Carpe

I got some really cool advice yesterday that really hit home. Enjoy:

"Life doesn't get any easier as time passes, so if you think you don't have time to do something today, you probably won't have time to do it tomorrow either. "

Lesson learned: Don't put off living.

Hardcore

My sister hipped me to this show on Discovery Channel called "Man vs. Wild". HIGHLY recommend it. Each week this guy gets dropped out of a helicopter into the middle of nowhere, and has to find his way to civilization with nothing more than a hunitng knife and a cantine. Dude is nuts! But somehow he gets it done week after week. I've seen him make his way out of the Arctic, the Sahara, the Costa Rican rainforest and a deserted island! Bananas.

Lesson learned: The term rock star has officially been re-defined.

My Filipino Proverb

It was a cold, winter weekend and I was visiting my best friend in New Jersey. Her family is traditionally Filipino, which meant lots of food and unyielding hospitality. In other words, I couldn't pass the kitchen without my friend's cheerful dad asking me, "Are you hungry?" Each time I'd answer, "No thank you, Tito." And then my stomach would grumble. Then he'd ask, "Are you cold? You want the heat turned up?" I'd just shiver and respond, "No, I'm just fine." Finally, he realized I was just trying to be overly polite and said, "Don't be shy. You know what they say about shy people. They are cold and hungry."

Lesson learned: My favorite words of wisdom came from a Filipino man in New Jersey.

Submitted by: CG

Unraveling the mystery

I wanted 1-ply. She had to have 2-ply.
I found a good deal on generics. She said only Charmin would do.
I thought the 6-pack would suffice. She wouldn't accept anything less than the super-24.

If it's just going to get flushed, what's the big deal????

Lesson learned: I know there are many differences between men and women, but toilet paper is the one I have yet to figure out.

Reality is perception

Last night I watched "Wheel of Fortune", then "Run's House", then "Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School", then "American Idol", and then "Real World".

Am I addicted to reality TV? Or is that all that's on anymore?

Lesson learned: I miss Seinfeld.

Prep school memories

Yesterday I got my annual high school "communique"-- a publication that provides annual updates about what our graduating classmates are up to these days. I went to a small, all- girls prep school for 12 years (hey! stop that! I know what you're thinking!), with forest green uniforms and a martian for a school mascot (don't ask).

Sometimes when I look back at those years all I can remember are heavy workloads, academic pressure to succeed at all costs, and unholy competitiveness between us girls from everything ranging to boys, grades, weight, sports, and where you got into college. I sometimes wonder about how badly I missed out on a "true" high school experience and question my parents' wisdom in sending me there. Plus, it would have been nice to have gone to school with at least one other Latina.

But after reading my classmates' updates-- so many of I knew for the entire length of my K-12 education- I could only admire how far we all had come. Many of us have excelled in our chosen fields (from fashion designers to doctors to authors to street- pounding journalists), broken away from our high school molds and used our respective skills to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

It's possible that this array of 30 - year- old women would have been as successful as they are even if we had not all attended this one particular school. But when reading about all the fascinating things my classmates have been up to this year, I felt a sense of comfort in knowing that I shared the most formative years of my life with these women. I'm glad that the network of our alums retains a palpable sense of vibrancy, and that after so many years, these women are the closest thing to my extended American family.

Lesson Learned: Never underestimate the ties that bind people who've known each other since first grade, through puberty, and into adulthood.

Submitted by: Claudia

Thin Line

The other day I was walking down the street and there was a guy in a wheelchair coming towards me. The street had a long incline and it looked like he was struggling a little bit. As we neared each other I simply asked him, "You alright?". He replied just as simply, "Yeah, I'm good." That was it and we both went on our separate ways. Later I wondered to myself-- would I have offered him the same help if he was walking? I hope so.

Lesson learned: There's a thin line between compassion and pity-- it's important to know the difference.

Falling Apples

I prefer a home-cooked meal over eating out. I cut my own hair instead of going to the barber shop. I'll eat anything in the refrigerator. And I can whistle any song on-key.

Lesson learned: My sister was right.....I'm turning in to my dad.

2nd grade

I think the most significant moment in my life happened in 2nd grade. I was in elementary school, at the blackboard trying to learn long subtraction (e.g., 342 - 289). I was standing in front of the entire class with everyone looking at me and I just couldn't understand it. I was almost in tears from embarrassment and self-doubt. Just as I was ready to turn around and give up, my teacher (Mrs. Brown) said to me, "Oh no you don't! I am not going to let you give up. You stay up there and work thru it. Just take your time and work thru it." I stayed up there, and you know what....I got it! In that one instance everyting clicked, and to this day I still believe there is nothing I can't do.

Lesson learned: There's that one moment in life when every kid needs a "Mrs. Brown".

"My future's so bright....."

One time I was in the mall shopping with my mom and I was looking for a pair of sunglasses. As I perused the sunglass stand looking for a $20 pair like I always do, my mom said to me in frustration, "You're getting to the age where its OK for you to spend $100 for a nice pair of sunglasses. Stop being so cheap."

Lesson learned: Getting older is expensive.

Lost In Translation

During my junior year of college, I decided to spend a semester abroad. The only criteria in choosing where I wanted to go was that it had to be an English-speaking country. What better a destination than the country named after the language - England! So, during my four months in London, I joined a dance group where I became aquainted with a bunch of local college students. At one of our practices, I asked my new friend what his parents did for a living. He said with an English accent, "My dud's an engineer and my mum's a barista." I was astonished. "No way," I said, "I used to work at Starbucks, too!" He looked bewildered, "No, she's a barrister. You know, in England that's a lawyer."

Lesson: Even though you think you may know the language, don't forget to learn the jargon too.

Submitted by: Anonymous

Ikhlaas (Sincerity)

I learned a lesson recently which I was reminded of today after I paid for my food and the cashier said, "Take care!" I returned the greeting, "You too" in a very soft-spoken voice to which she most likely didn't hear. It was only when I left the cafeteria that I noticed that I hadn't been sincere in my speech and just returned the greeting in an artificial and routine way.

Prophet Muhammad reminds mankind that, "Successful indeed is the person who is sincere in faith, whose heart is pure, whose speech is truthful and whose character is upright."

Lesson learned:May we all strive to be of those who are sincere in their speech and actions.

Submitted By: Omar

Patience....

Today I went to the grocery store. There was an old(er) man walking very slooooowly through the parking lot. I waited, although somewhat annoyed, for him to get out of my way. I parked, grabbed my basket and headed inside all while he was still making his way thru the doors.

I did my shopping, checked out and headed back to my car. I glanced over and saw that the man was still in the produce section, the first section of the store. "Dang", I thought. "He is hecka slow." In some ways I felt sorry for him, thinking how sad it must be to reach an age where your body doesn't move as quickly as you want it to.

As I was head home I realized that in my haste I'd forgotten about 3 items that I needed at the store.

Lesson Learned: Maybe there is something to this patience thing after all.

Keepin It Real

The other day I was watching Spike TV, and Ultimate Fighting Championship was on. At first I was repulsed. But then I realized: in a world that can be so fake, it is refreshing to see something so real as two bloody guys beating the hell out of each other.

Submited by: Nandu

Frosted Tips

I'm a California native and I spent the first 27 years of my life in the great golden state. Then I moved to Boston for 2 years. During my first winter in Beantown, I walked outside one morning, inhaled, and my nose hairs froze up.

Lesson learned: Cold weather is a mother******.

Do Your Thang!

I live near a high school. I'm fascinated every day when I drive by and look at the kids walking to and from school. The way they dress, the crazy hair styles. Most of them look a hot mess.

One day I saw two girls walking across the street. Both had on extremely tight jeans, huge hooded sweatshirts, brand new kicks and neither had a book or backpack in site. They were right next to each other, obviously together and both talking on their cell phones at 10 in the morning. I thought to myself, "Who could they be talking to? Everyone they know should be at school right now. Why aren't they somewhere soaking up knowledge? What are they gonna be when they grow up? A smart kid would be in the library studying between classes."

Then I laughed to myself and thought, "What did I look like back in the day with my crimped hair, neon sweatshirt, 50 silver bracelets, Jellies and Michael Jackson Thriller jacket? (cute is the answer to that question) What did "adults" think of me when I was ditching school, chillin and McDonald's or picking up boys in the mall? For all I know these 2 could be the valedictorians of their class!"

Lesson Learned: Having a full on conversation with yourself while driving make look a little nuts so if you're gonna judge someone, trying being positive sometime.

Play Another Slow Jam

When my fiancee and I first started dating I learned a valuable lesson about romance. In the past, much of my "game" revolved around playing slow jam classics like Prince, Sade, Stevie Wonder, etc. to set the mood. But none of that stuff worked with her b/c she never heard of half the songs I would play! At first this made me REALLY frustrated. Then I had an epiphany: why was I using other peoples' songs about love to spark romance, when I had the real thing sitting right in front of me?

Lesson learned: There's no greater composer of a love song than your own heart.

Good "OLD" Friends

My first day of junior high school I was scared to death. I was going to a school that was HUGE. I had to take a test to get in and it was in the "good" part of town. There were kids w/mohawks and leather jackets, chains and combat boots. I couldn't understand what my parents had done to me.

I arrived at my homeroom - whatever that meant. Opened the door, took a deep breath and walked in. There were about 6 tables w/6 chairs each. I looked around wondering where I should sit. To the left, under the window sat a girl. She looked nice and harmless. At that moment I decided I would sit at her table and she would be my friend for the rest of my life.

I was in her wedding. I was at her baby shower when she was pregnant with her daughter. She moved away, I moved away. Here we are, 24 years later. Now we both live in Georgia and I got an email from her this morning.

Lesson Learned: People come in and out of our lives every day. But true friendships don't happen without effort, commitment and a leap of faith.

Submitted by: Nicole

Muffin Tops

I always forget how much I enjoy people watching on the subway. It's hard to do - you look kind of weird when you start swiveling your head on the subway. But the other day I noticed a girl with not 1 but 3 muffin tops. She has one above her jeans, which is pretty normal these days, but she had two more above her way-too-tight boots. Hilarious. This cruel little thing made my day.

Submitted by: YH

Rock on

So lately I've been engaging in serious business conversations with a friend of mine. No matter how serious the emails that she sends me, she continues to sign off... "Rock on." Makes me smile every time.

Lesson learned: Rock on.

Submitted by: JG