A Few Bad Apples

Hello, all! So, one thing that is constantly in the news is government corruption. Every government has a few bad apples, but what about when the bad apples aren't doing anything that is actually illegal? What am I talking about? Loop holes! Oh, yes, those fun little things that weaken laws and allow wrong to become right legally. Well, this is becoming a problem in Washington. A very apparent problem

When elections come along we all want to support the candidate we believe in. We think if we support him/her enough, they'll be elected and the country (city, neighborhood, etc) will be bettered. Sometimes we choose to support them financially. Whats the problem with that,right? Well, what if the money you thought was going to flyers, posters,speeches and the like was really going into vacations,sports teams, "business trips?" How would you feel then? If you're like me you would probably feel like someone has made you their fool. This is becoming a problem in the American government. Sure, it can be said that the majority of government tries to do right "by the people"  (does this term even hold meaning anymore?), but remember that old saying. It only takes a few bad apples to ruin the bunch. I don't know about you all, but I feel a change in government coming. Leaders need people. That's what they tend to forget. Click the link below for more.

http://www.upworthy.com/can-somebody-please-explain-how-this-isnt-illegal?c=ufb1

Lets Stop Laughing & Start Thinking.

Hello, all! Halloween is so close! I don't know if you guys know this, but Halloween is my favorite holiday so, as you can imagine I am super excited. :) However, today's post isn't on such a  happy topic. During this post I really want you all to think about what makes you laugh. What sort of jokes tickle you pink, as the saying goes. Do you enjoy sarcasm? What about the classic three stooges act? Or are you more the type that enjoys a dark sense of humor? If you love to laugh (and who doesn't?) then, you've probably heard a few jokes that make you wonder, "Is that actually okay to say? Should I be laughing at that?" Usually, these joke fall under the categories of racist and sexist. Actually, many comedians, such as Russel Peters, make their living off of such jokes. I'll admit I think RP is pretty funny, but have there been times where I think he's more offensive than funny? Yeah, definitely.

Does My Name Really Define Me...Or Do I Define It?

Hello, my dear readers! I hope this blog post finds you well. If you've been reading my blog for the past few months you know that my Indian posts have come to an end. I'm back in the States and it's time to move onto new topics. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to make the transition, but I feel like the topic of this post is a nice one to move on with. So, without further adieu...

I'm a big fan of the paranormal and taboo. I like the idea that behind the little things there lies something bigger, deeper. Though I believe in free will, the idea of having our lives pre-planned for us ("fate") always intrigued me. The idea that our names are somehow destined to be ours and they define our personality, always made me look at my own name. Now I , usually, go by Tasha, but my full first name is Natasha. The origins of this name stem from Russia, however, it can be found in the north of India, as well. The meanings differ among the two countries.

In Russia, Natasha means one who was born on Christmas. In India, Natasha means hope. Well, I am a winter baby, but I was born a bit ahead of Christmas,so the Russian meaning is kind of knocked out. Hope? Whose hope am I? It could be argued that I am the hope of my parents, but, if you ask me, that's too general. If the hope of parents is the case, then, my name could be definitive of almost anyone. It seems like the Indian meaning is kicked out as well. Hm, so far it seems like my name isn't meshing with me so well. But, wait!

If I Could Write A Letter...

If I could write a letter to India, this is what I would write...

Dear India,
                 you really threw me for a loop there. Everything I learned and experienced was unexpected. Actually, the first lesson I learned in India was to not expect anything or to just expect the unexpected. You are a country full of surprises and challenges that shape the characters of your people so that they know and understand perseverance. I thought I respected this personality trait before, but after experiencing you, India (the heat, mosquitoes, sweaty public buses, etc), I respect it even more.

What I Learned in India

Hello, readers. Well, the time is finally here. I, officially, have a week left before I leave for the US. Let me say that again. I, officially, have a week left before I leave for the US. Honestly, it's hard to believe. Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that I was having a germaphobic freak out about the hostel bathroom sanitation? No, now that I think about it, that was actually 17 weeks ago. I can't believe I have been in India for 17 weeks. There was a point when I didn't think I would even be able to make the trip happen (financial issues...). Somehow I worked, saved, scraped, calculated and recalculated to the point that this trip became a reality. I paid for the entire trip myself except for the $750.00 my family gave for spending. Yes, $750 was all the spending money I brought with me on this study abroad journey. The visa, plane ticket, insurance and everything else was out of my pocket and I can say that I feel damn proud of myself. I apologize if I'm coming off as conceited, but I feel proud knowing I worked hard to get this trip and I worked hard to survive it, as well.

The Withering Flowers of India

Hello, all my dear readers! Sorry about the delay in writing. Not only have I been having internet issues, but I've been just a little lazy. :) However, my lazy spell has come to an end and I am ready to update you all. First, I only have 12 days left in India. It's really hard to believe. Where did those 18 weeks go? Everything that happened between when I first arrived and now was both interesting and challenging.

I haven't shed any tears yet, but I am sure they will come. India has become like a second home to me now. I have developed a routine and am use to the challenges that come with living in a developing country. When I say I am use to them, I am not saying I enjoy them. I'm just saying somethings you learn to move past. When I moved past all the negativity I saw in India the light came shining in. One of the brightest lights was the people. Sure, I've met several people here that I would call the "less desireables", but the friends I have made here have lights so strong that the darkness disappears. I will truly miss them, but enough of my sobbing. On to the topic of this post!

So, we all know about the whole dowry-arranged marriage gig in India, right? This concept is at least one thing that India is known and famous for all around the world. Of course, the dowry system is illegal and encourages female genocide ( I am strongly against it), but old habits are hard to break, as the saying goes. We know all this. We've watched videos on it and read articles,but have we ever considered the prison a marriage can offer.