Today Is: Fortune Teller Day

My little sister (from the Big Brother Big Sister program) having her first taste of ice cream of the future!

"If you cannot accurately predict the future, then you must flexibly be prepared to deal with various possible futures." -- Edward de Bono

What is it about your younger years that you seem to dive into the unknown much easier than you do as you get older? Maybe it's because your worries are greatly about insignificant matters, or because your responsibilities are much less daunting, it could be because you know that if you fall out of the nest your not far from the tree, or maybe, just maybe, you haven't felt what true failure feels like. Your heart hasn't become bitter today because of tomorrow's yesterdays. No matter what the reason I long for the days when I think like a kid again. Willing to dive effortlessly headfirst into the unknown just to see what I might find on the other side and if it turns out to be disappointment; dust myself off and start again tomorrow. I cannot predict the future so I may as well climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

"Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent." -- Nolan Ryan

"The soft minded always fears change. He feels security in the status quo, and he has an almost morbid fear of the new. For him, the greatest pain, is the pain of a new idea." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Ever wonder... ask questions and live into the answers." -- Kobi Yamada

Today Is: Little Reminders Day

"Learn to hear what your inner voice is telling you, and your whole world changes." -- Oprah

Have you ever gotten a little reminder, that's brightened up your day?
I believe that those little reminders are God's way of showing us what He has been trying to say.
So when you feel that little tug on the corner of your heart
Let it serve as a reminder that God is never far apart!

"Learn to hear the silence in between the notes." -- Mary Anne Radmacher Life Begins When You Do

Today Is: Remember When Day

This was my cousin Kelly & me a year ago right after the big give!

“Somewhere something incredible is waiting to happen." -- Carl Sagan

It was a year ago today that I stood in front of friends, family and supporters as I read the letter that I had written to a very special young woman, Mikayla.
"As I started to think about the things that I could give I began to get pretty discouraged as I came to the realization that I was no millionaire and I didn't have the resources to help either of these people in need. Instead of getting discouraged and giving up I began to think of what I could give; my hair. After that it was no longer a question of what can I do but how do we do it?"
It is with great pride, honor, admiration, respect, humbleness, humility and most of all gratefulness that I can write this today; we have made a difference. Thanks to i have. i give. and all our wonderful supporters, we have changed history for the better.
Looking back over my own growth in this past year (and I don't just mean my hair) I truly have changed in many ways. I have come to better recognize and respect what true beauty really is and what it truly means to be beautiful. I also know now that as an individual you are the first person who has to wake up every morning and say to yourself; you are worth it and enough; just as you are. As you stand in front of that mirror YOU must look beyond the mirror and inside yourself and not only say "You are Beautiful" but you must believe and know that you are beautiful; for if you don't who will?
I have also come to understand the meaning of humility. I have been through a lot of difficult struggles over the past 12 months; luckily I'm standing even stronger because of those struggles that I had to overcome. Because of those lessons I have been able to be vulnerable, allowing myself to be the fool, giving myself the chance to experience failure at the price of seeking greatness. (This will continue to be a great work in progress) I've had to have somebody even out my neck hairs, wax my sideburns; I've worn a scarf around my head in public so terrified that others were staring, concerned about those that I was with afraid they would be embarrassed when in reality I was the only one who was embarrassed. I gripped a teddy bear in a public mall like I at the doctor’s office when I was four and they were bribing me with toys, all to get my ears pierced. (come to find out it doesn’t really hurt; all the worry for nothing!) I rocked a hideous mullet (on more than one occasion during the growth stages). I’ve had to look past the image of myself and look into the inner aspects of myself. I had to have my mom undress me as I got into the shower, and I have to swallow my pride as I pack up my things to move back to my mom and dad’s; I’ve listened, and often times cringed, when I listen to people tell me how long my hair has gotten (I’ve had to bite my tongue multiple times before the words, ‘Compared to what?’ slip out.) I have to stifle my jealousy when I see a girl walk by with her shoulder length perfectly combed hair, or even worse when I see a guy with thick and luscious locks. As I said, I have learned a lot about humility. At these times I have to remind myself why I put myself through this pain and struggle; it really puts things in perspective when I think about how I gave my hair away for someone who deals with these struggles, and many even worse on a daily basis; a child who had no choice to do this to themselves, a child who would probably be grateful to have neck hair, sideburns, or a mullet. So it’s time to pack my bags of humility and catch the train for the next stop to the town of Blessing and Gratefulness; it awaits me.
I’ve come to realize that sometimes it takes you losing something to understand the impact of the loss and this past year has been a great testament of those feelings of “Remember When”. As I look back over the past year I am grateful beyond words for the life lessons I have been able to experience. I am so grateful for the girls of the i have. i give. team and all of our supporters over this past year. i have. i give. is much more than I ever could have dreamed it to be and I have grown so much from the experience of it all. I know someday we’ll look back many years from now and we’ll say “Remember When…” I hope that that day reminds everyone how blessed we are to have but how much more blessed we are when we are able to give.

“The beauty of memory is how it allows us to look back at the events of our lives through the lens of different contexts and to see the meanings over-looked before – revealing even more riches then we first suspected.” – Sidney Poitier “Life Beyond Measure”

Today Is: She Said Yes!!! Day

"... the sacred marriage: the coming together of two who have each met themselves on the road. When two who have this intimacy with themselves are fully with each other -- whether for a lifetime or for a moment -- the word is held tenderly and fed by the image they create simply by being together. They can be friends or family, lovers or life partners, or simply two strangers whose lives intersect for a moment. They may be telling each other stories, or making love, or sharing a task, or sitting in silence together. It doesn't matter. If, having met myself in the empty moments, I am willing and able to bring all of who I am to another, receiving all of who they are, then we are truly together." -- Oriah "The Invitation"

"It's wedding season...!" -- Wedding Crashers

Cheers to all my dear friends who have recently gotten engaged! So happy to celebrate in the love that you and your wonderful mates have found! May your coming years be filled with unrelentless love, joy and most of all utter happiness!

Today Is: If It Makes You Happy Day

"When we begin to settle into our comfort zone the risk for failure is small, but so is the reward for greatness." -- ACB

Have you ever found yourself not doing something that you love because you're afraid that you're going to fail? I seem to be sabotaging myself much more than I would like to admit right now. Tonight, as I was baking banana bread for a friend at work, this realization came to me... I've been avoiding doing things because I'm afraid of what the outcome might be. I tend to fall into the comfortable, that I forget what it's like to be a little bit afraid of something; to risk something for the reward. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy and I will talk myself out of listening to my creative bliss in an effort to guard myself from getting hurt when in reality, I'm hurting myself much worse by not even taking the chance! I'm so glad that pulling out my bakeware not only filled my kitchen with sweet smells but also filled my heart with a sweet desire to take a risk and seek the reward!

"You must be so passionate about your dream that instead of feeling that you have to leave your comfort zone, you are magnetically drawn to the edge."

-- Lee J. Colan & David Cottrell Winners Always Quit

Today Is: Mirror Mirror On The Wall Day

"Become aware of the wonder of common but extraordinary moments."

-- Jill Badonsky "The Awe Manac"

As I stood before my bare body and stared into a mirror that bore it all; my imperfections, my slightly bigger curves, my unshaped stomach, and my untoned arms, I shared a moment of truth and shame. Truth because it made me humble; humble in ways only a mirror can do as you stare at your naked body. I was staring directly at imperfections and characteristics of myself I tend to hide or make up for in another form. This was a moment of truth because it showed me how I care for myself last. How everything comes before what's best for me; which in many cases is important but when I'm not taking care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else either.

This was also a moment of shame because instead of looking at myself and seeing the beauty of me, I could only notice the parts of myself that I cannot bring myself to see as beautiful, only flawed. After I know that true beauty resides in your heart not on your waist line, my first thought was; step away from the mirror, or just don't look again. What happened to that confident, strong, independent woman I once was? I want her back!!!

"I shut my eyes in order to see." -- Paul Gaugon

Today Is: Memories of the Past Are Treasures of the Present Day

"Live an extraordinary life to ensure that when you die the people who are left have the feeling that with your passing the world has become a duller place." -- Patti Digh "Life is a Verb"

As I've been preparing to move, I've been diligently cleaning out all of my stuff that I've accumulated over the past 25 years. So much of what I had at one point deemed worthy of saving, I have now shoved into a trash bag ready to donate. There have been things that I've found however that have brought back memories and flooded my heart with emotion. As I went through a box of collectibles at my parents house I came across a necklace I had saved of my great grandmother, Na-Na's. Na-Na wore this necklace all of the time, I didn't know it then, but I do know it now, she was into fashion and she was always looking good. She wore great jewelry and always looked so stylish. At the time I saved this necklace because it was a way for me to remember her and her style, but all this time that necklace had been stored away in a box of collectibles that I didn't even remember that I had. I now have it included in my jewelry box and am reminded of the wonderfully amazing woman that she was. What a treasure it was to discover that necklace. The world truly became duller after my Na-Na passed as she had this light about her that could not only brighten a whole room but illuminate an entire house. She was remarkable. I love you Na-Na and I miss you dearly, but I can feel your love wrapped around me as I wear this necklace and each time I look down I am reminded of you.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." -- Thomas Cambell

Today Is: My Love Is Like A Blank Canvas Day

"Dear Girl,

I feel that the time has come for me to have a girlfriend. I know you're out there somewhere. Don't worry I'll find you...

I'm coming to find you, so don't go anywhere. Stay where you are, whoever you are..."

-- Derek Whittier

Dear Man,

You're out there somewhere, I can feel you closer to my heart, the very thought of you warms me to the bone. I know I don't know you yet, but I do know this, I love you so much already. You are what I have been waiting for and you are what I never dreamed about because I wasn't able to grasp someone as handsome, loving, romantic, and amazing as you are. You're truly a one of kind. I know that when God sees fit for us to meet, the world is going to stop, if only for a brief moment, in order to make history together. I am unsure how I got so incredibly blessed with such a wonderful man as yourself but I'll can say is now I can finally understand why I've waited so long. Please know how much I will always cherish our love and our dear friendship and with each day that passes, I long to awake by your side to share in another day of such love and happiness. Thank you for loving me and sharing in my life.

Our love is like a blank canvas, waiting to be scribbled with words and memories, painted with passion, and molded into a treasured possession.

I love you and I pray that I will meet you soon and that you'll love me more than you ever knew was possible. Until then, live life to the very fullest and we'll meet someday soon.

With great joy and excitement!

"How do you know who you're supposed to be with?"

"... she knew he was the one because when she was with him, she felt her best self."

-- Cyndi Finkle

Today Is: Witches, Wizards and Wands! Oh My Day!

"Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard." -- J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Books are one of my favorite things in this world. There is nothing like sitting down in a great chair, sipping a hot drink, and losing yourself in the pages of another character's story. I'm re-reading the Harry Potter series so I can watch the movies in sync. I'm about 3/4 of the way through the fourth book and I'm finding myself featured in the fantasy land of Hogwarts; chasing dragons, playing quidditch and hanging with Harry, Hermoine, and Ron. Books are the perfect get-away without ever having to leave. I've been in Lemoore, CA for the week working on compiling video footage of a few serious safety accidents; it's been an emotionally draining week to say the least and then on top of that it's been the travel trip from hell. So when I find myself caught up in the happiness of Hogwarts I'm grateful. Harry and his friends face great challenges each year not to mention the fears that they must conquer almost daily. As I read through chapter 20, I thought to myself that Harry is a great example of courage and perseverance because he faces all challenges head on and he defeats everything; even with the demeantor of odds. What a great reminder that no matter what I face in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, I will come through it and I'll be not only stronger but better because of it. Knowledge is power!

"I'm going through this experience for a reason... There's something I'm supposed to be doing because of this." -- Ali McGraw

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared."

-- Eddie Rickenbacker

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." -- Oprah Winfrey

Today Is: What Happens in Vegas Day

Here I am sitting at the Las Vegas airport when the ticket counter asks if anyone flying to Fresno, CA would be willing to volunteer their seat for a $400 travel credit voucher; so of course I take it... This guy standing in line, volunteering his seat as well begins talking to me about Vegas and how since we have time now, we should hit the strip together. It sounded fun but we ended up spliting ways shortly after we got our vouchers, however since we were on the same flight out I saw him later in the day and we start talking again. He's telling me about how in 2006, he took a trip to Germany; he then stops and says, "Have you ever been abroad?" "No." I say, but immediately I can feel my insides do a somersault as I release the words, "I'm moving to Africa." His immediate reaction is shock and then he says, "Well, tell me about it?" I tell him the whole story; everything from when I was in high school to my desire right out of college to the fateful day at basketball practice when I got the much anticipated phone call. "It's always been a dream of mine and it's finally coming true." I tell him.

We continue talking and the conversation heads in all different directions, when all of a sudden he says, "You know, that's really cool. You're following your dream. You're doing something you've always wanted to do. I should do that." I looked at him, smiled with my liver and said, "You're right, it is really cool and I'm really excited about it! And YOU SHOULD! Follow your dream. Don't ever settle for status quo."

I'll never forget that conversation with my airport friend Micah. I have a new appreciation for the saying, "What happens in Vegas..." because that's a moment in Vegas I'll never forget.

"Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine."

-- David Ogilvy

"Dream passionate dreams. Design their reality." -- Candis Fancher

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." Carol Burnett

"We've got to have a dream if we're going to make a dream come true." -- Denis E. Waitley