Money can't buy happiness? What?

Going to a school like SMU, it's easy to see materialism every corner you turn. Whether its an Aston Martin on the boulevard, a Gucci purse, or someone talking about their villa on Lake Como, there certainly isn't a shortage of wealth here. Talking about the pursuit of happiness will make many people question their long held beliefs. Why can't a fast car make me happy? I have the nicest handbag and that makes me feel happier than the other girls. My villa is bigger than anyone elses, and theirs doesn't have a helicopter pad, so I'm obviously a happier person than they are. These ideas are driving society down the drain. People get so caught up in what they have that they no longer realize what actually makes them feel warm and fuzzy inside. What ever happened to stopping to smell the roses, long walks on the beach and laying with friends looking at the stars? Seriously, it sounds cliche, but why can't we actually do things like this more often?
SMU seems to be a big popularity contest. Much more than highschool was even. And this contest isn't play fair and by the rules, it's brutal, dog-eat-dog, I can spend more money than you and look better than you because of it. WHY!? This attitude is superficial and shallow, and to be honest, won't make you happier. The quote, "Money doesn't buy happiness" is often refuted with, "Whoever said that must have been poor." But really think about it... what is it about that car, purse or villa that makes you think you are happy? Life is way too short to get caught up on such things; we have more of an opportunity now than ever to change our thinking and focus on those things that truly make us feel joy inside. I'm not here to define it, because every person is different. I'm just trying to get people to look deeper in themselves, what is it that makes you feel like you're fulfilling your possibilities?
Some may call me a cynical poor kid, others may say I hit the nail on the head... Think what you want, but take my points to heart and remember that the best time to find yourself is right now.

Intro to Web Logging

The two articles we read gave me a new perspective on blogging. I never was interested in it, nor did I ever plan to have my own. The articles showed me the benefits and potential learning opportunities from having one. The most important thing to keep in mind, in my opinion, is that no matter what, there is always someone out there smarter than any of us. The opinions, ideas and reflections of others often times inspire the most deep thought by us. The potential learning opportunities are exciting to me and hopefully this experience will be as fulfilling as I expect it to be.