February

Hey everyone!

February's coming to a close: 16% of 2015 is already done. Either I'm way too analytical, or time flies much too fast.

Personal Highlights of February:

I relaunched my blog. For those of you who don't know, I started a blog mid-last year. However, I just quit because it was too much work. :) But now, I decided to begin seriously blogging. And, I have to say, thank you so much for reintegrating me into BloggerWorld, to all my followers and readers out there. 

I learned a lot. February has taught me a lot of lessons. I learned to accept failures(here). But, mostly, I learned a lot about friendship. I made mistakes, and I've learned from them. Experience really is the best teacher.

I skied for the first time in forever! Let me just say, being a speechie and a nerd, I'm very unathletic. Skiing, though, has always been the one sport that clicked with me. However, with the business of everyday school life, there simply hasn't been time in a while. But, in mid-February, I tried my hand at it again -- and to my relief, I didn't rust too much :)

I had a magical valentine's day. Let's just clarify something -- I did not have a date. No, I caught up with old friends, spent time with close relatives. I watched a movie, and simply relaxed with my loved ones. That's what I mean by magical.

Well, onwards to March! :)

Spark

Everyone has routines -- a set way of doing things, an organized method, a structured process. Routines are normal, natural, and even helpful. However, those who let themselves be confined to routines slip into an abyss of dullness. With everyday life, there are so many routines and if we let ourselves become so engulfed in these processes, we lose ourselves. 

The answer? A spark. I'm talking about that twinkle in your eye when you have the most groundbreaking idea ever or that glittering grin when you find faith. The spark of imagination keeps us going through what would otherwise be a horrible pattern; sadly, I, too, am a victim of slipping into this almost robotic way of life.

 So, please, from the bottom of my heart, I beg you to never lose that spark, and make everyday extraordinary. All it takes is a little imagination and a lot of ambition. Honestly, what is more human than that?

Losing? Nah. Winning.

Hey everyone!

Sorry that I haven't been extremely active lately. I've been quite busy, especially with speech and debate.

For those of you who don't know, I avidly compete in speech and debate on a regular basis -- I LOVE it. 

Recently, I experienced a loss, that disheartened me greatly. I prepared for months and months for what I expected to be the pinnacle of my speech and debate career: two back-to-back national varsity tournaments.With high expectations, I went into the tournaments, and I did not do as well as I thought I would do -- by a long run.

After both tournaments had finished, I was extremely frustrated to find that I was three away from advancing into the next round. And to make matters worse: my best friend had gone to the final round.

Now, while this is probably the most clichè thing I will ever say,after two weeks of utter frustration: I have learned to be happy about this. A loss? No. That was a win. And, obviously, while that wasn't a literal win, I KNOW that in the imminent state and national tournament, things are going to get a lot better. New ideas and thoughts have been flooding my mind, and I guarantee you that in a few months, my piece will be the best it has ever been.


"Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war." - Donald Trump

More to come on that later :)

NICK