While this post is not actually about a song, it does go out to my Mom because she is the only other person in the world who understands humor the way I do. I know most teenagers struggle to find anything that both them and their parents can see eye to eye on, and my Mom and I have the same struggle. However, when it comes to humor, there is almost never a dispute.

Humor is important. I would argue that it is one of the most important parts of life. People often say that honesty, love, and many other fundamentals of life are the most important, but what is your day without laughter. A day without even  one singular laugh. I cannot picture a single day of my life when I have not at least laughed once. Now, it may not have been the best laugh I have ever had, but at least it was something. I had a moment of pure joy at least at one point in my twenty-four hour day. Just imagine a whole day without a laugh.  You being serious all day, sad all day, mad all day, or any other possibility besides laughter. No rest from the intense, constant flow of  life. You having no decent chuckle, no crying laugh with your friend. Now, I cannot speak for everyone, but to me, that sounds just about the most depressing thing that I have ever heard.

Yes, I know people get sad. That it is healthy to have those sad moments in life. It is important to have those angry, elated, depressed, serious, and every other emotional moment in life, but without daily laughter, where would we all be? Laughter is one of the true joys in life, and I do not want to picture the world without it.

Now, I believe we all need laughter, but we all do not have to have the same sense of humor. Some people prefer the traditional “knock, knock” joke. Some love a good cheesy “dad” joke. Some even love a funny political cartoon, and there are so many other forms of content out there that cause laughter to ring throughout the world, but my personal favorite form is sarcasm. I enjoy the sarcastic presentation of everyday facts, particularly the depressing, maddening facts. The truths of life that are turned from a stressful, depressing connotation to one that causes you and others to find joy in it. These truths may be an issue that is going on in your personal life, a societal issue, a work/school issue, or anything else in between. Basically, this form of humor allows you to turn a negative thing into a temporarily positive thing, and I think we could all use a break from the awful moments in life with a good laugh every once in a while.

However, this does not mean that you have to only find joy out of your pain. You can laugh at those classic, cheesy jokes, those silly cartoons, and even some of the darker humor. No matter what you laugh at, all that is important is that all people involved feel better at the end. All that matters is that the laughter did good for everyone because there is no other purpose for laughter other than to make people feel better and happy.

I dedicate this post to my Mom not only as a reminder to her of the laughter and joy that we share every day, but also to remind others not to neglect the laughter in their lives.

To start off this review, I am going to go ahead a tell you that this will be about a ninety-five percent positive review of the online shopping website, Amazon. Most people by now have heard of the site where you can buy just about anything, often with the promise of free two day or less shipping with a prime membership, but just in case you have not, here is your chance. In this review, I will be discussing this well-known site’s product variety, delivery time, product quality, and purchasing options. Now, let’s jump into all the reasons why Amazon offers you a superior online shopping experience.

Product Variety:

You can find pretty much anything your heart desires on Amazon. Clothes, beauty, hair, cleaning, electronic, jewelry, arts and crafts, shoes, purses, movies, T.V. shows, posters, records, and almost anything else you could name, Amazon has it. Not only can you just find it, you can find these items from highest to lowest price, in large color ranges, in various ranks of starred reviews, from different companies, and many other options. Amazon provides you with what you want, how you want it, from whom you want, and from where you want it.

Delivery Time:

I cannot make promises for the average Amazon customer, but for customers who pay an annual fee to be a prime member, many of your products come to you within two days or less for free. Many product types have at least one product that qualifies for prime, and if you are a prime member, you get that product faster than most companies could dream of delivering to you. Now, occasionally products sell out or simply do not qualify for prime. In these cases, free two day shipping does not apply. Other times, the seller may sell out of your desired item, and your promised delivery date is then altered. Sometimes your item gets lost, and you have no idea when it will finally arrive. However, most of the time, Amazon prime will delivery your package in record timing. Every once in a while, they fail, but that is the risk you take with online shopping from any company.

Product Quality:

While other websites do give you product ratings written by past customers, Amazon also shows you their personal best product choice out of all the search results. The company also shows you other customer viewed items, customer opinions, and customer questions with responses for the product. They take away the concern that the product is poor quality simply because you cannot see it right in front of you in a store. With their effective system, you can be sure your order with be of good quality.

Purchasing Options:

Amazon gives you multiple ways to order your items. You can order them from Amazon directly. You can order it from multiple other sellers. You can buy it new, like new, used, and various other options. Whether you need the top of the line product from the original seller or the item used from another seller, you can get it how you want from Amazon.

After learning about all of the above features, it is clear to see that Amazon is the place to shop for all of your needs.

Things to Know 1: Attendance

You always show up for class. You unless you are really sick, have family emergency, or some other legitimate reason for missing class, you show up. You do not get to miss because it is your birthday, you were up late from a party the night before, or have taken a spontaneous Saturday trip with your family. You cannot just blow off going to class.

Thing to Know 2: Costumes

Costumes are serious, but that doesn’t mean that you get a perfect costume. You cannot lose your costume, you must try it on right when you get home to make sure it fits, and you pay a hefty price for them. However, do not be fooled by the importance of costumes. While it is important that they look good and that you have all the extra accessories to match, you do not get a perfectly fitting, comfortable costume. More often than not, the costume is itchy, clingy, or does not fit. The straps are too long, the torso is too long, the shorts are too tight, the center is too tight. You name the issue, and most dancers have had to deal with it. The costume does not get sent back for these small inconveniences. You are expected to throw more money into the costume by either altering it yourself or through a professional. You only send your costume back when you absolutely cannot fit in it.

Things to Know 3: Bathroom Privileges

You do not go to the bathroom during class. Little kids get to go, but older kids are expected to hold it. You raise your hand in class for questions about the choreography, not to ask if you can leave to handle something should have done before class. Now, if you’ve established yourself to the teacher as a non-chronic user of the bathroom, you may get the occasional bathroom break in cases of emergency. Otherwise though, you’re expected to suck it up and wait till the hour is up.

Things to Know 4: Participation

Always participate with a hundred percent. Whether you’re feeling it or not, you show up everyday ready to work, and give it your all. Your teacher showed up and is giving his/her best, so you are expected to do the same.

Things to Know 5: Practice Clothing

You cannot show up to practice wearing whatever outfit you think is cute or comfy. You show up in tight but not revealing clothing so that teachers can see you form easily. Typical practice clothing includes leggings, some type of athletic shirt, and any warm ups you want to wear . Now, ballet class is a whole other story. You are expected to show up in pink tights, leotard, ballet shoes, and a bun. Very rarely is an exception made too this rule. You are frowned upon if you do not show up in the proper attire. Granted, you can wear warm ups if you are cold at the beginning of class, but it is best if they come off soon because warm-ups are not part of the ballet “dress code”.

Things to Know 6: Make No Enemies

Cattiness is not attractive. You may not get along with everyone at your studio, but broadcasting and acting on your feelings is not in your best interest. If you have any hope in moving up in the studio as an advanced dancer with the support of your teachers, keeping your catty, dramatic comments to yourself is best.

Things to Know 7: Do Not Disrespect Teachers

Respect of all teachers is of the utmost importance. Showing disrespect in any form or fashion teachers is an automatic strike. Talking while they are talking, making faces, ignoring instructions, and any other offense you can name are a dangerous play in the studio. Avoid it at all costs.

Things to Know 8: The Studio is Not Your Home

Treat the studio as a guest, not as a permanent resident. You do not get to lounge in the lobby, eat a four-course meal, leave your trash around, or any other messy habits that you would do at home. It is not your room, and there is no maid to come up behind you to clean up your mess. Treat the studio with respect.

Things to Know 9: Make No Enemies

While you are somewhat competing with the other dancers for better roles in dances, awards, and other highly praised positions, your peers are not your enemy. Helping another student or even receiving help from that student is not something to avoid. On the contrary, collaborating with your peers will not only get you brownie points for knowing what you are supposed to be doing, you will also get points for helping out another student. Moral of the story: Work with your peers.

Things to Know 10: Practice Outside of Class

Showing up for class without knowing your dance is unappealing to everyone. Teachers despise it because they have to reteach. It annoys fellow students because it holds back the class and will most likely result in all students getting yelled at for a few’s failure. Lastly, you will hate it too because you will be behind and lost, which is the worst of all.