A wish for the New Year

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I hope this coming year brings you much laughter, good times and a good measure of happiness!

Thinking the best of people

"I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble." -Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was born today in 1865. I rather like what he said in the quote above. I also like thinking about the goodness that I have to believe is somewhere in everyone. It's that belief that helps me to keep faith in humanity as there are so many good things people can do. So if you're out there and reading this please know that I insist on thinking the best of you!

A shout for joy for my friend Caroline

I can't help but feel overjoyed when something awesome happens to someone I love. Today I felt like standing up and cheering for joy because my lovely roommate Caroline passed one of her university courses which I knew she'd been struggling with for a long time now.  To me that struggle and the fact that all her hard work paid off is a big deal. I think whenever people work hard at something and see it through and achieve a positive result, that should be celebrated! So that's why I feel so happy that she's done this thing. That she's stuck it out and that she never gave up!

I think it's amazing what one person can accomplish with the help of people who believe in them but it's awesome what people can accomplish when they believe in themselves. I see that in Caroline and I really admire her because she believes in herself as much as I and all the people that love her believe in her. With that confidence and strength, there's no limit to the wonderful things she can do! Congratulations Caroline! This post is dedicated to you with all the love and good wishes I can put in it!

Thankful for gifts

I've found that this year especially, I'm more conscious of the gifts I've been given and how grateful I am for all of them. If I could list off everything it would be a very long list but here are a few of the things I've been given. 

• For starters, I feel like having the support of my friends and family is a gift. I know it's something I'll always have but I do want people to know that I never take them for granted.
• I'm ever so grateful I've been given the gift of being employed. It feels nice to have the ability to work and a place to work in a job that I really enjoy and with people that are wonderful to work with. 
• Sometimes I think that this blog is a gift I gave myself. Committing to writing something positive in it each day has helped me to feel better. Plus, I like hoping it's helped me touch someone else's life for the better.
• I'm grateful I can live in the city. I see this as a gift because living here has given me the opportunity to see and do so many things and meet really wonderful people. I see it as a gift to live here.
• On the lighter side of things. I'm really thankful that my sister gave me this amazing umbrella that goes over my head like a cube so it doesn't blow inside out! Rain drops aren't falling on my head anymore!

I'm going places! (Even if I don't know where I'm going!)

"I'm an idealist, I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way!"

I have the world's worst sense of direction (geographically at least).  Even if it means I have to leave to get somewhere 15 minutes earlier just to allow time to get lost,  I know that even if I do get lost, I still feel like I'm going places and I do get where I meant to go in the end.  Plus, I get plenty of new ideas along the way and I feel happier that way. So I figure if I have to be lost, at least I'll be an idealistic and happy lost person anyway!

I can find humor in darkness

"What other people call dark and despairing, I call funny." -David Sedaris

I find that when things seem to go wrong, as long as I can laugh about something then things aren't so bad. For example:

• Sometimes when I'm sick I watch disaster movies so I can be jolly glad I'm safe in my bed and not facing the end of the world. The thought makes me laugh. 
• When I was younger my parents wanted my siblings and I to improve our math skills and so they had us be part of a math program after school and they had us do sets of math problems and test us on them. Each month we'd get a progress report from the woman running the program. One month my brother, sister, and I were waiting in line for our reports. My brother was first and he was really good at math so he was told his progress line on his chart was very high, he was congratulated and told to keep up the good work. My sister was doing pretty well (also with an upwards progress line) so she was also told to keep it up. When it was my turn I was shown my progress line which was flat. Then I'll never forget the instructor saying "well Maggie, at least there's something to be said for consistency!" -I burst out laughing at that. (Ok, so maybe that bit of humor wasn't so dark but it did stop me from despairing about my lack of math skills.)
• Sometimes when I'm sad and feel like I want to cry I think of this trailer I saw for the movie Paddington (watch here.) and for some reason it makes me laugh hard enough for me to forget whatever it was I was crying about.

If I've learned anything about myself dying my life, I've learned I can find the light at the end of very dark situations. (Even if the light is on top of a big danger sign telling me to go back the other way!) Still, I've never stopped believing that a bit of laughter gets one to a better place faster!

A very happy Christmas

As my previous post will attest, I love Christmas and this Christmas was no exception. I got to spend it with some really great friends and that's what made it so nice. I think it's people that make Christmas so great. I've learned over time that all we have in this life is each other and I see that most at Christmas. So my Christmas wish is for you and for everyone is that you have people around you who care about you. I wish you all the best and a very happy Christmas!

Things I love about Christmas

Since it's Christmas Eve I got to thinking about all the things I love best about Christmas.  Here are some of them:

• Christmas carols-in my mind it's perfectly acceptable to randomly start singing Christmas carols whenever I feel the urge to do so!
• Presents-ok I admit it, I just plain like getting stuff!
• Christmas movies- I like the old ones especially "It's a Wonderful Life" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".  I feel good after seeing them.
• Christmas trees -they're fun to decorate especially with Christmas music to accompany the decorating!
• Although it's not necessarily unique to Christmas, I like the holiday because it's a time when families and friends are together. I find I'm happiest when my family and friends are close by.

Happy Christmas everyone! I send my love and good wishes to all!

Feeling the love through jazz

The musician Chet Baker was born today in 1929. My parents gave me a CD of his music for my birthday one year and I really liked this song that was on it. It's called "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face"  and somehow I've always found it to be beautiful and relaxing all at once. It reminds me of my family and how we love each other and music as well.

Things I really do wish I could schedule

"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full!" -Henry Kissinger 

Just for a few minutes when I think of what would happen if all things could be scheduled. Although I do try to keep to a schedule to restore some order to my life (as disorganization can be a bit much sometimes.) Anyway, there are some things I really wish I could schedule. For example, if I had to get sick, I'd rather it happen on a weekend (or not at all, preferably). I'd also like to schedule the weather. If I could make every day sunny but not too insanely hot, that would be lovely. However, I think that if everything really could be scheduled then life wouldn't be as fun. I suppose that's why at least my life does get a bit disorganized but I think I have more fun living a disorderly life. It's true that keeping a schedule is very helpful but I like the unexpected things that happen. I think the beauty of life lies in the unexpected. So I expect the unexpected!

It's Winter Solstice - but I still want to look on the bright side of things anyway

So it's the day of the year with the least amount of sunlight but somehow I can't help thinking of brighter things just because things seem more fun that way, at least to me. Anyway, here are some of the brighter things that really made me smile today.

• I was listening to the song "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"  by Stevie Wonder and every time I hear it I can't help but dance a little. I found myself dancing a little down the street like they do in musicals, just because I dang well felt like it!
• I got my haircut today and I always feel better after getting a haircut. It's nice to feel pretty.
• I found the movie the Sound of Music randomly being shown on TV and that movie has always made me feel good!
• I got an e-mail from my parents about the funny things they've been up to which made me laugh.
• I finally finished Christmas shopping! It's a relief!

I figure as long as I can make a list (even if it's a short one) of good things that happen then I'm doing pretty well. Even if things aren't so bright, listing off the happier things seems sort of like a promise to me (or a promise that I'm making to myself rather,) that things will continue to get brighter as time moves along. So here's to the bright side of things!

The Luckiest person

If I had to be the luckiest person
I'd want to win the lottery
I'd travel and help as many people as I can
And help find cures for diseases (at least those not yet cured by man)

Sometimes I do feel like the luckiest
I have family and friends to love
I have a roof over my head clothes on my back
This blog to keep and my health relatively intact

If I could help others to be lucky
I'd want to help them overcome the difficulties they face
I'd want to help the do the things they want to do
In short I'd want them to win every race

As you can see If I were the luckiest person
I'd want to make everyone else lucky too
So I guess I wouldn't want to be the luckiest person
Unless you were lucky too

Tradition of Christmas Crackers

I love Christmas crackers. I was trying to explain the concept to my Chinese roommate because they are so wicked fun! For those who don't know Christmas crackers are not food, the best way to describe them is basically that they're cardboard tubes wrapped up like presents with wrapping paper that two people pull apart and there are prizes inside. They always seem to have paper hats in many colors, really bad jokes, small toys like (really annoying) whistles and other stuff too. They've kind of become a family tradition. So it's official I'm crackers for Christmas crackers!

Photo from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_cracker#mediaviewer/File:ChristmasCrackers_2.jpg

I'm crackers for the Nutcracker

The Nutcracker premiered today in 1892. I think the Nutcracker was the first ballet I ever saw and I think it made me love music and dancing. Seeing it will always make me think of happiness. I've always liked the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy best. It's elegant and fun and beautiful all at once.

When I want to feel brave and when I want to listen to something beautiful

The composer Ludwig Von Beethoven was baptized today in 1770 ( I guess his actual birth date is unknown.) When I think about Beethoven I think about two pieces that I like most.

Symphony No. 7 in A Major: Allegretto
When I feel like i need to feel brave I listen to this piece and it actually does help me.

Sometimes when I listen to this piece called Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 ('Emperor') in E-Flat Major: II. Adagio un poco mosso, it makes me think of my family and friends because it sounds peaceful and I know that I feel most at peace when I am with my friends and family. 

Some warnings can be funny!

"Never put a sock in a toaster"-Eddie Izzard

Why you would put a sock in a toaster I don't know but when I saw this quote I couldn't help laughing at the mental image that grew in my mind after reading it. Anyway in an attempt to help you laugh here are some other "warning" signs that I've found (after some research).

"Do not turn upside-down."-(warning on the bottom of a TV dinner tray.)-It begs the question-why was the label on the bottom of the tray?
 "Do not use while sleeping." -label on a hairdryer -I guess there must be a lot of sleepwalkers about who use hairdryers.
"Deer crossing next 8 miles." What, do deer give up crossing roads after 8 miles? Then again, I think after 8 miles I'd be tired enough to leave off crossing roads too!
"Not to be used for navigation." -Warning on a napkin with a map of Hilton Head on it.  At least I'm not the only one with no sense of direction!
"Warning: may cause drowsiness." -warning on a packet of sleeping pills-I should jolly well hope so.

On that note, I am actually going to bed (although without the help of the drowsiness-causing sleeping pills.)

Sources: http://www.forbes.com/2011/02/23/dumbest-warning-labels-entrepreneurs-sales-marketing-warning-labels_slide_15.html.
http://rinkworks.com/said/warnings.shtml

To be a rainbow

"Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." -Maya Angelou

If today feels cloudy for you, here is a rainbow from me to you. Somehow seeing this picture always makes me feel good inside and I'd like nothing more than to pass that good feeling to you.

colors

"Colors are the smiles of nature."- Leigh Hunt

I love color and art in life because I feel better when things seem brighter. In an attempt to brighten your day I thought I'd share a picture that makes me think of nature smiling!

How Miracles Happen

"Out of difficulties grow miracles."-Jean de la Bruyere

I do believe that miracles happen. For example, I believe every baby that is born is a miracle and people survive illnesses when everyone else is convinced they won't. People defy the odds every day. it's not easy but it's still something to work towards. The idea that miracles happen helps me when things seem to be hard. Somehow I feel a sense of happiness knowing that something really good cam come out of a difficult situation and it often does. That's why I'm glad and believe that miracles do happen and I'm always looking forward to the next one.

To be Young at Heart

The singer Frank Sinatra was born today in 1915. When I was young my parents instilled in me a love of jazz and I had a CD of Frank Sinatra's music and one of the songs I liked best was called "Young at Heart." I like it because it sounds really cheerful and I like the message that life is better and more exciting if a part of you stays young and willing to enjoy it! I hope that wherever life takes you, a part of you does stay young.

How I want to believe and act

"Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail."-Charles Kettering

I've come to believe that "failure" doesn't really exist, it just means you have to find some other way of doing whatever it is you want to do. With that in mind I can believe that anything is possible and I can't allow myself to give up. There's too much to do!

All there is

"That love is all there is, is all we know of love;"-Emily Dickinson 

If I had my own way and could make things the way I want them to be then I'd make it so that love is all there is. Just because I think being loved is the best thing to be. 

A wish from Kirk Douglas

I saw the quote below by Kirk Douglas and as it's his birthday I thought I'd share it because  I really like it and it's something I'd imagine a grandfather saying. Just as I love all my family, I love my grandparents and even though they're no longer here in body I know that they are always with me in my heart so indirectly this quote reminds me of them for some reason. Anyway,  I also like this quote because he said it on his 90th birthday. When I get to be as old as that, my hope is I'll have just as much spunk and be able to have some wise thing to say. (Even if it's just "keep your socks up and never give up!")

[December 9, 2006]: "My name is Kirk Douglas. You may know me. If you don't . . . Google me. I was a movie star and I'm Michael Douglas' dad, Catherine Zeta-Jones' father-in-law, and the grandparents of their two children. Today I celebrate my 90th birthday. I have a message to convey to America's young people. A 90th birthday is special. In my case, this birthday is not only special but miraculous. I survived World War II, a helicopter crash, a stroke, and two new knees. It's a tradition that when a "birthday boy" stands over his cake he makes a silent wish for his life and then blows out the candles. I have followed that tradition for 89 years but on my 90th birthday, I have decided to rebel. Instead of making a silent wish for myself, I want to make a loud wish for The World. Let's face it: The World is in a mess and you are inheriting it. Generation Y, you are on the cusp. You are the group facing many problems: abject poverty, global warming, genocide, AIDS and suicide bombers, to name a few. These problems exist and the world is silent. We have done very little to solve these problems. Now we leave it to you. You have to fix it because the situation is intolerable. You need to rebel, to speak up, write, vote, and care about people and the world you live in. We live in the best country in the world. I know. My parents were Russian immigrants. America is a country where EVERYONE, regardless of race, creed, or age has a chance. I had that chance. You are the generation that is most impacted and the generation that can make a difference. I love this country because I came from a life of poverty. I was able to work my way through college and go into acting, the field that I love. There is no guarantee in this country that you will be successful. But you always have a chance. Nothing should interfere with it. You have to make sure that nothing stands in the way. When I blow out my candles - 90! . . . it will take a long time . . . but I'll be thinking of you." (quote from IMDB.com - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000018/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Smile Darn It!

The singer Sammy Davis Jr. was born today in 1925. I found this wonderful recording of him singing a song called "Smile Darn You Smile. It's classy and it's fun and it has tap dancing!  I like it because a smile has helped me get through a lot of things, it's just a matter of not forgetting to smile! Although I haven't been able to find an actual video of him tap dancing at least you can hear someone tap dancing in the video. Somehow people singing and dancing always made me smile and cheer up. So in the hope that it has the same effect on you I've posted the video below and because I can, I'm sending you virtual smiles along with it! :)

My thoughts on Mockingjay Part I

I just got back from seeing the movie Mockingjay with two friends. After seeing it I felt I had to share my thoughts on it so here goes.

Things I learned from watching Mockingjay:

• Even though I really don't believe in violence, I kind of wish I could shoot a bow and arrow although I am very certain that it would have disastrous consequences especially to my own wellbeing-I just think I find the idea amusing.
• Despite a whole town being leveled, a cat survived it all. Perhaps cats do have nine lives.
• Hope is one of the best medicines around. 
• It reminded me of things that I feel are worth fighting for: family and home.
• Even if you live in a pretty bleak cave you can still have style (with help from a glamorous makeup artist named Effie Trinket!)

So, long story short, I highly recommend seeing Mockingjay Part 1! It's really good! :)

Driving with a Boston driver can be really fun!

I know that Boston drivers have a rather negative reputation but I just got back from a drive with a "typical Boston driver" (to me a "Boston driver" is called such for their tendency to drive rather aggressively.) However,  I found that driving with hime was actually really fun. Here's why:

• I was with a group of really fun people: Matt Dawson who was driving, the lovely Sung Yun who was navigating (and a constant source of comedy) and a man who prefers to be know as Sebastian (who was also full of funny comments that made the trip fun.) I find driving anywhere with fun people never fails to be an enjoyable experience.
• On a number of occasions we drove fast past sidewalks which made water splash everywhere. Even though if I'd been outside the car and the water had splashed on me I'd be slightly irritated. However, as I was in the car, for some reason it made me laugh because it felt a bit like being on a water ride, which seemed amusing at the time.
• At one point the cars around us all started honking and we couldn't figure out why because we were stopped at a red light and we weren't in a left or right turn only lane. So Matt just started beeping right along with the rest of them. For once hearing a bunch of honking seemed pretty funny. (Although I've found that a lot of things seem funny to me at night when I'm really tired.)
•  Sung Yun was a great and fun navigator. She also told us about places she'd been and where she wanted to go in the world and how much she wants to help people, which made for stimulating conversation-essential on any car trip.
• Sebastian (and Matt) made me laugh. Even though I've been known to laugh a lot, I plan to laugh more because laughter makes most situations so much better! 

So now you know how it's possible to have a fun experience with a Boston driver.  I want to take this opportunity to send my love to Matt, Sung Yun, and Sebastian and thank them all for a really nice time. I'm grateful to all of them for giving me a ride home and for being the fun people they are. 

I can't help but like Disney

Walt Disney was born today in 1946. Since Disney movies are (usually) shamelessly happy I am reminded of Disney movies that I really like or that have some sort of nostalgic value in my life.  I thought I"d share them here just because I can.

• Beauty and the Beast (1991)-I love the music and I like the message of beauty being found on the inside.
• Finding Nemo (2003)-When I'm down the mantra of "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." runs through my head.
• Swiss Family Robinson (1960)-I always wanted to visit their wicked awesome treehouse!
• Robin Hood (1973)-I liked the Singing rooster. 
• Piratess of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl: I just think the first movie in the franchise was really fun.

Everyone has an impact!

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." -Jackie Robinson

As it's Christmas I find myself watching the movie "It's A Wonderful Life". The movie is about a man named George Bailey who, when he feels he has no hope left and wishes he didn't exist, miraculously gets the chance to see what life would be like if he had in fact never been born. He finds out how much his life means and how many people his life has touched for the better. To me the movie shows how much people matter to each other. I feel strongly that everyone's life is important because everyone has an impact on the other lives they touch. If I know anything, I know that my life is better because of all the people in it.  People are important to me and I believe everyone's life has an impact!

Why I like Wednesdays

I find that I rather like Wednesdays mostly because it's the half way point through the week and you're a bit closer to the weekend but I find I can still look back on the first few days of the week and feel good if they went well, and if things didn't go as well as I'd like, I can still be glad that I'm getting through the week and I have the weekend to look forward to. I hope that your  Wednesday was a happy one. I wish you congratulations for getting through to the middle of the week!

An education that was special in every way

Today marks the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which is a law that established standards for special education for children and young adults with disabilities. I've seen directly the good that that law has done and I've benefitted from it. I think an education is something everyone deserves to have. I know that I am a better person because I've been educated with the help of special education accommodations that allowed me to be educated at a speed I could handle and with people in place to support me and help me get the things I needed to succeed academically. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to get a good education. A doctor once told my parents that I might never be educable but I have proved the doctor wrong. What I've learned from that is to not let anything stop me from doing the good things that I want to do in life. I hope that whoever and wherever you are that you can get a good education because it's something that I believe you have a right to pursue.  In a way I'm glad they call special education special because I believe education is something special and I'm glad there are laws like the IDEA Act to help make education more accessible to everyone.

A part of me will always be in Neverland

It's Mary Martin's birthday and that reminds me of a movie musical (which is one of the first musicals I ever saw) called Peter Pan where she played the title character. (Why they always had women play Peter Pan in Broadway productions always confused me but I digress.) There's a lovely song in the musical called "Neverland". Listening to it as a young child was strangely comforting to me somehow. I think it just sounded soothing to me and I liked the idea of thinking of lovely things. Now I'm a bit older I still find the song to be comforting and it reminds me to always keep a place in my heart for dreams because they make life fun and they're a part of me that I think will never grow old because that part of me believes in dreams coming true. That idea gives me something to work towards because it's a wonderful feeling when  things I've hoped would happen actually do happen. Anyway, for your viewing pleasure below is the song I've been talking about.

Songs that are meant to inspire action

If you've read any of the posts on this blog you'll know that I love music. I especially like music that might inspire people to take some action for a cause that is good.  I started thinking about that because I saw a music video for a song by Matt Nathanson called "Headphones." Nathanson had gone to Peru to help a charity give out hearing aids to people in need. I like it when people can use their star power to do something good for someone else and bring attention to things that are really important. For your viewing pleasure here are some videos that make me want to stand up and do something good! (Below is the video from Matt Nathanson)

I also found this video by Sarah McLachlan for her song "World on Fire" in which she shows how the  money that would have gone to making the video went to various service projects throughout the world. I just think it's really nice that so many could be helped by those projects.

Finally, I also like this protest song by Sting called "They Dance Alone." It's about a group of women who protested the disappearance of their children by the Chilean government by dancing the Cueca (Chile's national dance) while holding photos of their disappeared loved ones. I liked how Sting recognized the women on stage and danced with each one of them. It shows how even doing things like dancing to protest injustice can have an impact. At the very least the voices of these women were heard and people remember them for this. I'm just glad there's a song to commemorate how brave they are.

A Saturday message

I want to wish everyone a happy Saturday because I just feel that Saturdays are days to feel especially happy!

Since it's Black Friday....

Since it's Black Friday I thought I'd take the opportunity to make a list of the more fun things I'd buy if I had unlimited resources. I asked my sister for advice on what should be on the list and this is what we came up with:

•A parrot- to teach it to say funny stuff

•A fart pillow-just to say we have one!

•A puppy (providing it's already house trained.)

•A disco ball-very good for dancing!

•A lava lamp- I've wanted one for a while just so when I'm tired at night I can stare at the lava stuff going up and down until I fall asleep.

•Flowers because they're pretty!

•Really awesome sexy black boots just to look/ feel fabulous in!

•Enough granola bars to give one to every homeless person just because.

•A library- I love books and I'd make it public because books should be shared.

•A trampoline- It takes me back to when I was really young. I still like to jump around!

Things I'm thankful for...

As it's Thanksgiving in the US I thought I'd write about things I'm thankful for this year. This list is in no particular order as I all of the things are equally important to me.

•Having the ability to work- I do have a job and I've thought more this year than others about how nice it is just to be able to work, make a living, and be independent.

•My family and friends-I'm always thankful for them.

•The Boston Skyline Chorus- it's a barbershop chorus I'm part of and they're fun!

•Music-it helps me get through many things. Case in point: I recently downloaded the song "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" by Stevie Wonder to help me dance more and worry less!

•Hugs- Being hugged makes me feel so happy and I'm glad I have the ability to give that happiness to others as well!

Two things that make life worth living

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles Shulz
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/charles_m_schulz.html#QykRjKQvsvEUgERZ.99

I can't seem to do without love or chocolate and so I thought this quote is quite accurate. There's nothing like a little sweetness in life, edible and otherwise!

My way of thanking people without words

"There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best." Joe DiMaggio

I find myself thinking that I've sought to be a good person and I would like to be someone people can look up to. Although I never played baseball like Joe DiMaggio, I still feel that, because so many people have been so good to me I owe it to them to do my best in whatever it is I decide to do. I don't think I have words to thank people for everything they've done for me but it does make me want to continue to grow and be a better woman. In that way I can thank them by working to be someone people can look up to. I feel happiest when I help people and I'm happy knowing I can be someone positive for people. If I want anything I want to be that kind of person the most.

Just because I can-here's a shout out to my friend Olivia for winning a prize for her movie

I'm proud that I have a friend called Olivia Richard who was recently in an award winning film about how she receives services as a person dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in Massachusetts (the state has been implementing a demonstration program that streamlines Medicare and Medicaid services into one program so people who are eligible for both programs get the services they need in a more manageable way.) I liked the movie because it showed how getting the services she needed to live an even more active and full life revolutionized her life. Seeing people getting the tools they need to live happily makes my soul feel good. Olivia brings a lot of fun and joy (and angst of course) wherever she goes and I'm just very glad that she can spread it even farther because she has the support services she needs. I'm glad her film won a prize because I think being able to live a full life is something that should be celebrated. To me it's the ultimate award. I'm so happy for Olivia-Congratulations! If you want to watch her video click here: http://vimeo.com/95207883.

Music that you feel inside

I just got back from seeing the Boston Philharmonic play music by Jean Sibelius and Johannes Brahms. The music was so beautiful and it was nice that I could go to the event with some friends and share the experience. I think what I like best was that I felt like the music touched part of my soul and made me feel warm inside. I also liked that they had a pianist named play some of the music in the second part of the concert. I liked watching her because she seemed to feel the music she was playing like it was part of her as well. I think she sounded so great because of this. I realize classical music isn't everyone's favorite thing but I still hope that whatever music you listen to and enjoy, that you feel something happy inside of you when you listen to it.

Songs to take your worries away

When I'm feeling a bit stressed I sometimes find music to be very helpful. In an attempt to help lessen stress here are some songs I like to listen to.

• Don't Worry Be Happy-Bobby McFerrin-it's more fun to be happy! (listen here.)
• Don't You Worry Bout A Thing-Stevie Wonder -it makes me feel like dancing and when I dance I find I can't really worry about anything at all. (listen here).
• The Remedy-Jason Mraz-I can't worry when I listen to this song! (listen here.)
• Hushabye Mountain-(from the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-sung by Dick Van Dyke.) Not only is this song about helping people go to sleep by helping ease their troubles away but this song has special meaning for me. It somehow reminds me of my home and my family and how they love me and I love them. That love is something I know I'll never need to worry about, as it's something I'll always have. (listen here.)
• I Have Confidence (from the Sound of Music -as sung by Julie Andrews)-I find the more confident I feel the less worried I feel. (listen here.)

An unspoken/unwritten way to show caring

"They invented hugs to let people know you love them without saying anything." -Bill Keane

Enough said

Celebrating kdis

In 1954 the UN declared November 20th as Universal Children's Day which is a day to celebrate "fraternity and understanding between children." It got me thinking about the great things about kids and how those things should be celebrated!

1. Kids have imagination! They show it through art and the way they play and can be so darn creative it's almost sickening!
2. They aren't known for hiding their feelings. I suppose this can be a good and bad thing but sometimes I feel like in letting their feelings out somehow kids seem healthier.
3. As much as they may not seem to listen sometimes, I think kids really do listen and learn from what people say.
4. They have so much energy! Ok so maybe it's too much of a good thing but still, to be that full of life is a nice thing in my mind. 
5. There's nothing happier than a happy kid! 

Progress for people with disabilities in Boston!

I went to the Boston Center for Independent Living's (BCIL) Annual meeting this evening. I think what I enjoyed most about it was learning more about what BCIL has been doing to help people with disabilities. For example, they've helped young people with disabilities live outside nursing homes where they would otherwise have been confined. They've also helped young people with disabilities get jobs. What I found to be especially moving were the speakers. There was a man who had gotten a job with the help of BCIL and a woman who advocated on behalf of domestic workers and their rights. Plus, one of my good friends, Allegra Stout got an award for her services to the disability community, which she richly deserved. I figure if people must fight for something I'm glad that there are people like those in BCIL who fight to ensure others can have a better and brighter future. Maybe one day people with disabilities won't have to struggle to get the services they need and to live as independently as possible. Right now I live in the comforting knowledge that we have amazing people that will fight on until that day comes. Congratulations to Allegra and BCIL!

Ways I've never grown up...

"Another belief of mine; everyone else my age is an adult whereas I'm merely in disguise." -Margaret Atwood

To me this quote is all about refusing to grow up. I find that there are times when I feel like I'm not as "grown up" as others who happen to be around my age. However, I find I learn so much more from people around me because of this. In any case here are some things I still haven't grown out of yet:

• I still like reading "kids books" like Harry Potter and the Railway Children. They make me feel happy. 
• I still look to my parents for advice (whether this is a childish thing is debatable but I've always trusted them.)
• I still like watching Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
• I still view cleaning my room as a chore (nevertheless it does get cleaned but I like to say it looks "lived in!")
• I miss having recess!

I don't think I want to give up these childish things however old I get. I have a feeling that no matter what happens, a part of me will remain young and relatively innocent. At least that's what I'd like to happen. Ultimately I like to think there's a bit of a kid in everyone and letting that little kid out from time to time makes life more fun! 

A lovely dinner out

I just came back from having dinner with some friends. It's been  a while since I last saw them and it was just nice to sit and talk with them and to see how they've been. I find that when I go and visit friends I haven't seen in a while,  it makes me feel the way I feel when I come home to my family because my friends are like family to me. When I was younger (and still when I go home to see my family) we always at least ate dinner together. It was a time when we could share what happened each day and talk about things  we felt were fun and/or important. I think it brought us closer together in the same way that I feel closer to my friends. I hope everyone has someone to share a meal with even if it's just one meal every day. I just think eating feels better when you're in the company of someone else, especially if you're among people you love.

Tolerance

"On this International Day of Tolerance, I call on all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. Let us advance against the forces of division and unite for our shared future."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

As today is International Day Tolerance I was inspired to write the following:

When I think about tolerance

I wish I could just make hate disappear altogether

I wouldn't mind a bit more peace in the world

In fact, I just wish wars would cease to be

They just never made much sense to me

Since hating makes me tired, I'd rather love people instead

Because in loving people I feel a happiness nothing can match

When I think about loving people somehow I don't feel afraid

Maybe in that sense love has helped me feel rather brave

Even if it's sometimes hard to do I still want to love people all the same

I may not always understand others (or myself)

But I do know that I respect people 

And I want to learn to listen to them more

Even if I disagree with what they say 

I find I learn more in doing things that way

I want to be even more tolerant than I am now

Because I figure if I really want to help someone

I have to know where they're coming from 

And now to end I just want to say I care about you

Because we're all connected as part of the human race

A lovely Saturday out

I rather like outdoor markets and so my roommate was shocked when I told her I'd never been to an outdoor market by the Haymarket "T" stop where there is lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and fun people. I felt like haggling with them like they do in movies but I restrained myself. I got some lovely fruits and vegetables. Then we went to Target which is actually a strangely exciting place to me for some reason. We got a small Christmas tree (with blue lights!) and trail mix which is something I can't seem to do without (not to eat it all at once of course, it's just nice to know I have it when I want it.) Then we had a lovely lunch and it was just well...fun. I hope that whoever you are you find simple things to do that make you feel good inside. Life should be fun and I plan to enjoy it even more as it goes along!

Maggie versus inanimate objects

"Never fight an inanimate object." -P.J. O'Rourke

I have not followed P.J. O'Rourke's advice (perhaps it goes with my slightly misguided mentality of not following instructions until all else fails.) So here are some inanimate objects that made me struggle but I beat them in the end so there!

• I can't stand cling wrap-every time I try and wrap up sandwiches I somehow feel like I'm waging a small war with a thing that seems to want to stick to me. However I do get a strange sense of satisfaction in tearing it off its roll-it feels like a small victory. Although I do prefer sandwich bags-they do make life so much easier. 
• I also have trouble with jars that are stuck down tight. I twist and turn them and then I get all scientific-like and stick them under hot water. It's one of the very few things I remember from science classes in school-it appears I actually learned something from those classes despite my best efforts.) Somehow sticking the jar under hot water and drying it off and then twisting the top seems to work quite well. This proves that one can also scientifically beat an inanimate object.
• To be fair to inanimate objects, there is one that continues to beat me-it is (dum dum dum) a lighter! I don't know what it is but I have tremendous difficulty with lighters. Every time I think I've actually got it to light something the thing burns out! Perhaps it's a blessing since I don't know what I'd do once I got the fire started. Still, I plan to keep trying and one day I'll win my longstanding battle with lighters too!

Happily Not Normal!

"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine.'-Whoopi Goldberg

It's Whoopi Goldberg's birthday and I love this quote by her. I'm rather glad not to be outside the norm. I've been that way for as long as I've been alive I think.  I always liked coloring outside the lines as a child. I still read the beginning and ends of books (I figure I'd only read the middle if the end is reasonably optimistic-if the beginning and end aren't happy I figure it just goes downhill in the middle so why bother?) I'm also rather proud of hugging random strangers as a so called adult. 

So I'm glad to be abnormal because to me it means I've done some things that are unique and most of all abnormal things make life fun! 

Adventure!

On an Adventure!

I feel like going on an adventure
It's just a matter of stepping out my door
And seeing where life takes me
Despite my plans and best efforts
I figure sometimes veering away from the plan is best

Even if it's not particularly dangerous
And maybe it's just plain fun
It's the journey of the adventure that matters to me
At least the journey is what I remember
Long after the adventure is done

I wouldn't want to go on the adventure alone
After all, adventurous are more fun shared
So whatever adventure I go on
I'll write about it in this blog
So anyone can come adventuring with me as long as they want!

To Veterans

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived." George S. Patton 

As it's veterans day I find myself thinking of my father and grandfather who were both veterans who served in the Vietnam War and World War II respectively. I thank God that they lived and that my dad is still living, not just because without them I wouldn't be here, but also because they, like many veterans inspire me to want to be a better human being. The idea that people are willing to risk their lives so people like me can live freely is very humbling.  I will continue to strive to be a better person as I think it's one of the best things I can do to honor veterans. If only so that I can live up to the standard of bravery and dedication that veterans showed throughout their time in the armed forces. If you read this and you're a veteran I want to tell you thank you very much for your service and that I'm very glad you came home!

I like to listen...

I think it's so nice when people greet each other and ask how they are. Sometimes I feel like I do this quickly as a custom without thinking too much about it. I've found it's ok just to say a simple "Hi, how are you? I'm fine" and go about my day. What I like most though  is when people stop and really tell me how they are and what's happening in their lives. I like this best because I know how good it feels when someone listens. I find I feel happier when I've stopped and listened to someone and shared a moment with them. It's something I want to make the time to do more frequently.  Why? Just because I care about people and because I can!

Research!

I love researching stuff-it's something I've always enjoyed mostly because I've liked figuring out how things work and what things are all about. All that got me thinking about fun things I could research and just for the heck I thought I'd share them. So here's a list of things I might want to research when I feel like procrastinating.

• Whether it's possible to go a whole day smiling (and not looking scary while doing so) I tried it once and found it is actually quite a commitment.
• How cartoons got started-just because they make me laugh.
• Why babies are just so stinkin' cute.
• What are the most things you can do all at once-I always wanted to know how much one can multi-task.
• How to make cars fly. Ever since I saw things like the cartoon the "Jetsons" I've always wanted a car that could fly!

Something to talk about

I really like the song Something to Talk About because it's fun, edgy and love is definitely something to talk about. I've found that people either want their love to be something everyone knows about or they want it to be a private thing and I do understand that point of view.  However, I think I fall in the category of wanting everyone to know I love them. One of the things that really irritates me (along with war, peas, and jars that are really hard to open,)  is movies where people wish they'd told someone they loved them just at the point when it suddenly too late to tell them. I was so irritated by that that I resolved to tell people I love them so that when I kick the bucket people will be extremely sure that I loved them very much. In short I resolved to love loudly if only so that anyone who wants to can talk about it!

Feeling warm and safe

It was getting colder today and it got me thinking about how nice it is to come out of the cold and feel warm again. With that in mind I was inspired to write the following:

It was cold when I got home today
Which is why I'm ever so glad
I can get in my bed and be warm instead
And even pull the covers over my head if I want

There's something so nice about feeling warm and safe
That feeling that good things can happen and that life is good
That feeling of happiness that can't be touched by anything
That's what I get from feeling warm an safe

I know how good that feels and how happy it feels
Whether it's wrapping oneself in blankets or giving a hug
I hope that everyone gets to feel warm and safe
Because right now it just feels like the happiest way to be!

Thought Processes

I loved cartoons as a kid (still do in fact.) What I like best about cartoons in the newspapers was the little thought  bubbles that were drawn above the character's heads. I think those were the funniest parts of the jokes. So if I had a thought bubble here are some of the slightly more amusing thought processes

This morning on getting up

Thought One-My bed is so comfortable-don't want to get up!
Thought 2-Alarm must stop! Alarm must stop!
Thought 3-Must get up-have work and I really like my job!
Thought 4-But my bed is so comfortable-don't wanna get up!
Thought 6-If I get up I can make hot chocolate-yum.
Thought 7-Am up, too many reasons to get up and not enough reasons to stay in bed

Last week on going to the store to get baking supplies

Thought 1-I feel like baking
Thought 2-I know I'll make cupcakes -exciting!
Thought 3-But I want cake
Thought 4-wait-and of course this is just occurring to me-cupcakes are just little cakes in those shiny paper cup thingys.
Thought 5-Ok here are the cake mixes: chocolate, vanilla, angel food cake, lemon cake, there are too many choices it's stressing me out!
Thought 6-Oh fine I'll just make cookies-have stuff to do that at home anyway. Going to the store wasn't a total loss -I got to read those newspapers that tells you when the world's going to end!

On going to the gym when it's raining

Thought 1-I need to go to the gym
Thought 2-But it's raining, cold, and nasty
Thought 3-Gym is heated
Thought 4-yes but I have to go out in the cold to get to it.
Thought 5-I'll feel better if I go
(After coming back from the gym)
Thought 6-Even though I'm tired and wet, I strangely have more energy now.
Thought 7-Must blog about it! Why? Because I want to and I can!

To really love someone

It's Bryan Adams' birthday and I really like the song he sings called "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" not just because it's romantic (which it is) but because it makes me think of what it means to really love. Plus it sounds pretty! Listen below.

The ability to have a say

It's election day! I think election day is exciting because I'm glad that I can vote!  I have a voice and I like the idea that my voice can make a difference! Even if the person I vote for doesn't win I can still know that I supported them. There's something very satisfying in all that. I hope everyone gets to vote  in elections because everyone's voice deserves to be heard!

Something no one can stop you from doing

"You can always get better. No one can stop you from getting better and nobody can stop you from trying to make something right."-Roseanne Barr

It's comedienne, Roseanne Barr's birthday and her quote about getting better inspired me. I think having the ability to get better and make things right is a wonderful gift everyone has. For me it's a comfort to know that I can make things get better and that somehow things do come out all right in the end. The thing I like most about this quote is that it reminds me that there's a part of everyone that is unstoppable! To end this post I just wanted to wish a very happy birthday to Roseanne Barr!

Happiness in a pretty dress

I just got back from the Museum of Fine Arts where they now have an exhibit with glamorous dresses from Hollywood from the 1920s-40s. Below is one of my favorite dresses that was on display. Even though I've never worn that dress and I don't see (nor do I really want) my name up in lights anytime soon, seeing the dress  reminds me how nice it is to feel glamorous. It's a confidence booster! I know that when I feel like I look particularly good and classy I somehow feel happier. So here's to pretty dresses and feeling classy!

Why I love daylight savings time

I love daylight savings time
I just like the idea that
It means I get one more hour
To sleep or to do something equally nice
Like write this blog or talk with people I like

Even if the sky gets darker earlier because of it
I like to think each day brings us closer to more light
And even if it means things get rather colder
I just have to think about how nice it is to come home
And know I have some warm place to snuggle up in at night!

Even when it's time to move clocks forward again
I find I don't mind it so much because it means spring has come
With it's flowers and sunshine to spread again
But for now to end this poem, I just wanted to say to everyone
Don't forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed!

A Happy Halloween

 I went to see the movie the Book of Life with a good friend as we both felt we should see something Halloweenish but not crazy scary. It was sweet and Disney through and through and I liked it because I feel like I need a little bit of sweetness to balance out the scary in life. Although I do have to admit there are times when I do feel like getting good and scared. Somehow it makes me feel more alive because seeing scary things reminds me how life is fragile and that it should be enjoyed. That's why Halloweens are happy for me, even if I do get a little spooked!

One Care's Anniversary event was a success!

I'm pleased to report that today's One Care Anniversary event went really well! I think what I liked best about the event was that it gave people a place to voice their opinions about the One Care program-what they liked about it and what needs improvement. I think if people should have a say about anything they should have a say about their health care and the things that should be done to make it better. I'm really glad that events like today's event happen so people have the opportunity to express those things. I'm proud that I was a part of that. I want people to have a voice and to be able to shout about things they care about. Right now I want to shout out to everyone who planned the event including members of Disability Advocates Advancing Our Health Care Rights, the Boston Center for Independent Living and the Disability Policy Consortium of Massachusetts.  You all really are awesome!

Celebrating an anniversary of One Care!

Tomorrow an event will be held to mark the one year anniversary of One Care which is a program in Massachusetts that streamlines services for people that are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid so that they can get a better standard of care. I consider this a happy event because it's a program that has made a difference in people's lives. People should have adequate access to the healthcare services they need and this program is meant to help ensure that health care is more accessible.  I'm writing about this on this blog because it makes me happy that something has been done to make a positive difference in people's lives in terms of maintaining their health. I'm pleased because I had a direct role in planning the event and I know it's going to be a great experience.  It'll give people a chance to discuss how this program can be improved. I want One Care to be the best it can be so that even more people can be helped by it. This is why I'm glad I can be part of tomorrow's event because it's all about improving this program.

I realize it's short notice but if you have time and are on One Care I hope that you will join us tomorrow at 26 West St. Boston, MA 02111. The event is from 2PM-4PM. There will be food and speakers from major health plans in Massachusetts.  Come share your thoughts!

Hope to see you there!!!

A Day of Joy

"The older you get, the more fragile you understand life to be. I think that's good motivation for getting out of bed joyfully each day. " Julia Roberts

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/juliarober451463.html#T1qxSi3hp81ghAbQ.99

When I think about life being fragile I think about how people tend to be more careful with fragile things and thus find a bit more joy in them. I've come to find there's so much to be joyful about in life. Like today a stranger on the train smiled at me, a co-worker gave me a hug and later I was able to meet up with a group of friends and one of them made a pie for all of us to share. Then, to top it all off, I'm now sitting here and enjoying writing this blog.  These things that happened today may not seem huge but I did find joy in all of them and my life is now better because these things happened. So today ( and every other day I can find nice things happening) is a pretty joyous day!

The universal language of laughter

"A wonderful thing about true laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system of dividing people." -John Cleese

I found this lovely quote by John Cleese that I quite agree with.  I love laughter because it's a language everyone understands, it unites people (as laughter is best when it's shared) and it makes everyone feel good. I figure if I can laugh each day then I can't really have a bad day. So here's to days with laughter that can't be bad and here's to John Cleese as it's his birthday!

Another happy sign

So much can be expressed through art and I love it most when people go out of their way to make someone's day a bit brighter! I saw this on the sidewalk today by Coolidge Corner and it really did make me smile, which as the art suggests, it's something I should always remember to do!

Boston Book Festival

I love reading and so naturally I really like the Boston Book Festival mostly because as the name suggests it's full of books, plus there's live music performed. While I didn't get any books somehow being around them for me is strangely comforting. I've always liked stories and how they could take me away to different places and I always liked traveling (whether virtually in books or in reality.) Sometimes I think it's good to have an escape like that just for a little while. It makes coming back to reality more refreshing for me.  In a way I hope everyone has a bit of escapism in their lives, just because, just for the heck of it, and no other reason!

Music that makes me feel alive!

Today in 1818 the composer Felix Mendelssohn performed his first concert in Berlin. I'm not sure what he played but it reminded me of some music he wrote  called Symphony No.4 in A, 'Italian', 1st movement. I like it best because it's really cheerful. If this musical piece was a person, I'd imagine it being a little kid jumping up and down and dancing like crazy. I like music that makes me feel alive and full of energy like that. It's a lovely feeling!

Putting the fun back in fundraiser!

I just got back from the Disability Policy Consortium's Annual awards dinner/fundraiser and it was..well fun! I thought it was fun because they had good speeches about the things people had achieved and done this past year. I think what I liked best and what I found the most fun was the prize giving. People were given awards for their services helping people with disabilities. I just like seeing people getting recognized for the great things they do.  I think a lot of people don't get recognized that often for all the good things that they do and how much they help others. In short I like unsung heroes the best. Sometimes I think that people who don't want a lot of recognition deserve it the most. Even if they may not seek recognition sometimes I think getting that praise lifts the spirit and perhaps can spark people to do even greater things. In some ways I wish I could give everyone a prize for something good that they did just to show that that good thing is (or should be) appreciated, no matter how small the thing might be. Then again, I suppose if everyone got a prize for things then they wouldn't be as nice. Anyway, I'm still happy for the people that got awards tonight! I want to wish congratulations to Dennis Heaphy from the DPCMA, the MBTA's General Manager-Beverly Scott, and Kim and Brian Charlson for getting awards for their services helping improve the lives of people with disabilities in so many ways. I'm really pleased for all of you!

Happy birthday to Franz Liszt

The composer Franz Liszt was born today in 1811. I heard this piece today by him and it just seemed so nice to me that I had to share it. It's called "Liebestraum." I've no idea what the name means but to me the music is at once beautiful and stirring at the same time. Sometimes there are songs and pieces of music that when I listen to them, they make me thing "this is why music exists." They express so much and leave me hoping for more still to come. This is just such a piece of music and it feels so good to listen to it!

If I were a thief...

I just finished reading The Book Thief which is about a girl who lives with her adoptive family in Nazi Germany and her adventures growing up (and stealing books of course.) It made me think about a friend of mine and how we used to joke we'd steal one of those cars that they put in malls as prizes for some competition or other. We just thought the idea was really amusing for some reason. No, we didn't steal the car in the end (not least because we hadn't schemed up a good enough plan before she had to go back home to her country when her student exchange program finished. ) Although I like to think of myself as a fairly honest person, in my imaginary idealistic, thieving mind I don't think I'd want to steal a car. Well, to really explain what I'd steal I thought I'd write a poem about it instead.

If I were a thief

If I were an idealistic thief
I'd steal all the sad thoughts in the world
And throw them in the gutter where they belong
And I'd take the tears away for good measure
Just because I could, so there!

If I were a fun thief
I'd steal a Volkswagen beetle
Just because I like how they have flower pots inside them!
And I think I'd take some egg rolls too because I love them
I'd have to do it before my conscious kicks in making me feel so bad I'd give them all back again!

I don't think I'd make a good thief
As it's something I don't really want to be
But there are things I want to have and do
Mainly make the world a bit better
And have loads of fun too!

If I were a hobbit

Just for fun and because the book "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" was first published today in 1955 and because I like the hobbit books, I thought about the things I'd like to have if I were a hobbit.

• At least one good adventure-as much as hobbits say they don't want to have adventures, you know that deep down they jolly well do!
• Gandalf the Grey by my side-he seems to be extremely handy in times of crises.
• Elf healing powers-I'd like to be able to cure things like they do-they seem to be able to cure everything by doing a bit of chanting.
• A really awesome friend like Samwise Gamjee to go on adventures with-he just seems so devoted and lovable-in short the perfect adventure companion!
• A couple of other hobbits to come along for the ride-namely Merry and Pippin as they are just so incredibly entertaining!

If I could have one spy item...

Just because I've been reading (and rather enjoying) some spy novels recently and because spy novelist John le Carre was born today in 1931, I had this thought about how wicked fun it might be just to have one James Bond -spy-type item. I wouldn't really want to spy on anyone because that doesn't do it for me. I just like the idea of having a spy item-it just seems so....well, cool. So getting back to the point, if I could have one spy item I think it would be a  leather belt that conceals a piston hidden behind the buckle that can fire out a rope of up to 75 feet (23 m) of high tensile wire designed to support the weight of an average person. I saw this belt in the movie GoldenEye and I thought it would be a very handy thing to have in case of fires or when one is doing something devious and needs to make a quick getaway! Then again, if I did have such a rope, I'd then have the added problem of trying to get down it without getting rope burn -so there are ups and downs to everything (in this case literally!) While I still like the idea of acquiring something like that, I'm quite satisfied to watch James Bond use it instead. I'd rather not be shaken or stirred I've decided!

A concert

Today was the Boston Skyline Chorus's fall concert and it was really fun. As you can see we all got all dolled up and glam-looking and we all sounded great! I think what I liked most about it was how the whole thing was tied together with a story. We sang songs like Mack the Knife, Hallelujah, Kokomo ( by the Beach Boys) as well as some patriotic songs like the US national anthem and America the Beautiful. All these songs may not have seemed related but a chorus member tied them together into a story about a college student coming to Boston. In many ways it was very like the concept of the movie/play Mama Mia where seemingly unrelated songs are put together into a story. I like the story aspect of the performance best because I think music can tell many stories. What I know is that I'm  glad that I can be part of Boston Skyline Chorus and that it's part of my life's story, because it is really fun and I've been happy being part of it! I'm glad I can spread some of the happiness I feel when I'm singing with them, to a wider audience. Congratulations to the BSC for a wonderful performance!

Me with another lovely Boston Skyline Chorus member

Living slightly dangerously

It's Evel Knievel's birthday -for those who don't know Mr. Knievel is a motorcycle daredevil. I just think it's funny that people can be called daredevils and I like Evel Knievel's name I just the way it sounds. Anyway, thinking of Mr. Knievel got me thinking about some of the daredevilish things I've done (or at least I felt they were daredevil type things-they might seem tame to the rest of the world, but I think it's the idea that counts!)

• I think the biggest risky thing I did (and I know I've written about it a lot, but only because it means a lot to me) was decide to give hugs to random strangers-it's one of the best things I've done.
• My dad has a pickup truck and somehow the biggest thing for me was being able to ride in the back bed of truck and he'd go fast down the road to wherever we were going and it did feel a bit like we were flying-it was fun!

I know these are only 2 examples but from doing those things I found that a little risk taking makes life just that much better!

It's when you think you've hit rock bottom things start to get fun

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."-Harriet Beecher Stowe
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/harrietbee155746.html#IjPz4qfm8viT0pfR.99

I like the idea that things get better especially in difficult times, it's something that's very comforting to me in times of need. When thinking about things like that idea, I know that can't give up because if I did, then I might have missed out on the better things that came because of the difficult things. For example in looking for work,  there were times when it was hard and I wasn't sure what would happen next but it made me become closer with my friends and family and also influenced me to go out and meet more people. Plus, I started keeping this blog which has turned out to be a constant source of happiness for me. In writing this blog I made a decision to have it be one place in my life which is always positive no matter what. All this has taught me that getting through difficult things isn't so hard when I think of the fact that there is always hope for better things to come! 

The true delight in finding out something nice

"The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing." -Isaac Asimov

I think that when you first find out something wonderful it feels greatest at the moment you first find it out. It is those moments when I've just found out something nice that I remember most. In those happy moments, I remember feeling nothing but joy and hope for the future. Today for example, I was informed that I've been hired full time for a job that I'd been doing for a trial period. I've loved this job and thinking of it makes me think about how nice it is to work. Just to be able to do something well, enjoy it, and  be paid for it so that I can be independent and not have to rely on others for income, is a wonderful feeling.  I'll remember this day and if I find myself feeling a bit under the weather, I'll think of it and be reminded that happy moments can come at the most random moments.

How the Earth expresses itself

"The earth laughs in flowers."-E.E. Cummings

The poet/author/essayist/playwright E.E. Cummings was born today in 1894. I like this quote and it inspired me to write the following.

According to Mr Cummings
The earth laughs in flowers
And to me a warm breeze
Is like a kiss from people I love
Who are now in the clouds watching over me

In winter when it snows and cold is all I know
I think of the flowers and how they come back
Then I feel better despite the nasty weather
Snowmen and sledding suddenly seems more fun that way
And if I can't enjoy that, I can know that even winter ends someday

If the world laughs in flowers it dances with the sun
As do I because let's face it, lovely when it's warm
Of course it's then that the flowers come out
And at that time all seems all right in life
Because the earth has so much beauty as flowers attest!

Always have a sense of humor

"I think if you come from a history of persecution you have to develop a sense of humor." -Sacha Baron Cohen

It's Sacha Baron Cohen (e.g. Borat, Bruno, and Ali G's) birthday today. I rather like this quote. I know that in some cases where I felt scared or threatened I felt better when I could laugh about it. As long as I can laugh at it, I know I can get through virtually anything and I find strength and comfort in that thought.  Life is just better with laughter in it and Sacha Baron Cohen has helped a lot of people to laugh over the years so I wish him the happiest (and funniest) of birthdays!

Over the Rainbow with a saxophone

It's the jazz musician Chris Botti's birthday and I thought this recording of him playing "Over the Rainbow" was really pretty. Plus I like rainbows and this song so all the more reason to share it!

The nice thing about each day is

"With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts."-Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was born today in 1884. I like her quote above as it's a very comforting thought. I find that when things are hard I sometimes find it helpful to think that since I got through the day before, then the new day brings the possibility that there are better things to come. With that in mind I can face things and feel better. Then when things finally come right in the end (and somehow they do come right the way they should be) I can know that whatever happened before, I've faced it and am stronger for it. I think everyone has that strength, even if it's not always recognized. That's one of the things I like most about being human, we can go through so many things and still get up and carry on. I see so much strength in people and I admire people for their strength. People make me want to grow and be a better person. Each day, the idea that someone might read this makes me want to write something different (and better) than the day before. I hope each day that people feel stronger as well.  I hope that you face each day and can see the beauty that's in it. I hope each day brings you something happier than before and I wish you the very best!

Hooray for Malala

Malala Yousafzai has won the Nobel Peace Prize! She's overcome so much and even when people tried to stop her by force, it seems it's only made her stronger and more committed to her mission to ensure education is available to all. I think I like Malala most because of her mission as it is similar to that of my parents. My parents were once told that I might not be educable because part of my brain was damaged. My parents didn't stand for that and so they went on to ensure that I was educated and did well.I feel that my quality of life is better and I feel more empowered because I have been educated. I want to congratulate Malala because she's helping to ensure that girls and women are empowered and have a better quality of life as well. I'm so happy for her and I wish her every success!

Funny quote

"I've got a new invention. It's a revolving bowl for tired goldfish."-Lefty Gomez


This quote made me smile-it had to be shared!

Opportunities for kindness

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I really think it's wonderful the kind things that people do for each other. Whether it's giving up a seat on the bus, opening the door for someone, or just smiling at someone. It makes me feel good to be human when I think of things like that. I figure that all we have in this life is each other and as long as people are willing to do nice things, however small, for each other, I believe there's a lot of hope for humanity. At the ver least, thinking about and doing those nice things makes me feel happiest!

Happy Birthday to Simon Cowell

It's Simon Cowell's birthday and I saw this video of him that I couldn't resist sharing because it's really sweet. I wish Mr. Cowell the happiest of birthdays.