Lost Generation

So simple but so cool and incredibly inspiring. Hope, belief and action are all we need to change the world. If everyone just tried to improve the life of a couple other human beings, we could change the world... we would change the world... we will change the world.

"Even if we can't save the world, we might as well try" - Adam Lewandowski

Life is good

For the first time in a long time I can say that I am truly happy. A lot of that comes from being happy with myself. Maybe this is why I love to travel so much, but when I am in the states I always feel judged by everyone. It flares an insecurity in me that hinders any true happiness that I could have. People are so obsessed with appearance in the states they fail to enjoy all life has to offer. But when I am abroad I never feel that sort of judgement from anyone... even other American travelers. It is mystifying how I could feel judged by someone in the states and not when I am abroad.

It seems as though no one here cares... everyone is just wanting to have a good time. And I love it. For the first time... in my life maybe... I have been walking around in a bathing suit with out an insecure thought ever crossing my mind, without a care in the world... and this is a feeling that is completely new to me. To think that skinny people feel this all the time makes me that much more envious of them. :)

Not only am I happy with myself, but I love the adventure of my life. Living in a different country, learning a new language, traveling to new places, meeting other travelers... everyday is a new experience. And I love my job. I make crap money, but I enjoy what I am doing. I get to be creative without limitations. I am given free reign on all my projects and I am getting to learn new programs and quickly improving my skills.

All in all... life is good and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Machu Picchu

Jungle Inca Trail - 4 day 3 night hike to Machu Picchu... easily the hardest thing I have ever done, but well worth it. The first day you are driven to the top of a mountain and spend the day biking downhill... just exhilarating! Definitely enjoy the scenery.

Day 2 made me want to die. Granted I got altitude sickness, throbbing head ache, dizziness, nausia... the works. It was NOT fun. I spent the entire day asking myself "Why?"... "Why did I think this was going to be fun? I am not a hiker." We hiked up and over a mountain before lunch. Hiking up knee high stone steps mind you... and on the smallest trail I have ever scene. However, the day did end at these AH-MAZING hot springs. Couldn't have had a better end to the day.

Day 3 we hiked along these train tracks to Aqua Caliente... the town below Machu Picchu. Day 3 was actually really easy, however I wish it wasn't along the train tracks cause I spent the whole day looking at the tracks trying not to fall instead of enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Finally Day 4 was spent at Machu Picchu. We woke up before dawn to be one of the first 400 people in the park so we could get a ticket to Waynapicchu, which I highly recommend. Words can't express how awe inspiring Machu Picchu is. A mountain top paradise. The Inca were truly an amazing culture. Pictures do not do it justice. Seeing the clouds slowly reveal this ancient civilization on top of the world was a sight I will never forget. And finally climbing Waynapicchu, where more ruins await you is a MUST. I found this quiet little corner where I sat at the edge of a cliff admiring Machu Picchu below, alone with my thoughts, nothing but silence. It was a perfect moment.

All I want...

"All that I'm after is a life full of laughter,

as long I'm laughing with you.

I think that all that still matters is love ever after,

after the life we've been through"

-Life after you by Daughtry

Love and laughter... its what life is all about. If you have both, what else do you need?

Best complaint letter EVER!

Seriously one of the best viral emails I have gotten in awhile. Freaking HILARIOUS!!! A must read for all women...

This is an actual letter from an Austin, Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'

Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh!t. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always. . ..
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

We are lucky individuals indeed...

If you could fit the entire population of the world into a village consisting of 100 people, maintaining the proportions of all the people living on Earth, that village would consist of:

• 57 Asians
• 21 Europeans
• 14 Americans (North, Central and South)
• 8 Africans

There would be:

• 52 women and 48 men
• 30 Caucasians and 70 non-Caucasians
• 30 Christians and 70 non-Christians
• 89 hetersexuals and 11 homosexuals

6 people would possess 59% of the weath and they would all come from the USA

• 80 would live in poverty
• 70 would be illiterate
• 50 would suffer from hunger and malnutrition
• 1 would be dying
• 1 would be being born
• 1 would own a computer
• 1 would have a university degree

If we looked at the world in this way, the need for acceptance and understanding would be obvious. But consider the following:

• If you woke up this morning in good health, you have more luck that one million people, who won't live through the week.
• If you have never experienced the horror of war, the solitude of prison, the pain of torture, were not close to death from starvation, then you are better off than 500 million people.
• If you can go to your place of worship without fear that someone will assault or kill you, then you are luckier than 3 billion people
• If you have a full fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are wealthier than 75% of the world's population.
• If you currently have money in the bank, in your wallet and a few coins in your purse, you are one of 8 of the privileged few amongst the 100 people in the world
• If your parents are sill alive and still married, you are a rare individual

And so....

WORK like you don't need the money.

LOVE like nobody has ever hurt you.

DANCE like nobody is watching.

SING like nobody is listening.

LIVE as if this was paradise on Earth.

(just one of those emails being sent around that I thought everyone should read... really brings your life into perspective!)

Playing for Change

One of my favorite charities at the moment! Using music to change the world... fantastic idea! I just love the concept of street performers from all over the world coming together to make one song. They are all amazing! This is a must see!!