The Single Hater

It was a wonderful summer day and I, Adriane Booklet, was sitting inside the kitchen, thinking about what I could make with the cake that I just baked. I couldn’t think of anything until I looked over at my pet snake and just sat there staring into its soul. 

“What if I made a cake that looked exactly like you…” I said, still staring at him. He looked pretty confused, so I looked away and got out all my materials and started to make my favorite icing and assemble the cake.

After a couple of hours, I finally finished my snake cake. It looked exactly like my pet snake and I honestly couldn’t tell which one was the cake. After admiring my work, I decided that this cake could get a lot of likes on instagram because it looked so realistic. So after a few minutes of considering whether or not I should post it, I decided it was worth a shot and wouldn’t do any harm if it didn’t get that many likes. I put my snake and the cake I made right next to each other and took a picture of it. Then, I decided to make a short clip of me cutting the cake to make sure that people knew it was a cake and not just a model. After touching up the photo and the video, I decided to post it. 

What if people think that it’s fake? What if I don’t get many likes? What if people start to hate on me? I thought, nervous of what other people might think.

A few minutes went by and I started to get many notifications about it. I was very excited that people actually saw it, but I was too scared to look at the comments. I quickly glanced at the likes and there were already more than a thousand likes! I was so shocked, I didn’t know what to say and without thinking I checked the comments section. 

“Wow! People are really enjoying it, and how did I already get more than a thousand likes when I posted it only 5 minutes ago!” I said in total shock. 

It was getting pretty late by the time I checked all the nice thoughtful comments and decided to go get some rest but couldn’t stop thinking about how many likes it would have by tomorrow. 

The next day, I checked my notifications and I couldn’t believe it, so many people were talking about it, and the second I checked other social media sites, it was everywhere! I didn’t know what to do. I decided to check my DMs and as I was scrolling through all the questions and thoughts that people had DMed me, I came across one DM that really surprised me. It was from an anonymous person. It read:

          “Did you actually make that?! I bet you just went to a bakery and got it from there! There is no way that you as an 18 year old girl can make a cake to look that realistic! Also it didn’t even look that good, I bet I could do so much better!”

I didn’t know what to do, as for that was my first time encountering a hater. My first instinct was to open it up and reply to that person but I knew that that was what they wanted me to do, so I held the urge to reply and ignored it. I was furious, how could a person say stuff like that. If they were that good at baking, why didn’t they just give me advice instead?

I decided to get it off my mind and go to bed as it had already gotten dark, but I couldn’t fall asleep. All that was going through my head were those mean hateful comments I got from that one anonymous person. The words the hater said kept repeating in my head over and over again, and the thoughts slowly started to fade away and I fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, I was very tired and didn’t feel like doing anything. But then I remembered about the hater. I went to go check my DMs from him, hoping that he had apologized, but he had sent even more hateful things. 

This went on for a few more days, I couldn’t bear it any longer and decided to reply and end it once and for all. “I’m sorry if my cake wasn’t up to your standards, but I would really appreciate it if you could give me advice on how I could improve, rather than sending me hateful comments. Also, I just wanted to let you know that those words were a bit hurtful and would like an apology,” I replied to the hater.

The next day there was a DM from the hater, I was hoping for an apology but when I went to check it, a rumor that I used a cake from the bakery was all over the internet. I knew exactly who started that rumor and decided to contact him and talk to him about it.

“I saw that there is a rumor going around and wondered if you had started this fake rumor. It has gotten around every social media page, and is really making me stressed. If you seriously think that I am faking all this baking nonsense, then how about we meet up and prove to you that I made the cake and didn’t take it from a bakery,” I DMed him furious. 

  I couldn’t believe that just one person could start a rumor that fast. I really wanted to meet up with him and prove to him that I actually baked this cake. 

A few minutes passed and I told my best friend Bailey the whole story and how I might end up meeting up with him. While I was explaining to Bailey what happened, I got a notification from the anonymous guy. It said, “I did not start that fake rumor, I was just telling the truth to everyone around the world so that they knew that you were faking all of this. I was just being completely honest and would definitely want to meet up and watch you fail to make a stupid cake.”

I couldn’t believe what that person had said, and wanted to meet up with him right now and prove him wrong. So I messaged him again telling him a specific address to meet up. I was angry but also a bit nervous about what he would do to me, so I asked Bailey to go to the address and hide, and call 911 if something happens to me, as well as video taping it for evidence.

After getting ready and driving to the place to meet up, I finally met up with him and could sense something bad was about to happen and  was very glad that I had thought to bring Bailey along. 

I got some stuff ready on a table and told him to have a seat while I showed him that I was the one who actually baked the cake. Once I was about finished with the cake, He started to approach me.

“I bet this cake doesn’t even taste good, and it doesn’t even look that realistic. You think that you are the best baker in the world?! How?! Even if you are famous, you are not going to be famous anymore!” He said, threatening me, and trying to choke me.

I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I tried to run away and pull his hands away from my neck but his grasp got tighter. I almost blacked out until I heard police sirens coming our way and at that moment I remembered that I had Bailey, who had called 911 as soon as he started to approach me.

He was so shocked that he tried to run away, but luckily, I put my foot right where he was running and made him trip right in front of a police officer. The police officer grabbed the hater and cuffed him, not letting him escape. I was so glad that he had been caught that I almost forgot to thank Bailey for saving me. I turned around and I saw Bailey running towards me, she hugged me making sure I was ok. I said that I am fine and watched as the hater got put into the back seat of the police car all cuffed up and angry. I happily turned around and got into my car and drove home to get some rest and bake more cakes.

The Turtle’s Birthday: A Sestina

The kids scattered around the yard, laughing with their friends

Some of them ran like an emu

But they all had loads of fun while they played

The birthday turtle’s favorite song

Blared from the speakers, as his mom

Provided directions to the people handing out candy.

 

The turtle’s best friend Bob squawked that he wanted the candy

Immediately. He was told to wait, but the young child was impatient just like his friends.

No one seemed to be paying attention to the turtle except for his mom. 

But also his friend Ellie, she’s an Emu. 

Children giggled as they heard the opening song

of the main entertainment at the party, a play. 

 

This was a play 

Where a princess eats candy

And turns into a warthog with the power of song

But the issue is solved because of the Princess’s friend

Who may be an Emu

Just like Ellie, this detail was added by the turtle’s mom

 

After several your mom

Jokes, Bob, and Daphne tired of playing

Pranks and games on The Turtle and Ellie the Emu

So, Bob decided to go get some candy.

The Turtle’s mom told Bob that he needed to be more friendly

With The Turtle since it is his birthday. Bob decided to sing him a song.

 

It was time for a song.

Since the stage was finally set up by the workers and The Turtle’s mom, 

All of The Turtle’s friends 

Took a break from playing

And sat down with the bribe of candy.
At the end of the play, everyone was saved by the magical emu. 

 

Unfortunately, Ellie the emu

Was offended by the song. 

So The Turtle’s mom gave her extra candy.
For, the Turtle’s mom

Understood how she could be offended by a play.
Ellie got over it fast, she went and played with her best friends. 

 

Ellie the emu ate and her problems were solved, she would’ve had this much fun if The Turtle’s mom hadn’t helped. 

The song began to play towards the end of the party, signaling it was time to leave. 

Everyone was given candy and The Turtle had a blast with his friends. 

Dead End.

My hand brushed upon a thorny bush
As I walked above the ground of mush.
I got cut and my hand was bleeding.
I didn’t notice because I felt nothing.
So, I kept walking and walking
Without talking and talking
As this was the day I had felt nothing.
I turned around and found a spot,
A place to sit, not cold or hot.
It was near the back of an old building,
My perfect place to feel like nothing.
The world had exhausted and numbed me 
Though I was on land I felt lost at sea.
I sat for a while still wondering
For the day I’d be free to feel something
But all I could feel was nothing.


~a.o.e

Impulsivity and Life

When I was younger, my family always pushed me to do so many different things. And now, as a teenager, I’m still gripping all of these things tightly to me. I’m in so many different clubs and organizations, playing sports and instruments, and having too many hobbies to count. I’m diverse and versatile and adaptable. And while that might seem life bragging, I’m truly bragging about my mother, who forced me to join so many things that are now my passions. I’m bragging about my father, who pushed me to better myself so that I too can help others around me. I’m bragging about my sister, who’s experienced so much more than I could ever expect of anyone just so that my life might be a little easier. I’m bragging about my friends and teachers and leaders that have been in my life and shown me something new. Because now, I’m not afraid. Of anything.

Of course, there are some things that I am and always be afraid of. Death, ghosts, spiders, gyro drop roller-coasters, losing something very important to me. But I’m not afraid of things that other people are. Starting new things, putting myself out there for other people to see, public-speaking, affecting people’s opinions of me negatively, essays. These things come easy for me, almost like second-nature. And perhaps its from playing soccer since I was 5, which taught me so many things from teamwork to quick-thinking to how to pack a suitcase. Or maybe it’s from playing an instrument for pretty much my entire life, which forced me to do so many things from learning how to practice correctly to calm my nerves all the way to sitting still in a chair with anxiety bubbling up in my body.

But these things don’t really matter that much to me in comparison to my largest asset: impulsivity. While others might count this as a weakness, I don’t. Because it’s led to so many opportunities and benefits in my life that I can’t just ignore it or hate myself for it. And while it does hurt me or others sometimes, it’s given so much more than it’s taken. I’ve found myself in so many leadership positions because I’m not afraid of just doing something for the sake of doing it. I’ve found hobbies left and right simply because I was bored. I’ve learned so much about myself because I go out and try new things.

Others ask me, “Aren’t you afraid of what happens if it doesn’t go your way?” Of course I am. I’m afraid of failure; I’m pretty sure that everyone is. People are danger-averse creatures. But I always tell myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” And the worst that can happen, when narrowed down, doesn’t seem too bad after a few moments of thinking. Either I go through this process, or I just don’t think about it at all. Sometimes, decisions require no thinking at all. Especially ones that don’t really matter in the long run but seem like they do.

In the end, impulsivity for me is a benefit. For another person, it might be a weakness. But in the end, I will live my life my way, and they will live their life their way. And I want to live my life experiencing as much as I possibly can. So I will go out there and try everything.

Unique Attachment

Am I the only who gets deeply attached to a movie or tv show that I watch? It’s as if I fully emerge myself into that situation. Like I am there with them, jumping over buildings, fighting the same enemy, or being in the same friend group, living in the same place as the main character. I know it’s not just me. I know it’s not just me who makes little scenarios of being in that particular series or movies. It’s not a bad thing, I don’t think, as long as you don’t do it too much. But I do wonder if it’s abnormal to be connected to the scenario that you’re sad afterwards for whatever character, if they die or if they get their heart broken. My heart thumps loudly even after I close my computer like a hammer hitting a nail against the wall, all because of whatever I am watching. I know a lot of people can relate to this. And it’s weird isn’t it? This attachment, which could stem from many different things could be relatable to so many people.

Alone in Healing

Healing is painfully difficult. Trying to be the best version of yourself, when you don’t even know who you are or what you want to be. Thinking about the future is stressful but being in the present is nerve racking because you feel like you’re not doing enough. And no one ever talks about how lonely it gets, when you know you deserve better so you try to work towards that, and in the middle of self enrichment you suddenly you’re alone. You might have friends, I do, people I cherish very much so, but in general there’s a mix of calmness yet a sense of being lost. It’s like a hole in your heart, because it doesn’t quite feel right yet. You know it’s for the best, you have people that are actually there for you, people that are good for you, but its a bit isolating, and you having to work towards being ok with that is a whole another step. Also, sometimes people can’t give you what you need, the assurance, the validation, the support, or whatever it may be, and you know that they have their own problems as well so you have to calm your anxious brain and speak for yourself because after all you’re the one who says, communication is key. So that’s healing. It’s painful, enriching, lonely, fulfilling. You know it’s for the best, being a better version of yourself, healing your self. So no matter how hard it is, keep at it, even if you’re all alone in the end, because if you, yourself, believe you can, then you will.

PS: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, from the ones that are there 🙂

How Teams Got Their Names: AFC West

How did teams in the AFC West (NFL) got their names? Find out here:

The Kansas City Chiefs were originally founded in 1959 as the Dallas Texans. In 1963, they moved to Kansas City and got the nickname of the Mayor, H. Roe Bartle. He was known as “the Chief”. He was key in getting the team to move to Kansas City.

In 1960, the Raiders were a late throw in team. They were called the Senors for nine days. At this time the team was started in Oakland. So many fans and media didn’t like it that the owners they held a contest, and the Raiders name won. The silver and black colors weren’t there until Al Davis arrived in 1963. The team moved from Oakland to Las Vegas starting in the 2020 season.

In 1960 the owner/founder Barron Hilton held a contest to name his new franchise in Los Angles. The winning name was the Chargers. Hilton liked the name because USC fan would shout “Charge!” during the games played at the Coliseum.

In 1960 there was a name contest for a new franchise in Denver. 162 entries were submitted with the winning entry having a 25 word effort why the name should be the Broncos. This entry by Ward M. Vining won.

The 10 Best Books I Read In 2022, Part 5

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Average rating on Goodreads: 4.17 stars

My rating: 4 stars

Genre: Fantasy

Xingyin has lived secluded on the moon with her mother, the goddess Chang’e, for her entire childhood. When Xingyin’s growing powers force her to flee to the Celestial Kingdom for fear that her illegitimate existence will be discovered, she vows to do anything it takes to free her mother, even to risk her life—or the wrath of the vengeful Celestial Emperor.

This book was pretty great. I loved the Chinese lore, adventurous plot, and lyrical writing. Xingyin is a brave and exciting heroine that I couldn’t help but root for. It kept me turning the pages, and the betrayals and plot twists were entertaining. Warnings for violence, sex, gore, and death.

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenburg

Average rating on Goodreads: 3.8 stars

My rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: Science fiction

The Kingdom: a completely immersive theme park complete with hyperrealistic magical locations, formerly extinct species, and android princesses. Ana is one of these princesses, and she is completely content with her life—until the unthinkable happens. With the Kingdom’s dark secrets eventually exposed, Ana is caught up in a murder investigation, in which she is the prime suspect for the death of Owen—the only boy she’s ever loved.

Somehow, this book expertly combines my three favorite genres: fantasy, science fiction, and mystery. It was a super addictive page-turner, and I only finished it in a couple of hours! I loved the plot and worldbuilding—they were very intricate. Warnings for sexual abuse, animal abuse, violence, and gore.

For the full version of this list, visit my blog!

If He Had Been with Me

Overview

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance book published on April 2nd, 2013.

Story

This book is about a girl named Autumn, who loves literature and writing. She lives next door to Finny, with whom she has been best friends since they were born. Until, all of a sudden they weren’t friends anymore, and Autumn had to find another friend group at the start of high school.

She found a new friend group, and she finds a boy in this newly formed friend group. When they start dating, Autumn discovers more and more things about herself. She feels conflicted and thinks about what could’ve been as she is thrown into love, regret, and deep sadness.

Conclusion

In this heartbreaking book, even though you see the ending coming, it still hits hard and still has twists. Would recommend, though it got a little repetitive in the middle.

7.8/10

Avatar: The Way of Water

Disclaimer: I tried my best not to spoil anything, but there may still be some accidental spoilers.

Overview:

Avatar: The Way of Water is the second movie in the Avatar series. It is a science fiction/action movie directed by James Cameron. It was released recently, on December 16th, 2022.

Story:

Jake Sully and Ney’tiri, with their new family, must flee the Omitikaya clan due to an old threat returning even stronger than last time. They live with one of the Metikayan clan and have to adapt to their new oceanic environment. When Spider, a human friend of the family who also has a complicated family history, is kidnapped by the enemy, the threat to the family is at its greatest.

After getting off to a bumpy start, and finding it difficult to adapt to the ocean environment, the old threats progress, and with new determination to get revenge, they start to move in on Jake Sully and his family. Jake Sully, Ney’tiri, and their four children make new friends and must face the old threat together.

They discover new creatures in their new environment, and the new characters are all just as interesting, mesmerizing, and complicated as the old ones. Then, with an amazing and feirce, back and forth battle at the end, you feel sympathy for all sides of the battle.

Conclusion:

I really loved this movie, and it’s really difficult not to spoil anything, but the special effects are absolutely amazing, and every minute of this movie is engrossing.

Also, the character dynamics and interactions with one another are amazing, and you love all of the characters, especially the relationships between the siblings (Jake Sully’s and Neytiri’s children), who all have different, interesting backgrounds.

10/10