Life update

[Annie H]

My last discussion was a little bit of a downer (my bad!) and so I would like to say a few more things going on in my life.
Well, it is now summer of 2008 and I graduated high school and have been enrolled in an all-women's college on the east coast. My grade point average was the highest it has ever been, and I got a beautiful laptop as a present. I left in good terms with every single one of my friends (I think!). I also moved out and am now working a summer job in a completely different state. My parents and I talk on the phone quite a lot, but I love life as an independent person. My very first paycheck more than doubled my life savings, and I'm working minimum wage part time. However, it is quite boring here, and not a single soul has visited, but I feel like it is somewhat good for me. I have a little trouble sleeping though, and sometimes I do the wrong thing to get to sleep. I watch television and eat a lot, and I wish I would have more energy to go to the gym and things. I really need to get in shape to play volleyball, but I am almost afraid to in college. It is so much more competitive and I am not even that good at it. On a more positive note, I have become a little more organized and I even keep a calendar. I just met my college roommate over the internet and am so excited for the end of August. However, a huge part of me is still worried about being accepted in a new place-I do not have the greatest track record. But I keep telling myself that instead of concentrating on my negative things, I will stay in the present and accomplish more of my goals. I have made almost 100 dooley kits (for HALO) and I will send them to Betty Tisdale shortly. Also, I am trying to keep my house clean and have so far been pretty successful. I think I want to begin really helping more people and accomplishing more of my goals. I feel a little useless (besides my job) and I need the determination to get off my butt and do something!
Anyway, I hope everyone is having a MARVELOUS summer!
Happy sunshine!

[Co9Mom]

I agree, but I suggest you do something different. Hospitals & children's organizations are too much like what you always do. Get out of your comfort zone. Do something that isn't "easy" for you. Yes, they need help, but they always will and you can come back to it. There are so many worthy organizations. Find one that isn't even close to what you've always done. Stretch yourself! Who knows what surprises you will find within yourself!

[Meginha]

Congratulations on finishing high school (on a high note! :) As for the volleyball, go for it. I was in pretty much the same position for soccer, but I decided I couldn't live without it and did it anyway. There were incredible ups and downs, but I don't regret a single second of it, because it was such an awesome experience. College sports are also for building great friendships.

If you want to volunteer this summer, you could try a hospital or a kid's organization. They never have enough people and are always happy for help. Anyway, good luck with everything. :)

[Co9Mom]

Glad to see you out there doing stuff. Just remember it all doesn't have to be big "stuff." Your list of goals are extraordinarilly ambitious. Absolutely work towards them, but also so some day-to-day little goals . . . wherever you are I am sure that there are local events & organizations that could use a great volunteer. Pull that laptop out and look up local volunteer organizations . . . pick one that is out of your normal realm. Do something different. Even for a couple hours a week. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just two hours a week. No one, I repeat NO ONE is useless . . . you just have to bite the bullet and get out there!