Life’s bundle of joy: college edition

“Push, push, push,push,” said the doctor and group of witnesses. Then, there he was my first little bundle of joy, a boy I might add.

I was 20, 5ft. 1in., and previously, before pregnancy of course, 105 lbs as I delivered my son weighing in at 8lbs. 14oz with his father’s height pretty definite in his future by being 20 3/4.

While pregnant, I continued on in college at Southeastern Louisiana University and planned to return a semester after having my son.

Ivana Ellis with her son on her graduation day at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA in May 2011. Photo courtesy of Denia Ellis.

 

 

 

 

However, along the way I was told by a friend’s grandmother that I would not go back after having a baby but guess what, I graduated on May 14, 2011 and could not be more ecstatic to tell those who believe young mothers will never continue on after having a child that I did and would do the same over and over again if I had to.

The biggest struggle of caring for my son during my college years was feeling I was putting pressure on my significant other, whom is my son’s father.

Late nights of doing major projects for my major such as a 25 paper at least, along with finding at least 20 journal articles that dealt with my thesis paper topic about how females are potrayed.

Fortunately to say, I have a supportive man who encouraged me all the way. Also, yes, I did complete that extremely long paper with 31 pages and a letter grade of a B.

My graduation day was perfect! I even received my first car from my loving parents, but not without shedding a ton of happy tears.The weather was beautiful. I had my family there. Graduation day for me meant even more because I had my son. It gave me power to know that as long as I stay focus and know I have to have my goal, I could and I did. Most importantly, I knew I had stepped on a statistic and no one could take that away.

Written September 2011.

Greek Organizations become Santa Claus at Heart

Santa Claus comes in the form of Greek organizations for the fourth annual ‘Toys from the Heart’ holiday toy drive. A program dedicated to children in the Tangipahoa parish who are in unfortunate circumstances and not able to celebrate Christmas the same way as others.

Members of three African-American Greek organizations ask for toy and money donations in the Student Union Mall at Southeastern Louisiana University for the 'Toys from the Heart' toy drive.

Southeastern’s Greek organizations Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Inc., along with the Recreational Sports and Wellness department and the Office of Multicultural and Student Affairs (MISA), are working together to collect new, unwrapped toys for 350 children this season and are also accepting cash and check donations.

Brendan Daigle, administrative assistant of MISA, stated the Greek organizations have been getting the word out about ‘Toys from the Heart’ by having a table in Southeastern Louisiana University’s Student Union Mall. The organizations have also been collecting toys and monetary donations this way as well.

“We started it to set forth one of our founding objectives, inspiring service in the public
interest,” said Winfred Hills Jr., Vice President of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. about the meaning behind ‘Toys from the Heart.’

'Toys from the Heart' toy drive table.

Hills stated some members of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. come from similar backgrounds as the families participating in the toy drive and can relate.

Kristin Smith, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., also stated that her sorority focuses on helping in the community and giving back.

“This program enables us to give back and touch the lives of many less fortunate children so that they too may indulge in the happiness of the Christmas holidays,” Smith said.

Greek organization member receives money donations from students at Southeastern.

According to Daigle, as of Dec. 1, 162 children have been registered by their parent or guardian to receive one of the generous gifts given by a member of the community.

Daigle stated the youngest registered child so far is a one month old with the age limit being up to 12 years old.

Daigle recalled the toy drive’s first batch of toys being from a math and Zumba class instructor, who used “dancing for dolls” as a promotional name for her class to offer “doll” donations. The instructor’s students brought in a total of about 40 dolls for young girls participating in the toy drive.

Boxes of toys sit in the MISA office for children participating in the toy drive.

If you would like to donate to these children as well, donation boxes will be collected at about 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. These boxes are located at the MISA office or donation can be received at the organization’s table in the Student Union Mall. Check donations can be made out to the Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Families interested in registering for ‘Toys from the Heart’ toy drive is asked to call the MISA office at 985-549-3850. However, request are filled on a first come, first served basis.

During the phone call, the family member will be asked to provide the name, age and gender of the child participating in order to provide a proper gift. The parent or guardian is also asked for their name and contact number.

Toys collected will be given to registered families Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m. at the Pennington Student Activity Center, located on Southeastern’s campus at 1350 N. General Pershing.

More information about the toy drive can be found in the news release, ‘Toys from the Heart’ brings joy to area children.

Lay down a brick legacy

Year after year, relatives search for the perfect gift for a graduating student. They want a gift that will show love but at the same time leave a lifetime impression. Project Friendship offers anyone to literally leave a lifetime impression on campus through a brick.

A brick may seem like a pointless and boring gift, but on Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus, it will pave fresh pathways that cross Friendship Circle. Friendship Circle marks the center of Southeastern’s main campus and consists of a huge Oak tree. Friendship Oak is where many students gather to catch shade from the bright sun and a nap from long study nights.

Bricks in front of Fayard hall on Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Bricks similar will be layed on the walking path in Friendship Circle.

Project Friendship was started by former President Randy Moffett and his executive director of public and governmental affairs, Erin Moore Cowser, said Adrianne Roques, development coordinator of the Southeastern Development Foundation.

“Project Friendship was created to be a fund raiser that would provide an opportunity for alumni and friends of Southeastern to leave a lasting imprint in the historical heart of Southeastern’s campus,” Roques said.

Project Friendship bricks can be personalized with up to three lines of engraving and up to 16 characters per line, including spacing and punctuation marks for $100 per brick.

Some purchasers may choose to dedicate the brick to a deceased love one or use it to mark their time at Southeastern by including their name and graduation year.

Dave Busekist, a mathematics instructor at Southeastern, said he would purchase a brick. He stated he has been at Southeastern for 22 years and is enjoying his time there.

He also stated that there are some faculty members, who if were deceased, he would purchase a brick for in their memory.

Jasmine Amedee, a junior at Southeastern, feels the bricks are a good idea. However, at this time she is not interested in purchasing one. “Maybe during graduation time, it’ll be my mark on Southeastern,” Amedee said.

She also mentioned that if she, as a buyer, could write her signature in the brick or leave another type of personal mark, she would be more interested.

According to the Southeastern Website, “Proceeds from the purchase of bricks will be part of the Development Foundation’s Annual Fund, a key source of support for Southeastern’s academic programs.”

Entrance to Friendship Circle at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Roques says, “The Southeastern Annual Fund supports all academic programs at Southeastern. In particular, the Annual Fund:

– Strengthens the curriculum and outreach programs

– Provides access to the latest classroom technology

– Supports creative teaching methods

– Provides scholarships for deserving students

– Attracts and retains excellent faculty

– Maintains and enhances our campus

and

– Provides unrestricted dollars to address the most critical needs of the University.”

In addition to supporting the academic programs, a portion of the $100 contribution is tax deductible.

Brick installations are scheduled to occur twice a year. However, they will not begin to be placed in the sidewalk areas of Friendship Circle until the minimum order of at least 100 bricks is met.

A student studies at Friendship Circle on Southeastern's campus..

Project Friendship brick purchases can be made at https://www.selu.edu/alumni_donors/dev_foundation/project_friendship/purchase/index.html or mailed by printing and sending the form on the above website to Southeastern Development Foundation, SLU 10293, Hammond, Louisiana, 70402.

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

Wire vs. No Wire? That is the question.

“It just won’t FIT!” Words of any women when attempting to fit into a piece of clothing that she just HAS to have or just really need at that time!

In this case, I’m talking about bras. Bras are an everyday part of a woman’s life. If it’s not, this article will only enforce your decision.

Bras of all choices are available, but does it work for YOU? Photo by Ivana Ellis

 

A bra is made to support the girls who never speak but receive a lot of attention in our lives.

Bras are made sexy, granny-ish, sporty, and of course, for everyday use.

Two problems though, one is how incredibly expensive they can be at times and two, how uncomfortable they can be.

Personally, I suffer with under-wire! Maybe it deals with my slim frame like a fitter mentioned to me once before.

It can be the reason why the hard wire digs into my rib cages. The fitter did however mention the good of under-wire, but after getting home and re-trying on my fresh purchase, I’m second guessing the wonderness of my wired bra. It could also be I’m not used to it.

Under-wire bras supposedly are good for extra support, a plus for larger breasted women. However, for smaller women like myself should I keep the painful under-wire to attempt defeat against the gravity of nature?

However, what if it’s not the under-wire, it’s the bra with the under-wire.

Since like many other long term “wear me until you die” items, such as underwear and shoes, the material and making of the bra might not be the right one.

Although, it could possibly just be THAT bra or bras in some cases.

Well, I suppose everyone has their comfort standards, whether it be wire or no wire, it’s better to have something than nothing at all.

Students lack the information needed to vote

By Ivana Ellis, Ambrosia Buckner, and Luke King

Different opinions were found on Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus about this years Nov. 2 elections.The election includes lieutenant governor, u.s. senator, u.s. representative 1st congressional district, as well as certain constitutional amendments.

However, many students were unaware elections were taking place.

Bridget Tementz, a sophomore registered as a republican, said she was not aware of the details for the upcoming election. Tementz believes there should be more outgoing speeches within city hall’s to better inform the community.

Question marks drawn on the sidewalk symbolize students lacking Nov. 2 election information. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

Charles Long, a freshman registered without a party, said he was not aware of the upcoming election on Tuesday, but will vote now that he knows.

Long also said that Facebook would be a very efficient way to communicate with students at his age level.

Several other students also feel that using electronic media would be a viable way to interest and inform their age group about upcoming elections.

Matthew Jordon, a junior and registered democrat; is not voting in this Tuesday’s election but said, “Facebook could be the best way to inform students because they are always on it.”

Jordon was informed by reading on the internet.

Teresa, a freshman and registered democrat said, “I watched the debate, but it wasn’t enough information for me to decide anything.”

Teresa feels using e-mail or an article in the newspaper is the best way to inform the community.

Students on Southeastern’s campus are not fully informed, but were found to have strong thoughts about political issues.

“Poverty and welfare is an issue,” said Nick Anthony, a senior.

Anthony believes those on welfare should take drug test. He expressed how some people on welfare can not afford to buy food, but somehow find money to buy drugs.

After voicing his concerns, he stated his one vote would not change anything. Therefore, Anthony does not plan to vote for the Nov. 2 election.

Less informed students were found to be most popular around campus, but there were some students very informed about the upcoming election who do plan to vote.

Kyle Lebouf, an informed republican and junior majoring in Special Ed, feels it is very important to vote and makes sure her children are informed about the election.

Although Lebouf’s 17-year-old daughter is unable to vote this time around, her son in the military voted absentee from Hawaii.

Lebouf also stated that having a third unbiased party speak to voters about running candidates would be a great way to inform, assuming voters would feel less pressured to vote for a particular side.

Seth Matherene, a freshman registered as an independent member and currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

Seth Matherene, a freshman registered as an independent and currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is voting but doesn’t feel aware of all the proposed amendments.

However, Matherene believe proposed Amendment No. 2, discussing tax breaks for the military, is one to support.

Referring back to the best ways to inform students, “The most important way to become informed is by personal choice,” Matherene said You must be motivated to vote because individuals are the ones that make this country run. Get informed personally.”

Click here for more information on:

• Finding Voter, Address or Parish Information
• Am I a Voter?
• Constitution Amendment Information
• Checking Your Voting Status
• Voting Machine Locations and Hours of Operation

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

“Downtown Bound” in Downtown Hammond

HAMMOND-  Strawberry Stadium is clearing out and excitement is high, and Downtown Hammond is the place to be.

This year, on Oct. 23, the Downtown Development District is hosting Downtown Bound, also known as Take it to the Tracks, the Southeastern Louisiana University homecoming post-game celebration.

Downtown Hammond awaits Homecoming night. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

“The event is a chance for fans of Southeastern and McNeese State who attended the game to celebrate with friends, grab a bite to eat and catch some great live music at eight different venues, all within walking distance of each other,” said Melissa Griffin, event coordinator of the Hammond Downtown Development District.

For 2010, participating vendors:

• Cate Street Pub will have music by Todd O’Neill performing rock, country and originals from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Free t-shirts will be available to the first 50 guests who bring in Southeastern Homecoming game ticket stubs.

• Cate Street Seafood Station will have DJ Johnny Five playing 80s, 90s, Top 40 and Dance hits outside the restaurant. Also available will be sushi served inside the restaurant until midnight and 10 percent off any bill with proof of the ticket stub beginning at 9 p.m.

• La Carreta will have music by Guy Parent from 7–10 p.m.

• Mariner’s Inn will be offering one free house beverage with the purchase of an entrée, burger or sandwich.

• PJ’s Coffee will be offering a free drink up-size with a ticket stub.

• Rotolo’s Pizzeria will offer a free appetizer per table.

• Tope la restaurant will have a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees or by bar only, a buy one well drink or house wine, get one free with the game ticket stub. There also will be live music that night.

• Tutti Frutti will be open late this night with 20 percent off deals to those with the game ticket stub.

Downtown Bound took a few months to organize and should be an exciting experience, according to Griffin.

“We’ve been attending the Southeastern Homecoming planning meetings since about July/August,” Griffin said. “We made contact with the downtown merchants in late August to request for their participation. Promotional items have been in place since the beginning of October.

“This particular Saturday evening will be exceptionally interesting.  There will be music that will suit almost any taste, plus sweet treats and special deals if you bring your ticket stub.  We’re looking forward to a great night to stroll around beautiful Downtown Hammond and the perfect way to celebrate Lions football.”

Griffin is not the only person interested in Homecoming night.

“I do plan on attending the homecoming game, and I plan on going because it’s the climax of homecoming week,” said Nicholas Robert, a junior at Southeastern.

Robert also stated Downtown Bound sounds like something he would be interested in attending because he likes going to the restaurants in downtown Hammond and hearing live music.

Alice Gibson, a health studies instructor, also looks forward to game nights.

 “I am a two-time alumni from SLU and also a current faculty member. I am also an athletic committee member and season ticket holder,” Gibson said.

She was also interested in the restaurant discounts and entertainment that will be taking place downtown. Gibson also mentioned enjoying time spent in downtown Hammond with friends.

During Homecoming week, Oct. 18-23, at Southeastern, the campus will be hosting events all week. Taking place on Homecoming day will be events like “Decorate your tailgate” contest judging at noon and the Homecoming parade at 3 p.m. with entertainment in Friendship Circle beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pre-game activities start at 5:40 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium, where kick-off will take place at 6 p.m. against McNeese State University.

A Path to Saving Lives

“A pro-life group involves itself in political, religious, moral and social issues. Finding the right balance between legitimate free speech and expression without overstepping into preaching and proselytizing can be tricky,” stated Dr. Matt Rossano, advisor of Southeastern Students for Life organization and professor and department head of psychology at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Southeasterns Students for Life saves the ones who cannot speak for themselves just yet.

Members of the Southeastern Students for Life organization stands up for what they believe about life being from the unborn to those on death row. Their goal is to educate others and raise awareness of what is going on in the world around them. The organization also provides resources for pre- and post-abortive parents and for people of those who are being treated unfairly.

“This organization is different from others because we are mainly here to educate our fellow students. We want all students here to realize the true value of human life from conception to natural death,” expressed Christopher Theriot, president of Southeastern Students for Life. “What I like most about this organization is that I can really save lives! It really makes me feel horrible to know humans are dying from abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty, and we do nothing. This organization allows me to do my part in ending these horrible acts. When I noticed that SLU had no pro-life group, I decided to help start one.”

Southeastern Students for Life began three years ago with Theriot being one of the founding members. Since then, the organization has been making the importance of life known on campus by creating displays such as the ‘Cemetery of the Innocent,’ which was recently displayed on the SLU campus on Sept. 29 on the lawn surrounding the Hurricane Katrina memorial fountain.

Southeastern Students For Life flyer posted on a bulletin board on the 2nd floor of D. Vickers Hall at Southeastern Louisiana University. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

‘Cemetery of the Innocent’ is a statement about abortion with a display of small blue and pink flags representing unborn babies aborted each day.

“From day one, I have been impressed with how passionately they believe in their cause, but at the same time how thoughtful, reasonable and compassionate they have been in how they go about presenting their case,” Dr. Rossano said.

Southeastern Students for Life meetings consist of speakers with a few added bonuses. “We do different things at every meeting, from speakers to designing posters, to educating ourselves on pro-life matters, to just plain hanging out and having a good time,” Theriot said. The organization also volunteers at local crisis pregnancy centers.

The meetings for Southeastern Students for Life are held every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in War Memorial Student Union, Room 223. It is open to all SLU students, faculty and staff. More information about the organization can be found by visiting the following link: Southeastern Students for Life. To contact the organization directly, send an email to southeastern.lions4life@gmail.com or attend a meeting.

Read On: Banned but Not Forgotten

By Ivana Ellis

HAMMOND, La- Sex, witchcraft, talking animals and racial language are thought to be top priority reasons when banning a book. Since 2000, more than 100 books have been challenged to the American Library Association in the United States. Books that are read in schools such as “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White and “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee made the list for The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books (2000-2009) for having talking animals and use of racial language.

"I'm with the banned" button supports Banned Books Week 2010 in Sims Memorial library. Each button was being sold for $1. Photo by Ivana Ellis

Banned Books Week is celebrated nationwide every year during the last week of September since 1982. BBW represents the freedom to read whatever someone wants and the importance of the First Amendment. The freedom to express ideas and access information, even if they may seem inappropriate or against a religion is the platform of BBW.

Beth West, reference and distance learning librarian at Sims Memorial Library on Southeastern Louisiana University campus, said “It’s an awareness thing,” referring to Banned Books week, “It makes people aware of books that have been challenged and banned. All books that have been are classics and there are books still being challenged and banned.” West stated books are usually banned because people feel it’s inappropriate for children to read. Therefore, banned books are most likely removed from the school and its library.

Stated on the ALA website, in a majority of cases the books not banned were due to the efforts of librarians, teachers, booksellers, and members of the community to keep the books in the library collections.

Sean Neuerburg, a graduate student in English of Southeastern Louisiana University, participated in Banned Books Week 2010 in the Sims Memorial Library by reading the poem “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg. “It’s so artistic and is made up fundamentally of things that shock,” Neuerburg expressed about “Howl.” Neuerburg also mentioned a myth he has heard about the author Ginsberg, stating that he wrote the entire poem and did not read over it. Ginsberg considered the poem to be done and ready for print.

According to poets.org, not long after “Howl” was published in 1956 by City Lights Bookstore, it was banned for obscenity. However, the poem passed censorship trials and is now one of the most widely read poems of the century.

Traditional "Banned Book" display for Southeastern Louisiana University's library, Sims Memorial. Photo by Ivana Ellis

Along with the poem “Howl”, read by Neuerburg, pages of the books “Charlotte’s Web”, “Harry Potter” and other banned book classics were read at the BBW program in Sims Memorial Library on Sept. 30 by students, teachers and librarians.

In addition to the readings held at Sims Memorial Library, the award-winning radio program Rock School aired a special episode about Banned Books week on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. and will re-air Sunday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. on KSLU. Co-hosts Dr. Joe Burns and Chad P., assisted by librarian Beth West, will feature songs that reference banned books, along with trivia about the works.

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

The Power of Listening

By Ivana Ellis

Imagine a place where personality, looks, strength and the past does not matter. This is a place where dealing with troubles and figuring out solutions to them goes hand in hand. Any student, faculty or staff member of Southeastern Louisiana University can have this place of tranquility free of charge.

The University Counseling Center is this place. It provides pampering for the mind. The center is there to help clients better understand themselves and gain control of their environment, relationships and life.

“Everybody has difficulties and worries from time to time,” said Dr. Barbara Hebert, L.P.C.-S, registered play therapist and director of the University Counseling Center since July 2006. “We help people figure out what works best for them. This can lead to making good choices for themselves and creating good coping mechanisms.”

Dr. Barbara Hebert, L.P.C.-S, registered play therapist and director of the University Counseling Center discusses information, services and groups the center offers. Photo By Ivana Ellis

These benefits are offered under confidentiality. “If a parent calls asking if their child went to their counseling session, we offer a ‘not saying they did but not saying they didn’t’ answer, stating to them that we are not allowed to give out that information,” explained Hebert.  However, the UCC is confidential within boundaries of ethical and legal requirements. If a client or someone discussed is in danger of suicide, abuse or a court order is involved, confidentiality becomes an exception.

The UCC offers help for any mental health issue. Depression, anxiety and relationships was stated by Hebert to be the most handled, but she also explained that if a client needs more than what is provided at the UCC, they will refer them to an outside source that will help.

Darlyn Mills, a student at Southeastern Louisiana University, was pleased with her session at the UCC. “You feel a connection with them because they look in your eyes and actually take the time to listen to your concern and give feed back,” expressed Mills. “In the movies, the counselor is sitting there writing on the note pad and asking ‘How do you feel about that’ and not giving eye contact. They weren’t like that.”

Individuals are most often seen at the center, mentioned Hebert, but it is open to couples, families, workshops, consultations and groups as well. To be considered a group, only three people or couples must be interested in being counseled.

Offered group topics are:

• Keeping the Love You Have: A Group for Couples
• Understanding the Female Mind: A Group for Guys
• Loving your Looks: A Body Image Group
• Chill…A Stress Management Group
• The Single Parents Group
• I made it to College, Now What/ A Freshman Transition Group
• In Recovery Group: For those Balancing Sobriety/Clean time with University Life
• Flirting 101
• Non-traditional Student Support Group
• Finding your Inner Social Beast: A Group for Shy People
• Veterans Support Group
• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Addicts
• Mindfulness Group

Aiming towards people afraid to visit the UCC, Hebert said, “We’re nice! People think counseling is for crazy people and that is not true. Everyone has issues and can use support.” Seconding Hebert, Mills said “It’s not as bad as it seems. If you’re afraid of someone knowing you’re going there, it won’t happen because they’re confidential. The only way someone will know is if you tell them.”

The UCC is also on Facebook and Twitter. Search Southeastern Louisiana University Counseling Center (Facebook) and selucc (Twitter). These pages offer inspiring words, videos and updated information on upcoming UCC events around campus.

If interested in getting free mind relieving sessions, the University Counseling Center is open Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and is located across the street from St. Tammany Hall at 307A Virginia Ave. The center can be contacted by phone or email at 985-549-3894 or slucc@selu.edu. Fax is also available at 985-549-5007.

For after-hour counseling emergencies, as well as on weekends/holidays, contacting the University Police Department at 985-549-2222. The operator will help connect someone in need to the on-call counselor. If a counseling emergency occurs during its open hours, immediate counseling is offered.

Is Karma Real or Is It Just Coincidence?

By Ivana Ellis

You start your day by failing an A or F quiz, no in between, after discussing that an already taken and paid for class may not count for the expected requirement. The day continues to unfold and little things seem to add to the day to make it that much harder and that much more frustrating.

Quiz question: Is karma real or are these unfolding situations simply coincidence? The answer is: what do you want it to be?

Ever feel the need to runaway from the karma in your life? Photo By Ivana Ellis

Some believe in karma. Good deeds done throughout the day will come back to you in the future and unfortunately, the bad too.

Those who believe karma is bogus live their lives as they have been. No thought of it returning to greet them with pleasant gifts or coming back to bite them in a place no one would unwillingly want to be bitten on their mind.

At times it is hard to feel like something isn’t out to get you when your “craved for all day” dinner burns to a crisp after just having an argument, which in the end became a waste of time because nothing was solved.

What about the times when you rush to a store before it closes because you realize you’re out of diapers, but on your way there is an hour of traffic holding you up.

Why do more upsetting things seem to happen when you are already upset?

We have all experienced scenarios like these. At times, I wonder if I was in a better mood, would it make these types of scenarios less awful and seemingly unfortunate.

Maybe each one is just a start to bad karma or maybe a coincidence.