All About Me

My full name is Lindsay Ashton Cayado; however, I’ve always gone by Ashton. I was born in Thomaston, Georgia on March 8, 1989. I have a brother, Jess, who is 13 and two sisters, Kendra, who is 15 and Ginni, who is 2. I’ve moved a lot throughout my life so far, going back and forth from California to Georgia several times. Even though I was born in Georgia I spent most of my early childhood in Southern California.

Going to kindergarten in Warner Robins, then moving to California shortly after that was definitely a huge step. I mostly grew up in California but always came back to Georgia in the summer to visit my family. My mom’s whole side of the family lives in Thomaston and I am really close to them all. From the time I was four years old I was flying on a plane by myself, something most people don’t get a chance to do their entire life. Every summer I would look forward to coming back to Georgia to visit my aunt and grandparents. It was always a lot of fun because one, my aunt and uncle didn’t have any kids yet so I was always the center of attention and two, I got the chance to go to the lake, camp, and ride horses, you name it I got to do it.

As for the California life, there was always plenty to do. In the winter my dad would always take my family and I up to the mountains to play in the snow, and in the summer we would get to cook hotdogs on the beach every Friday night. One of my favorite places to go was of course, Disneyland.

We moved right after first grade so I went to school from second grade to eighth grade in California, and then finished out high school at Westside back in Georgia. At first like any another kid I didn’t want to move and leave all of my friends but in the end it seems to have worked out okay; now I wouldn’t change anything. My plan was always to move back to California as soon as high school was over, but now I don’t think I could leave. Not because I think Georgia is the greatest place in the world to live, but because of all the people I have met while I’ve been here. All of my friends that I left behind are still important and I still keep in touch with a few; however, I have gone through a lot with the people that I went through high school with, making me happy where I am. I am lucky enough to have been blessed with two best friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world and I know will always be there when I really need them, and a few other great friends to be thankful for.

As of right now I currently attend Macon State College and plan to get my core classes out of the way as soon as possible, getting my associates degree. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to transfer to a bigger college afterwards or continue at Macon State for a while longer. It depends a lot on what I choose to major in. I haven’t decided yet but I have a few idea’s, maybe even minoring in business management. I want to explore my options and make sure I am making the best decision possible before I chose what I will be doing for the rest of my life.

Many people have different things they like to do in there spare time. As for me, soccer is definitely one of my favorite sports. Unfortunately I don’t really get to play anymore, after high school there really hasn’t been much of an opportunity. I also have a few other things that I like to do such as: water skiing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. For the most part I am always up for trying something new.

I still have a lot to look forward to in life and I have no idea what to expect. Just as I think I have everything figured out, life throws in an unexpected curve. There are a few things that I hope never change in my life, while there is plenty I hope only gets better. I have no idea where I will end up in the end, but hopefully I will get to live life to the fullest experiencing everything it has to offer, by learning from my mistakes and not taking anything for granted.

A Tale of Woe: Not Always a Happy Ending

Prompt: The Alligator River Story

Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Although, how far is too far? The Alligator River Story is a tale offering the difference between love and lust. Each individual character shows a particular side of his or her own personality throughout the story that is obvious to the reader. Through my own moral views it is easy to label each person according to their actions.

Beginning with the most deceptive character, Abigail, I rated her a five. She was willing to do anything to get to her lover, Gregory, across the river. She began with the best of intentions, looking for the bridge, and then asking her friend Ivan for advise. Soon she turned to desperation, accepting the offer of the riverboat captain, Sinbad, and sleeping with another man. She should have simply waited for her next day off or for the bridge to be fixed. True love is worth the wait and absence only makes the heart grow fonder.

Secondly, I decided to rate Sinbad a four. He receives a four because he saw a desperate situation and took full advantage of it, only to satisfy himself. Sinbad is only concerned with benefiting himself in anyway he can. By only taking Abigail across the river if she will sleep with him, shows his disrespect for women.

Then there is Ivan, whom most people would agree didn’t do anything, yet I rated him a three. The reason behind this is because of the simple fact that he didn’t do anything, which is the whole problem. By claiming himself to be Abigail’s friend he should have been there to offer his advise in her time of need, after all that is what true friendship is. While he didn’t take advantage of anyone or throw away love, I do not consider him a very loyal friend.

Next is slug, I rated him a two. Of course, harming someone just because of a bad situation a friend may be in, is never the answer; however, I believe slug had good intentions and was simply showing his compassion for Abigail. He saw her hurting and his love for her took control, showing him only that Gregory was responsible, and not what Abigail had done. Sometimes love can be blind.

Lastly, there is Gregory, I chose to rate him a one. My particular decision was made because he didn’t really have too much control over the whole situation. Yes, he could have chosen to forgive Abigail for her actions and simply be happy she made it to the other side of the river into his arms; however, I cannot blame him for being hurt.

Throughout the story true friendship and love are similar factors, teaching the importance of each. I do not believe that the feelings displayed between Abigail and Gregory were that of true love. If this were the case then to begin with Abigail would not have even considered the thought of having sex with another man and she would not have laughed at the person she loved when they were hurt. At the same time it would not have been so easy for Gregory to simply cast her aside if he truly loved her.

Metaphyical Assumptions: Thinking Above and Beyond

Prompt: Metaphysical Assumptions

The term metaphysics refers to things that are beyond the physical world. Many individuals in all cultures have their own ideas and assumptions of the term. With both Religious aspects and various others such as space, several questions have been brought forth and it is up to the individual to set his or her own beliefs- metaphysical assumptions. Each complex question concerning metaphysics has always intrigued mankind since the beginning of time. Two important questions, as pointed out before, are those of religion, which is an ongoing debate, and that of space, in which is based entirely on opinion.

Religion is hard to single out because there are so many different beliefs throughout the world, and who is to say one is right while others are wrong. This is where metaphysical assumptions come into play, for example the Greeks invented gods in order to understand the world in which they lived. Each person has his or her own idea of who or what made mankind and why the world exists the way it does. Personally, I believe that there is one God who made the world and everything on and around it. Everything on earth, and beyond it, is extremely complex and my way of accepting it is by believing that God created it, placing mankind on earth in His image. Others may not agree, but this is what I have been taught and I do not want to challenge it. I am content with the idea, not only does it give me hope when things are rough, but also inspiration to keep pushing through life the best way I can.

Another question that arises between philosophers, and was also greatly debated, is what exactly space is and if there were not any objects within it, would it still exist? I believe that space would not exist if there was not any matter to put in it. If there were not any objects in space then the world itself would not exist because space is all around us. Mankind, plants, animals, and planets are in the same category as matter; if these objects did not exist then would space still exist? Honestly, I do not know the answer to that, it is easy to continue to go deeper and deeper and still not have all the answers to why things are. This is where religion comes back into play, it is much easier to believe in a higher power than attempting to explain all of the scientific aspects of the world.

There are many philosophers and scientists in the world that rely on the facts, spending their entire lives attempting to answer questions that prove that the way the world works can be explained through science. Personally, I am happy believing in God and accepting things the way they are. I am willing to look at other people’s opinions and views but I do not see mine changing.

The President of the United States: Good Intensions Gone Wrong

Prompt: Blog #2 on Mailer

Is Bush attempting to build a global empire? Global empire sounds a little intimidating at first thought; however isn’t it America’s duty to know what its own president is trying to do? If Bush is trying to take over the world in as little as eight years shouldn’t he be focusing on a few more countries by now? These are just a few questions to ask before jumping to any conclusion without knowing any other facts. Between going to Iraq instead of focusing mainly on Afghanistan, and the questions about oil, many individuals around the world are drawing their own conclusions as to why Bush wants war with Iraq.

I disagree with Mailer's opinion that president Bush is trying to build a global empire and take over the world. For instance, one main reason for my choice is, why would he set a goal as large as taking over the world when he is only in office a short time? However, I do notice that Bush is very interested in the Middle East, as was his father. It is easy to make assumptions and point fingers in this situation, because it is easily seen both ways.

In one situation it is easy to say, Bush is simply acting in revenge against the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, trying to abolish all terrorism. On a heavier, more skeptical outlook on the situation, one may believe revenge to simply be an easy cover up for deeper alternatives. As Mailer notes in his book, Why Are We At War?, Iraq wasn’t the one that attacked the United States, and al Qaeda is based in Afghanistan. So why are so many American troops there right now?

Well, I think that when the twin towers where struck during that terrible act of terrorism, when so many innocent Americans lost their lives. That may in fact have been the event that Bush needed to carry out his plans for the Middle East. He wanted to completely abolish terrorism, which Mailer stated is impossible, and wanted to throw Saddam Hussein out of power. Bush had good motives, but paid a very high price for taking Saddam out.

Another fact that quickly arises is oil; I believe that the substance did play a large roll, along with others, in the decision to go to war with Iraq. If the United States fixes Iraq, thus allowing them to become a democracy, then the United States may be allowed more privileges to the abundant oil supply.


Whether Bush is in the Middle East for the right or wrong reasons is an issue that may never be completely answered; only he knows his true motives. In the meantime people are going to make their own assumptions on each individual dilemma, depending on if they are Pro Bush or Anti Bush.

Patronage: The Right and Wrong Time

Prompt: Blog on Mailer

September 11, 2001, was the beginning of a different America. Everyday before this tragic event occurred, freedom and safety were taken lightly; there was no reason to worry, for nothing catastrophic had happened in the country in a long time. Individuals left the safety of their homes each morning for work and sent their children off to school, without the fear that that may in fact, be the last time they will ever get the chance to see each other again. Each and every one of these individuals knew, of course, that they lived in the United States of America, but that was obvious and there was no need to parade around patronizing where they lived.

In Norman Mailer’s book, Why Are We At War?, Mailer stated that after the cataclysmic event which took place, “nearly everyone in America was flying a flag”. Mailer claimed that, seeing thousands of Americans suddenly running out to buy an American flag to hang at their doorstep, greatly upset him. Also claiming that the sudden stream of patriotism shown, was just another way of hiding the anxiety the people actually felt.

I agree, in a sense, with Mailer on this topic; however, I can see both sides of the situation. For instance, it is true that only when something immense happens that people suddenly become huge patriots, showing the world how much they are behind their country. This is the same situation as people simply living life day by day until something horrible and life altering occurs, testing their faith. Suddenly everyone becomes religious, even those who have never gone to church a day in their lives; this outbreak is a little hypocritical. I can also see why people might choose to fly a flag or show their religion in a time of need, because most people are guilty of this at one point or another anyway, even if it is a less of an importance. Maybe a possible reason for showing great patronage in, for example a terrorist attack, would be to show the people responsible for the act, that we, as a nation, are not going to stand for it, “united we stand”.

In any situation such as September 11, there are going to be many changes throughout the nation as a direct result. Whether it be a war to prove that America does not allow people to walk all over it without severe consequences, a slight loss of freedom within its own walls, or individuals suddenly coming together, in what was not there before, a greater patronage.

Homosexuality: Teaching in Elementary Schools

Prompt: Human Rights v. Majority Rights

Imagine yourself in a new school, a new classroom, with a brand new teacher. Just as you begin to get comfortable in your new environment everything is disrupted because a few people in your society do not think that your teacher should have the right to teach, simply because of their sexual preference. Human rights and majority rule usually do not come into contact too often with each other, however, what happens if they do? This is where we, as a nation, must decide which is more important and which we should be able to bend.

Human rights were determined many years ago, claiming that each individual has basic rights and freedoms generally including: liberty, equality before the law, and freedom of thought and expression. Well, what is homosexuality? Most would have to say freedom of thought and expression plain and simple. Although, when individuals begin complaining that they do not want their children being taught or influenced by a homosexual, conflicts come into play.

Now, majority rights on the other hand, come into affect when a conflict arises between two opposing causes. Each side of the matter expresses their individual choices by voting for one of the alternatives, settling the dispute. Is it fair to ignore the obvious human rights when children are in concern?

Even though human rights are clearly defined in this situation, the majority still has the right to question the matter. Understandably, most people are afraid of the influence a homosexual might have on their son or daughter at an early age. Personally, I feel that as long as the individual in the situation doesn't mix personal experiences with the students and sticks strictly to the curriculum, there shouldn't be any reason for conflict. Most elementary students are more concerned about when the next recess is, rather than of what sexuality there teacher might be.

In a situation where human rights and majority rule clash such as this, in today's society more than likely the vote is going to lean towards majority rule rather than the obvious human rights. We, as individuals, must start with ourselves before we can persuade a whole community that it is unethical to discriminate against someone just because of whom they prefer to be with.

Terrorism: A Larger Threat

Prompt: Hijack!

Terrorism is a rising threat in America today. September 11, 2001 was a huge wake up call to many people all over the United States. Afterwards, several controversy’s rose on whether or not the government handled the situation in the best interest of the people. If you were in charge of making crucial decisions during a terrorist act how do you think you would handle it, and would it be different than that of the way the U.S. Government might? Before making quick accusations on what was right and what was wrong, put yourself in the hot seat, considering all aspects first.

Personally, if I was in a situation where a United States Airline had been hijacked and the hijackers were demanding the release of several criminals, to begin with, I would not consider meeting any of their demands at all. This may sound brutal, however, by even considering their demands, I am promoting terrorism. It works in the same way as when you were little. If your parents would not let you have what you want, you pitched a fit and cried until they gave in. As soon as they broke down and gave you what you wanted from then on you knew what it took to get your way. In the same sense I would not just turn the other way and let the innocent people on the plane die, if there was anything I could do about it. I would do everything I could to bring the plane down as safely as possible.

The government is automatically going to react with the best interest of the nation as a whole in mind.

"The U.S. Government will make no
concessions to individuals or groups
holding official or privateU.S. citizens
hostage. The United States will use
every appropriate resource to gain
the safe return of American citizens
who are held hostage. At the same
time, it is U.S. Government policy
to deny hostage takers the benefits
of ransom, prisoner releases, policy
changes, or other acts of concession."

It is not that they do not realize that the people's lives on the plane are important and that they have loved ones on the ground, it is that they are forced to think of the bigger picture. Whoever is in complete charge of making the final decision on what measures are necessary is more than likely not going to have any personal attachment to anyone on the plane. This is the same as any other hostage situation, if someone on the police force or an FBI agent knows an individual that is in danger then nine times out of ten the agent or deputy will be taken off the case to ensure that the best possible measures are taken. As soon as anyone realizes that someone they truly care about is in harms way, naturally, irrational decisions are easily made. Their first instinct becomes to help the individual through any means necessary, no matter the cost.

There are two ways to look at the situation, in the interest of America as a nation, or having loved ones on the plane that essentially may go down. Depending on which you choose and how you look at it greatly alters your decisions. In the end do you risk several hundred people’s lives for the imprisonment of several criminals?