The Importance of Being Hugged

     Hello, everyone.  Join me on a (gentle) rant about PDA in school...
     For those of you who don't know what PDA is, it's an acronym, and it means "Public Display of Affection."  School rules say that PDA isn't allowed in a school setting, and I agree with this statement...halfway.  You see, when a couple is making out in the hallway against some lockers, that's one thing.  Hugging, on the other hand, is a completely different deal.  Let me tell you a little story:

     One morning, before school had started, Tanner and I were sitting on one of the senior benches.  He was propped up against a locker, and I was leaning on his shoulder.  He had his arms around me, giving me a hug.  A teacher came out and started to scold us, saying, "Hey, guys, let's not do that here."  Do what?  What were we doing that was wrong?

     Now, I'll give you another example:

     My friends and I are weird, and sometimes, we will hug another one of our friends as we walk down the hallway.  Not once have we ever been reprimanded for showing PDA.

     One more example:

     Me, Tanner, and my cousin, Jason, are all very close.  Whenever we see Jason in the hallway, I give him a hug, and then Tanner gives him a hug.  Never has Tanner or Jason been reprimanded for giving hugs to other guys, or been accused of PDA with dudes.

     Now, I ask you: do you see anything wrong with these three pictures?  I do.  If guys can hug members of the same sex, and girls can do the same, then I think members of the opposite sex should be allowed to hug without it being called out as showing PDA.  It's discrimination, otherwise.
     Not to mention, what harm is there in a hug?  None.  In fact, it is scientifically proven that hugs are good for your heart and overall health.

"Well, it appears that human contact through hugs lowers blood pressure and reduces stress, which cuts the risk of heart disease. Hugs have also been shown to improve overall mood, increase nerve activity, and a host of other beneficial effects. Positive physical touch has an immediate anti-stress effect, slowing breathing and heart rate."  This is a direct quote from the website http://www.smart-heart-living.com/hugs-and-heart.html.  It's a very interesting article.  Go have a read.  Also, try this article if you want to know some more about the benefits of hugs: http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/24/3/8.full

"We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth."
—Virginia Satir, family therapist

     Now, I know, yes, hugs between couples do happen.  I hug Tanner all the time.  But I also hug my friends, my family, and, heck, even my dog.  Hugging is not a sexual activity.  When we hug someone, we hug them to let them know we love, support, and care about them.  What about when a student hugs a teacher?  By the definition of the school board, that is also considered PDA, and isn't allowed in school.  A hug may be a display of affection, but so is patting someone on the back, or putting a hand on another person's shoulder, and the school hasn't banned that.  Wouldn't that sound just ridiculous if they did?
     So, teachers, I beg you: the next time you see two people hugging, please, don't reprimand them.  Be happy that, in this technological age where two people can become acquainted online, develop into best friends, but never even meet in person, you are still seeing kids physically showing one another that they care.  Besides, everyone needs a hug now and again.

This is Maximum Sunshine, signing off.  Αντίο και ο Θεός ταχύτητας.

Prayer Request

     This is Jamey.  She's a fun-loving, wonderful girl in my senior class.  Jamey was just in a car accident, and she needs your prayers.  Please pray for her recovery, and for her family.  She's an amazing friend to everyone, and her classmates love her to death.  We can't wait until she comes home.

--Max

Let's Play Catch-Up..

     For my one hundred and first post, I thought I'd begin with a little goal for myself:
. . . .
I will read one hundred (or more) books this year.
. . . .
This is an idea I stole from my sister.  At the moment, we are tied 2-2, although I don't know if I should count reading books I've already read, but whatever.

     Second, I should probably mention what mischief I have been up to since our last encounter...yeah, I got nothin'.  Ha, no, but seriously, not much has been going on, unless you count the numerous scraps of watercolor paper I have destroyed while attempting to get my desired effect.  Which just reminded me that I have two sketchbooks due tomorrow.  Crud.
     Anyhow, in my independent study that I'm taking in art class, I thought it would be a good idea (if I want to become an art teacher) to practice a little painting.  I hate painting, just so you know.  But I told myself I was going to try and master at least one type of painting.  I chose watercolor, mostly because it's the most difficult for me.  After numerous sketches and watercolor mistakes, I have finally begun to work on my project.  When I get the chance, I'll post some of my example pieces, or even my final piece, which is due this week, and I just started yesterday.  By the way, the canvas I'm working on is 23 inches by 26 inches, or somewhere around there.  Yeah, big canvas.  But, I should be done by tomorrow, so then I'll take a picture and put it up.

     Jumping to a completely different topic, tomorrow--which is the 19th of January, for those of you who have trouble remembering what day it is (or will be)--is Tanner's birthday.  He'll be 18, and me and a friend will be dragging him into town to get registered to vote.  So, for those of you that know Tanner personally, wish him a happy birthday.  But don't bother doing it on Facebook, because he's never on.  So, just tell him to his face, okay, thanks.

     On a more serious note, I've been extremely restless, lately.  I can't sleep to save my life, and my temper wick is less the half an inch long sometimes.  I've been wanting to write, but I can't put my finger on what it is I want to write about.  Although, I think I might have just found it.  Or maybe I am still feeling the affects of the book I just finished reading.  Speak is the title, in case you were curious.  If you know what that book is about, and have read it, you might have some idea of what I want to write about at this moment, especially if you know me really well; you can glean my reasoning behind picking that topic if you know about my past, if that makes any sense at all.  And that's all I'm going to say on the topic.  If I do what I say I'm going to do, then you'll be reading an excerpt soon enough.  Until then...

This is Maximum Sunshine, signing off.  Αντίο και ο Θεός ταχύτητας.

Glitch...

     Okay, so, for some reason, I am unable to reply to comments.  It's really starting to get on my nerves, and I can't get it figured out.  So, please, anyone who comments, don't think I'm ignoring you, I just can't reply to you. Thank you to those of you still giving me feedback on the new renovations.

P.S. (A reply to JMDH) I would never boot my ghost fish off the page.  If I did that, they'd probably come back to haunt me. =]

Toodle-loo,
Max

FINISHED!

     Okay, renovations are through.  Come see the new Max's Life And Beyond, and leave me your thoughts on it!  Let me know if there's anything that's too lightly colored to read, and I will fix it ASAP.  Enjoy!

Max

ATTENTION!!

     Hey, guys.  I just thought I'd give you all a heads-up: Max's Life And Beyond is getting a makeover!  So, the next time you visit, it will probably look a whole lot different.  Blogger has updated a lot of its design options, such as font type, and, since I have time and feel like a change... Well, thus, the makeover.  If you aren't a fan of the renovations, then, well, my apologies.  Right now, the site is under construction, but this does not mean you cannot visit it.  My construction will have no effect on you being able to read blogs, so don't worry.  The site will remain open for your leisure.  Once renovations have been finished (which should be by the end of this evening), I will post an entry so you can all come check it out.  Until then...

Toodle-loo,
Max