Sunday, July 26, 2009

What I've Learned

Being human means your going to make mistakes, your going to go through tough times and you never know what the future holds in store for you. I read a blog a little while ago and it was a list of things this person had learned by the time they turned 26. It was pretty interesting to see the different things this person had learned. Things that some of us never really pick up on until its to late.

So my questions to everyone is if you has the chance to write a letter to your past self what would you tell them you have learned?

I think mine would go some thing like this:


* Every family has its downs. You might think you have the worst family and that every one else is so blessed to have amazing families but the truth is they all have problems too. Every kid I've known has some point in their lives when they think they hate their families and that they're the absolute worst!
* A smile really can make a difference
* Don't hold back...so many people go through life not living every moment to the fullest. Well you never know when that life will end. Its so very important that you do what you can while you have the chance.
* Don't listen to the bad stuff people say about you....They're bored with nothing better to do with their time. Take a look at the people talking bad about you....are they perfect? I DON'T THINK SO!
* Not every one will like you.....if you do come across people that don't seem to be very fond of you don't worry about it. Don't be mean to them, talk bad about them , or knit pick until you figure out exactly what they don't like about you. Some people just don't care for others, it just is what it is. It is something you just have to shrug, smile and tell yourself its their loss.....we know you're AWESOME!
* Everything happens for a reason.....you might think a high school heart break or a speeding ticket is the worst thing in the world. That you'll never get over it but you will. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. So take the good with the bad and remember it happened for a reason....learn from it!
* If you want it....You have to get it! Being young there is always mommy and daddy to take care of everything. As you get older independence is the one thing you want more than anything but only if it is in your favor....a later cerfew, the keys to the car, leaving mom and dad at home when it comes time for spring break vacation. Your parents can't take care of everything forever, especially when it comes to the bummer stuff like asking for a raise, paying your rent and getting that college internship. People aren't just going to hand you things in life. You have to work for them! If you want something don't just sit around waiting for it to fall into your lap....go out and get it yourself!

I'm sure there is a lot more I can think of that I'd tell myself but for now I think this will do.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Things to do Before You Turn 21

Anybody that knows me can tell you I'm really big into list making. I make a list for absolutely everything...day to day to do lists, house cleaning lists, major project lists, things to do before I do. You name it I've probably got a list for it. I've decided to make a list of things to do before I turn 21. As of now I have about 8 months until my 21st birthday! Lets get started!!!!!

Things to Do Before You Turn 21

  1. Take a road trip...I've been wanting to do this since I saw crossroads in the 7th grade. I think its time I actually did it!
  2. Save $1,000...I've always wanted to save a good chunk of money unfortunately savings account seems to be thrown out of the vocab whenever I find something I want to do and have already run out of money.
  3. Buy a lottery ticket...a real one not one of the scratch offs. I've been meaning to do this since I turned 18. Maybe I'll be a millionaire....wish me luck!
  4. Visit a psychic....This is something I've wanted to do since I found out what they do. Now I just have to find a real one.
  5. Go back to school
  6. Get my Penn Foster Certificate
  7. Finish paying for Penn Foster
  8. Go to the drive in
  9. Stop holding back....Who cares what everyone thinks...Like they're perfect I don't think so!
  10. Get a new cell phone
  11. Don't be afraid to tell people how you feel.....I seem to have a hard time expressing my emotions I think I'll work on that.
  12. Smile and laugh a lot
  13. Take lots of pictures
  14. Read 10 books
  15. Have a better attitude
  16. Finish my room
  17. Apologize to Randy
  18. Stop holding grudges
  19. Don't cash in any coins......I'm working on filling a 5 gallon water jug with coins but I seem to have a really hard time because I'm always cashing my coins in.
  20. Loose 21 lbs
  21. Have no regrets
  22. Start learning how to play the drums
  23. Grow a garden
  24. Fly a kite
  25. Go on another vacation
  26. Take some sort of art or dance class
  27. Go camping
  28. Ice skating in millennium park
I'm sure there's a ton more I can think of but we wont over do it.

There seems to be a few common things everyone wants to do before they turn 21. Here are the things I've already done.

  • Told someone I loved them and meant it
  • Voted.....Obama...yeah baby!!!
  • Graduated High school
  • Go skinny dipping
  • Do your own laundry...this ones amazing to me...I've been doing my own laundry for a long time.
  • Ride a horse
  • Slept under the stars
  • see the ocean...been to myrtle beach, SC and Cocoa Beach, FL both very nice places.
  • Win an award
  • Get your license....lucky me I've gotten mine and had it taken away all before I was 21. How many people can say that?
Here's a few more fun things that I've been able to do before I turned 21.
  • See the Chicago River turned green for St. Patrick's Day
  • Thrown someone a surprise party
  • Bought my own car
  • Totaled my first car
  • Started college
  • Taken out a student loan
  • Paid rent
  • Been able to give my parentals money when they need it instead of the other way around
  • Found out I have narcolepsy
  • Had a part time job
  • Worked a full time schedual...hate it!
  • Touched a stingray
  • Been to Ripley's Believe it or not Aquarium
  • Traveled to another state....so far I've been to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Missouri
  • Had surgery
  • Lived with my best friend
  • Fell in love