Houston Pearce

It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Condoleezza Rice and her aunt today. We were so fortunate to have them at Spain Park!

Photo credit: (Reporter Photo/Jon Goering)

Although it seems like spring break has just begun, it’s coming to a close. It’s been fantastic, though. It provided me with a much-needed break. I went with my family to Destin and we had a great time. My grandparents were with us for a few days and they seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. We usually stay on the beach-side of Sandestin. This time, though, we had a view of the bay.

We went to the beach several times (I still am slightly burned), tried to go to a swimming pool (coldest one I’ve ever been in), and ate tons of good food. It was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on. It was time for me to relax, with no worries at all. I had an unforgettable time with my family and friends.

Tomorrow, my alarm clock will sound early in the morning. My recently lazy afternoon routine will once-again include homework and studying. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends, though.

Going back to school won’t be too bad. Besides, summer will be here before we know it!

Paradise. Great day ahead!

Kony2012. I have never been so deeply saddened by a video. The fact that our world, in the year 2012, still has mindless killing and abduction of innocent children, is beyond my comprehension. Innocent children are being abducted and forcibly changed into violent people. Then, on top of all of this, my mind was blown when I found out that all of this is lead by a single man - Joseph Kony. Social media has allowed the Invisible Children organization to spread the word about the mindless abductions and killings of the African people. They have launched a website as a resource for people to sign a pledge, purchase kits, and more. They’ve sold out of every single item, so progress is being made. The video, as of now, has been viewed over seventy-six million times. People are sharing it. People care about it. People from all over the world have a genuine desire to stop him. I have already signed the pledge and downloaded the kit. I’m going to do everything that I can to raise awareness. The world has seven billion people. Over two billion of us have Internet access. Over 750 million of us have Facebook accounts. Together, this year, we can (and will) stop the criminal known as Joseph Kony.

tuesbelle28:

20 minutes in digital photography.. might as well just photo booth it up

Well, it’s interesting! Haha

Just a quick update

I’ve finally been given a quick chance to talk about the service, professionalism, and kindness that is always expected at Disney’s resorts.

I wanted to mention one specific mantra: Have a magical day!

In the everyday world, saying something like that will undoubtably result in a few odd looks. In Disney World, however, it’s commonplace. Their employees work as hard as they possibly can to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Around the park, the majority of people (guests and “cast members”) look to be happy. Children seem to be having the time of their lives and adults are having fun too.

I admire this business/marketing model very much. That’s partly because it actually works. By using words like “magical” and following-up by having a clean park filled with attractions for the whole family, many people have no trouble admitting that their day was truly magical. To be honest, I’m not sure what Disney’s “happiness formula” really is. The only thing that I’ve figured out is that they make a promise, and then do everything they can to follow through. They have everything you need at the resort. All staff members are costumed and in impossibly good moods.

So, if you ask me, their formula starts with treating their customers right and providing them with everything they need. Guests feel important and many will return! Lastly, in my opinion, all hospitality companies need to try out this Disney-style approach if they want an increase in business.

See ya real soon.

Took this earlier today

Had fun dancing today

I’m happy for Adele. She works her butt off and produces some truly fantastic music that’s not polluted with modern heavy-editing. Some music of today doesn’t even sound like actual music, but Adele seems to still put soul and work behind hers. She deserves these.

ryanseacrest:

Deserving of each and every one of them. (Taken with instagram)

This is from my Dad’s fiftieth birthday party today (technically yesterday). It made me realize how quickly life goes by. We surprised him by inviting guests from all around and hiring an excellent caterer. Dad went to see Hugo with Hayes, and my Mom and I ran errands all day until his party commenced. When Dad returned from the movie theater, he discovered that the house had been decorated and began to be curious. After guests started to trickle in, he figured out that he was having a surprise party. The food was fantastic, and it was great to see so many people that I haven’t seen in years. I think everyone had fun!

Someone rear-ended me a few weeks ago. Finally took my car in to get this fixed!

I didn’t realize that it’s been forever since I’ve last blogged! I’m doing great. Christmas and new years were wonderful and 2012 has started off on a very positive note for me! Also, I’ve finally chosen and customized a theme for my blog that I’m truly happy with. I think it looks really nice. Let me know what you think! I’m going to try to blog more often. :-)

Having a great time in Las Vegas! I took this picture with my camera earlier today. When I came back to the hotel room, I edited it in Photoshop.

Last post about Google for a little while… I promise. I just had to share this cool site that launched yesterday!

I am usually one of the first to get Google’s latest products and features. They are constantly refining their design, and have created a new homepage. This one doesn’t have an “I’m Feeling Lucky” button. Very clean and simple. I would look for this design to go public in just a few weeks.

Lately, I have been looking for a new cell phone. I have an iPhone 3GS, and while I really like it, I’m ready for something new. However, I know that my new phone will be an iPhone. I’ve been an iPhone user for over two years and I have never had a phone that I like more. I’m not going to get an iPhone 4, because I feel as though something new is just around the corner. That said, here’s what I expect from Apple on their next iPhone:

• Large screen (at least 4 in.)
• Better camera (around 8MP)
• Faster (maybe dual core?)
• Better Apple-manufactured case (the Bumper for iPhone 4 just doesn’t look secure)
• 4G connectivity on AT&T

Apple has already really impressed me with iCloud and iOS 5. I am excited to try them out. I’m hoping, though, that the next iPhone will really blow everyone away.

My name is Houston Pearce, and I’m not a motivated blogger. I’ve been having a ton of fun this summer, and it has provided me with some much-needed relaxation time. I’ve been in Charleston, SC since May 28, and it’s been fun. I lived in Charleston for eight years, until I moved to Birmingham. Charleston is a fun vacation destination, and it is a lot more fun when I know where the good places are.

Last school year, we learned about Fort Sumter in History. Recently, we took a Ft. Sumter tour. It was very exciting to see in-person what we’d learned about in class. Well, it was for me, at least.

Anyways, I cannot explain how much I enjoy summer. It is my second favorite time of the year. My favorite time of the year is Christmastime. I’ve heard from so many people that Junior year is the hardest. I’ve heard that it’s the year that matters most, so that stresses me out a little bit. Hopefully, I’ll be able to persevere and be successful.

Last week, I went to Barnes & Noble and checked out their new NOOK. I decided that the NOOK was better than Kindle, and cancelled my Kindle order. My NOOK is sitting in Birmingham, awaiting my arrival. I’m excited to try it out. The first book that I’ll read will be The Five People You Meet in Heaven (our summer reading book).

Right now, my focus is to relax and enjoy summer. I think I’ve been pretty successful so far.

Wow. Sophomore year went by so fast. Of course, there were times when it seemed like it was never going to end. Looking back, though, it flew by. It’s hard for me to believe that another school year has flown by. It’s even more difficult for me to believe that I’ll be a junior next year! Eleventh grade!

I’ll remember so much from my sophomore year, though. I’ll remember the fun times in Spanish with Mrs. Haley, the fun times Photoshopping Paula Deen (while watching Paula Deen) in Creative Media with Ms. Boone. And, of course, who could forget the games and stories told in History with Coach Pate? I’ll remember being criticized for my driving habits by Coach Wyatt. I’ll remember Mr. Graber challenging us with assignments that we thought were impossible.

This summer is going to be great! So far, the only things we have planned are trips to Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA. In Charleston, I plan on seeing many of my old friends from there. It’s been nearly two years since I’ve seen many of them. In Atlanta, well, of course, it’s Atlanta. I’ll do whatever I want to do. Haha

Also, I realized something this morning. On Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, their summer vacation lasts 104 days. Ours doesn’t last near that long! Just a little side note.

Have a fantastic summer!

• Overheard at school today:
• Person 1: The iPhone is a Windows phone, right?
• Person 2: No, it's made by Apple.
• Person 1: Oh, sorry. I forgot. It's Android, then. Right?