My brain is overwhelmed. Everyday there is so much lately that I know that I'm going to miss something. There is no way that any brain can physically keep track of the amount of information that needs to be processed. Where to start? Which project takes precidence? Whats more important?
Maybe I need a motivational quote or a daily wisdom to help...
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Suess
Thank you Dr. Suess. There is no doubt in my mind that I will heed your advice and take inspiration from your words until I'm old and gray. Sometimes simplicity rules all. One day at a time, one project at a time, one task at a time. Step by step my brain regains some structure.
Elephant Gun, by Beirut, my favorite Zach Condon as lead singer, genius, behind this old world sound that is simple yet complex. A lot like everyday. The horns, accourdians, strings everything creates a treat for the ears, and brain, a brain that could so use a treat right now.
I saw this picture today online today and it was thought provoking to me.
Its an interesting cartoon on how we humans polute and dump into our oceans and waterways and how will it affect the future chain of life. If humans derived from evolution (which is what I believe being an Anthropology major and all) isn't it safe to say that other organisms and species have derived from water as well? In that sense, how many current and potential life forms are we currently killing because of our lifestyles. It just made me think....
Anyway, fundraising is going good. Thanks to everyone who has contributed! I'm currently at 18% of my goal. A ways to go yet but I am still confident. I sent letters today to a bunch of Peace Organizations in Minnesota so hopefully they will see the value in this adventure and support me as well, since we have the same missions.
I was recently put in touch with the 2011 YPN participant from the US and one from South Africa. I'm really excited to talk to them about their experiences and have them help reaffirm why I'm going to leave my life for a few months, not make any money and go to a foreign country. (Canada is foreign, even for a Minnesotan) Thanks Lisa Pung for making that connection!
Special thanks for donations from:
My amazing and wonderful monther, Beth Ann Lewis!
True good friends Amy Remitz and Jenny Miller, both who I've known for years!
My inspiring and awesome aunt Rita Rosenthal.
An unexpected friend who I havent seen in a long time, Breck Lawerence.
And a coworker who lives his life simply and with purpose, Tom Pothen.
Don't get me wrong, I'm going to assume that we're still going to get a downfall of snow randomly, something like 10 inches or so. Of course it will be gone the next day...but March is tricky in Minnesota. Either way, there is nothing like a 70 degree day to lift spirits and wake you up from the Daylight Savings hangover.
Fundraising is going slow but the support is overwhelming. My friends, family, coworkers everyone so far is really excited and willing to help either fundraise or donate what they can. If anything I'm able to get the word out and talk openly about doing something bigger then me.
Anyway, you know those days where music just sounds better? Its like no matter what you put on, your body just fills with glee and you think, "I forgot how much I LOVE this song!" Well today is one of those days. And here is what is making my stomach get butterflies, my eyes widen and my cheeks smile.
Cloud Cult is one of my favorite local bands. They write songs that speak to peace and humanity as well as are environmentall conscious about all their business practices. Their sound is holistic and all encompassing in that they know how to use many different instruments and voices and sounds to create something that is bigger than they are. I think that may be why I'm so drawn to them. Their lyrics are powerful and in my opinion Craig Minowa is a genius. They have a great back story for a band and in this song chain reaction I think they speak to peace and coming together, saying "put out love and they'll feel love, it's a chain reaction."
Cloud Cult : Chain Reaction
This comes from their album "Tea Partying through Tornados" I highly recommend it!
And this song just made me want to dance today!
Kyle Andrews- Sushi
Enjoy and have a splendid day and remember "A little madness in the spring is wholesome even for a king!"
Its always so odd when opportunities choose to present themselves. Whether its fate or luck or hard work finally paying off. I believe that things happen for a reason. I recently applied for a job I thought I would be so great at. I had the experience to back it, I thought about it constantly, and studied up on interviewing and resumes, bought new clothes. I was a shoe-in....
Nope.
Whatever. I'm not bitter. In this economy you can apply to 100 jobs, be over qualified and not get an interview. There will be something else, eventually. But then, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A new opportunity. A real long shot. Actually, a really really really long shot.
Wanted: One person in the country to represent the United States at a global peace conference.
That sounds awesome and I thought, "I'll give it a go, you can't get anything if you don't apply." I quote myself saying that to my boss as well, after I assured him it's "virtually impossible." Needless to say virtually impossible is not impossible. I was offered the position to be a Global Educator at the 2012 Youth Peace Network, the United States Representative. That means, three months in Vancouver with leaders from around the world all working together to make change and create peace. Sounds pretty good for a girl trying to save the world.
So, heres the jist. From June 7-September 7 I will be in Vancouver with 16 other people, all from different countries. The program is run through the YMCA of Greater Vancouver and takes place at Camp Elphinstone, directly on the ocean. Pretty attractive to someone from Minnesota, where we are pretty much the furthest you can get from any ocean. We will volunteer at the camp and lead global adventures for the young Canadian kids and meet with many NGO's dedicated to international affairs. We will build peace locally and globally by recieving training in intercultural communication, children's rights, global education, developing leadership skiills. Then we will create action plans and implement them in our countries.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a big step in my mission to leave this world better then when I got here.
So, today I have 90 days to raise $2000 so that I can go. I was granted my leave of absence (without pay of course) and am allowed to come back to my job (which is nice). I'm asking for help to my friends and family as well as asking a few local organizations for a sponsorship. Please help me get to this dream opportunity. If I can get 40 people to donate $50 I'm set to go, if you can't do $50 anything helps and is very appreciated! To donate you can click on the PayPal button below or through ChipIn on the upper right of this page. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
If you do donate please let me know by leaving a comment so I can give you a proper Thank You!
