Happy Birthday to my brother!

Not only is it New Year's Eve but it is also my brother's birthday and this got me thinking about how I have a great brother.  Although there are a lot of reasons why I think he's great, here is my top 5:

• He's just fun to be around in general.
• He knows how to fix most if not all of the technology issues I face as I'm technology-challenged.
• He and I have inside jokes that are really funny but no one else understands.
• He gives great hugs.
• He's my brother and I love him.

I want to wish a very happy birthday to my brother and everyone who was born today. To everyone else, Happy New Year's Eve!

Early New Year's resolution...

"Never look backwards or you'll fall down the stairs." Rudyard Kipling

Although I do think it's nice to look back and remember things that are good, for the coming year I resolve to not look back and keep moving forward! (If only to prevent myself from falling down stairs!) After all, to quote another of my idols named Edna "I never look back darling, it distracts from the now!"

Seven Down

O crossword my crossword
Why can't I figure out 7 down?
The person who came up with these clues
 Really must be some sort of clown

I recently started doing said crossword
As someone told me it does one's brain some good
Well now my brain's exhausted
And I still haven't figured out 7 down!

Why is 7 down so important?
It's like that puzzle my family got one Christmas
We'd almost finished it only to find just one piece missing
I'm still slightly bitter about it now!

Ok back to seven down
The clue is "near the stern"
Well I'm feeling stern now
And I don't feel that close to figuring the dang clue out!

Oh my gosh, with the help of my lovely Mum I figured it out!
The right word is "aft"
All is marvelous, I've finished the puzzle
And this rather silly poem now!

You know you're a Michigander at heart when...

Now that I'm back in Michigan for a bit, it got me thinking about how I know I'm a Michigander at heart and so I came up with the following list. You know you're a Michigan lover when:

• Someone tells you they're going on vacation "Up North" and you know generally what they mean. 
• When people ask you where in Michigan you're from, you use your hand as a map to show them.
• Michigan v. Michigan State (or vice versa) sports games are serious matters to you. 
• Snow days are just part of a regular elementary/middle/high school fun experience for you.
• You don't consider the weather to be really cold until it reaches 0 degrees Fahrenheit (and if you're hardcore you're not cold until it's -5 out!)

Here's to Michigan and being a Michigander!

Fun at Hollow Mountain!

Today I went to Hollow Mountain Comics game shop in East Lansing, MI. I think what I liked most about that shop was the fact that the owner and some of his friends played board games with my sister, her boyfriend, and me. We played a a game called Mysterium and a word association game called Codenames. It was really fun. I've always rather liked board games because they're a way to meet people (and improve certain skills like memory and linguistics and how to lie well.) As long as there are people around you enjoying the game as much as you are, it's a nice way to spend a couple of hours. In this instance I believe a good time was had by all. At least, there was a lot of laughter involved! To find out more about the Hollow Mountain Comics click here.

How happy I am to see my happy dog

When I go home to Michigan

I get to see my family's dog Doogle

Who always seems so happy boo matter what

He's smart, energetic, and most of all, fun!

I like how he gets excited when someone visits

And how he's smart

He'll get his frisbee deliberately underneath a car in our driveway 

and bark until you get it out and once you get it out for him, you of course have to throw it

My family have always had dogs as pets

So I guess I love them because I grew up always having a dog

There's something nice about petting them

They really are great friends

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas!

• Just because Christmas is a day to laugh and be merry, here's a Christmas joke that I thought was really funny!
• One beautiful December evening Huan Cho and his girlfriend Jung Lee were sitting by the side of the ocean. There was a romantic full moon, and Huan Cho said, "Hey baby, let's play Weeweechu." 
  "Oh no, not now. Lets just look at the moon", said Jung Lee. 
  "Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I play Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Huan Cho Begged. 
  "But I had rather just hold your hand and watch the moon." 
  "Please Jung Lee, just once... play Weeweechu with me." 
  Jung Lee looked at Huan Chi and said, "OK, we'll play Weeweechu." 
  Huan Cho grabbed his guitar and they both sang... 
  "Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

Happy Christmas everyone!

Things I love about Christmas

Because I love Christmas in general, Here are some things I love best about Christmas with my family.

• Using Christmas Crackers -they're a bit hard to explain but it's a UK tradition where two people pull open this stick-like object that holds presents. bad jokes on slips of paper, and of course paper hats. We all of course where the paper hats through Christmas dinner. 
• Singing Christmas carols badly-it's just more fun singing them out of tune for some reason. I think it's funny. 
• We listen to the Queen's of England's Christmas message-ok, we don't do it every year but it's a nice tradition when we do.
• Exchanging gifts- as always it's nice to give and receive.
• What I love most about Christmas is being home. It's lovely to see my family and be there on Christmas with them.

If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy Christmas Eve!

Caroling

The other day I went caroling with a group of people and we visited the house of an elderly lady who goes to my church and recently had major surgery. We sang a series of Christmas songs for her and it was lovely because she seemed so happy listening to us. It was really nice to see so directly how music can make people feel so happy. It really did feel like medicine because it was upliftting.  The woman we sang for couldn't stop smiling and I think everyone had a lot of fun. Overall it showed me another example of how music is best shared and has its own unique way of spreading joy and love. In that spirit, if you live in Boston and like basketball, I thought a clip of the Celtics singing Christmas carols to people in hospital. It did my spirit some good!

Things I learned from watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I just got back from seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens and I really enjoyed it. After watching it here are some things I learned:

• When in doubt, use a lightsaber.
• I'd like to have a robot like BB-8, I just think it's nice to have something loyal like that around for moral support.
• Having an ex-stormtrooper around can also be really helpful in times of need. 
• I really want to hug Chewbacca.
• I'd like to learn how to fly a spaceship like Han Solo and Rey.

May the Force be with everyone!

A Monday wish

This is jus a wish to say that I hope everyone had a lovely Monday and that your Tuesday is even better! Best wishes and much love to all!

I have Star Wars fever!

I always quite liked the Star Wars movies. I don't know why,  I guess there's a part of me that likes "campy" movies (whatever that means.) Anyway, I saw this "exclusive" clip on the Ellen show and thought it was necessary to share it as it made me laugh.  Enjoy and may the force be with you!

I want to have no regrets

The singer Edith Piaf was born today in 1915 and one of the song songs she sang was "Je Ne Regrette Rien" which I think roughly translates to "No Regrets." I saw this clip of an old woman named Janey Cutler singing this song on the TV show Britain's Got Talent.  I hope that when I get old and  I look back on my life, like Janey, I will have no regrets.

I always wanted to fly like E.T.

I love the movie E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. (For those who haven't seen it, it's about an alien who comes to earth and befriends a little boy while trying to find his way back to his planet.)  After watching ET as a kid:

• I really wanted to have a at least one ride on a bicycle that could fly. It just looked so wicked cool!
• I gained a new appreciation for Reece's Pieces, after all even aliens like it apparently.
• I liked how E.T. could heal any wound with one touch. Seeing it almost made me want to become a doctor (that is, until I realized I might have to cut into people.) 
• When I listen to music from that movie, even today, it helps me feel brave in times of need.
• I learned that I was really glad that I always had a home to go back to and call if I wanted.  There really is no place like home for me. So it was never a mystery to me why all E.T. wanted to do was call home. For me, home has always been the place to be!

flying tips courtesy of Ellen DeGeneres

As many people travel during the holidays Ellen DeGeneres has something people really need to help them travel in style and comfort.  If you know you're going to be flying in the middle seat on a plane and want to claim your armrest, see below for a tool that's essential to helping you keep your chair's armrest to yourself. It's called the Up in Arms sweater! With its help you can get your armrests back and you won't have to fight anyone for them! Why am I advertising this? Because it made me laugh and I wanna be the first to claim armrests on planes!

Dancing for no reason at all

Today (just because I want to and I can) I started dancing as I was waiting to cross a street. I was listening to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk and I just can't help but dance when I listen to that song. Anyway, dancing like that made me feel good inside and out. I didn't think about anything and I just felt Happy!

Funny quote for the day

"An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is looking for a way to get out!"

George Jean Nathan

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#5RcmrddRWbzSuxGd.99

As I like to think I'm an optimist, I will happily let any housefly out of my house!

On the Sunny Side of the Street

I heard this song the other day called "On the Sunny Side of the Street" sung by Kristina Train. It's from a movie "Jenny's Wedding." When I heard it I felt a sense of peace which was needed at the time. It really did make me feel sunny inside. I hope it has the same effect on others.

Christmas shopping!

Although I don't usually like shopping, I do enjoy it when I shop for other people. I like Christmas shopping, even if it's tiring. I like the idea that I'll be able to see someone happy when they open the gift. It's fun to pick out something I think will make someone feel good. To me it's a symbol of loving people. Not so much the consumerism aspect, but the idea that you're doing something for someone else and bringing happiness to someone else. So I love Christmas and the gift buying/giving because it's all about love (at least in my house and with my family.) I'm all about the love.

How to be great

Prosperity tries the fortunate, adversity the great. 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#cjBmlBqDBshqFuxU.99

If adversity tries you, I for one believe you'll come out stronger from facing it. I believe everyone haas the capacity to be great! I know you can do it! When things have been difficult in my life, even if I didn't feel strong when I was going through it,  I did feel great when I came out of the difficult time. I felt great because I knew that I could face things and that things do come out right in the end. Although I wish no one had to go through hard things, if you're going through a hard time, please know I'm rooting for you!

Cards Against Humanity

Yesterday I went to a party where everyone played a card game called Cards Against Humanity.  The basic idea is that there are main cards that have a statement on them and then each player has a certain amount of cards with funny words or phrases (ranging from "friction" to "assless chaps") on them that are used to make funny sentences. My favorite main card was "{insert word] brought about the end of the world." (which is of course where the assless chaps fit right in!)

Santa is special for special needs kids too

Santa is something that was always special in my childhood. So when I saw this story about a little boy who was able to have the experience of seeing Santa despite the fact that he had fallen asleep because of a seizure,  it meant that later on he could have that picture and hopefully know that he had that experience. I always believed having a disability shouldn't stop anyone from having fun and having good experiences. I'm glad this kid was able to be given this memory for the future. Here's to Santa!

To read more about the story click here.)

Photo from:
http://tinyurl.com/njv3kod

Love in the form of stuffed toy animals trumps hatred

I just read about an elderly woman who was bothered by presidential candidate Donald Trump's Islamophobic  statements and so she did something about it. She brought her doctor (who is a Muslim) a set of crocheted stuffed animals for him. She accompanied the gifts by saying that she felt for her doctor and what he was going through. The gift seems fitting since (at least to me) stuffed animals have always been all about love. They're typically given with love and are treated with love. (At the very least, they are something to hug when one feels the need.) So I'd say love trumps Donald Trump! (With the help of a few stuffed animals.)

To read more about the story click here.

Send a Christmas card and make a little girl's day!

If you're feeling a need to spread some good cheer, I just read a news article about a girl who would like to receive Christmas cards from all over the world to fill up a Christmas tree her aunt set up for her.  The child's name is Sa'fyre Terry. She was badly burned in a fire that killed her father along with her younger siblings.  If you have a moment and a holiday card available, please consider sending it to her.  According to the article I read, cards can be sent to:

Sa’fyre Terry
P.O. Box 6126
Schenectady, NY 12306

If you want to read more about Sa'fyre's story click here.

Being brave

One thing I love most about people is their capacity to be brave. I think that people can overcome more than they think and when they're tested they come out stronger.  If you're going through something difficult I send you this song in the hope that it helps you feel brave because I believe in you and I believe everyone is brave. 

Hallelujah event!

Today I went to an awesome Messiah concert at Trinity Church in Boston. I find a like opera-style music sometimes and the Messiah concert does make me feel uplifted. The soloists they had (along with the chorus) all sang beautifully. They put a lot of feel in what they sang. What I liked best about this particular concert was the Hallelujah chorus. Everyone got up and sang it together. I like how music unites people and it sounds just that much better when everyone joins in. An additional plus, was at the very end of the concert everyone sang Christmas carols which is something I also really like doing.  In a way I think a Hallelujah chorus with audience participation something you have to be there to experience, but to give you an idea of how cool an audience singing along can be, watch this video.  P.S. I'd like to congratulate my friend Amy Doherty for singing in the chorus, it really was great!

Just because Saturdays seem like nice days to dance

The singer  Little Richard was born today in 1932 and he sang this song called Tutti Frutti  which always makes me feel like dancing. Or, at the very least it makes me want to dance. I share it here with the hope that it helps others smile (and dance the night away too).

O Christmas Tree

Today they put up the Christmas tree in my apartment building and a group of other residents and I held a small party to decorate it, which was really fun. I always liked decorating things for holidays. This evening was especially nice because I like the people in my building and there was a lot of laughter involved. I think a good time was had by all. To end this post, I can't help thinking of the song O Christmas Tree from the Charlie Brown cartoon. I post it here along with the hope that everyone has very happy holidays.

Lovely moments

"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it." -Richard Bach

Although I don't think happy lovely moments have to be paid for in any way, I do think they happen each day (examples: when people hold doors/complement on how nice people look/smile at someone/getting hugged/giving a hug.) In any case, one lovely moment that I can pinpoint that happened recently was when I went home for Thanksgiving. During the course of the weekend my Mum and I were watching a football game and I managed to  fall asleep on her shoulder. (Ok, I admit it was probably mostly because I don't really understand  American football.) Anyway, it was nice waking up and being hugged by my mum. I just think it's nice to feel so safe and loved. I hope everyone has the opportunity to have lovely moments or at the very least, to feel safe and loved. Life just seems better that way.

A holiday-type joke

As it's December I found this joke that reminded me of the holidays.  I hope your holidays are full of lots of laughter and happiness too1 (But minus the chess nuts boasting in open foyers!)

A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. ''But why?'' they asked, as they moved off. ''because,'' he said ''I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.''

Joke from: https://www.facebook.com/notes/joke-of-the-day/top-50-funniest-jokes-ever-told/589651657715055

Come rain or come shine

It's the singer Bette Midler's birthday and that got me thinking of a song I heard her sing called "Come Rain or Come Shine." I think the song is really pretty and to me it speaks of how real love is something that exists no matter what. I hope everyone has someone to love them come rain or come shine because being loved is the best way to be!