THE LAST HAPPINESS (hopefully...)

As children in American society, we often heard “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”. I’ve never been a huge fan of this practice, because sometimes people need to hear what you have to say - even truthful comments that might sting a little. I like to call it constructive criticism, and I have some things to say to this Gretchen woman. If I could talk to her in person, I would tell her to actually do something nice for someone else. It seems like all these random things she’s doing in her quest for “happiness” involves some superficial exercise that will only benefit her immediate self. Furthermore, I think it’s just a little sick that, of all things, she decides to read up on other people’s sad and twisted misfortunes in order to make her feel more grateful for her privileged life. I want to ask her if she has truly ever experienced anything tragic or life changing, but judging by her constant bitching about how shallow her life has been so far, I’m guessing not. If the worst thing that has happened to her is that her sister got diabetes, I think she’s had it pretty easy. She should be more concerned about protecting her sister’s privacy than glorifying her sickness in order to sell books. I think, in lieu of paying for expensive yoga lessons, painting classes, and vacations, maybe she should donate some of her time to someone in need. Spend some time being a companion for a lonely elderly person, or teach underprivileged children how to paint or write poetry. It’s so simple, and yet she continues to complain about her pathetic life. I hope dearly this is the last chapter we have to read of this nonsensical, putrid book.
As for dear Mr. Paulson and The Last Lecture, I feel much more inspired and satisfied after reading this again. I remember my mom giving me this book when I was just a kid, I think sometime back in high school. I was so fond of this book, not only because it was an easy and fast read, but because I could relate so much to it. Reading his chapter on writing thank-you notes hit home, especially after the exercise we did today in class. My gramma and mom have always expressed to me how important it is to write to people - real, uneven, messy, handwritten letters. We get so used to seeing things in documents and online - perfect lines, even columns, etc. There’s just something so much more authentic about getting/giving handwritten cards. Especially when you know someone went out of their way to buy cards and stamps - it usually means a lot more than a text message.
I also just want to say this is my favorite class this semester - I love having class with all of you cool peeps and I always have fun in our sessions. Thanks for making me smile :)
Cheers,
Marissa K.

Enjoy this picture of my dog, Lila.