Mike is Fast Too!

Michelle is so fast! A radar is great!

I sit on the floor and Ginger is on the couch! What the hey!

I read a sign that other day that could absolutely be the theme of an 'End of La Semesta Fiesta"
It read....
"What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?"

Why does Mike laugh at the Wii?

I'm chillin' w/Ginger keeping my feet warm...and Mike's so proud of his Wii golf skills. He's on stroke 9 for the hole...make that 10...but who's counting?! OK, 11...and he pulled a Happy Gilmore trying to drive off the green. Needless to say, he's now on Stroke 14 and into yet another water hazzard. He was forced to give up. The laughter is maniacal, did I mention that?!

I think we can all agree.....

Ginger is a bitch!!!

Random Thoughts...contributions welcome

Well, let me start by saying that this site is well over-due. Years of discussing the writings, sketches, stories, thoughts, etc. that should be included "Random Thoughts by Random People" (published, of course, by Random House) has finally come to fruition.

Hopefully, this site can help us all come together in thought when we can't meet in person.

Enjoy, contribute, laugh, smile, reminisce...

That's what it's all about!

xoxo,
Ginger

p.s. I should've started by saying Happy Birthday, Mike :o)!

Paradise. Cayman. Wheels Spinnin'.

Hi there!

I'm sitting in the place I consider Heaven on Earth - Grand Cayman - and I have lots of time to reflect (everyone else I'm with is scuba diving - I said I'd go swim with the sea life in their territory when I see them walking along with me on land).

Nevertheless, I have lots of quiet time...and I figured I'd do something productive with it! I figure people read & forward motivational/inspirational emails daily, but never know who really started the message. Well, you know me...and this message is from me! We are all full of inspiration because we all have stories...

My mind's ticking, so be afraid...be very afraid!!!

OK. Back to Cayman (photo above). The sea is rolling in...easy to see why people once thought the world was flat. It makes me think of a lot of things.

• Thankfulness & Humility: first and foremost, having a supportive family who helped me get to this point in life where I can afford to travel, not take anything for granted, and realize everyone is equal and deems respect.


• Vulnerability: at any minute, something could change and this island could be wiped away without thought. Make the most of each minute you have...savor not just the time, but the people and opportunities along the way.


• Infinity: the blue water and the blue sky...they all go on for what seems forever (at least from this vantage point--if I grew up here, I'd know no different!).


• Peace: just closing my eyes, I will take this sound along with me - calms the breathing, the mind, the body.


• Clarity: I can see out and down forever...I think we all have that ability within ourselves, but it takes constant effort...if we're willing to look deeply into ourselves, we can find peace, love, happiness, and answers we may be searching for.


• Power: one droplet of water or one grain of sand is so important in the crashing waves and the wide-stretching beaches. Without all those little drops or grains, things just wouldn't be the same.

I truly believe one person can make a difference, and I know my family & friends would agree. I've also realized in my quest to 'change the world', I need to hone a more realistic scope and focus on a few things. In teaching and learning, I realize I would never want to change anyone or be forced to change, but as I always tell my students, "I can only plant seeds in you and it's up to you to remember they're there, water them, and shed some light on them".

I hope you are as inspired as I am to select a cause you value and do something about it. We're all like those grains of sand, no one more important than another...no one quite the same, but together, we're powerful! Pick your cause(s) and go after it(them)!!!

OK, hang with me! The deep reflective part carries on to my three main summer projects for causes I'm deeply passionate about and have been volunteering with for some time. I know sharing goals helps build accountability...and perhaps will help you build awareness about me, my life, and my interests:

**Daily...I check out www.cure4treebeard.org & read the blog of my dear friends' son who lives life to the fullest daily and is a true inspiration to everyone with his attitude, drive, and outlook.

1. Cleveland Pride - Saturday, June 20 http://www.clevelandpride.org/home/

2. Relay for Life - Friday, July 31-Saturday, August 1 http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=16636&team_id=470230

3. Race for the Cure - Saturday, September 12 http://race.komenneohio.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1015181&pg=personal&fr_id=1050

I hope this has inspired you to find/support a cause. If you'd like, I'd love to have you participate in any or all of the above events...or just read about them and learn...or if you could spare $1 or $5 for each of the above...that would be super!

Thanks to those of you who already are!!!

Now, back to being thankful...and reflecting...and smiling. While life ebbs and flows like the sea is in front of me, the good thing is with the 'downs', we know some 'ups' are always on the way. Reflect on your own life and realize there have been lots more 'ups' over the years and that will continue into the day, week, year, and rest of your life. Sometimes we just need to shift focus and remind ourselves of the positives. Keep the faith, smile, do great things with your power...no matter how big or small you may consider, be thankful...and thank those in your lives you're thankful for!

Thank YOU for being an inspiration to me during my life thus far...bringing me memories, smiles, peace, and love.

Love, peace, & smiles back atcha!
Michelle

"Peace begins with a smile." ~Mother Theresa