Religion

Hello, there! Thanks for stopping by! So for those of you who are wondering why I'm blogging at 12pm on a school day, well you should probably get a calendar, because then you would know that it's Easter weekend! Which for me, means four days off to do all the stuff I wish I had done during March Break but was too lazy or busy to do. For other people however, Easter does a have special meaning. In the Christian religion, Easter is a holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion on what is now known as Good Friday. I will admit, and I don't mean to offend anyone but if I do feel free to stop reading and continue on your way, I am not Christian. I'm Agnostic, which means I don't necessarily believe in God and that Jesus was the son of God, but that doesn't mean that I don't believe there is some type of a god out there somewhere. I just have no way of knowing. I respect and sometimes even envy those people who are so sure that there is someone up there who is watching over them, giving them strength, and loving them unconditionally. But you can't make someone believe in something when in their heart they feel no connection to what is being taught.

Religion is a complex, fascinating concept. It's different in every culture, and it affects the way people think, act, speak, and conduct their daily lives. Now that I think about it, I know virtually nothing about world religion. It's a touchy subject for many people, but when it does come up in a conversation I always feel pathetically uneducated. I really don't want to offend anyone by saying something that goes against their beliefs, or is from a completely different belief system. How embarrassing... So I decided it was time to learn something about this important part of many people's lives. I have many good friends who are Christian and I think I know them pretty well, but I had never understood this part of their world. So yesterday I went with one of my friends to her Youth Group at her church. I didn't know what to expect, but the people there were very nice and accepting, and I although I had hardly even opened the Bible before, I enjoyed the passages we read and how they demonstrated the theme of that week. Having the privilege of experiencing a part of her daily life that I don't see so much at school was such a great opportunity that also made me think about what I'm missing out on, having not grown up in that kind of community.

Now, my mom was raised Anglican and my dad Catholic, which means they both went to church and participated in Bible studies and Sunday School and everything, but neither of them really believed and engaged in it entirely like my grandparents do. So they chose not to pass the traditions and customs that they grew up with on to my brother and I, letting us chose for ourselves what we wanted (or didn't want) to believe. Which I am thankful for because I have an unbiased, completely open opinion of every religion and belief that I come across. Not to say people who do practice a religion aren't open and accepting, but you know what I meant. I have developed my own opinion of what I think guides and teaches us as we travel through this human life (which for the most part is equivalent to what my mom believes, and makes me wonder if religion has something to do with our brains so is therefore genetic). I won't explain what I believe now because it's just not possible through a blog post, and I'm not even sure myself. These ideas and thoughts are hard to think about, they're "head-y" as my mom called it. But I do know that whatever a person believes, they're still a person and so should be treated as such, with kindness and respect. Sincerely, Sam

Thoughts, Quotes, Sayings

Hello, you amazing human being, you! You doing alright there? Got everything figured out? How about some inspirational quotes and sayings to liven up your day, huh? That's what I was thinking too. So here you are, some random thoughts to help you through till tomorrow:


"TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More". 
"Push will get a person almost anywhere- except through a door marked 'pull'."
"You gotta take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you got, and remember what you had."
"Flying is simple. You just throw yourself at the ground and miss."
"Love is giving somebody the power to destroy you, but trusting them not to."
"Don’t ever be depending on the rabbit’s foot for good luck when it obviously didn’t work for the rabbit."
"Never be afraid to try something new… An amateur built the ark that lasted forty days and forty nights; professionals built the titanic that sank."
"If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you."
"Real Eyes. Realize. Real Lies."
"You’ll never be old and wise if you weren’t young and crazy."
"The day you realize you’re not as young as you used to be is the day you start dying."
"An eye for an eye will ultimately, leave the whole world blind."
"I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones."
"When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the world wondering how the hell you did it."
"Small people talk about people, big people talk about ideas."
"Wise people talk because they have something to say,
fools talk because they have to say something."
"The message below is a lie,
The message above is the truth."
"A goal without a plan is only a dream."
"If someone doesn't appreciate your presence, make them appreciate your absence."
"When things aren't adding up in your life, start subtracting."
"Accept what you cannot change, change what you cannot accept."
"Life is a puzzle, stop trying to place people where they don't fit."
"The word 'impossible' is two letters too long."
"The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent'."
"Don't take life too seriously– you'll never make it out alive."

Well, I'd be very surprised and impressed if you read through all of those without getting bored, and are reading this right now. Sure many of them were incredibly cliche, but I hope at least one stuck in your head and you'll remember it and share with others, if only for a laugh. Thanks for paying attention! Sorry for dragging this on so long, you can leave now. No seriously, I'm not going to say any more clever things today, I'm all out. Okay, I promise I won't have a eureka moment while you're gone, or solve world hunger, or eliminate global warming, or make contact with an extra-terrestrial, or write the next super popular, epic, vampire/wizard/fight-to-the-death/space-battle/magical-ring book or movie series. Does that satisfy you? I'm not kidding. You're dismissed, stop reading. You're still reading... Why are you still reading? Oh, because I'm still writing, you say? You trying to blame the wasting of your own time reading something pointless on me? Well, I've got nothing to say to that.... 
Sincerely, Sam

Song of the Day

Hello, wonderful person! Guess I what? It's Friday! Yes, and for some reason I had a really bad day today. I won't get into the specifics right now but it involved a frustrating soccer team, a group member with the attention span of a fruit fly, and an unfinished lab report. And to top it all off, I missed my bus and had to walk home. Which isn't too bad considering I only live like 10 minutes away from my school, unlike many of my friends who live in Nappanee, or Inverary, or Odessa, or Amherstview, and a little extra exercise never killed anyone. But I'm getting off topic here. The point is, it wasn't the best way to end my week. But the one thing I can count on to cheer me up is listening to music, specifically one of my favourite songs. Which just happens to be my song of the day! Weird, huh? So today's song is..... I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz. I'm not sure why I like this song so much but every time I hear it I just have to sing along and I start to feel just a little bit better. Part of it is because it was last song that played on the season 6 finale of my favourite TV show, Heartland. So when I hear it, I picture the happy times I remember from watching that show with my family, and the excitement of watching the storyline and characters develop. (If anyone has ever watched a movie or show with me I think they will agree that I get VERY into it. I have a very strong investment into the suspension of disbelief theory.) Part of it are the lyrics. I think they tell a beautiful story, and the message is one I believe in strongly. Part of it might also be melody and instruments. I really like the guitar in this song because, one, I can't play the guitar so any half-decent guitar playing impresses me, and two, I like the way I can almost picture somebody's fingers playing the notes and the simplicity of the melody. Another reason this is my favourite song is because I can sing along, even though I am a terrible singer, with minimal difficulty. It's in the perfect key for me and my voice doesn't sound too stupid when I sing louder than I should. Whatever the reason is, this is my favourite song, for the time being, and I just wanted to share it with you, and inspire you to think about why you like your favourite song so much and to share your love of music with others.

Also, for those of you with significant others in your lives, here's a tip: always know what your loved one's favourite song is. Coming from a girl's perspective (and feel free to disagree, fellow girls, because this is just one person's opinion), but I think it is incredibly romantic and sweet when a guy makes an effort to remember your likes and dislikes and then applies this knowledge in the perfect situation. That didn't make much sense, did it? Well let me give you an example. If you're at a dance with your girlfriend or boyfriend or crush or spouse or love interest, before you ask them to dance, go request their favourite song (which in my case is a slow love song, because that's just what typical teenage girls like), wait for them to say "Omg, I love this song!", then sweep them into your arms and say, "I know". So romantic! It will put them in such a good mood, not only because they are hearing the one song that is guaranteed to make them happy, but also because they know that you've been paying attention to them and that you care about what they like and how they feel.

I hope this tip was helpful, although you're so smart and pretty and awesome you probably already knew that! So the lesson of today is: listen in! Not only to the music, but to the people too. Sincerely, Sam

My Book of Awesome

Hey there! How was your first day back in reality after March Break? Did you find the chocolate in the oatmeal, as they say? Speaking of chocolate, this brings me to my Awesome thing of the day: Chocolate milk. Ok, you might be thinking "Chocolate milk? That's it? How mediocre." Well I'm not talking about your average, everyday chocolate milk. I'm talking creamy, luscious, rich, fulfilling chocolate milk. I'm talking Limestone Organic Creamery chocolate milk. You know, the expensive, once-and-a-while, really good chocolate milk. Seriously, it's the best chocolate milk ever. But I guess there is a bit more than just the milk that goes along with today's Awesome thing. It's the fact that when I got home from school I opened up the fridge looking for a snack, not expecting to see such a wonderful beverage on the top shelf, and I saw the telltale shape of a Limestone Organic Creamery bottle and when I pulled it out from behind the mustard, I saw that the milk inside was that delicious chocolatey brown colour, and when I poured the milk into my glass the little amount that was left was just enough to fill it, and when I set the glass down, empty, I had the satisfaction of knowing the fact that I finished the chocolate milk will annoy my brother. Okay, so I know that makes me seem like a total nut-case for taking my cocoa-infused beverages so seriously, but that's the point of My Book of Awesome. To acknowledge the little things that make me happy and take them more seriously. This is what makes up my life, the little details that most people miss, the insignificant comments and jokes that make you smile in the moment but are forgotten seconds later, the memories and thoughts connected with specific objects or sounds that will come rushing back whenever inspired. So my little, happy, Awesome element of the day is: Chocolate milk. Just because it tastes so darn good. Sincerely, Sam

Word of the Day

Hello, how's your March Break been? Have you been sleeping in? Travelling? Getting stuff done? Me too. But for some reason, this week has gone by really slowly. Maybe it's because my brother had hockey multiple times a week so we couldn't go anywhere. Maybe it's because I didn't know what to do with my time. Maybe it's because I missed talking to my friends like I normally do everyday. Which brings me to my Word of the Day: miss. What does it mean to miss someone? Is it that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach every time you hear their name? Is it the longing to give them a hug and see their wonderful smile? Ok, so thats just one definition of the word 'miss'. You could also 'miss the ball' when playing catch, or 'miss the train' when going on a trip. Here's the specific definition for 'miss', if you're picky and were wondering:

miss

1.

to fail to hit or strike: to miss a target.

2.

to fail to encounter, meet, catch, etc.: to miss a train.

3.

to fail to take advantage of: to miss a chance.

4.

to fail to be present at or for: to miss a day of school.

5.

to notice the absence or loss of: When did you first miss your wallet?

Now, today I'm focusing on number 5. "To notice the absence or loss of." Because this week I began to notice the absence or loss of a number of things. I missed my friends, specifically certain people, or person. Whether they know who they are or not. I'm sure many of you know the feeling of missing someone. Like the quote that I've included above, it describes what lovers may feel when they are apart from one another. And even though I don't have that kind of claim on someone, that doesn't mean I don't feel it sometimes. I'm sure you've felt this way about someone at some point too. Right now you are thinking about this person and how happy you feel when you're around them, and how when you are apart you physically feel like you've lost a part of you. Your heart starts pumping when you picture their face and you imagine the conversation you might have with them if they were with you at that moment. It doesn't matter that these feelings may only be a superficial result of the raging hormones that cloud your mind at times when you're my age, or if they are a lifelong, everlasting emotion that you know you will share with this person until the end of time. It doesn't matter. So long as you know this feeling, because it means you've experienced a strong connection to someone. Now you may be thinking, what if I like being single? What if I don't have a significant other? Well, that's not the only kind of connection you can have with another human being. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends, pets, aliens, or another kind of being can be missed. I mentioned earlier that I missed a specific someone. You don't know who that could be, do you? Who knows, maybe its you! Perhaps the person you miss is me. I don't know, and you don't know. And I'm not telling. Unless you ask nicely, then maybe. And bring me some chocolate.

Just to prove my point, I'll tell you something else about the word 'miss'. Its can be applied to ANYTHING. You can feel that physical loss anywhere, at any time, about anything. I realized during my break how much I missed skiing, and horse-back riding, and my bed. I hadn't gone skiing in at least a year and yesterday I went to Camp Fortune with my friend. Even though the ski boots hurt for a little while before my feet got used to it, I enjoyed myself more than I had hoped. Feeling the wind against my jacket, and exercising my whole body to make it down the hill safely and gracefully reminded me why I miss skiing once the season is over. Then on the way home, I was so utterly exhausted, I almost fell asleep in the car. I just about feel asleep right when my head hit the pillow when I finally went to bed and I realized how much I missed the comfort of my own mattress. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about! Today I went riding for the first time in months and I felt the same way. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until I got back on. I know I'm gonna be sore tomorrow but I'm in such a good mood because that feeling I get when I ride has been revived and I am looking forward to next week's lesson.

See? I told you the word 'miss' could mean anything! So comment below and tell me what you miss, or who you miss. Especially if it's me that you are longing to see again, because chances are I feel the same way. Sincerely, Sam

Play Time!

Hey! You're looking positively amazing today! Did you do something different with your hair? Did you do some exercise or eat a healthy breakfast? Did you play at all today? Well whatever you're doing, it's working because you are glowing with youth. Speaking of youthfulness, yesterday my friend Ella came over and being 15 years old, and growing up, and having to think about our futures we decided it was time for a break from being a teenager. So guess what we did? We built a fort. Yes that's right, a good ole fashioned fort made of sheets and pillows and clothes pins. Now you may be thinking "15 years old and still playing like 8 year olds?" Yes, we are! And I think it's good for you! Taking a break from being all up-tight and mature, and just playing like a child again is beneficial to your health. We were moving around, being creative and innovative, sharing some laughs, and allowing ourselves to enjoy the simple act of sitting underneath a canopy of blankets that we created in my living room. If you are able to do these childish things with your friends and not care about being judged as immature and silly, I think that is a sign that your friendship is one that is destined to last. So play everyday! Whether that means climbing a tree, having a snowball fight, finger painting, jumping in puddles, skipping instead of walking to work, colouring in a colouring book, or building a fort. Just remember what it was like to be a child, the wonderment at everything new, the joy when seeing the world from a different perspective, the pride of building something all by yourself. These feelings don't come as easily as we grow older, we have to let ourselves be happy. Children have no trouble with this because they are blissfully unaware of their surroundings, they don't know what they don't know. But as we grow up and learn and observe others, we now know what we don't know. And this knowledge makes us self-conscious, we don't allow ourselves to enjoy life to the fullest because we are worried about being judged or that we don't deserve it. You do deserve it! Okay, I will admit going to a job interview in footsie pyjamas and cape might be pushing it a bit. But maybe one night if you feel like drinking apple juice instead of wine, go for it! Or if you see a log on the side of the road, pretend its the Great Wall of China and walk on it! Or if your favourite song comes on the radio, get up and dance! Live, love, laugh, and eat a popsicle. Sincerely, Sam

Statistics

So here are some random statistics that my friend found. I thought they were interesting so I wanted to share them with you lovely people! Enjoy!

1. Did you know cats sleep for 70 percent of their lives?
2. In the 1880's in England, pants was considered a dirty word.
3. Every day, 20 banks are robbed.
4. A person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper a day.
5. You will probably eat 35 000 cookies in your lifetime.
6. In 1950, only 7% of Americans dyed their hair. Now 75% do.
7. You blink 10,000,000 times every year.
8. There is a 33% chance that a peanut grown in the U.S. will end up as peanut butter.
9. 19% of men say they wouldn't mind being stupid as long as they had the perfect body. Kinda depressing...
10. 13 people are killed each year by vending machines falling on them.
11. 75% of all murder victims knew their killer. That's pretty trippy.
12. 46% of violence on T.V. occurs in cartoons.
13. If a girl owns one barbie, she most likely owns seven.
14. The Starbucks coffee chain is named after the first mate, Starbuck, in Herman Melville’s classic novel, ‘Moby Dick.’
15. 35% of people watching T.V. yell at it. I've been told that includes me.
16. A camel's hair brush is made of squirrel fur.
17. Approximately 400,000 people each year are bitten by venomous snakes. Half of them will probably die because of it. The other half of them will die eventually.
18. Nearly 6% of all marriage proposals are made over the telephone.
19. 1 in 7 or almost 14% of adult Americans are illiterate. That makes me very sad.
20. Over 99% of species that ever lived are extinct. Also very sad to think about.
21. The word "nerd" was first coined by Dr. Seuss in "If I Ran the Zoo."
22. More monopoly money is printed than real money annually.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Hi again! So I was also thinking about, not only the people in our families, but the places that we live. That contributes to how we grow up as well. Above is a photo of a watercolour painting of my house that I made. I love where I live. The street is quiet enough to play road hockey in the fall, make snow forts in the winter, bike all over in the spring, and entertain the little kids in the summer without worrying too much about getting hit by a car. Our house itself is small, old, and somewhat messy but it is the only place I have ever lived. It holds all our history and I am proud to call it home. My brother was even born here, with me sleeping in the next room (not sure how I managed that)! As they say, and I totally agree, "Home is where the heart is". Sincerely, Sam

Family Fads

Hi, friends. So I've been thinking a lot about the tech-savy age that we are living in nowadays. Families used to sit down for game night once a week. (I'm assuming thats what families used to do, didn't they?) Now, we sit on the couch to watch the family television show every week while eating spaghetti on those TV trays. And the technologies that kids have to play with these days! Even as I type (on my fancy new Macbook Pro) I'm texting my friend on my phone, listening to music on my iPod, my brother is on YouTube, and my mom is using my dad's iPod to find a recipe for dinner. Now, I'm not saying we should all start riding around in horse-drawn carriages and dressing our kids up in itchy knickers and corsets but getting back some of those good old-fashioned family values might be good for us.
Speaking of back-in-the-day, I love the 60s, 70s and 80s! A lot of old fads are coming back from these epic decades. For example, Fleetwood Mac (my favourite band) is from the late 60s. Rubix cubes, from the 70s, are coming back too. And the shoulder pads from the 80s are becoming popular again– just kidding, I hope those never come back. Anyway, my brother is obsessed with solving Rubix cubes (along with many other obsessions). The picture above shows him trying to solve his new 5x5 cube along with his speed 3x3 cube, 4x4 cube, and 12x12 cube. Crazy, right? He's a 12 year old Rubix cube genius. Anyway, if you have any crazy old fads that are coming back or stories that parents have told you about their childhood memories, please feel free to share! Sincerely, Sam

Gossip and Relationships

Hello, wow you are gorgeous! Has anyone ever told you how absolutely beautiful your eyes are? Well whoever has the privilege of getting to look into those eyes every morning is incredibly lucky. And if you haven't found that special someone yet, don't lose hope! So today my family and I went to a friend's house for dinner and afterwards I was listening to the adults' conversation on gossip and relationships. They began by talking about a marriage that had just ended and how one half of the partnership was blindsided by the break up and how devastating it was for everyone involved; family and friends. Getting a divorce, I have learned, is a complicated, scary, emotional experience. There are financial issues, children to worry about, social awkwardness, and possession battles. Now, being 15 and barely part of the relationship/gossip/teenage drama loop in high school, I didn't really understand the mature concepts that they were discussing, but the whole time all I was thinking was "Wow, it never stops, does it?" In high school, there is always talk about who's dating who, and who's 'wheeling' with who, and who likes who, and who just broke up with who. It's very confusing. I thought that once we got past the hormones and all the "figuring out who we are" crap, it would be a lot less complicated. You find the person you want to be with, you find a career you're happy with, maybe have some kids if you're up for it, and then grow old together. Now, you may be thinking to yourself right now "How stereotypically, close-minded she is." And yes, you're right. You don't need a significant other to be happy. Being single definitely has it's perks. But, being a hopeless romantic, I look forward to finding someone and having that fairy tale wedding and spending the rest of our lives together.

Another topic of conversation that I had the privilege of listening in on, was gossip. One of our friends that we were visiting is an emerg doctor and from her stories, which are always entertaining as she is a great dinner-party-story-teller, I learned about how little the gossip of the adult world changes from the teenage world. Apparently at the hospital there are suggestive looks, and secret conversations, and little cliques that some people are a part of and some people aren't. I know you know what I'm talking about. At this very moment, as you are reading this you are thinking about the people at your school, or class, or place of work, or planet, or other social gathering, and all the gossip that goes on. Am I right, or am I right? Now, I won't be the first to admit that I'm not really a part of it all. I don't notice if people are giving me 'suggestive' looks, or if people are talking about me, or if someone likes me. I usually find out two people are dating, after they've already broken up! I like to think I'm pretty intuitive about how people are feeling and what they're thinking, and I've been told I give pretty good dating advice, but all the superficial, shallow gossip that teenagers are so into does not appeal to me. Neither does the drugs or alcohol, or excessive partying, now that you mention it. So maybe I'm not the typical teenager. Adults are wrong to stereotype teenagers as being rude and disrespectful and hormonal because adults can be that way too. Just on a generally more mature level. Teenagers take everything to the extreme, and have a tendency to overreact. We feel things more strongly, but as we grow older those social tendencies, like gossiping and relationships, never really go away. We just learn to handle it differently.

Interesting what you learn when you listen to your parents' conversations, huh? So next time you're at a family dinner party, pay attention! You might gain some enlightening insight into the adult world that, if you are a teenager reading this, you will soon be joining as a VIP member. Also, please don't be scared by what I've told you. Adulthood is an exciting, wonderful, stressful, chaotic, complicated experience, I'm sure. Okay, that didn't sound as encouraging as I'd hoped it would... Just take life one day at a time! Enjoy the relationships you have now, always be open to new ones, and stay away from the hurtful gossip that could get you in trouble. Sincerely, Sam

Song of the Day

Good morning, beautiful! Do you have a favourite song? Me too. I think everyone one should have one or two songs that they have an emotional connection with. Music is a very important part of our culture, and finding that specific mix of notes and melodies and beats that ignites a feeling in you is important too. Now I, personally, have different favourite songs for different reasons, but the song that I've picked for this edition of "Song of the Day" is Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Now I hope most of you have heard of this song or have listened to it at least once because it is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. So go listen to it so you know what I'm talking about, right now. Just to prepare you, it's about 8 minutes long. But it'll be 8 minutes well spent! Anyway, I guess I should give you a background story as to why I picked this song, because, well, there is always a story. I like it because Stairway to Heaven has sentimental value to me. I agree, the lyrics don't really make any sense, it's long and bit all over the place in terms of tone and melody. But I don't care. It's one of my favourite songs because my mom says it was the last song that played at my parent's wedding. Of course my dad says he doesn't remember but I think he still appreciates the song because of it. I was also introduced to it by one of my very good friends, who can also play a bit of it on the guitar. Which I find impressive because I really wish I could play the guitar, but am not motivated to actually learn it. So every time I hear this song, I think of my parents at their wedding, and of my friend, and the way I felt when I first listened to it. That's what I think matters the most about music. Sure, the lyrics are very important because they tell a story or send a message that you can relate to. The melodies and instruments are important because thats what makes the beautiful flow of sound that ignites an emotion in you. So the moral of the story is: listen to more music, be open to new kinds of music, share it with your friends, create it with others or by yourself, find that one song that makes you feel better when you're down, recognize the songs that mean something to you and share these stories with the people around you. And if you have a special song that is near to your heart, please comment below with the title and artist, and I promise to listen to it! I'll probably like it too, because your taste in music is spectacular, just like you. Sincerely, Sam

My Book Of Awesome

Hey lovely person! How are you doing today? Did you have a good day; full of laughter, friends, and ice cream? Me too! It also came to my attention today, and for the past few days, how awesome hugs are. Have you ever thought about that? How much you've needed a hug and then having someone wrap their arms around you in a warm embrace? It feels so good! I've also realized that some people are better at giving hugs than others, so if someone has ever told you that you give good hugs its probably true and you should take that as a huge complement. And you should go share your gift with as many people as possible in one day. Unless you're sick, then that's a health concern and you should probably stay away from people, and wear a medical mask. Anyway, as you've probably guessed, my Awesome thing of the day is.... hugs! People are more reluctant to touch each other these days, especially with hugs. Unless they're dating, then they have no problem making out in the halls. Like seriously, PDA! I know I'm not a very physical person so if I don't know you very well, stay on your side of the personal bubble. But I've found myself opening up more to my friends and starting to crave the physical contact and close proximity to them. Now I know hugging can be a complicated, confusing affair but I have some tips for the next time someone comes at you with their arms spread open.

1) Don't shy away or do that awkward thing where you shake their hand as they try to put their arms around you. That's rude and you might offend them. Just go through with the hug and it'll be over before you know it!
2) Don't hug someone for too long, or too short. Short hugs don't mean anything. You have to allow enough time to settle into the hug, for you to actually enjoy it. But hugs that last longer than they should are awkward and uncomfortable. Don't make anyone feel uncomfortable, so if they start pulling away. just let go.
3) Don't worry about putting your arms the wrong way. Apparently there are rules about how you are supposed to hug a girl if you're a guy, and guy if you're a girl, and if you're two girls who are just friends, or if you're best bros, or if you're short, or if you're tall, or if you're an alien with 6 arms, or something. Don't listen to them. I usually just go with the one arm over, one arm under because its the easiest and you don't feel like you're dominating someone, or being dominated. Or crushed. But it really doesn't matter, it's a casual hug after all. Not a martial arts move that requires intense precision!

I hope that helped to clear up any confusion you had over the subject of hugging. But if you have anymore questions about it please leave a comment! And the next time you see one of your good friends, give them a nice big bear hug! And some chocolate too 'cause everyone loves chocolate! Sincerely, Sam

Let Me Be Your Everlasting Light

Hey, how was your day today? Did you learn anything new? Teach anyone something new? Try anything new? I think you should do these things at least once a day. Do something once a day that scares you, tell someone something that you don't say very often, be open to new opportunities, make new friends, connect with your old friends, be that one person who everyone can trust with their deepest secrets. Do things that make you happy, laugh all the time, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, not the worst. Make others feel valued and loved, apologize for your mistakes, and appreciate the little things in life. These are just some of my thoughts from the day, which has inspired a new segment for this blog: Song of the Day. So my song of today is... Everlasting Light by The Black Keys. There aren't very many lyrics in this song but I think they ring true for how I'm feeling right now. So please be kind to one another, and be someone's Everlasting Light in the darkness that can creep up on us when times get rough. Thank you, and sincerely, Sam

Got no plan? I got ideas

Hello there! How are you? You look just fabulous today. Is that a new shirt? Well, it looks great on you. So what is your plan for today, Sunday, the day of rest? Don't have a plan? Well, it looks like you've come to the right place! This weekend I have a minimal amount of homework so I pretty much have the entire weekend to do whatever catches my fancy. So yesterday I went out and I volunteered. Ok, that might make me sound like some kind of saint but I'm really not. I went out to a local hockey arena and helped by shining the spotlight on the little kids as they skated out onto the ice one at a time before the game. It was a long day with a lot of waiting around, but I got to spend some time with my friend and got watch many hockey games. So if you're not sure what you want to do today, like I am, I've gathered together a list of some ideas:

1) Volunteer.
2) Do yoga.
3) Bake something. And bring me some.
4) Hang out with your neighbours or some little kids.
5) Build a fort, then defend it from some imaginary dragons.
6) Plant a tree. Unless you live in Canada and there is a foot of snow on the ground. You should probably just plant a flower in a pot instead.
7) Walk a dog. Or a llama.
8) Make a sock puppet. Then have a casual conversation with it. Put on a puppet show. Then take your show on the road. Las Vegas, anyone?
9) Try to figure out what your pets are thinking. It'll probably be "Why is this person staring at me?"
10) Watch a really cheesy movie. Then make fun of it by pretending you are a hoity-toity movie critic.
11) Paint, or draw, or doodle, or sketch, or take pictures, or write, or journal, or do anything that you find creative and artistic.
12) Dance. And sing. Like no one is watching.
13) Paint your nails. Even if you are a guy. I'm thinking a light magenta would look good on you.
14) Make a smoothie. Then drink it.
15) Text, call, email, message, write to, or visit your friend. Why? Because you can. And because you could be dead tomorrow, you never know.
16) Tell your family how much you love them. Even if you don't like them all the time.
17) Play a sport. Any sport. Could be ping pong, or cricket, or water polo, or ultimate frisbee. Whatever catches your fancy.
18) Get really dressed up and pretend you are walking down the red carpet as you come down the stairs. You could even practise you poses for the paparazzi. You look fabulous, darling!
19) Ask someone out. Like on a date. Even if you are just friends. Go to a nice restaurant for the evening, eat some nice food, and talk about all the fun times you've had together.
20) Do anyone one of these things then leave me a comment telling me what you did and how it went. And most importantly, have fun!

Sincerely, Sam