Cinderella Story Teams - by Kristy

This year's March Madness tournament has surprised many and put the spotlight on the underdog teams. The top seeds in the college basketball tournament: Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, and Pitt have all been eliminated before the finals. VCU, Butler, Kentucky, and UConn were the teams to make it to the Final Four this year.

It shows how much hard work and determination can really matter when following dreams.

Street sign named after Red Wings Captain - by Monica

I figured Kristy would appreciate this haha.

Yesterday for work, I went to the unveiling of Nick Lidstrom Drive in Novi. The drive was, obviously, named after Red Wings captain Nick Lidstrom, who is a former resident of Sweden and current resident of Novi.

He spoke at the event last night, and I could tell right away that he wasn't some full-of-himself guy, but that he truly deserved this honor.

"In Sweden, I believe you have to be dead to have a street sign named after you. That makes it even more special for me,” Lidstrom said. “This is a tremendous honor that I never even dreamt about or thought was going to happen.”

All of the Novi city officials spoke again and again that he was chosen to have the street named after him, not just for his accomplishment in the Red Wings, but for his work in the community with their youth hockey program.

Lidstrom is a star, yet he still found time to coach the youth hockey team at Novi Youth Arena. That shows, to me, that there are things more important in life than being rich and famous. It's helping out the community you live in.

Read my original article here

Love the Life You Live - by Kristy

I know that "stop and smell the roses" is a pretty cheesy expression. But, it's one that carries so much importance in it. Life goes by so fast and it's so easy to let it fly right by us. We often are living life is constant fast forward fashion, without taking time to enjoy it. Sometimes we even waste time by being negative. Sure, life is full of ups and downs; but you have the choice and the power of how you react.

I read a quote on Twitter today which stood out to me, "Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change". Tweet credit to @TheNoteboook.

Sometimes we just need pause and be thankful for the life we have and the blessings we've been given. It can do a world of good to take a couple minutes and just appreciate ourselves and others around us.

Trip of a lifetime - by Monica

Last week was probably one of the most amazing weeks of my life -- a week that will forever change me.

I went to Haiti. I visited orphanages, an elderly home and tent cities, and I passed out supplies and helped with medical work.

And it was unbelievable to me how grateful the people were for even the smallest act of kindness.

Here in America, we've learned not to trust others. In Haiti, the children will grab the hand of a stranger without much thought and hug you over a fruit snack or a silly band.

When I went to the home for the elderly, one of the women kissed the palm of my hand, curled my hand around it, and put my hand to my heart. Even though we couldn't speak the same language, I knew what she meant. She wanted me to keep her with me in my heart.

To read more about my mission trip to Haiti visit The Daily Tribune.

March is Reading Month - by Kristy

March is reading month and many local athletes have been doing appearances at elementary schools to promote reading and learning. It's great to have a month dedicated to the importance of reading. Learning is a year long responsibility, but March is specifically tailored to reading and it's awesome to see kids get excited by the special events and games that school programs offer during this month.


Here is a picture of Detroit Red Wings player, Justin Abdelkader.

Music - by Kristy

Music and singing can inspire and help boost your mood. In Karen Salmansohn's "The Bounce Back Book", she lists tips and advice for ways to thrive in difficult times.

One of her tips include "sing your heartache out" to boost your overall mood. The Institute of Music, Health and Education supports this idea.

Aristotle has claimed, "When (people) have made use of the melodies which fill the soul with orgiastic feeling, they are brought back to a normal condition as if they had been medically treated."

Today we see music used in therapy to heal all types of negativity. It is a great outlet for a person to channel their emotions.

My personal advice? Make a play list on your Ipod filled with all your favorite upbeat songs. When you are stressed, tune out the world and listen to it.

Haiti - by Monica

Read original article I'm leaving to go to Haiti today to help the group God's Chosen One Ministry build an orphanage. Beyond Lingering Problems in Haiti, Progress and Vision Spark Hope

I am both excited and nervous, but I hope this trip with change me. There are so many things in life that we take for granted that many other parts of the world do not have. There is so much money that has been donated to Haiti by America that they have not yet received. And we felt like, the only way to ensure that our help is truly received is to go their ourselves.

I found some happy news as it relates to Haiti. Tamara Apollon, president of Mon Pays Mon Cuisine, is looking to open markets in America selling Haitian-based products such as mango juice, squash puree and dried fruits. The products support a community cooperative of 300 women fruit growers in Lascoabas, about 90 minutes from Port au Prince (where we will be going).

This task is one of many supported by the group Sustainable Haiti Coalition, an organization that wants to transform Haiti through vision, leadership and collective action. “We want to look a century out at what Haiti might become — a model of ecological restoration, cultural integrity, and shared prosperity — and then work back to the decisions that need to happen now to create that future,” says Coalition co-founder Jonathan Cloud.

I am so happy that we get to be a part of this vision, helping in a small way to get Haiti back on its feet.

Give Blood, Save Lives - by Kristy

The Plymouth Whalers are hosting a blood drive this Friday March 4th before their 7pm home game against Saginaw. From 12-6pm you can come give blood at Compuware Arena and receive a free ticket to a regular season March home game.

Find out more information, with directions and how to register, on the Whalers website here.

Find out more information about giving blood and how to find the American Red Cross that is near you by clicking on their official website here.