trip to China. It’s seems just like yesterday that I took that 16 hour plane ride that literally transformed my life. Since that day, my life was exposed to new frontiers, new ideas, and new experiences that I hope to keep for years to come.

The idea was first presented to me in December of 2008. I was asked by a program director at Education Connection, Steve Wilmarth, if I would be interested in taking part of a 2 week cultural exchange program. The idea at first was knew to me, seeing as I had never left my own state, yet alone the country. It wasn’t traveling that scared me, but paying for it as my internship with Education Connection was probably the only first real job I ever really had.

It didn’t take long for time to fly by and before I knew it, 1200 dollars later, I was sitting on a 16 hour plane ride to a country I had physical knowledge of.

The journey was exciting all within itself as good friends and new friends combined as we journeyed through each province and the mountains that laid ahead. The trip itself gave me a big wake up call as silly mistakes and reckless behavior nearly sacrificed all my hard work and the work of others who I will never be able to repay the altruism and patients they showed me in my time of need.

Now, 2 years later, the experience still runs proud and has consumed more of my life than I’d probably like to admit. Since that trip, I have participated in personal and facilitated endeavors that have taught me a little more of the future that lays ahead and my place within it. If there is anything my trip to China taught me is that to never give up, for determination and will to perceiver will always conquer all.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:00 p.m.
Date: 7/1/09
Official End Time: 9:30 p.m.

Why Spanish Soap operas Make No Sense

So, I was eating dinner with my mom and dad around the same time they watch their Spanish soap operas or "telenovelas" as we call them. Now, I've seen soap operas in the past and I can see the significance in why they were created but oh too often the art is abused and you run into soap operas that simply make no sense. This happens in all forms of art, not just soap operas.

So while we're eating dinner, my parents are watching they're favorite soap operas about some girl whose had a hard life, falls in love with some great doctor, and is hated by everyone she knows; I try not to pay attention. In this episode however, she's about to get married when her arch-foe comes and kidnaps her by sending a messenger boy with a note claiming that her husband wants to meet her for a surprise before they get married. *BTW, this girl has been poppy-trapped in the past*

Ok, so with the scene being set and the trap being armed a few questions come to mind. Having a history of being poppy-trapped, wouldn't you think she would be slightly skeptic of receiving a note from some random messenger boy that was supposedly written by her loving husband? Wouldn't you think she would know her husband's hand writing? And why is she just so damn stupid?

I can admit that in literature and literature based works, the reader always knows more than the characters but sometimes its like the characters have no common sense. Like they're oblivious to the horrors that run free in these places.

So to wrap it up, she gets kidnapped by her pregnant arch-foe and gets hauled away to some shack that's about to be lit on fire. The shack catches fire, the pregnant arch-foe starts going into labor, the stupid main character breaks free and pulls them to safety and helps her give birth through a pair of closed pants.

Now, in the real world and probably in the telenovela world too, this doesn't make any sense. How do you give birth with you pants still on? Does the baby magically rip through the pair of pants or is he a ghost and simply seeps through. It makes no sense.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman