Summer List::

I like making lists. I would dare to say I make them a bit too often, but it's nice to set goals and write them all down! Plus, this list was fun to make :)


go running every day:: ok, ok, this particular item has ended up on every to-do list and new years resolution since jr. high. If you know me, you know I despise running. But I know that its so good for you. THIS time I think I can do it. I'll just need the motivation and perseverance :)

acquire an automobile... somehow:: hey, I can dream can't I? :)

learn to play the guitar:: I'm not sure how realistic this is, but my friends have offered to help! by the end of the summer I'd like to be able to play something!

go camping:: I haven't been camping in forever! The fresh pine tree scent, pitching a tent, campfires... sigh. I miss it!

learn to wakeboard:: last summer I decided I loooove it.. and this summer I want to actually be good at it :)

read all 6 Jane Austen novels:: alright, confession... I stole this idea from a movie.. but you have to admit, they are SO much better than twilight! wholesome reads that don't fill your mind with vampires? yes please. I really need to spend more time at the library in general... but I thought a summer with Jane would be nice :) 1 down, 5 to go!

go on a fantastic road trip adventure!:: My best friend and I have wanted to do this for a long time. We're not sure where to, but we'll figure something out :)

pick up photography again:: my 10th and 11th grade years I LOVED photography class. I want to take lovely pictures of my summer :)

spend more time with my family:: this past school year was so busy for me. Interns and High School at the same time? Crazy! Although I adored every minute of it, I do regret not taking as much time to spend with my parents and my little brother. We'll fix that :)

learn to cook:: its true, I am a terrible cook! Probably because I never had the time and/or patience to learn. Now I'm not saying I want to be the next Julia Child... but knowing some of the basics is kind of important :)

out of all the things I want to do, those are the only ones that are coming to mind. well, I'd call that a good start! Here's to a great summer :)

vote?

part of an English project I did my junior year.
I thought it was appropriate for today :)


On Voting..
• Vote in honor of those in our military who courageously fight wars and our law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency workers who respond to our needs and defend the peace at home. Those who sacrifice their personal well-being in the name of our safety and security deserve our respect. Voting is a way of giving them and their families our vote of confidence in their heroism.
• Vote in honor of those who struggled for civil rights, women's suffrage, immigrant rights and the ideals of justice for all whose diverse voices are essential for our nation's moral health and community vitality. Freedom needs affirmation. Voting is a way to assure that our rights are protected by strengthening the voices of those for whom rights are sacred and need to be defended.
• Vote to be a good example to our children and grandchildren by exercising the right to vote as a symbol of our faith in democracy. By voting we send a signal of the importance of the choices we as adults make to secure a better future for ourselves, for our children, and generations who will follow.
• Voting is our society's great equalizer. No matter our station in life, income, or social status, every citizen over age 18 has the same power of one vote. Pollsters do not determine who wins elections; voters do. Predicting the outcome of elections, especially close ones, is at best an inexact science. Pollsters and political pundits have their roles, but like each of us, they only have one vote.
• Elections should not be about negative ads, it should be about the options we all have to promote positive policy actions. Voting for candidates in whom we believe, and for or against ballot initiatives we know will affect our future, is a perfect counterbalance to the flood of negativity polluting the airwaves and mailboxes.
• It's important to be an informed voter. Pay attention to news reports and editorials about the campaigns. Voting gives all us the chance to make our opinions known in the public policy arena. While how we vote is confidential, the fact that we have voted, or failed to vote, is public record. Elected officials know which individuals and demographic groups are voting, and we who vote are therefore more likely to be influential in policy debates. Non-voters are voiceless and by not participating can become victims of their neglect.
• Regret is preventable. May 26th is one day too late, and "could have, should have" are sorry alternatives to acting. Have a "no excuses" attitude by committing to vote, ask others to join us in voting, and promote a positive approach to making a difference among family, friends and colleagues.
• Be part of making history. Because every indicator points to the prospect that future elections will suffer from an extremely low turnout, every vote is even more important. Being a participant in affecting history gives each of us a sense of pride in democracy and the power to touch the future.
• Democracy is a team sport….and spectators don't count.

Washington DC

I'm headed to DC this week. SO thrilled! I'll post pics and stories soon! :)