Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Sun Also Rises...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.


# 39 Every now and then... see the sun rise.

Sunsets, as I have mentioned before are a lot easier to catch than a sunrise. Sunrises are a bit more mysterious and vague. Though we get one everyday, we are all usually tucked safely in our beds when it happens.  A sunset can be a serendipitous occurrence that we just happen to stop and watch. A view of the sunrise, however, usually requires a plan.
Here, in New York City, the city that never sleeps, I sometimes don't get home until the sun is making her first appearance of the morning. I work late, so I hang out late. Sometimes, if I'm really lucky, I get to ride across the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn just as the sun is beginning to rise over the East River. Brooklyn to one side and The Empire State to the other. Trust me, the East River has never looked as beautiful as it does at sunrise on the bridge after a night out. Most of the time that harbor just has the appearance of filth, but at sunrise, everything has terrific gleam about it.
As much as I love this sunrise, it is not, however, my favorite sunrise. My favorite sunrise of all time was at the top of Haleakala, the highest point in Maui, Hawaii. It stands at 10,025 feet. You have to get up at 2am, and drive the hour and a half drive from Lahaina to the top of the mountain. You start out at sea level wearing shorts and tank tops and you end up at 10,000 plus feet wearing coats, hats, and scarves. The elevation causes the temperature to drop drastically. You get out of the car and go with your friends to huddle by the railing and wait for the sun to rise. You are standing above the clouds and it feels as if you are on top of the world. All of a sudden, the sky below you begins to turn the slightest shade of pink and then before you know it you are surrounded by the most majestic collection of colors that ever existed on earth.
Religious or not, which I happen to be, you stand on top of that mountain at sunrise and at least for a moment know that God exists.
I encourage everyone to make date with the sunrise. It may require rearranging your sleep schedule for one or two nights, but its worth it. If you have roof access, go see it from there. If you live near a big hill, go sit and watch the night turn into day.

Recommended read: The Sun Also Rises    By Ernest Hemingway

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

On Live Music

Shanna, Betty, Moira, Annie, with RCPM in the UK
As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not    agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 38 Find a band that you love

I love live music. I have been to many concerts in my life. Country, rock and roll, Christian, Punk, Alternative, Funk, and even a UK American Heavy Metal cover band called Trigger. There is one band that I will follow for as long as they let me. (Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers ) I have seen them in New York; Nashville; New Jersey; Baltimore; Chicago; Falls Church, VA; Philly; Madison; WI; Jacksonville, Fl; Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, and also in Mexico and The UK (Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Bristol, Nottingham, Barton-on Humbar.) I guess I am what you might call a groupie. Like the lovely Penny Lane in Almost Famous, I prefer band aid.
Now don't go getting the wrong idea. I happen to adore these guys. I have been following them for so long that they know me. We actually have conversations. I have met some of my very closest friends at their shows and now there is a group of us who travel around together to see them. Not only does it make for great road trips with your friends, but it also is a terrific way to travel.  I have purchased all of their music and put them on mixed Cd's for my friends, just so I can introduce more people to them. My friends and I bake them cookies and bring them presents, and occasionally they play the songs we request.
The main reason that their fans love them as much as they do, besides the music of course, is the fact that they are so grateful for us. They will stand outside after a show and talk to every single person who wants to talk to them or have their picture made or have one more thing signed.
I'm not saying that you have to go to the extremes that I do because I love a band, but I do think that you should find a band whose music inspires you. These guys get me through hard times, cheer me on in good times, comfort me when I need a good cry, and they always give me a good excuse for a road trip. I encourage you to find your own Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, or mine, I'm willing to share. Find a band that can help you get through whatever life throws your way.
Recommended watch: Almost Famous, Recommended Listen: Americano

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Puddle Jumping

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know taht they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 37 Jump barefoot in puddles

For the last three days in New York City it has been raining. All of the women on New York and even some men have adorned their rain boots, goulashes, and raincoats. Everyone is so concerned about getting their feet wet. On days like today, when the ground is covered with terrific puddles, and as I step in one I realize that my rain boot has a hole in it, I am taken back to the days of childhood.
When I was a little girl, my mom and I would always go walk around the neighborhood barefoot after a big storm. Don't worry, I am not encouraging all of NYC to start walking barefoot after a rain, but you should go somewhere once in your life where this kind of behavior is acceptable.
My mom and I would walk all over the neighborhood seeking out the best puddles. We would roll up our pants and go puddle jumping. We would splash and carry on like we were both children. We would laugh and squeal and every time we got to a really big one, we would take hands and count to three. ONE! TWO! THREE! JUMP! Sometimes we were having so much fun that some of the neighbors would come out and join us. I always looked forward to a rain, because that meant that mom and I could go jumping in the puddles.
No matter how old you are, child or child at heart, you can still do this. Go out after a rain on a warm day and jump barefoot in puddles until your little heart's content. I promise that it will, at least momentarily, make you forget all your worries. It has the power to make grown ups feel like children again, and to make children feel as if they never want to grow up.
Recommended reading: Jumping in Puddles by, Claire Allan

Monday, September 27, 2010

Take Birth Control

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe there are somethings that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. You may not agree with all of them and they may not work for everybody, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 36 TAKE BIRTH CONTROL

I know you all just gasped collectively, but this is an issue that needs to be discussed. My nieces are certainly not old enough for this conversation, but many nieces are and 75% of nieces get this discussion from their aunts, not their moms. I am certainly not recommending that everyone go out and start having sex. Actually just the opposite.
First, I would like to say this. It is highly unlikely that you will marry the boy you are so in love with in high school. It is also highly unlikely that you will marry the boy you date for all of your freshman year of college. Finish high school. Graduate. Go to college. Get a degree. Figure out who you are before you make the decision to become a parent, because really, every time you have sex, you are making that decision, either consciously or not.
If you are going to be insistent and do it anyway, take birth control. Use condoms. In today's society there are so many ways to get free birth control that not using some form, or as many forms as you can, is just pure stupidity on your part.
You want to have a life and if you get pregnant at 16 or 21 or at any other time before you have at least attempted to have that life, you could very possibly spend the rest of your life regretting it. So many people, young and old, get caught up in this whole place where they will do anything to fit it. "All the cool kids are having sex." First of all, you have no proof that this is true. Second of all, all the cool kids wouldn't be so cool if they all had babies on their hips.
Just something to think about.

Recommended Watch: Fifteen and Pregnant

Friday, September 24, 2010

Imaginary Friends

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by, or wish I did.

# 35 Don't fall in love with your imaginary friend

I'm not technically talking about actual imaginary friends. Let's say you meet someone. Instantly you feel a sort of connection to that person, whether it be friendship or something more.  I hear people all the time say things like "oh he brings out the best in me." I'm not really sure how I feel about that. Everyday we let people into our lives, and we have to decide in what capacity we will keep them in our lives. Passing ship. Romantic relationship. Friends. What are we supposed to do when we meet someone, decide where to categorize them and then it turns out that they weren't who we thought they were?
I recently had the opportunity to get very close to someone. I wasn't being a stupid girl when I decided that I wanted to date this person. He was so great and different from anybody I had ever dated before. We had so much fun and we spent months, not dating, but building a relationship. We poured our hearts out to one another for a good part of the year, still not dating. I believed everything he told me, whole heartedly, because why shouldn't I? We were really close and so why shouldn't I trust him?
Cut to.... I found out through a sort of mutual friend that this person had created a whole new persona for when they were with me.
I felt as if I had fallen in love with my imaginary friend. I felt that I needed someone in my life so much that I allowed myself to be deceived by this person. It turns out that he wasn't at all the person he was when he was with me. It turns out that all of those big statements about who he was were false.
Now, I am not posting this so you all can feel sorry me. Actually quite the opposite. I am still having trouble grasping why you would create an entire personality just to be close to someone else. Maybe he enjoyed who he was with me. Maybe he was just personality shopping. I don't know.
My advice to you, is to try not to fall in love with your imaginary friend. Many people come into our lives on a daily basis and some of them are just big fat liars. I don't know how you can tell the difference, but if you are going to give any part of your heart to someone else, try your best to make sure that they aren't going to transform into their actual person after they have it.

Recommended Reading: If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Take in strays

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces out there, or really anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 34 Take in strays... pets and people

When I was three years old, our neighbors across the street had an old animal cage that they put out for the garbage men. We had some other neighbors who had fifteen dogs. In the middle of the night, I remember the entire neighborhood waking up to horrible sounds of dogs whining and screeching. Those horrible people had put all of their dogs into this tiny cage and left town. My entire household met in the hallway and my mom put on her housecoat and went outside. I watched from the front porch as people walked with beautiful dogs. Some of them were purebred, and some of them were soft and cuddly. I watched as my mom just stood back and let everyone leave.
"Daddy, why doesn't she take one?," I asked.
"She's waiting for the right one," he told me.
I didn't understand and I sat there waiting not so patiently. Finally my mom was the only one left standing in front of that animal cage. She opened it and gently pulled out the ugliest puppy that any of us had ever seen.
My mom waited because she knew that there would be one dog, possibly two, that no one would take home with them. She brought him home and my brother decided that since he was so pathetic, he needed a tough name.
Killer was one of the best dogs that ever walked the earth. He lived to be almost 18. He loved the snow and he LOVED a good good sick day. He loved chocolate covered cherries and would only drink water out of a cup. He was a stray and my mom gave him a chance.
She gave a lot of people a chance too.
When my sister and I were both in the tenth grade, (not at the same time), there was a boy in each of our classes who never brought a lunch, and never had money to buy one. My mom made both of those boys lunch for an entire school year, complete with the same happy face on the sandwich Ziploc, and the encouraging note on the napkin.
In college, it was always understood that if one of my friends or acquaintances couldn't get home for the weekend or a holiday then they would spend it with me and my family. My dad has come home from work many times when there was a stranger sleeping on our couch. He never questioned, he just waved or went about his way.
Sometimes you just have to give people, and animals the time of day. They might not have anyone in the world who is nice to them until you come along.
My parents now have a new dog, Saffron. Saffron is purebred Weimaraner who my cousin found eating out of a dumpster. He knew that as soon as my parent met her, she would have a home. It also didn't hurt that I happened to be home that day.
Take in strays, you never know how much joy they can bring to your life until you give it a shot.
Recommended reading: A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
(A DOG'S LIFE) THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A STRAY BY Martin, Ann M.(Author)Paperback{A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray}

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Toilet Paper

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of advice for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 33 Toilet paper

Okay, you really have to go. You are out in public and you're in a hurry. Perhaps it is the day after Thanksgiving and everyone and their mother is trying to do their Christmas shopping. You are in the mall and you have been standing in line for a good 37 minutes. It is finally your turn. You rush into the stall, shut the door and sit down. I am not even going to go into the fact that you just sat down. You relieve yourself and then you pull off the few squares of toilet paper that it takes for you.
First of all, you have no idea who touched that first piece of toilet paper before you did. You have no idea what was on their hand when they touched it.
Now there are a lot of things that happen in bathrooms that don't bother me. I rarely use those seat cover things and I am not really even a hoverer, though I do at least look at the seat before I sit on it. I NEVER, EVER just willingly use the first piece of toilet paper. I ALWAYS tear it off and use a fresh piece that has never been exposed.
What if the the person before sneezed and had the flu and wiped their hand on that particular piece of TP? What if they dribbled on themselves while wiping and instinctively wiped their hand on that piece of TP? GROSS!!!!!!
As an aunt, when my nieces were old enough to potty by themselves, but still needed help, this was the first piece of advice that I remember passing on. I think I may have even made it up, but one day in Chucky Cheese's, I watched in slow motion as my oldest niece was about to reach for the first piece of toilet paper, dangling there so innocently. "NOOOOOOOOOO" I screeched as I pulled it off and explained to her why she had to tear it off and get a new one.
Please people, tear off the first piece. it will at least help me sleep at night to think that you are practicing safe bathroom procedures.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Sunsets are God's watercolors

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say that everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I think that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned from living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 32 Enjoy sunsets

One of my great aunts always told me that sunsets are God's watercolors. They are the art that He gets inspired to paint every single day.  Not only does each day bring a different sunset, but the location of your sunset is also very different from someone else's sunset. The people in New York experience a very different sunset than the people standing on the beaches of Maui. A sunset over the ocean is completely different from a sunset over the dessert or behind a city skyline.
I have witnessed many different sunsets in my day. I have seen the sun set behind the mountains of Maui from an airplane. I have watched the sun sink behind another island while standing on the beach. I have watched the sun fall behind the Empire State Building and the entire skyline seems to stay orange for at least an hour. I have paused in Mexico and seen the desert sky melt into a thousand shades of pink, orange, red, yellow and a thousand other colors that don't even have names. The sunsets in the mountains of Tennessee are beautiful as the sun nestles her head in the valleys before finally disappearing for the night. I have stood in front of the Eiffel Tower and watched the sun paint a backdrop of an orange colored Sac re Cour as the Eiffel Tower stood tall and proud.
Sunsets are beautiful. The next time that you have the opportunity to enjoy one, please stop where you are and enjoy. Each one you get is like a previously unopened gift. It is new and fresh every time. If God takes the time to paint a thousand different ones for us every day, then the least we can do is take a few moments to enjoy them.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

New York City

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 31 SEE NEW YORK CITY

Though I personally think that everyone should live here, I am not going to advise that. There are so many people here as it is. However, I am going to advise you to at least see it. New York City is one of the world's best cities. When someone comes to New York and steps out of the subway into Times Square for the first time, it is like when Alice stepped in Wonderland. You come out from underground and stop. Your jaw drops and you are in a state of complete disbelief. This is probably when I am on my way to work and I run into you from behind, but that is beside the point.
There are so many wonderful things to see and do in NYC. So many wonderful places to eat and drink. Don't worry, the people aren't really as rude as everyone seems to think, just don't ask stupid questions. There are some rules that you should follow though. #1: Tip your servers! #2 Your concierge is there to answer questions for you about restaurants, parks, shops, clubs, etc. Your server in the restaurant you are eating at is there to serve you your food.
Now that's enough about me. Let's talk about you.
There are so many things to do here, so don't be discouraged if you cannot squeeze them all into one trip. Also, depending on the season there are many varieties in the list of things to do. Here are a few major stopping points which incidentally can all be done in one day as long as the stops at each are brief.
Battery Park (Statue of Liberty), China Town, Union Square, Harold Square (AKA Macy's and the Empire State Building), Times Square, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center (PS the view is better from The Top of the Rock than from the top of The Empire State Building) 5th Avenue, and then a nice stroll in Central Park where you should row a boat and see the Alice statue and the Bethezda Fountain. The one day tour is a nice way to get acquainted with our lovely city. Then from there you can decide which places are deserving of your further exploration. Thank you and please come again.
See New York. This is mandatory.
Reccomended Reading: Not For Tourists: New York City




On time...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them I learned from my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all the nieces and nephews out there.They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 30 On time is fifteen minutes early

I know exactly where I learned this valuable piece of advice. It  was not from a parent or an aunt. It was from a director of mine, the late Kimber Cox. When I was twelve I got accepted into a theatre troop for teens at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN. It was called "And so Forth" and I felt like a Broadway star. Kimber Cox was the director and he was a wonderful man. He was tolerant of a lot of things, but tardiness was not one of them. He was very patient when it came to giggling or whispered conversations, however he would always say, "On time is fifteen minutes early," and then we would all have to repeat it back to him. This was a ritual every time we left and until we met again.
I always wondered why fifteen minutes was such a big deal. Why didn't he just tell us we needed to be there fifteen minutes early to begin with, then we would all have been on time. It took at least until I started driving to figure it out. If school starts at 7:15 and you get there at 7:15, you are guaranteed to be late. No matter what. By the time you park your car and get to your locker and chat with your friends, you are guaranteed to slide into homeroom at least fifteen minutes later.
The same goes for work. My shift starts at 4:45, at 4:46, I am late. If I arrive at 4:40, by the time I get upstairs, say hello to everyone along the way, gulp some soda, change my clothes and use the ladies room, I am royally late. If I arrive at 4:30, it is exactly enough time to do all of the things mentioned above and be in the meeting on time. Wow, it's amazing.
It took me a really long time to understand the full significance of this proverb, but now that I have it, I can't even tell you the last time I was late and it was my fault. Or really the last time I was late.
On time is fifteen minutes early. You'll never be late again.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

At least you aren't...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them I learned from my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 29 At least you aren't in jail.

How often to we complain? We have a bad day and we walk around talking about how badly the day sucks. I work in the service industry and I have found that we all complain A LOT! Many of my co workers complain when it is slow. They complain when it is hot. They complain when it is busy. They complain when they don't get tipped, or when they don't get tipped enough. They complain when certain managers are there, or when certain managers aren't there. They complain when they are in the front and will not get cut. They complain when they are in the back and will get cut. I have to admit that occasionally I am also guilty of these complaints.
I recently have adopted a new philosophy where complaints are concerned. When I hear people complaining about something stupid, I smile and say " At least you aren't in jail. At least you aren't in the hospital or dead." Sometimes I even say it to myself out loud, because I know no one else will.
Don't get me wrong, many complaints are valid. However, many are not.
Usually when I say this to someone, they physically stop, think about it for just a second, and either thank me or make some snarky remark about what an optimist I am.  I try to always be optimistic, but sometimes the grass really does seem greener on the other side.
If you stop and think about it, it's true. Things in your life might not be going exactly as you had planned. You may be stuck in some job that you don't really love. You may feel as if your boyfriend will never put that ring on your finger. You could be going through any number of things in life. However, you have a job, and though you might not love it, it pays the bills. You are not physically incapable. If you are complaining at work then i know for certain that you are not in jail, in the hospital or dead.
The next time you are about to complain, please think about my words. Perhaps you could say something positive instead.

Monday, September 13, 2010

"As Seen on TV"

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 28 As seen on TV = JUNK!!!!!

I can see you now. You are sitting alone in your apartment eating leftovers out of the container. You are watching the Hallmark Movie Channel because you can never get away with it when the other people are home. All of a sudden, the movie you are watching goes to commercial. Suddenly there it is, the one thing you never knew you needed until just this very moment. Maybe it is a Shake Weight, or a purse organizer, or a triangular shaped paint thingy. Ooh, or maybe a magnetic clasp that allows you to put on your own jewelry. You sit through the entire commercial, just biting at your nails so that you don't buy it. The commercial goes off and you quickly forget about the object of your dreams. Until... one day you are at Walgreen's, or CVS and there right in front of you is the coveted object you saw on TV the other day. It is screaming at you with its bright red "AS SEEN ON TV" logo. You stop and look at it. You walk around the store and try to forget. You get everything on your list and as you continue to the check out line, suddenly there it is again. You look around to see if anyone is watching you. You decide that no one is and have a brief conversation with yourself about how $20 is not really that much to lose, especially if it works. You go to pick it up and are silently hoping there is no need for a price check. You reach for it and your finger tips almost touch it...
STOP! DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!
This is where I must intervene. Trust me, whatever it is that you are about to put in your shopping cart, Don't. I love the price of convenience. I have been suckered into buying many things that I saw on television. I owned on of those triangular paint thingies for about 3 minutes before I got so angry that I literally threw it out the window. I was also briefly in possession of some dance workout video that I graciously "loaned to a friend" and never looked back. The steps were not beginner, but more like the American Dance Academy.
Everything I have ever purchased with this logo on it was a solid, piece of JUNK. I can't even begin to tell you how many I have tried, but I can certainly tell you that not a single one of them is still in my possession.
Do yourself a favor. Do not be seduced by the price of convenience. Nothing is convenient if you have to explain to your landlord why it is lying in the front yard.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

You always lose...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life, I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 27 You always lose expensive sunglasses.

This may seem simple, and even silly, but IT IS TRUE!!!!!! I have been through quite a few pairs of sunglasses in my day. I have worn all different styles of sunglasses. Big and chunky, Jackie O's, John Lennons, pink hard plastic, aviators, etc. You name the type, I have probably owned a pair. When I was a teenager I always insisted that I had a really cool, expensive pair of whatever kind of sunglasses were cool at the time. I have spent many a dollar on shades.
One day I finally realized that I was spending so much money on my really cool sunglasses because I kept losing them. They kept disappearing. I would leave them in the tanning bed, when it was still cool to go to the tanning bed. I would set them down and never find them again. I would let someone borrow them and never get them back. I am convinced that my 1991 Buick Skylark ate quite a few pairs of them. Regardless, I noticed that every pair of sunglasses that I spent more than $15 on always disappeared.
One day I decided to stock up on cheap pairs. I would buy the 2 for $5 deal at Wet Seal or Claires. I even bought a few pairs of sunglasses at the Dollar Tree and places like that. I bought ten pairs of cheap, but still cute sunglasses when I was 20 years old. It took me until I was 25 to go through all of them. I did not lose a single pair. I sat on a couple, my niece took advantage of at least three pairs, and my weimeriner enjoyed a couple as a snack one day.
To this day I still have two pairs of them. I have been wearing the same pair of $3 aviator sunglasses since May of 2008. That, my friends was two and a half years ago.
It isn't a science, and you may not believe me, but the next time you go for the Chanel or the D & G, or the Oakleys, please stop for a moment and hear my words. You always lose expensive sunglasses. Always.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Remember where you were...

Saturday, September 11, 2010. Tonight in New York City, the blue towers of lights shine high into the sky. They are bigger than the bat symbol, but are still calling for help. The lights of the Empire State Building are red, white and blue. All across the city today, everyone could collect an assortment of free flags, necklaces, posters, etc. Today is a day of remembrance.

#26 Remember where you were

I am certain that everyone in America who was at least 7 years old, nine years ago, remembers where they were when it happened; when the tragedy of 9/11 struck our country and sent everyone into shock and panic. My parents still can recall where they were when JFK was shot. They can also tell you exactly what they were doing when John Lennon and Elvis died. Before their passing, my grandparents could still give a complete account of December 7, 1941 as well as the day WWII finally ended. These are not moments that we remember because we have to. These are moments that we remember because we can't imagine not remembering them.

On September 11, 2001, I was in my first semester as a freshman at Blue Mountain College. I came downstairs and everyone was crowded in the TV room in my dorm. I was on my way to acting class. I watched a few horrible moments of the repeating footage and then I went to class in a state of shock. I went to class and my professor, before dismissing us, asked us each to write a monologue inspired by the days events. I left class and proceeded to watch the footage for the rest of the day. I spent some time trying to get in touch with people I knew in NYC at the time. I cried because it seemed like the right thing to do. I called my mom. I was hurt and angry and sad. I gave blood and helped raise funds for the Red Cross. I felt as if there was nothing I could do to actually make a difference.

When events happen in our lives, events that will be talked about in history books forever, we have to remember them, one way or another. Perhaps some write them down. Perhaps some go out the next day and buy a paper or a magazine, just to have. Even though these are tragic and we might not want to remember them, we must. One day, my children will come home from school and ask me if I remember, just like I did when Irealized that my parents had been alive when JFK was shot. I need to be able to tell them where I was and what I was doing. Who I was with. Why? Because that is now part of who I am. It is now part of who I will be from now on. It is part of what this is country is now and it is a part of our history.

Friday, September 10, 2010

At the very least...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of advice for all the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each one is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 25 If you meet someone that you really want to have a conversation with, but just don't have the time, at the very least give that person your phone number.

This is a rule that I am actually still trying to teach myself. Twice in the last month, I have serendipitously ran into someone that I really wanted to have a conversation with. Both were men that I immediately felt a tiny connection with. One of them was outside a theatre. I was waiting for my roommate to come out after his show. This really handsome man came up to me and asked if he could borrow a pen. We chatted very briefly and then my roommate came out and all was forgotten. We went to dinner and when I came back down the street the guy was still sitting, waiting. I got about halfway down the block, on my way to an audition, realized that I really would like to at least have coffee with this guy. I wrote my number down on a scrap of paper and went back to the steps he was sitting on and... HE WAS GONE! Ugh! I had finally gotten up the nerve up to give him my number and, really... he was gone.
Then yesterday I literally ran into this really hot guy coming out of the elevator at the building where I am rehearsing for the show that I was auditioning for when I met the other hot guy. Hmmm... perhaps my destiny is somehow connected with this show.... but anyway, I digress.
I was waiting for the elevator and the door opened and this tall, beautiful man walked out. I batted my eyes at him coyly, politely said "sorry", and got on the elevator. We totally made eyes until the elvator doors closed.
I was so early for rehearsal... I absolutely could have gotten off the elevator and at the very least given him my number. But... I didn't. I don't know why I didn't, but I can't seem to stop wishing I did.
All I'm saying is this... you don't have time to learn their entire life story... fine. You don't have time to grab coffee... fine. But, if you think even for one second that this person will still be on your mind tomorrow... then please, at the very least give this person your number. They may not call you. They may throw your number away as soon as your turn your head, but at least you will have the confidence in knowing that you did all you could do and you got the ball out of your court. This advice is for me as well as all of you.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Sometimes you just have to...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So here it is. A year's worth of advice for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 24 Sometimes you just have to eat dessert first.

I am sure you have probably heard this one before. At least, I know I have. I am not sure when this philosophy was first introduced to me, but I have cherished it for a very long time.
You go out to a restaurant. You sit down and you either pass a case with desserts in it, or perhaps the dessert menu is a permanent fixture on the table. Or I have heard that in some of the more fancy eating establishments, someone pushes the desserts around on a cart. Regardless of how the desserts are presented, you want one. You are going to try to save room for it, but the possibility of that actaully happening is slim to none. Maybe you are trying to shed a few pounds for whatever reason. Perhaps you are on a date and you don't want to seem like a piggy. However, you can't get that dessert off your mind. It's there, taunting you, tempting you. The waiter comes over to the table to take your order and before you know it he is asking you want you would like. Without even an ounce of restraint you blurt out "I'll have the triple chocolate fudge cake with a side of ice cream."
You look around to make sure what you have done is acceptable. Perhaps you look to your date for some sort of approval.
Don't worry. There are many worse things you can do besides endulging yourself in a little dessert. Here's what I think. You want dessert, but you know you will never have room for it after the gigantic feast you are about to consume. Who cares if everyone in the restaurant is staring at you? You are never going to be satisfied until you get that one dessert that your heart has already been set on. You can either continue to return to this restaurant with the hope of finally saving room, or you can simply suck it up and eat dessert first. If, afterwards, you have room for actual food, then feel free to order on appetizer or even a whole meal if you are still that hungry. Don't miss out because you think it is improper or the wrong thing to do. If you want dessert, eat dessert.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Dance Breaks

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is, a year's worth of advice for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 23 Break it down

You are sitting alone in your bedroom and possibly your roommate is sitting alone in his bedroom. You are both working under a deadline and trying to accomplish whatever it is that you are trying to accomplish. Your eyes feel like they are going to bleed from starring at the computer screen. You are trying to decide between brewing more coffee or switching back to Mountain Dew. Your energy is gone, and you still have a few good hours left to work. All of a sudden a really great song comes on your ipod. You turn it up as loud as it will go, plug it into the speakers, and run into your roommate's room.
"DANCE BREAK!!!!!!"
You both get up and and dance your faces off until the song is over. By the end of the song, you are both panting and sweating, especially in the unairconditioned NYC summers. Your blood is flowing and you have just saved yourself the calories from another soda, or the heart palpatations from another Red Bull, or the jitters from having one more cup of coffee.
Dance breaks are not just good for the soul. Dancing to one really long song is a great impromptu cardio workout. Especially if you are out of shape like I am.
Dance breaks do not only have to be done at home. They can also be done at work. The people around you might think they have entered a scene from Beetle Juice, but who cares? Let them think that. Get up, stretch, get your blood flowing. Trust me, it will help you get over your mid work energy crisis.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

If you see a penny...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through expereience. Many of them I learned from my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 22 If you see a penny, pick it up.


I know quite a few people who actually throw pennies away. Perhaps they do this because pennies are annoying, and take a long time to save. Pennies are still money, just like nickels, dimes and dollars. Everytime that I find money on the ground, I pick it up and then it goes immediately into a jar. Let's just say that in a lifetime, these people throw away 1,000,000 pennies. This is $10,000. At a bank, with the interest on that, those people are just throwing away a total of $11,000. I don't know about you, but there are a lot of things I could do with that much money.
I always pick up change, no matter how small. It goes into a jar and as a rule, I try never to spend it, sans the few pieces that I try to give away each day. I recently opened a savings account and more than half of my opening deposit was change that I had been dropping in a jar for the last year. It really doesn't take that much effort to save pennies. Why throw them out? Money is good to have, no matter the amount. If you want to throw your pennies away, please just send them my way. I promise to give them a good home.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Lightening Bugs

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of advice for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 21 Catch Lightening bugs in jar... but let them go.

In the days before Wii and Iphones and Facebook, and DVD players, etc., summer, in the south was a glorious playing field. Anything was possible when the sun didn't go down until after 9. A child could stay outside all day long and get dirty, make mud pies, ride bikes, come in for dinner and then have at least three more hours left of the day. However, the best part of the day was that moment right after the sun had made its final bow into the night.
This was the moment when the lightening bugs came out. I always stopped and stood silently for just a moment as the lightening bugs began to make their presence known once again. I was always encouraged to catch them in a jar, but I was always supposed to let them go.
I would catch a couple, or a few, because lightening bugs get lonely very easily, and I would watch them ignite their beautiful flames. Their lights would flicker for a few brief moments and then I would unscrew the lid of the jar and send them on their way. Then I would do it again.
"Nature's night light" is what my Grandma called them. "They light up so all of God's creatures can find their way home at night."
It is such a peaceful twinkling of time to stand in the middle of a freshly mowed yard with a jar full of lightening bugs flickering. The soundtrack is the song that the crickets and the Katydids have chosen for the evening's entertainment. There is a still in the air and the smell of rain on the horizon. Children find these moments and cherish them. Why can't we catch lightening bugs in a jar as adults?
I highly encourage you, in these final days of summer, to go out in your yard, or someone else's and catch some lightening bugs in a jar. Watch them glow for a moment and then let them go so that all of God's creatures can find their way home.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Haunted Houses

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody, and you may may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 20 Haunted houses are not REAL

I know that it isn't Halloween. I also know that it really isn't even fall. However, recent events in my life have caused me to think about this fact. I was recently cast is the town of Sleepy Hollow's haunted Hallowen attraction as an undead, creepy character. There has been a lot of talk about prosthetics, makeup, colored contacts, costumes, etc.
I have always been scared easily. I still open my closet and check under my bed before I sleep. I look behind shower curtains and like to have a light on while I am sleeping. When I am in a city where I drive, I still check the backseat before getting into the car.
Once, when I was probably eight, nine at the most, I BEGGED my brother to take my friend and me to this haunted house. I begged and begged and he kept saying no. Finally, much to his dismay, he agreed. He usually caved in where I was concerned. So my friend came over for a sleep over and then we went to the haunted house. I was terrified, but I wanted to prove to my brother (and myself) that I could be brave. We waited in line and the anticipation grew and grew. Finally it was our turn to go in. He took my hand and said "are you sure?" I nodded, simply because my throat had closed up and I was no longer capable of speaking.
I would like to tell you that I made it the whole way through. I would actually like to tell you that I even made it halfway through. I feel the truth is that I possibly made it 2 minutes... maybe.... but to me, at the time, it was an eternity. The details are rather vague because perhaps I have blocked them out. I remember screaming until I thought my throat was going to bleed, and it's possible that it did. I remember crying until I thought there couldn't possibly be anymore tears. I vaguely remember my brother picking me up, and all of a sudden this kind lady came out from the shadows. I don't know where she came from, but now I am certain that her only job in the haunted house was to act as sort of a guardian angel and follow around the kids who stand in line and try to be brave. She looked like Snow White, and I think I remember her taking my hand and walking me up to a warewolf or a goblin and then he took his mask off. He was a person, probably my brother's age. He could have been one of my brother's friends. He hugged me and told me not to be scared.
Looking back, I realize that at this point I should have been able to acquire my bravery badge and continue, but I just couldn't. The lights came on for a brief minute, and no one was allowed in until they got me to safety.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to play a zombie in a small student film. I got to wear prosthetics, make up, and even chew on some plastic legs. Now, again, I have the opportunity to be one of those scary creatures. I have I will get to see all of my fellow cast members in their make up and I hope that being on the other side of such a fabulous haunted attraction will help me to overcome my fears of haunted houses. I just hope it doesn't give me nightmares. Just kidding.
Haunted Houses are not real. The people and the actors are very much real, but the threat is not.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

When someone compliments you...

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and though expereience. many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it it. A year's worth of advice for all the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each one is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 19 When someone compliments you say "thank you."

In our lives, if we're lucky, we grow up hearing things such as "say please and thank you." We practice these everyday in front of our parents and our teachers, and maybe even our friends. Then we move out of our parents' house and we are no longer in school. It is easy to slip out of doing all of the things that our parents reminded us to do everyday.
I live in New York City, possibly one of the rudest places in the country, if not the world. People bump into you, taxi's honk at you, people yell for no reason. I am also in the service industry, so people love to take their problems out on me. I have this friend at work who is a firm believer in proper etiquitte, even though he can be quite rude when necessary. His number one pet peeve is this: "If someone compliments you, say thank you."
How many times does someone ask us if we have lost weight and we say "oh no, I've actually gained a couple of pounds," or someone tells us they love our new haircut and we say "oh I hate it, she cut way too much off," or someone tells us they love our glasses and we say, "Ugh, I hate wearing glasses, but my new contacts haven't come in yet."
Ok, so maybe those are just things that I say, but we're all guilty of it. Just change my words around and add your own and there you go, a compliment fallen to the wayside. If someone is kind enough to notice those things, and even still, to compliment you on them, for crying out loud, say "thank you." Please. Besides if they are taking the time out of their own hustle and bustle to be kind, then perhaps we can too.

Friday, September 3, 2010

There are no small parts....

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through experience. Many of them weret aught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are many things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for any one who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 18 There are no small parts, only small actors.

It was definitely originated by Stanislvsky, but since then I have heard it from my mom, my kindergarten, my high school theater teacher, my college theater professor, and as of last night, one of my very good friends. Every role in a play is there for a reason. Without everyone, that show can't go on and we all know that the show MUST go on.
I moved to New York to be an actor. I definitely had a doe eyed perspective about the whole experience. I thought for sure I would move to the city and be famous by now. Well, kids, that is not the way it works. I have been here awhile now and I spent a lot of time "adjusting" and not really auditioning. Now I am more focused and I am in full swing audition mode. I finally went to an audition where I did not know the director and I got cast in a show.
It doesn't pay me any money, and it is not by any means a large role.
However, it is my first real gig. I plan to treat it as if it is my Tony Award winning performance. I will be professional, and show up on time and say "thank you" when I am given a note. I will be the best that I can be, because if I am not, the director will certainly not cast me in the lead in one of his next plays. Without this role, there would be a hole in the script and it would not be complete.
If I had not been the M when my school spelled out Grahamwood, it would have just been Grahawood, and that is just silly. If I had not been the icicle in the kindergarten Christmas pageant, it would have been a year without icicles. If I had not been the zombie in that one film I did, the victims might have actually prevailed.
There are no small parts, only small actors.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Be irresponsibly lazy...

As a grown up, I realize that in the course of life, I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through expereince. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each one is a rule that I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 17 Once a month, be irresponsibly lazy.

Everyone needs a break sometimes. Life bogs us down, and work gets hard, and we get just get crazy busy and so caught up in life that we forget to live it sometimes. This is a rule that I whole heartedly follow.
Once a month I refuse to set an alarm. I sleep as late as my body will possibly let me and I don't do a single productive thing all day. Sometimes my irresponsibly lazy day consists of watching and entire season of The Gilmore Girls, or all of the Harry Potter Movies, or almost finishing one of Diana Gabaldon's novels ... again. Whatever it is that you would love to do, but can never find the time, schedule a day for yourself every month that you can. Stay in your pajamas, and do nothing.
Our bodies get tired. We need to rest them in order for them to keep functioning properly. Our minds also get tired. We also need to rest them to keep them functioning properly. If we continue to put off rest, we will become more tired. I am certain that everyone can find one day within every 30 that they can be irresponsibly lazy. A day where you don't think about work, or practice, or class, or rehearsal, or dinner, or the laundry. A day reserved specifically for you and only you. It will make a world of difference.

Recommended reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon














Recommended TV Watch: The Gilmore Girls Season 5

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Love away from home

As a grown up, I realize that through the course of life I have learned many valuable lessons. Some of them were taught to me by my mom and dad. Some of them I learned in school and through expereience. Many of them were taught to me by my aunts. Now, I am an aunt and my oldest niece recently started kindergarten. I know that they say everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. I disagree. I believe that there are some things that one cannot learn in a classroom. These are lessons that can only be learned by living. So, here it is. A year's worth of tiny words of wisdom for all of the nieces and nephews out there, or really for anyone who will listen. They may not work for everybody and you may not agree with all of them, but each one is a rule taht I either try to live by or wish I did.

# 16 Fall in love in a foreign country.

I know this may sound silly, but trust me, it's worth it. Some times when we travel, we are given moments where we loose all sense of rationality. There you are in a foreign place, and all of a sudden there is someone standing in front of you, that you know immediately that you will never forget.
It happened to me in Scotland. It also coincidently happened to my roomate there. I was there to do a play, and when we got off the bus, he asked me whihc bag was mine and my heart was handed over on silver platter. We spent every free second together on that trip and I saw him four or five times after that, on visits. We kept in touch for a very long time with cards, letters, emails, gifts, etc. He was my soulmate, and today I still believe that he is, or might be. Most people don't actually marry their "soulmate." Most people don't actually even believe in soul mates, or love at first sight, but both of these things exist.
He and I are not together now, nor will we ever be, but that doesn't mean that everytime I look up and see stars, that I don't think about him or wonder how he's doing. He had my heart from the very first time I saw him. My mom always tells me that I give my heart away too quickly, and that may be true, but it sure is worth it at the time.
Fall in love in a foreign country. Give your heart to someone on a silver platter and challenge them to break it. It will definitely be worth it, but it will be the hardest thing you will ever have to let go of. It will possibly be the worst heartbreak you will ever feel, but every second that you spend with this person will be worth every tear you cry when you find out that they are getting married to someone who isn't you.