everybody's free

One of my friends posted this song on Facebook, and I felt inspired by it.

The following are some of my favorite quotes from the song:

"The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind."

"Do one thing everyday that scares you."

"Don't be reckless with other people's hearts...and don't put up with people who are reckless with yours."

"Keep your old love letters."

"Get to know your parents, you'll never know when they'll be gone for good."

"Be nice to your siblings, they're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future."

"Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on."

"Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, becasue the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young."

"Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard."

"Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft."

"Travel."

"Respect your elders."

"Don't expect anyone else to support you."

do ubuntu

My upcoming trip to South Africa has gotten me googling and researching in anticipation. I've seen pictures of the beautiful city of Cape Town, animals that I only thought I would see in The Lion King, the excitement surrounding the World Cup, and stories of poverty and suffering.

Even though I can't wait to spend 18 days in a country I know hardly anything about, I feel a little guilty for not using the time to help volunteer like many people do when they go to exotic locations such as this. Most people who participate in these programs find ways to do so through their church groups, etc., and although I won't be helping these children and adults face-to-face, I have found a way to help.

For $15, I will buy a "do ubuntu" bracelet, and you should too! Buying a bracelet directly benefits women affected by HIV/AIDS and children who have been orphaned by the epidemic.

I would purchase it right after I hit publish on this blog, but I want to ensure that I receive the bracelet when I get back from my trip. Perhaps I'll buy one so that it arrives soon after I return.

it's time to relax

I don't remember where I found this list, but I know that I found it eye-opening. I have this list saved on my desktop, and whenever I'm feeling stressed I read it. It helps me relax just by thinking of doing two or more items on the list. Now that it's summer and I won't have so much on my plate, I am going to start doing everything on the list. That way, by the fall semester, these stress-free techniques will be second nature and I will be forever relaxed.

Get up 15 minutes earlier. Prepare for the morning the night before. Don't rely on your memory...WRITE things down. Repair things that don't work properly. Make duplicate keys. Say "no" more often. Set priorities in your life. Avoid negative people. Always make copies of important papers. Ask for help with jobs you dislike. Break large tasks into bite-sized portions. Look at problems as challenges. Smile more. Be prepared for rain. Schedule a play time into every day. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Take a bubble bath. BELIEVE IN YOU. Visualize yourself winning. Develop a sense of humor. Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better today. Have goals for yourself. Say hello to a stranger. Look up at the stars. Practice breathing slowly. Do brand new things. Stop a bad habit. Take stock of your achievements. Do it today. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Look at a work of art. Maintain your weight. Plant a tree. Stand up and stretch. Always have a plan B. Learn a new doodle. Learn to meet your own needs. Become a better listener. Know your limitations and let others know them too. Throw a paper airplaine. Exercise everyday. Get to work early. Clean out one closet. Take a different route to work. Leave work early (with permission). Remember you always have options. Quit trying to "fix" other people. Get enough sleep. Praise other people. Relax, take each day at a time...you have the rest of your life to live.

i'd like to say thank you

Thank you.

Thank you to my family.

Thank you to my three brothers, who are all so different, but together they have made me who I am today.

Thank you to my Mom for spending every waking hour with me when I lived at home. And not to mention falling asleep with me in front of the countless romantic comedies we watched in our family room.

Thank you to my Dad for loving me always and literally giving me the world since our first trip to Paris, France when I was ten.

Thank you to my sister for being my best friend since we were in the womb together. How many people can say that on their 20th birthday that they have been inseperable from their best friend for 20 years and 9 months? We are closer than sisters, we were two peas in a pod, and we will be forever together.

Thank you to my best friend, who has become a sister that I never thought I would have. She is a part of my family and she knows me better than I know myself. Thank you for always being there, for the long talks, and for helping me as I change into the girl I will become.

Thank you for making me, ME.