On Brands

So, I don't know why but it seems I've been thinking a lot about brand names. The world we live in can be full of brand names: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, BCBG, Roxy, and MANY others. At times it is very materialistic. I understand this to a point, and I do care about brand names to an extent. I buy Kraft Parmesan Cheese, I get into certain brand names of pants- Arizona Jeans were a favorite of mine for awhile (though those were a lot cheaper than some brand names). What's in a brand name? Or even what's in a name?

It seems that reputations are attached to brand names and names in general. Let's think of an analogy. Let's say you are in high school and Brandy is the popular girl in school. She's at the very top. So because she's at the top, you decide that she must be something special and so you decide to tell her your most embarrassing secrets. Well unfortunately Brandy doesn't know you- you are not in her circle of friends. What does she do? She thinks the secrets are hilarious and starts telling them, maybe not with the intention of hurting you even, but simply because she thinks they're funny. And now your name is known for the embarrassing secrets instead of the intelligence or talents you were known for before. And all because you trusted in a name.

Let's take a slightly different analogy. Let's say your best friend Angelique, has proven herself time and time again as loyal- she understands you, she compliments you and when you're around her you're a better person. If you tell her your secrets she respects them. But Angelique isn't known for being loyal, or understanding, but you have gotten to know her and you know her to be just that. Let's take it a step further and say that Angelique is just as pretty and stylish as Brandy, she just isn't known because she's not outgoing and showy about it.

That is the way I see brand names. Big labels are known for their adherence to fashion. But other lesser known brands also mimick the fashions of the designer brands. Some do a good job and others don't. I understand if you buy designer jeans, cause #1 you have the money, and #2 you have found that they flatter your body and #3 you have found they are a good investment or some such reasons of logic. But if you are buying some brand simply for the brand name, I feel it is a waste of time. I think finding pants that fit are one of the hardest things to do. When I find a pair that works and fits well I stick with that brand. Cause they have proven to me that they understand my body shape and are designed to last long enough to make it worth however much they cost.

It is the same with food. I stick with Kraft Parmesan cheese, because they have proven to me that the taste they create is what I want. That is the purpose of brand names to me. To carry with it a reputation. But sometimes just because a brand is well known isn't because of their loyalty to their customers or their value as far as how long they last. Sometimes it is only because of the fashion and to create an air of "I'm better than you because I have such and such a brand." That's not a brand worth buying to me. I would much rather have a knock-off brand- get the same style and save my money for something more useful than trying to prove through meaningless ways that I am someone because I lucked out in the money department. That proves nothing about my character, and I am way more than a brand name.

Once again, I don't care if you like certain brand names, and I don't care how much they cost- all I'm saying is I hope you are using it because the brand has proved its value to you and not simply because of it's popularity due to a passing fad.

Marisa and Marina

Probably two of my favorite cousins! :) Both Marina and Marisa were born before my mission. I can't remember exactly, but Marina might have been born a year before I left which would make her about 4 now, I think and Marisa was only a few weeks old when I left and now almost 3. I got to hold her before I left though! They are adorable, and for the most part, they both know it too! :) I loved being home for Christmas for many reasons but they were two reasons. I saw more of Marisa, which isn't to say anything less about Marina. I saw Marisa first at church in nursery. She is SO funny! She will pretend to be shy sometimes as she did that time. We have a love/hate relationship. That is, sometimes, to my face she pretends to hate me, and she'll hide from me and won't come to me, but apparently when she goes home she'll say how much she loves me and is glad I'm home. There were many times this break, especially with the excitement of Santa, where Marisa and Marina were so cute! But my favorite was my last night. We try to go up to my grandma's house every Sunday and so I went and found my girls almost right away. I started chasing them, and they pretended to be afraid of me and would run until I caught up to them. But my grandparents aren't overly excited about kids running around in the house because accidents have happened before. So when I thought it was about time to stop I suggested hide and seek. We took turns hiding and seeking. They were always with someone. Marina was the leader here, but both of them get along great together and are both really animated! :) We hid in the dog kennel of the new puppy... we hid behind doors, under desks, we even took a break and ate some cupcakes that one of their moms had helped the two of them make. But finally it was about time for me to go, cause I hadn't even finished packing to drive back up to school. So I told them one more game which then turned into two... because they protested and were just too cute! But I did eventually have to go and we said goodbyes... I think Marina understood more because she's older... but Marisa got a sudden sad face and as soon as she gave me a hug she ran down the hall. We found her under a desk she had previously hidden under curled up in a ball... It was so sad... she was pouting, or trying to cry... but at the same time, endearing, and somewhat funny. :) Anyways, I love Marina and Marisa and miss them while I am away at school. :)