My Resignation

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.

I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities
of an 8 year-old again.

I want to go to McDonald's
and think that it's a four star restaurant.

I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle
and make a sidewalk with rocks.

I want to think M&Ms are better than money
because you can eat them.

I want to lie under a big oak tree
and run a lemonade stand with my friends
on a hot summer's day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple;
when all you knew were colours,
multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes,
but that didn't bother you,
because you didn't know what you didn't know
and you didn't care.

All you knew was to be happy
because you were blissfully unaware
of all the things that should make you worried
or upset.

I want to think the world is fair;
that everyone is honest and good.

I want to believe that anything is possible.
I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life
and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simple again.
I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes,
mountains of paperwork,
depressing news,
how to survive more days in the month
than there is money in the bank,
doctor bills,
gossip,
illness,
and the loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs,
and a kind word;
truth,
justice,
peace,
dreams,
imagination,
mankind,
and making angels in the snow.

So . . . here's my checkbook and my car-keys,
my credit card bills and my 401K statements.

I am officially resigning from adulthood.
And if you want to discuss this further,
you'll have to catch me first, cause........

......"Tag! You're it."

Reposted Courtesy Of: http://www.business.uiuc.edu/broker/resign.htm

If You Meet The Buddah On The Road, Kill Him!

I'm currently reading this book and I'm very excited to have the time to finish it as soon as this week is over. Possibly even the time to read it again. For the time being I wanted to share something from the 1st page of the book that Toni brought to my attention. As background information this is a book from the 70s about religious pilgrimages and psychotherapy patients.

IF YOU MEET THE BUDDHA ON THE ROAD, KILL HIM!

RISKING
Sometimes it seems to me that in this absurdly random life there is some inherent justice in the outcome of personal relationships. In the long run, we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving.

LOVE
Love is more than simply being open to experiencing the anguish of another person's suffering. It is the willingness to live with the helpless knowing that we can do nothing to save the other person from his pain.

THE DEPENDENT DISCIPLE
While seeking to be taught the Truth the disciple learns only that there is nothing that anyone else can teach him ... The secret is that there is no secret.

Dream A Little

I'm sick of following my dreams.
I'm just going to ask where they're goin' and hook up with them later.
-Mitch Hedburg

If only I had the courage to accept that things would turn out okay without deliberate and continuous action on my part. I have a hard time accepting that notion but I do believe we all need to dream a little more!

Remember the huge goals we had as children?

Princess, Race Car Driver, Coolest Person Ever!

Yea those.. Well what ever happened to those?

It seems that growing up has caused us to let go of our "far-fetched" goals and embrace more "realistic" ones. But why have we all accepted a reality of "normalcy", monotony, and being average and unsatisfied?!

Don't stifle your dreams because you're afraid of failure.

Let's remember we can still reach for the stars.

We can still live our dreams, but first we must not be afraid to let them back in.

Open your eyes, look up, dream big.
Let your ambition get the best of you.

Have bigger dreams for no other reason than THEY ARE POSSIBLE!!!

1st Day of Summer

Tomorrow is the official 1st day of summer!
Longest day of the year.
Let's make the most of it.

Tomorrow is also my 1st day of classes. And while I plan on being focused and doing work this summer I also plan on filling my days with small pleasures, fun adventures, and wonderful friendships. Who is going to join me?!

This summer is going to be one of productive and positive energy and I plan on being very involved in my own happiness. I suggest we all do the same.

Don't Forget! Stay involved, stay aware, and build your own happiness.

Get Outside.
It is summer and while that does not guarantee perfect weather we should take advantage of it. Soak up that Vitamin D while you can. Get out there. See the world, admire nature, and get your hand dirty. It is wondrous!

Do Nothing!
That's right. If you haven't embraced it yet, get ready! Learn to do nothing. Sit there, be still, quiet your thoughts, and center yourself. Try to be at peace with a moment everyday if you can.

Savor Food.
Enjoy your meals! As the weather heats up we often rush through our meals without a second thought. Slow down, savor every bite, experience everything taste has to offer

Take Pictures.
Save your memories. If that means taking pictures then do it! Don't feel ashamed to document the beauty you see everyday. When you look back on the pictures you'll smile and be glad you took them.

Enjoy Live Music.
It is a unique experience that is only fully enjoyed when you let loose and embrace it. Learn to love live music. Find your place in the crowd.

Love.
Embrace love, it is an amazing feeling. Love yourself. Love others. Love the world. And don't shut yourself off from love, for that is life's greatest tragedy.


Inspired By & Adapted From:
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/06/39-ways-to-live-and-not-merely-exist.html

More to come...

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

I've come to the conclusion that we all need to be happier.

Let's embrace the little things.
Let's enjoy things to their fullest.
And let's remember to love a little more often.

Exercise.
Get out there and push yourself. Feel the wonders of the human body. Exert yourself and embrace the good feelings exercise brings. And try to enjoy it.

Look Up.
The sky is beautiful. Enjoy it. It holds so much wonder so take some time to soak it all in on occasion.

Wear Your Birthday Suit.
Get comfortable naked. Spend time in your own skin. Embrace being au natural. It's good for the soul.

Get More Than Your Toes Wet.
Jump in. Soak up the opportunities and feel the sensations the world has to offer you.

Avoid The News.
Stay informed but don't dwell on the negative stories so often shown in the news. It's depressing and useless. If something big happens you'll hear about it.

Pick Up Seashells.
Do the cliche things that everybody loves. There is a reason it is cliche. Embrace little souvenirs and make the most of memories.

Remember to stay actively involved in your life.
Enjoy things on purpose and don't be afraid to make beautiful memories.
More to come soon...

Decorate Your Own Soul

“After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul, and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security, and you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises, and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child, and you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure… that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.”

~Veronica A. Shoffstall

Keep making wishes. Keep planting seeds.
Keep growing and cultivate your own future.

Sasquatch! -- Camera Obscura

Artist: Camera Obscura

Appeal:
Everything. I am falling in love with this band. It just sounds so pleasant -especially to be about heartbreak and some quite somber topics. Very mellow and whimsical. Makes me want to lay in a field in the sun and just soak the world in.

As described by fans & media:
"You might not find heartache as enchanting as this anywhere else."
I could not have said it better.

Favorite Songs So Far:
-James
-Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
-Suspended From Class
-A Sisters Social Agony *50s influences :)

Verdict: Yes, absolutely looking forward to seeing this show.

*Toni also introduced me to this Sasquatch! band. :) Thank you <3

Free Weezy

Well. The day is upon us. Lil Wayne is in jail.

For a year! That's 365 days! What are we to do?!

Haha. JK. I still expect quite a bit of Lil Wayne exposure during the next year... especially considering. Glad he cares about his fans (haha...and his money). :)

I'm interested to see what will happen this year --and next. I'm waiting for a comeback tour Weezy! You really should hit up Oregon. K, thanks. Means a lot.

But back to my point. Even thou I am sure there will be a noticeable absence of Lil Wayne and those lovely locks throughout the year he'll still be every song on my iTunes Top 25 plays. (*didn't expect that huh?) True Story.

Sad day. But anyway, he'll be missed by this blogger. Best wishes. Can't wait for the return.

Waiting Patiently,
AmandaPanda
(*quite possibly the whitest fan ever)

P.S.

FREE WEEZY!

Also, I'd like a copy of his latest Rolling Stone cover. It is no longer on the shelves thou -anybody got a copy for me?!

Sasquatch! -- Public Enemy

Artist: Public Enemy

Appeal:
-Flavor Flav..?
-Classic politically charged group.

Fun Fact:
In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Public Enemy number 44 on its list of the Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The Classics:
-Fight The Power
-Bring The Noise
-Rebel Without A Pause

Verdict: Yes!, I would be crazy not to see this show. I think they are a legacy; a huge part of history and I can't wait for this show.

Sasquatch! --Mumford & Sons

Artist: Mumford & Sons

From Their Bio:
"Mumford & Sons' live reputation goes before them, and now their incredible debut reveals the extent of their magic and majesty on record. Feel the fire in your belly and the romance in your heart as you listen, let your voice break into rapture - and you too sigh no more."

Reminded me of Blue October at times, only much more mellow.
It has a a bluegrass note sometimes and it is all just so quaint.
I love the natural, old school feel it has.
This band is just lovely. :)

Favorite Songs So Far:
-Little Lion Man
-But My Heart Told My Heart

Verdict: Absolutely want to see this one. :)

Sasquatch! -- Wale

*UPDATE* Wale is no longer attending Sasquatch!


Artist: Wale

Reminiscent Of: Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Ratatat

Has:
-Lot's of Obama references, ha..

Favorite Songs So Far:
-Center Of Attention
-Bittersweet
-90210

Verdict: FOR SURE SEEING THIS SHOW! uh...guess not :(

SASQUATCH

Wooohooo! I'm going. See ya there bitches.

I'm super excited. And my family is amazing! Couldn't have done it without their help. :)

The lineup looks and sounds amazing. Kid Cudi here I come! I missed you once, not again. The only thing they are missing is Jay-Z (and Lil Wayne of course, but prison will do that).

I've got until May to get familiar with all the bands I don't know. Which is going to be simply lovely. Expect updates all about it. :)

My Vagina...

Saw The Vagina Monologues last night. They were incredibly moving.

I wasn't writhing in hysterical laughter like I expected but I was still very entertained.

The theme this year was to promote awareness and stop violence against women --wonderful thing to promote, sad thing to think about. It was moving and empowering and sad... AND

I like my bubble. It's warm and happy and this theme definitely popped it. I cried quite a few times (not uncontrollably, but a tear here and there). Now this is not a bad thing, but it was not something I expected going into the show. I would like to see other versions of the show in the future and see how they compare.

This show was wonderful but I cannot imagine preforming in it --I give those women props. That would take so much courage to be able to get up and say those things in front of people. I am amazed by these women --and words cannot express the extent to which this is true.

I think everyone should see this show --over and over-- since I hear it's different every time.

Funny Fact:
They gave out suckers at the beginning of the show and the flavor of mine was "Wet-Face Watermelon", it was organic, delicious, and really dirty... hahaha. Loved it. Totally set the stage.

Man On The Moon.

I be that man on the moon.
I'm that man on the moon.
And imma do what I do.
So do you. Hey. Hey.
I be posted with my blunt in a room.
I'm be. I'm that man on the moon.
I'm up UP on the moon!

Kid Cudi = <3
This song is amazing right now. Go listen to it!

Today was lovely.
School, life, friends, family... and vaginas!* :)

Mmmmm.... Night!



*Expect a blog on The Vagina Monologues tomorrow. Went tonight. It was moving!

Survivor!

Sup bitches?!

Watchin the Survivor premier...? Me too!

I freakin LOVE Survivor. I've seen every season. Love it, don't care that you know.

Also, I'd love to be on Survivor. Snicker all you want but it'd be awesome. I'd love it and I'd be freakin amazing at it. Yea I'd complain about the cold and the bugs and the sleeping situation but I'd love the challenges and the rewards and the experience.

Someday CBS, someday! You better watch out. I'm gonna win Survivor.

Brilliant Blog...

So... Not writing my technical definition. It's almost 2am, this paper is due in about 12 hours. It's going to be an interesting day to say the least. I'm also planning on taking my first Statistics quiz of the term but I am not nearly ready for this. Not sure what I'm doing with a blog but I feel like I may come up with something brilliant. Just need some inspiration/an idea. Seeing Vagina Monologues on Friday, maybe it will offer some spark.

Be Back Soon. With Something Brilliant!