#16 Hamper Helpers

I knew that there were some less fortunate people in Ingersoll but I had no idea the amount. What an eye opener it was! I liked that it wasn't really sad and "I feel sorry for them" it was fun, everyone was happy and it was great to see their smiles! All the people getting the hampers were very greatful and polite towards me. I learned that even if you don't get what you want, giving someone else what they want/need is worth so much more. Christmas is not about what you receive, its a time to make others happy. I am definitely doing this all day next year! Since I wasn't able to find a soup kitchen or anywhere like that to help out on Christmas, this was a great experience that I will always remember and continue to do throughout the years no matter where I am.
There were a few people that really touched my heart. Two gentlemen came together with nothing but a wagon and were so grateful for what they got! When I asked where they wanted the boxes and they directed me towards the wagon I realized how little they had, yet they were so happy. Another man and his wife that came were very nice. He was very happy and tried to help in whatever way he could.
Most of the staff was polite to me and they seemed to have good senses of humor, especially my main man, didn't catch his name but he was a good laugh.
-Maryellen..

Crying in the dark song

I also find the song Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World very emotional because its the song I listened to while I stayed with my Aunt in the palliative unit. Whenever I listen to this song it makes me think of how much I miss her. 

Crying in the dark song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MOVEUSATkM

#15 Violinist in the Metro

I feel as though people don't take the time out of their day to appreciate simple things like when someone holds a door for you or asks how you are. This man performed one of the most famous pieces and no one even acknowledged it because we're all too busy to take time out of our busy schedules. No one would expect such a talented man to be playing in a metro station, therefore no one takes the time to realize or listen to who the man playing in the metro station really is. People need to appreciate life and what they have. Everyone gets overwhelmed and greedy sometimes, I know I do. The point is to not take life for granted. Take time out of your day to just relax, take a second to listen to the man at the metro station, you never know, he could be a famous musician. 
Sometimes I get so caught up with everything that I forget to say thank you and instead of realizing what I do have, I complain about what I don't have. I don't want to die thinking of all the things I wanted to do but never did. I want to know I did everything possible to help people, appreciate what I have and put smiles on other peoples faces. Life is too short to not accomplish what you want. I want to live every day to the fullest and make the most out of my life. I want to achieve EVERYTHING that's on my bucket list and help other people do the same. 

#14 My Last Lecture

1. Live everyday to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring you.

2. Laugh lots.

3. Don't keep everything bottled up inside, let it out to the people you love, trust and care about.

4. Don't be afraid to love, just have a good time and let things go as they should.

5. Accomplish everything on your bucket list.

6. Apologize when you've done wrong and try to work things out, always ask what you can do to improve and actually try and improve!

7. Do what makes you happy and spend lots of time with the people you love whether they be friends, family, co workers, or whoever.

8. Don't let anyone try and change you. You are you so live life the way you want to not what other people would want you to do.

9. Be polite, it'll get you a lot further then those who are rude.

10. Have fun and RELAX. Give yourself a break from all your hard work.

11. Tell people what you want to tell them, don't be afraid. If you like someone, tell them that, maybe they like you. Stick up for yourself and what you believe in. When doing this remember rule number nine. 

12. Help people. Make someone's day and it'll make you feel a lot better.

13. This last one is one I need to follow more myself. Don't worry about things you cant fix. It's a waste of time, stresses you out = wrinkles, ulcers, bad habits, hair loss = not good.

If I knew I was dying, I would write letters to everyone who's made an impact on my life. I would tell my family and friends how much I love them and not to be sad because somewhere out there a new life is beginning. I'd tell them to be good so I could see them in heaven. 

I've learned that you can't change the past and no matter how bad you think your life is, there is always someone out there who has it a lot worse than you. Love everyone, don't hold grudges and make the best of the life you have.