Sasol Company Market Analysis Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Sasol Company Market Analysis - Term Paper Example The strong South African economy provides growing, profitable home market for Sasol. In the stock market, Sasol offers a solid dividend and the stock currently yields a hefty 4.59%. Though recent markets are not satisfying the investors, Sasol is relatively volatile. Though there is fall of oil prices, Sasol probably offers much to its investors. Government regulations and policies also affect Sasol’s marketing. The currency devaluation of Rand has a strong impact on the strategies of Sasol. â€Å"Customers receive a further R1.25 preferential procurement recognition for each R1 they spend with the Sasol Group of Companies.† (â€Å"BEE certificate†). In addition, the political interruptions in pricing decisions, due to the elections, drive the market of oil industry. The increase of taxes and lowering of synfuel subsidies by the government probably affect the product marketing which in turn affects the revenue of the company. Thus, Sasol has to take necessary mea sures to sustain among these regulations of the policies. Black empowerment companies enjoy better benefits as the government insists on 25% indigenous participation to its value chain. (â€Å"BEE certificate†). Sasol, being a BEE verified enterprise, commits to promote and enhance African empowerment. The environmental issues are yet another phenomenon that affects the company’s marketing, particularly from the perspective of social responsibility. Some of the major environmental issues that affect Sasol are pollution.... In addition, the political interruptions in pricing decisions, due to the elections, drive the market of oil industry. The increase of taxes and lowering of synfuel subsidies by the government probably affect the product marketing which in turn affects the revenue of the company. Thus, Sasol has to take necessary measures to sustain among these regulations of the government policies. Black empowerment companies enjoy better benefits as the government insists on 25% indigenous participation to its value chain. (â€Å"BEE certificate†). Sasol, being a BEE verified enterprise, commits to promote and enhance African empowerment. The environmental issues are yet another phenomenon that affects the company’s marketing, particularly from the perspective of social responsibility. Some of the major environmental issues that affect Sasol are pollution created by refineries, introduction of eco-friendly fuels, oil spills, GHG emissions and more. Though Sasol has taken alternative measures for producing fuels, these methods also tend to emit a considerable amount of GHG and lead to pollution of the environment. PEST Analysis: Political: Regulations from the government regarding taxes Political instability Lowering synfuel subsidies Economic: Currency volatility in South Africa Persistent inflation in input cost Price fluctuations of the global market Strong African economy Social: Strikes in African mines Limited access of labor in the local environment Providing employment opportunities on racial lines Technical: Expanding its Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) and Coal-To-Liquid (CTL) technologies for producing fuel Growing chemical portfolio and

McDonald's Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

McDonald's Marketing - Essay Example Despite these innovations, McDonald’s tremendous growth could only continue for so long. Its average annual return on equity was 25.2% between 1965 and 1991. However, the company found its sales per unit slowing between 1990 and 1991. In addition, McDonald’s share of the quick service market fell from 18.7% in 1985 to 16.6% in 1991. Growth in the quick service market was projected to keep pace with inflation in the 1990s. After a decade of struggle, by 2003 McDonald’s shares hit rock bottom. At this point a â€Å"plan to win†, marketing campaign was launched and the salad was added to the menu to combat the unhealthy image the food had attained. It backfired initially because of its high calorie content, but then McDonald became more aware of customer needs and revamped its offerings with low fat salad dressings etc. McDonald was back on its feet very soon and turned in a healthy profit in 2004. Most McDonald's restaurants offer both counter and drive-through service, with indoor and sometimes outdoor seating. The Drive-Thru, Auto-Mac, or McDrive as it is known in many countries, often has separate stations for placing orders, paying for them and picking up orders. In some countries "McDrive" locations near highways, offer no counter service or seating. In contrast, locations in high-density city neighbourhoods often omit drive-through service. Menu choice also involves variety. The emphasis is on standardized limited menu with high quality and low wait times. The menu serves typically serve different types of food products in a range of sizes.

The Forms Of Femininity In Shakespeare English Literature Essay

The Forms Of Femininity In Shakespeare English Literature Essay Many modern critics claim that Shakespeare was a pioneering feminist. Shapiro claimed that Shakespeare was the noblest feminist of them all (Shapiro,1994,p111). Whilst this claim is supported by various Shakespearean works, this essay will consider that whilst his works can be interpreted as displaying feminist attitudes, whether these females are punished for displaying this transgressive behaviour. Over the centuries various empires and societies, such as classical Rome and ancient Egypt, were been built upon the foundation of a patriarchal society. These societies were sustained through the oppression of women, as they were continually treated as second class citizens, which pushed women towards acts of rebellion when they felt particularly mistreated. These settings therefore made an excellent backdrop for Shakespeare to project the attitudes of a male-dominated seventeenth century society. This technique occurs throughout Shakespeares plays, but is particularly evident in Titus Andronicus, where Tamora is motivated to act against a patriarchal society by the restrictions that she is forced to adhere to. Her actions are then punished by further repression, depicting the infectiveness of her actions against the dominant patriarchal order. Antony and Cleopatra also illustrates this battle of femininity against a patriarchal society, using Romans once again to represent the domineering male force. Shakespeare allows both Antony and Cleopatra to break free from their stereotypical roles by inverting their genders, to create two characters that possess traits from both sexes; so they refuse to fit into their traditional roles. Lastly I will look at Gertrude in the Hamlet, where Shakespeare depicts the effects of one womans transgressive actions on the patriarchal order. To appreciate why the actions of women in these plays are so subversive, and to comprehend the reactions of the male characters in the plays, it is vital to understand the position of women in Shakespeares society. Despite that both of Shakespeares plays were not set in the seventeenth century, his depiction of women would have been influenced by the society in which he lived. The general view was that there was a hierarchy of genders, with males at the top, in Miltons words Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed (Milton, 2008, p41). Society established woman as weaker, inferior and in need of masculine guidance and this was voiced as firmly by women, as by men (Keeble,1994,106). This essay will portray how the female characters transgressed from their stereotypical roles, and consider how and more intriguingly, why, these characters were punished for their perceived transgression. Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra is believed to have been written in 1606 after a distinguished sequence of tragedies including Othello, King Lear and Macbeth (Farrell, 2004, p23). Shakespeare uses the play to consider the effects of a patriarchal society, and skilfully inverts gender roles so that it is the male, Antony, that is the victim. The patriarchal society of Rome expects Antony to only display his masculinity, and not to succumb to feminine qualities such as passion, feelings and love. When he develops a powerful love for Cleopatra, Antony is no longer able to abide by the stifling society, where the role of lover is considered inferior to a mans political responsibilities. The opening lines of the play demonstrates the rising disapproval of Antonys unconventional, or feminine, behaviour which is not confined within the measure of patriarchy, Nay but this dotage of our Generals / Oerflows the measure (Shakespeare, 2001,1.1.56). The males view Antonys dedication to Cleopatra as disgraceful, His captains heart become the bellows and the fan / To cool a gipsys lust (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.22). Antony also occasionally judges himself by these standards of patriarchy, such as at the end of the play where he is miserable and shamed by his reduced political power. He then becomes envious and irrational and claims that Cleopatra has emasculated him, O thy vile lady, / She has robbed me of my sword (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.14.2). Eventually Antony chooses love over political power, as Antony is not debased by his loss of power, but rather, through his love of Cleopatra develops a stronger sense of manhood, ran alternative masculinity(Woodbridge,1994,p34). However the reaction of the males within the Roman society shows that this feminine transgression is not suitable for a male in a patriarchal society. Whilst Antony displays feminine characteristics, Cleopatra transgresses her female role by exhibiting masculine virtues to counterbalance Antony and provide a relationship of surprising equality. Cleopatra, and the relationship, does not abide by the restrictions of a seventeenth century, patriarchal society. Their relationship blurs the roles of male and female by inverting gender roles, Cleopatra embraces masculine features, as Woodbridge states, Antony and Cleopatra can cross gender boundaries without losing their sex roles as man or woman (Woodbridge,1994,p45). This gender inversion is physically depicted in the scene where Cleopatra, wore his sword Philipan(Shakespeare, 2001, 2.5.30), this displays how Shakespeare clearly identifies masculine qualities within a female. Unlike many of Shakespeares female characters, Cleopatra dominates the play in terms of individual presence and theme. Also Shakespeare provided the audience with a real woman, as opposed to a stereotype, Velma Ri chmond claims further that in Cleopatra we can find Shakespeares finest embracing of the feminine(Richmond, 1991, p139). Cleopatra is a mixture of political prowess and sexual power; however this sexuality is condemned by the males in the play as she is referred to as a whore (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.1.32) and a strumpet (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.1.32) throughout the play. However this sexual power is presented positively on occasion, such as Enorbarbuss description of her: Age cannot wither her,   Nor custom stale her infinite variety. Other women cloy   The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies. For vilest things   Become themselves in her, that the holy priests Bless she is riggish. (Shakespeare, 2001, 2.2.43). Cleopatra declines to obey to the stereotype of a woman created by a patriarchal society, and uses her natural sexuality to gain power rather than allow it to be detrimental to her character. She also is intent on accomplishing a political role, despite the objections of the patriarchal men. This is clearly depicted when Enoebarbus attempts to stop her from carrying out her political role, and Cleopatra responds in a furious tirade: A charge we bear ithwar, And as the president of my kingdom will Appear there for a man. Speak not against it. I will not stay behind (Shakespeare, 3.4.44) Cleopatra therefore forces her admittance into the male arena against the wishes of the patriarchal society. Obedience and silence were very much part of the patriarchal conception of femininity, a conception of which Cleopatra refuses to adhere to. She contrasts the traditional silent woman; Cleopatra ensures that her voice is heard. She mocks Antony and quarrels with him. Challenging him with a masculine aggression when they argue I would I had thine inches. Thou shouldst know/ There were a heart in Egypt(Shakespeare, 2001, 1.3.10). Spirited and passionate, such displays of assertion as her physical attack on the messenger informing her of Antonys marriage to Octavia are a far cry from the passive silent role of the feminine in patriarchal society. In passionate disbelief and anger, she draws a knife on the messenger and strikes him with her bare hands. Charmian tries to appease her by telling her Good madam keep yourself within yourself (Shakespeare, 2001, 2.5.55), but Cleopatra e scapes the bounds of self-composure and the repression of self-hood. Shakespeare uses Cleopatras death to portray her final act of disobedience against the patriarchal society, as she emphasizes her individual identity. Her death develops into a victory over Caesar, who symbolises patriarchal Rome, as when the guard is confronted with the sight of her death he exclaims Caesars beguiled(Shakespeare, 2001, 5.2.33). Cleopatras death allows her to rise above the repression of society; she embraces her death as positive rather than with sadness: My desolation does begin to make a better life . . . And it is great   To do that thing that ends all other deeds, Which shackles accidents and bolts up change (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.2.76) Even in death Cleopatra merges both feminine and masculine features, as she declares to take on male qualities of rationality and strength, I have nothing of woman in me. Now from head to foot/ I am marble constant (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.22). She chooses to reject the traditional feminine qualities of water and the changeability of the moon (Ott,2001,p21) and changes herself into air and fire (Shakespeare,2001, 5.1.43). Therefore she embraces masculinity and Rome by dying in the True Roman fashion (Ott,2001,p20). However Shakespeare is also able to illustrate her portrayal of the power of womanhood, by adapting the image of death into a portrait of sensuality and motherhood. The pain that she suffers is described as a lovers pinch (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.10) and the asp is depicted as a baby at my breast/That sucks the nurse asleep (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.9). Her death is so poignant that even Caesar, the symbol of patriarchy, acknowledges her valour and the irrefutable dignity of the woman who Took her own way (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.68). This representation of womanhood shows how Cleopatra transcends the stereotype of women in Shakespeares time. Despite that she meets her death at the end of the play; Shakespeare ensures that her mixture of masculine and femininity is ultimately respected by Caesar. She escapes punishment for displaying masculine traits, and hence transgressing her role of female, by having the power to take her own life. The respect shown by Caesar is perhaps Shakespeares own view, that this woman, who refuses to abide by the role that a patriarchal society has given her, should be admired. The description throughout the play of Cleopatra shows her in a strong and positive light In Titus Andronicus, the character Tamora does not abide by the role of a proper woman in a seventeenth century society. Tamora feels as though she has been ill-treated and repressed by the acts of a patriarchal society. Her actions in the play are an attempt to gain some kind of equality, however ultimately she meets her death as a consequence, perhaps proving the futility of such resistance in a male dominated landscape. The death of Tamoras son Arlarbus, we have performed/Our Roman rites: Alarbus limbs are lopped/And entrails feed the sacrificing fire (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.145) serves as the basis of the plot, as Tamora plots her revenge on Titus for this act of barbarity. However Tamora must establish herself within the patriarchal society to gain the necessary power to exact her revenge. This movement corresponds to the masculinisation of her character; as Lavinia says to her O Tamora, thou bearest a womans face, before being interrupted (Shakespeare, 2001. 2.2.135). This disruption of normative gender traits in part relates to the threat Tamora poses as a sexually experienced woman, compared to the submissive Lavinia. This factor, combined with her visibly feminine position as a mother, leads Titus to form his unique, cannibalistic strategy for revenge. The insult that Lavinia throws at Tamora is based upon the presumption of a binary system (Ott, 2001, p77). Lavinia is the obvious stereotypica l female; this is evident from the beginning of the play where she is the victim of a patriarchal struggle and the bargaining chip (Ott, 2001, p77) in a matrimonial dispute. Tamora contrasts Lavinia, in that she possesses the sexuality and body of a woman, but as revenge consumes her she abandons the restrictions placed upon her and transgresses her feminine role. Tamora and Lavinia serve as polar opposite representations of women, the active Tamora and the passive Lavinia. Shakespeare effectively gives a platform to question gender identity within the play: When agreed-upon identities or agreed-upon dialogic structures, through which already established identities are communicated, no longer constitute the theme or subject of politics, then identities can come into being and dissolve depending on the concrete practices that constitute them (Butler,2004, p28) This is relatable to Tamora as her character is a stereotypical woman that has been unhinged by her vengeful actions. The obedient identities, which come into being and dissolve(Butler, 2004,p28), rely upon the supposition of other characters; most strongly in the character of Tamora, as the volatile nature of her character is shown to be based upon her visual female features, and the performative expectations set upon her as a woman. According to Butlers theory the continuing violence and vengeance compromise the concrete practices that create identity. The incessant compliance to the female role shown by Lavinia, after her rape and maiming, seal her fate as she is killed by Titus at the end of the play. Whilst Tamoras choice to refuse the female role ensures that she meets a similarly grisly fate. Shakespeare uses both female characters as bodies on which he can project the power of a patriarchal society upon, as Tamoras rejection of it is contrasted to Lavinias acceptance of it. Tamoras clearest rejection of the patriarchal society is her sexual freedom, as Renaissance society viewed women as possessed of a powerful, potentially disruptive sexuality (Henderson, 1985, p66). An example of this disruptive power is when she gives birth to a child fathered by Aaron, the child is described as as loathsome as a toad/Amongst the fair-faced breeders of our clime, (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.2.59). This suggests that the child has a mixed ethnicity; her transgressive actions are damned by the patriarchal society: DEMETRIUS: By this our mother is for ever shamed. CHIRON: Rome will despise her for this foul escape. NURSE: The emperor in his rage will doom her death. (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.2.111) Society may have had a different reaction if Saturninus had been culpable of having a secret child, however as Tamora has shown her sexual freedom through her actions, she will be condemned. Her promiscuity marks her as a threat to the male controlled society as it signifies that she will not allow a man, or society to control her. Her control over men is demonstrated repeatedly as she manipulates Saturninus, Aaron and her sons. Her affair with Aaron is a direct attack against the oppression the Romans would attempt to force on her. Tamoras reaction to her newborn son is a fascinating example of female independence; she realizes the danger that giving birth to a mixed race, bastard child will place her in and she refuses to be caught in this trap. Tamora instead opts to save herself, by sacrificing her child, The empress sends it thee, thy stamp, thy seal/ And bids thee christen it with thy daggers point (Shakespeare, 2001,4.2.61); while this action seems cruel and heartless it is st ill a self-governing move. Women were expected to be wives and mothers, and a womans child should be her most cherished possession In Titus Andronicus Shakespeare uses both of the main females bodies as physical metaphors for the dominance of males in society. Lavinias body is used as an inscriptive site; Titus asks Saturninus Was it well done of rash Virginius/To slay his own daughter with his own right hand/Because she was enforced, stained and deflowered? (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.3.25) before carrying out the duty of Roman patriarchy. The laws of men are written upon Lavinia, with her stumps, disfigured mouth and knife wounds. Tamoras body effectively transforms into a vessel, as when she dies her stomach is filled with her sons remains, the punishment that Titus finds compulsory for transgressing against the patriarchal law. Whilst Tamora is punished harshly for her transgression, Lavinia also suffers despite fulfilling her role. In Shakespeares Hamlet, there are two main female characters. Ophelia embodies femininity, as she obeys the patriarchal society that cares for her and flourishes within its strict boundaries. Gertrude juxtaposes Ophelia, as Shakespeare uses the same technique found in Titus Andronicus, whereby he uses Tamora and Lavinia as a binary pair to highlight the effect of patriarchy on both the passive and active. Gertrude is negating to the traditional standard of femininity, her rejection of her gender role eventually leads to the collapse of the patriarchal ordered power structure as well as her own demise. Ophelia is shown to be willing to comply to the patriarchal society, for example when Polonius instructs her not to see Hamlet anymore, she replies I shall obey, my lord, (Shakespeare, 2003, 1.3.139). Gertrude contrasts her attitude and defies the expectations of her role as a woman; she is not admired for her beauty, and most importantly she does not attempt to hide her sexuality. When she marries Claudius, Hamlet accuses her of living in in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed (Shakespeare, 2003, 3.5.91). Whilst Gertude may be hurt by these words, she does not deny his accusation. She recognises her identity and does not attempt to lie and conform to what society and Hamlet wants her to be. Gertrude shows more transgression from her feminine role as she rebels against religion by marrying her own brother as this was considered incestuous as Claudius marries his sometime sister. Gertrude is duly punished for her transgressive actions at the end of the play ,as she insists upon drinking poisoned wine despite her husband informing her do not drink(Shakespeare, 2003,5.3.122). It is fitting that her final act of defiance leads to her downfall. She falls dead, revealing Claudius plan and assuring his death. Her disobedience is responsible for causing the death of the king and the collapse of the patriarchal hierarchy. Because of her powerful political position, Gertrudes refusal of her prescribed role has grave consequences. The patriarchal nature of the social order emphasizes and rewards the obedience of women. Butlers theory can again be applied to Ophelia, as she commits suicide when she loses her father, as he is the source of both order and authority. Her identity dissolves when he is gone as his patriarchal views where the concrete in her life, and her personality. Gertrude meets her death as she refuses to bow to authority. She transgresses from her role as a woman by rejecting it and openly exuding her sexuality, similarly to both Tamora and Cleopatra, and is punished for her continued disobedience when she accidentally poisoned. Shakespeares punishment of female transgression is a complex subject to surmise. Whilst the three transgressive female characters in the three plays all meet their death, and hence can be considered to be punished by Shakespeare for transgressing their feminine role, it is not that black and white. Cleopatras death differs from both Tamora and Gertrudes death as she retains the power that she exhibits throughout the play, by taking her own life. Whilst Tamora and Gertrude are punished for transgressing their female role, Cleopatra escapes this fate Caesar, and shows respect for the woman who Took her own way (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.68). This could be construed as Shakespeare implying that women should not be chastised for not conforming to the standard female role, but instead be respected. This creates an intriguing dilemma when reading Hamlet and Titus Andronicus as Tamora and Gertrude deaths are not of their own will, and it can be interpreted is their punishment by society for th eir overt sexuality and disobedience to the patriarchal order. However both women are joined in death by their polar opposites in Ophelia and Lavinia, two women who complied implicitly with the rules of society, and fulfilled their expected role. This essay has considered that by applying Butlers theory, it can be concluded it is because of Tamora and Gertrudes transgression that women who obey society are harmed when it is brought down by others. This makes the two women culpable for their deaths, and adds another dimension to the debate as these women have been punished, yet they did not transgress from their prescribed role. This leads me to conclude that whilst some critics may laud Shakespeare as the first feminist, his ultimate stance is one of confusion. Whilst Cleopatra is presented as a woman able to embody both male and female attributes, she ultimately dies, even though it is by her own hand. Tamora and Gertrude also meet their death for transgressing their role; hence my conclusion is that Shakespeare displays the punishment of these women to show that their society is not ready to accept a woman like Cleopatra who is shown to be equal to man, as seventeenth century society is still stuck in the same rigid, patria rchal power structure as depicted in ancient Egypt. His presentation of her is undeniably one of admiration, which leads me to conclude that his punishment of women, innocent or guilty of transgression, is a depiction of a society not yet ready for a trasngressive woman, equal to man and that in seventeenth century society Women who comply with the social order are lost without it; those who defy it can know no other fortune than to be lost within it( Dollimore, 2003, p211).

The Emancipation Proclamation :: American America History

The Emancipation Proclamation The Emancipation Proclamation led to the end of slavery, and is one of the most controversial documents in American history. Human slavery was the focus of political conflict in the United States from the 1830s to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate for presidency in 1860, personally abhorred slavery and was pledged to prevent it from spreading to western territories. At the same time he believed that the Constitution did not allow federal government to prohibit slavery in states where it already existed. The election of Lincoln led to the secession of eleven slave-holding states and the beginning of the civil war. The states feared Lincoln would restrict their right to do as they chose about the question of black and white, so they went about creating the Confederate South. Four slave-holding states remained in the Union however; Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware. During the first part of the war, abolitionists and some military leaders urged Lincoln to issue a proclamation freeing the slaves. They argued that such a policy would benefit the North because slaves were contributing greatly to the Confederate war effort. By doing most of the South's farming and factory work, slaves made whites available for the Confederate army. But still Lincoln feared that him freeing the slaves would divide the North, he believed that the four slave-holding states would secede if he adopted such a policy, and he saw them as vital to the survival of the Union By 1862 large numbers of slaves were escaping and seeking refuge with Union armies. Lincoln recognized that the extraordinary pressure of the war was gradually destroying the institution of slavery, even without legal emancipation. In July 1862 Lincoln read a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet. One of his ministers suggested that the President wait to issue it until after the Union victory, so that it would not sound like the last desperate act of a loosing government. Lincoln agreed and waited for his generals to win the war. The battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single day of the war. Robert E. Lee's Confederate army retreated after the battle, allowing Union general George B. McClellan to claim victory. Five days later, on September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. It stated that if the rebelling states did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare their slaves to be "forever free".

Living Alone Essay

At some point in our lives we must all grow up. Growing up usually involves moving out on one’s own and beginning one’s journey to adulthood. Amongst the many aspects of becoming an adult, with adulthood often comes living alone. Living alone is not easy but it’s a part of growing up. There are often times in my life that I wish I never had to grow up. To live alone can have both advantages and disadvantages and it isn’t the best decision for everyone. There can be many advantages to living alone. When one lives alone he/she can dictate his/her life as he/she sees fit. One does not have to consider another person’s preferences when it comes to food, chores, nor entertainment. An especially important advantage of living alone is also the fact that you learn independence and responsibility because you must remember about paying bills on time or about doing your own shopping for your own necessities. You learn to take care of yourself and not depend on others to do things for you. Despite the many advantages of living on your own there are still quite a few disadvantages. When you live alone you are actually alone. It can be especially difficult for those whom enjoy a lot of social interaction because quite honestly, living alone gets lonely. Having a place of your own requires a lot of responsibility. When you are on your own you don’t have anyone to help you. Help with chores, cooking, and especially financial needs can definitely be the deal breaker on whether or not one can actually handle living alone. Living alone is not meant for the faint of heart. There are people in society who find it quite difficult to not have companionship. Some people do not want to make any compromise and deliberately choose to live alone. I believe that anyone can adjust without companionship after some time. As a young women living on my own I find it most difficult to maintain a work, school, and social life balance. I have to work often to afford my bills. When I am not working I am attending school. There isn’t much time left for a social life. Truth is living alone is not easy. There are both good and bad sides to being on your own. A person shouldn’t move out on his/her own unless he/she is committed to being responsible. Despite all the good and the bad aspects there is no doubt that one must learn responsibility in order to live alone. One must make sacrifices and prioritize one’s life accordingly. Growing is never going to be easy but it can be worth the entire struggle.

If I Could Live Here!

If I could live in one place out of the country I probably would have to say I would live somewhere in Italy, either in Rome, Venice, or Tuscany. I have always admired Italy because of its beautiful scenery and the magnificent architecture. If I were to live in Italy I would not live in the big city even though it is full of wonderful adventures around every corner and the buildings are magnificent I would probably end up living somewhere out in the country side because of the scenery that is there. All of the antique houses and the magnificent vineyards are just simply breathtaking. If I were to live in Rome, Italy I probably would live in the city because that is where all of their architecture is like the Colosseum, or the Trevi fountain, or Saint Peters Basilica. I would love just waking up in the morning and looking out of my window and seeing these magnificent buildings and being able to enjoy the nightlife. If I were to live in Venice I would probably also live in the city but I would live along the canal because I love the way it looks during the day and night when you are along the canal and the soothing sound of the water. I would also like to live in Venice because of the boat rides that you can take around because I think that would be a fun way to get around anyplace that you go. And if I lived in Tuscany I would defiantly live in the country because the scenery there is simply breathtaking and I would own a small little vineyard and live in a cute little antique house. I love the idea of living in the country because it just looks amazing in the morning at the break of dawn and at sunset. So as you can probably already tell Italy would be my ideal place to live because I just love it. Because not only is it remote and you can stay out of the busyness of the city and go live in the country if that is what you like. But if you like living in the city and seeing all of the architecture. And that’s what I like about Italy is its versatility.