When Worlds Collide and Make Magical Things Happen.

If you haven't heard about THIS then it's about time. Call it a restoration of your faith in humanity and all that is good and pure in this world. (Sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm really not.) This is genuine love. Not love for your husband, or love for your family, but simple love for our fellow men and women on this earth. As Jenny, the now infamous blogger, quotes at the end of her more-infamous post...

"Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

Yes, I feel a bit selfish (okay, very selfish) for not being one of those hundreds of individuals who gave selflessly to this cause. However, what I now look forward to is keeping this story in mind when I am otherwise upset at the dismal situation of this country and this world. Rather than complaining, I will contribute and conspire to make things better, even if just a little bit. I hope you'll join me in doing the same.

2011 TED Winner: JR

incredible.

"Waiting for Superman"

I'm praying that everybody sees this film and understands the priceless value of a quality education...and that every child DESERVES it.

p.s. I am still in unpacking mode (for some reason, unpacking takes a lot longer than packing for me). Once I have everything in it's rightful place, I will be sure to post pictures from the Magic Kingdom and beyond!

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." - John Muir

{via here}

This quote was in the Huffington Post today, and as beautiful as it seems, it is also tragic to read. The environmental damage that we as only one nation on this entire earth have caused is horrendous. As we witness the drastic and painful decline of the Gulf Coast and its waters, we must recognize our ever-increasing role as global citizens and do our best as individuals united to create change now and for our future generations.

Here is one very useful tip to shut down operations like BP and others whose offshore drilling only further endangers our fragile home...

RIDE A BIKE! I know it can be scary sometimes to hop onto a bike after not touching it since you were 10 years old, but once you do, oh! it is so liberating! You can pass traffic (I beat the shuttle into work today), you can climb mountains, improve your health and gain some killer leg muscles :) I recently bought a used Schwinn Traveler for Salman and it's in excellent condition! You can easily find an inexpensive used bicycle at places like Craigslist or your local bike shop. You don't need a fancy schmancy thing to have it serve it's purpose!

Happy Riding!

Greg Mortenson

Have you ever met someone so selfless, and so full of hope and spirit, that you can't help but want to jump onto the stage and give them the biggest hug ever?

We saw Greg Mortenson on Tuesday night and it was awe-inspiring to say the very least. His humility is so beautiful and rare. Best birthday present ever :)

(salman got to shake hands with Greg Mortenson after the presentation- I was too busy taking pictures and trying to capture as many moments as possible...)

One Day on Earth

Ever wanted to participate in a documentary film?

I watched the trailer for this film, and I'm immediately hooked...



...you can also become involved! Check out the website. I already signed up and can't wait to film :)

Belated Birthday Present!

"In times of war, you often hear leaders—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—saying, ‘God is on our side.’ But that isn’t true. In war, God is on the side of refugees, widows, and orphans." (Greg Mortenson)

"Educate a boy, and your educate and individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community." (African Proverb, Greg Mortenson)

"When you take the time to actually listen, with humility, to what people have to say, it's amazing what you can learn. Especially if the people who are doing the talking also happen to be children." (Greg Mortenson)

I am going to see Greg Mortenson at the Baltimore Speaker Series on Tuesday, April 27th! Salman bought us tickets for my birthday present...I couldn't be happier.

Wisdom

“ young people love what is interesting and odd, no matter how true or false it is. more mature minds love what is interesting and odd about truth. Fully mature intellects, finally, love truth, even when it appears plain and simple, boring to the ordinary person; for they have noticed that truth tends to reveal its highest wisdom in the guise of simplicity." (Nietzche)

I'm not a particular fan of Nietzche, but this quote is so beautiful, it was worth sharing.