Making mistakes - by Monica

"If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner." - Tallulah Bankhead

"I don't know if I continue even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,' that's all…If we all hold on to the mistake, we can't see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can't see what we're capable of being. You can ask forgiveness of others, but in the end the real forgiveness is in one's own self." –Maya Angelou

I know that sometimes we let the fear of mistakes control us into not doing anything. Yes, I watched "Eclipse" at midnight this morning, and everybody knew I was going to make a reference to it somewhere in this post haha. But one of the things that touched me the most in the movie was the graduation speech given by the character Jessica. She said, "This is the time to make mistakes." She concludes her speech by saying that,in making mistakes, that's how you find out who you want to be. If we didn't make mistakes, how would we know what we really want? She tells her graduating class to change majors and to fall in love...a lot. And the lesson I learned was that I need to not be so afraid of making mistakes. Because by fearing mistakes, I am, in turn, missing out on finding myself. Because, honestly, making mistakes aren't all that bad. They can be fun if you let them be...if you stop taking yourself so seriously.

I will end with an excerpt from an article on ezine that I really enjoyed and thought shed light and why we should STOP fearing mistakes. Instead we should start LIVING our lives, instead of fearing.


We don't like to make mistakes. We take them personally. They embarrass us, shame us, show us what we're lacking, you know...

Stop that train of thought right there.

Try not to do that anymore. When you're aware you made a mistake, or you're just afraid you will, and the inner jeering squad starts, listen to the feeling behind the words, not the words themselves. Be aware of them and don't just cringe in self-directed irritation. And most especially try not to agree with them and voice them out loud.

You see, the feelings that fuel the harsh words are ultimately protective. When you were younger and the judgments of the Big People and your friends left you bewildered and hurt, you adjusted your behavior so you wouldn't get to feel that bad again. Over time, we absorb this lesson and listen only to the words, the original reasoning behind them lost to memory.

You have to understand that making mistakes does not lessen your innate value as a human being.

One definition of the word "sin" - hamartia, from the Greek - means 'to miss the mark'. Mistakes aren't sins, in the way we usually understand to mean the word. You just missed the target, is all. Regroup, breathe. Assess, and re-aim. Don't take the error as a scathing condemnation of your judgment, character or intelligence. Circumstances in life can and will beat you down enough without you joining in.

Still nervous? Here's a cool-headed check-list you can run through to calm yourself, assess the fear, and get going:

What's the absolute worst thing that can happen when I decide to do this? - This is a pessimist's best dream -- your worst nightmare.

What is the realistic, uninflated likelihood of it actually happening? - This step can calm you down right here once you calculate the odds.

What resources do I already have in place to deal with it?

Will it matter in another week? Month? Year? Over my lifetime? By how much?

Here's a parting gift to cap things, modernized versions of two old sayings. "What doesn't kill me a)sometimes makes me wish it did b) but can make me stronger c) and make me smarter, once I learn from it." And, "There is nothing to fear, even fear itself."

"Stay Calm" by Kristy

You know the popular expression "when it rains it pours"? Well that is how I would sum up the last couple weeks for me. It's easy for many little things to go wrong creating nothing but a black cloud over your head.
Over a year ago my yoga instructor said something that has stuck with me and runs through my mind, especially when things seem to be going wrong. She said, "stress is when you resist what is" and that expression has universal truth to it. It can apply to anyone, anywhere, no matter what situation they're going through. Everybody goes through hard times but the key to getting through it is not letting it defeat you. You can make any bad situation worse by stressing over it and wishing things were different. No matter how tough things can seem, hold your head up high and let the storm pass.

Jimmy Wayne Concert - by Monica

I may be able to meet Jimmy Wayne tonight...which I'm really excited about. I've been e-mailing Amy Rathburg, who works with Jimmy, back and forth over the last couple months. She has to be one of the nicest people I know, and she's going to be in town for his concert tonight! I am beyond excited to finally meet her, and I'm really hoping to be able to interview my first famous person (I'm moving up in the world haha).

Anyway, sorry for that little burst of excitement I had to share with everyone! But, the main part of this blog entry is to announce Jimmy's concert tonight. He will be performing at Toby Keith Bar and Grill at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills tonight at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 (so I would advise getting there early if you want to go or you'll have to stand). You can buy your tickets at the service desk of your local Meijer (tickets are only $13).

I never thought I would like country music, but Jimmy Wayne made the impossible happen, and that in itself is pretty amazing. And not only is he an amazing singer, but he's an amazing person too. He is touring to raise awareness for his project Meet Me Halfway, which I have written about previously. You can learn about his project to raise awareness of the homeless here: Meet Me Halfway.

If you can't attend the concert, I would at least encourage you to donate money to his project by texting FOSTER to 85944.





Side note: I know this isn't happy news, but Amy's aunt died and her doggie is getting tested for cancer, so if everyone could please pray for her, I would really appreciate it.

"Landon Donovan" by Kristy

Today Landon Donovan scored a goal for the USA in the 2010 World Cup to secure the team's advancement in the tournament. The first 90 minutes of the soccer game were played without a goal scored. There was then an additional 4 minutes put on the clock to allocate what is known as stoppage time. All it took was one minute into the extra play time for Donovan to score the goal that saved USA from elimination. The final score was 1-0 as USA defeated Algeria.

Donovan could not hold back his tears of joy during the post-game news conference. “Experiences can harden you and help you if you let them. It all came together tonight. This is pretty satisfying. A lot has happened in my life. I have worked hard and it is nice to know that sometimes hard work gets rewarded. This is the kind of thing I wanted, the chance to help my country, the chance to show I could produce great things, the chance to do what I know I can do. It is amazing.”

Even the game announcers said that Hollywood could not have written a better script for the dramatic finish to this game. The USA has their next game on Saturday against Ghana.

See his amazing goal here on youtube.com:

"First Day of Summer" by Kristy

Today is June 21st, also known as Summer Solstice. It is the longest day of the year and the first day of Summer. Go out and enjoy the day! :)

Defeating autism - by Monica

View original story at ABC News.

My boyfriend Dan works at a group home with young adults in their mid-twenties who have autism. None of the guys in the home can talk; their language consists of grunts and hand motions. But, although Dan is younger than the guys he takes care of, he looks at them and talks about them as if they were his children. I couldn't even imagine having autism, but Dan treats them like they were anyone else. And I can tell that, even though they can't speak, they know they are loved because of him.

So, when I heard about a man named Eric Duquette's story on ABC News, I knew I had to post it. I think it gives hope for those who have been diagnosed with autism and shows that support, like Dan gives the guys he works with, goes a long way. Duquette was diagnosed with autism at a young age and didn't learn how to speak until he was five years old. The only reason he learned to speak was because his parents spent about eight hours a day just focusing on ten words at a time with Duquette.

On Tuesday, June 15, Duquette graduated from Smithfield high school in Rhode Island.

That right there is a huge accomplishment in itself. But Duquette didn't stop there. He was valedictorian of his class! In a class of just under 200 students, he had the second highest grades of everyone.

In his speech, Duquette said, "My parents were told I would most likely end up in an institution. I stand before you accepted into every institution of higher learning I applied to."

Duquette will attend Rhode Island University in the fall.

If this story doesn't show you how far people can come, I don't know what will. You may have been dealt a bad hand. Duquette sure was! He was diagnosed with autism for goodness sakes, a disease where some of those diagnosed can't even speak. And, yet, he stood up, gave a speech and was second in his whole class.

Sometimes people may tell you that you can't do it. But that doesn't mean anything.


image source: lampworketc.com

Film industry in Michigan - by Monica Drake

View original article at The Oakland Press

Last night, I went to see the Lake Orion premiere of the short-film "The Point" at Lake Orion High School. I wrote an article, which was featured in the Oakland Press yesterday, about Lake Orion resident and director Chuck Grady, who wrote and directed the short-film. The film is based on a true event that took place in Wisconsin in February 2009. Grady said he heard on ESPN about a high school basketball player who lost his mother to cancer the day before a big game. The player decided to attend the game the next day only to watch, but instead played in it. The opposing team’s reaction, Grady said, motivated him to make a film about it. Grady told me that he knows the old journalism saying "If it bleeds, it leads." But he told me that he wanted to make a positive effect on the film industry, something that will touch audience members instead of just being about violence and gore. He wants to make films that move people, which is exactly what he did with his short-film. It was only 20 minutes long, but watching the film definitely gave me chills. And to make audience members feel a connection toward characters in only 20 minutes...well, that's talent.

If you would like a copy of the DVD, you can contact Grady at chuckgrady@comcast.net.

He is now working on a feature-length film with Imagine Entertainment and the former vice president of Columbia Pictures. Grady didn't start pursuing his dreams until he was 48 years old, which was when he first went to school for film making. And now, he's going to direct a feature-length film! The actor Channing Tatum is actually interested in playing the part of the main character, and the script will be sent to him this week.

Your dreams are beyond your reach. Even if you may be involved in a field you may not want to be in that much -- that doesn't mean it's too late to start over and do what you really want to do. This is what Grady taught me -- that life is too short to settle on your dreams.

"Dream Home Giveaway" by Kristy

I came across an inspiring story by Michael Atkins on savannahnow.com news website. The story was about a special fundraising event that was done for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event was a Dream Home Giveaway co-sponsored by a local news station. The event raised $425,298 for St. Jude. The winner of the dream home was a 68-year-old man named Ced Prange. This man was undergoing personal financial distress which was preventing him from being able to retire as he hoped he could at this age. This amazing event meant that his life has changed for the better and many children at St. Jude also are given a great gift of joy thanks to all the money and donations received.

The full story can be seen here: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-06-14/savannah-man-wins-richmond-hill-home-st-jude-giveaway

A miracle - by Monica

Unless you live in Oz, tornadoes are usually not happy news. But, nonetheless, this is a miracle.

A tornado ripped through Dundee, Mich. on Sunday morning of this week. Tornadoes are pretty darn huge, usually no match for a person. But, according to the Oakland Press, there were ZERO fatalities in Dundee. That's pretty remarkable, isn't it? Homes and cars made of metal were ripped and thrown about like rag dolls. Yet, every single person in Dundee is alive!

Makes you rethink what's important in life, doesn't it?

I think Sue Britton's story described the most how much of a miracle it was the everyone in Dundee survived:



If you would like to help, call (734) 529-3430 to volunteer to help clean up or visit American Red Cross or the Salvation Army to donate money to help the residents of Dundee.

View original article at: Here's how you can help parts of Monroe County recover from this weekend's storms

"Lend a Hand" - by Kristy

Volunteering is such a great way to help out your community and meet new people. It is rewarding on so many different levels. There are countless types of volunteer work you can do.

One great link to find opportunities near you is: http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/
Another link is: http://www.volunteermatch.org/

A class that I am taking in the fall is centered around community service and volunteer work. I am faced with the decision to choose what I want to do. I have 3 top choices for places I would love to spend time volunteering. While I am only going to be able to work with one place for my class, I already know I am going to continue with volunteer work afterwards and be able to help in all the ways I want.
Volunteering is a simple and fun opportunity to grow and help others in the process. Grab a friend and lend a hand to someone in need. The possibilities are endless.

"BounceBack's Healing After a Breakup" - by Kristy

Today I came across an article that shares 10 tips for staying strong after a breakup. We've all been there at one point or another so I think it's something everyone can relate to. Especially right after a breakup it's often difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We find ourselves in a slump, and sometimes without the proper healing, stay down in the dumps way too long.

The article that the tips were posted comes from BounceBack and was featured on Yahoo!'s Shine website. The link for BounceBack is found here: http://www.bouncebacktolife.com/

1.Delete your ex’s information. All the technology at our fingertips is great for the relationships we want to keep, but not so great for those we don’t. The late-night text messages or stalking on facebook is so easy to do, but it doesn’t help the healing process. Delete your ex’s information to reduce temptation. If you’ve got to get something off your chest, you can send a confidential email to the MyEx Mailbox, and say what you want, without consequences.

2.Release your emotions. If you need to cry, cry. If you want to talk, talk. It’s part of the healing process. Whether you want to confide in family and friends, a therapist, or others who are going through the same thing, it’s important to just get your feelings out. A journal can be helpful too; it’s a great way to purge your feelings without having to worry about making sense.

3.Get physical. Post-breakup or divorce, we all have some anger. Don’t take that anger out the wrong way – screaming at your ex, taking it out on an innocent friend or family member, or most importantly, channeling that anger back at yourself. Instead, sweat out your anger and stress – kickboxing, running, and zumba are all great ways to clear your mind.

4.Turn up the volume. Music is a great way to channel emotions. Whether you’re feeling depressed, pissed off, hopeful, or empowered, there’s a tune out there that you’ll connect with. The same goes with movies.

5.Be zen. Instead of allowing yourself to think those “crazy” thoughts - “I’ll never find someone” or “I’m not good enough for anybody.” - try yoga or mediation to help stay focused on the positive energy in your life. These practices really do help remove toxic thoughts and get you to a better place mentally – not to mention, physically.

6.Get a massage. If you’re carrying the stress of your breakup in your shoulder and back muscles, getting a massage may help release some of that physical and emotional tension. It’s also nice to give yourself a treat – after all, you’ve been through a lot – you deserve it.

7.Keep busy. The more time you have on your hands, the more likely you are to dwell on the past. Call your friends up to make plans – have dinner, go to the movies, or enjoy a concert. And remember, as tempting as it may be, avoid boozing and staying up all night during this vulnerable period.

8.Take baths. Soaking up in the tub can help your body detox, relax and soothe your soul. Splurge on some bubble bath, bath salts, or aromatherapy oils to help make it feel more spa-like.

9.Enjoy your hobbies. Often times when we’re in a relationship, we stop doing the things we once loved to do. Whether it’s because of time or the ex didn’t enjoy the same thing, now’s the time to focus on what you love – your attitude and mental health will improve.

10.Love yourself. Remind yourself of your greatest assets – what makes you fun, interesting, and worthy. When you love yourself first, others will love you for who you really are, which is what’s really important.

There are more important things in life than trying to be "perfect" - by Monica

Read the Oakland Press article
Photo source: The Associate Press/Paul Sancya

I know that some hard core Tiger's fan probably don't consider this happy news...but I would definitely call it happy. I think a great lesson can be learned from this -- that people make mistakes and sometimes you need to just forgive instead of being bitter.

Four-letter words are often spoken in sports games, as you can see when the camera-people zoom in on coaches' faces.

But when Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga lost his bid for a perfect game because of a bad call by umpire Jim Joyce, Galarraga just smiled and went on with the game. He didn't fight with Joyce, didn't scream or break anything. I feel for Joyce, honestly. How embarrassing would that be to be in his situation? People mess up...but I couldn't imagine messing up and having millions of people hear about it.

When someone else's mistake effects us personally, it's easy to rub salt in the wound of the person who ruined it for us. Having a perfect game is a big deal, and Galarrage could have easily flipped a lid over the ordeal -- as many people probably would. But he didn't.

“He (Joyce) was crying when I came up,” Galarraga had said. “I shook his hand. He patted me. We've already changed the page.”

Galarraga didn't know being gracious would pay off...he didn't do it for the benefits. But GM surprised Galarraga with a corvette, as a consolation prize you could say and to honor him for being so gracious.

Pitching a perfect game, which means striking each batter out from the other team, is rare. Out of all the pitchers of all the teams in the U.S., only three have pitched a perfect game in the 2010 season. Galarraga would have been the fourth.

But things don't always turn out perfectly. Sometimes, things turn out even better. Galarraga could have gotten mad, but he wouldn't be looked up to nearly as much as he is now. He probably wouldn't have been looked up to as much even if he did receive the perfect game. Instead, his civility was broadcast nationwide. Nationwide, Galarraga is honored as a "perfect gentleman," which, to me, is more important than being honored for his perfect game.

Afterall, at the end of the day, it's not the sport that matters. It's being true to yourself that's most important in this life.

Galaraga also taught kids a lesson with his reaction:

New Directions - by Monica

I was watching America's Got Talent yesterday, and this audition touched me so much. A group of formally homeless veterans, one man in particular who was homeless for 25 years, formed a choir called New Directions. After writing an article about homelessness a couple weeks ago, this especially touched me to know that a group of formally homeless men and women were also trying to raise awareness of the situation they were in. And I think it's inspiring to know it's never too late to work for your dreams to come true. These people are veterans who lived on the streets -- and there they were, singing on TV for millions.