Okay, so this is just me for once.  Maybe some advice will sneak in here somewhere - we’ll see where this takes me.  Probably my only post that hasn’t been edited or formatted.

Every time I come home from university for the summer, I get really depressed.  While most kids can hang out with all their high school friends, I can’t - because I didn’t really have any.  I always had the same best friend since I was 3, and a few friends from dance - but none from school.  It wasn’t that I was disliked - I didn’t like them.  I got along with pretty much everyone once I talked to them.  And I had a chance to be one of the popular kids - they were the group I would’ve most fit in with as far as I knew.  But I didn’t like drinking til I blacked out.  I’ll be turning 21 on July 30, and have never been drunk in my life.  I thought they were spoiled - and my parents would never hand things over to me as easily as their parents did for them.  I don’t think I ever really wanted to be them.  I got to know more people my senior year, and became friendly with some of them then.  People that I had never gotten to know otherwise - who felt the same way I did.  Senior year was a very different year, but not enough for me to really regret my decisions to avoid most of these people all four years of high school and two years of middle school. 

Then I realize that my life didn’t have a normal start, so I probably shouldn’t expect the rest of the ride would be.  I was born in Bogota, Colombia.  I am adopted.  I also had the largest non-cancerous brain tumor ever recorded.  It still is.  I’m in a textbook (I don’t know which one), and seminars have been done on it (they had to ask my parents for permission.)  If they knew about it in Colombia, I’d have never been let out.  Their thought process back then was Americans wouldn’t appreciate the child, that they would take the child but then leave it in a dumpster to die because it was sick and not good enough.  So the fact that I’m even alive is a miracle.  Once my parents got me back to America (I was 5 months old), they told my parents I would be dead by the time I was 3.  They  thought I’d be a vegetable, paralyzed, deaf, or retarded.  Odds were just never hopeful.  But I survived a 12 hour surgery.  

My parents had made friends during their stay in Colombia who were also adopting.  The children they adopted were found in sewers and abandoned on the street.  I was lucky enough to be in a hospital - my biological mother made a conscious decision to give me a chance at a better life.  People always tell me that I don’t want to meet my biological parents because I’m afraid they won’t like me or something.  Like it’s going to be some 20/20 special.  But that’s not it.  I’m just not interested. My life is here.  Because if I weren’t in this country I’d be dead. I never think about what life would’ve been like with my biological parents.  I think about the fact I wouldn’t be alive.

Doctors never knew what to expect - what diseases I’d be susceptible to or even how long I’d live.  

So then I think about life at university.  I have so many incredible friends and finally feel comfortable with myself in my own skin.  I’m finally figuring out who I am and what I want.  A Chinese oracle in the Staples near my house told me when I was 12 that I was going to change the world.  He told me I had a gold aura and I was going to be famous for something big.  And before he ever told me that, I knew it too.  This isn’t the kind of thing you think, it’s the kind of thing you know.  So I guess I just get frustrated that I haven’t figured it out yet, but then I realize I’m only 20 years old.  

Over the last two summers I’ve run into a few guys I went to high school with.  And it’s always guys - I wonder why?  None of them are ever people that did me wrong or anything.  But especially with the kid I ran into two days ago - I turned out better than all of you.  One of them, that I always liked in school because I thought you were a nice kid, somehow completely lost it after graduation.  Another of them only worked in a pizza parlor the last few years and is just starting university at a really dumpy local school.  One of them is a really crappy cop. Another is pretty much a nomad.  And two of them turned out okay - they go to school and will lead normal, happy lives - good for them.  I ran into one girl from elementary as well.  She’s also got life on track - and we were friends.  But I figure most of the kids I went to school with are more likely to end up like the kids I mentioned in the beginning.

Tonight I’ve come to associate myself with three famous individuals.  I am like Harry Potter, for I am the girl who lived.  I am like Mulan, for I am brave and strong.  And I am like Secretariat, for I will come up from behind and blow past all those people I never identified with.

I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

How to Pack:
Step 1.  Check the weather and the cultural expectations – this one is obvious, you want to know what type of clothes you’ll need. Obviously you need more clothes for travel to colder destinations. Add jackets, tights, hats and boots as required. Its also useful to do a Google search and check whether your destination will be a place you can wear skimpier outfits or somewhere you should be covered up. There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere and feeling like the unfortunate centre of attention. When in doubt, always take a few conservative pieces just in case and check out what the women are wearing when you arrive.
Step 2. Gather Your Basics - Without fail I always take the following things with me – breton style nautical top, black and white singlets/tees, khaki hooded cotton jacket, leather shorts, denim jeans, one LBD  (black bodycon number usually works well) and a white silk collared shirt. As in every day life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.
Step 3. Add key colour items – choose a colour palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits. Depending on what I have in my wardrobe I usually add a maxi skirt (great for travelling), long sleeved shirt, a few mini skirts and a pair of shorts in my chosen colour palette. You can of course choose a couple of colours for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.
Step 4. Rationalise your shoes - Shoes are the most bulky part of your luggage and if you can restrict the number of shoes you take with you, life will be much easier. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either – I usually take one pair of classic black patent heels (maybe a second pair if I am going somewhere dressy like New York or Paris), a pair of ballet flats, ankle boots, a pair of comfortable shoes like converse or plimsols and a pair of gladiator sandals. Thats conservative and still 5+ pairs of shoes… eeep!
Step 5. Complete with Accessories - I usually take a few nice statement pieces of jewelry which I can throw on in the evening to feel a little bit more dressed up, such as a pair of tassel earrings or a gold coin necklace. My Asos floppy fedora always comes on holidays with me, I also almost always take a bag with a long shoulder strap so it can be worn cross body, so I can relax when wandering around busy train stations and streets.

Other tips?
Do a layout – when packing make sure to lay everything out on your bed so that you can visualize the outfits and how they will go together. This has been the one single factor that has helped me to create better holiday wardrobes.

Cosmetics and Beauty – I don’t own much make up and my beauty inventory usually consists of bronzer or blush, a good moisturizer and cleanser and maybe some mascara if I’m feeling adventurous. I do however often take my hair straightener for city breaks (but not beach breaks), knowing that most hotels will have a hair dryer.

Other key things to take? A good book  (Man Booker prize winners usually ticks the right boxes), ear plugs and an eye mask, a notebook for writing down ideas/travel stories, a good camera, and a great attitude. Oh and finally, make sure to roll your clothes up tightly so all of the above can fit in your carry on.

Update: If you have trouble packing it may also be that your wardrobe is in disarray. Why not follow my 7 Steps for Wardrobe Rehab here to make packing (and generally getting dressed) easier?

courtesy of http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-pack-for-holiday.html

Follow these tips to get your suitcase from this:

to this:

• Roll up all of your clothing tightly and set it aside
• Shoes should be packed around the sides
• Softer clothing that is rolled up, goes on top
• Harder clothing rolled up, is stacked on the bottom
• Toiletries on top
• Anything that is wrinkle-resistant can go around the edges

Forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire!  It’s time for hamburgers and hot dogs, baby!  Here’s a check list of all your grilling essentials, brought to you by Good Housekeeping magazine.

1. Long handled metal tools (you will not want to become one with the flame, I presume.)

2. An extra spatula and set of tongs (one for raw food, one for cooked. Use colored tape to distinguish between the two)

3. A grill cleaning brush.  Replace when the pad or bristles are too worn to work.

4. Invest in storage that can double as seating.  Use this to store

   a. paper towels

   b. aluminum foil

   c. platters and cutting boards

   d. skewers

   e. grilling utensils

   f. meat thermometer

   g. timer

   h. lighter

5. Use a carry all caddy for plates, napkins, utensils, and condiments.

6. Grill mat

7. Trash bucket

8. Folding table for food prep

9. Grill light

10.Hooks/magnets to keep grilling utensils and towels next to the grill.

Happy grilling season to all, and to all a good night :)

Whether you’re going away for Memorial Day or not, these are some helpful tips as to what to pack when you go away.  Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living, plus a few of my own.

Errands:

Currency Exchange (if applicable)

Photocopy Passport

Water Plants

Call housesitter

International code for your cell phone (if applicable)

Update office phone answering machine

Leave contact information for hotel(s)/flight number(s)/ship ports with an emergency contact

Pack:

Tickets, itinerary, and passport

Electronics and chargers

E-reader or book for the plane

Eyeglasses and sunglasses

Medications and vitamins

Phrasebook

Swimsuit

Alarm clock

Umbrella

Extra tip: Put some of each person’s clothing in everyone’s suitcase (ex. Mom, Dad, Susan all put a few of their clothes in each suitcase), so no one has to worry if their bag gets lost.

Bon voyage!

Victoria Stillwell’s tips on training your pooch to mind his manners when guests are over.  Courtesy of Rachael Ray Magazine - September (year unknown)

If your pet dashes out the door, teach him the WAIT command.

-Put him in a sit or stand position and hold your palm toward him while saying “wait”.  After a few seconds of stillness, reward him.  Next, try moving several steps away, then placing your hand on the doorknob.  If your dog breaks the command, let go and repeat until you can open the door without sending your pet running.  

-To test him, have a family member ring the doorbell.  If your dog charges, close the door.  Don’t let him move until the person comes all the way inside.

If your pet jumps at guests, tell your guests your dog is in training and to ignore his behavior.

-Turn your back to the dog and tell your guest to do the same.  Since this is your dog’s way of getting your attention, the less you give him, the more inclined he’ll be to stop.  

- Wait for 5 seconds of calm - all 4 paws on the floor - before rewarding him.

If your dog begs at the table, block him with your body while saying “Back” and waving him off.

-A body block is how dogs communicate space with other dogs, so by doing this you’re communicating that you want your space.  Block where your pup wants to go, but don’t make physical contact.

And most important for any tip, remember to be PERSISTENT.  Your family and friends will be eternally grateful.

Courtesy of HerCampus.com :)

1. Know the company - especially focus on the “about me” section of the website.  Sign up for Google Alerts regarding the company’s title, and executives associated with the company.

2. Practice the commute - there’s nothing worse than being lost on the first day of  a new internship.  If you plan on taking public transit, familiarize yourself with the train/bus schedule.  Walk from the stop to the office.

3. Become proficient in Microsoft Office Suite - especially Excel.  

4. Know the office dress code - don’t be afraid to e-mail the supervisor ahead of time to ask.

5. Read the newspaper - knowing important current events will help you make real contributions to conversations with co-workers.

6. Start speaking the lingo - use BusinessDictionary.com if you don’t have old textbooks on the related subject lying around.  Clean up your everyday language - no f-bombs, and cut down on using fillers such as “like” and “umm”

7. Learn office etiquette - no chewing gum during staff meetings or taking a thousand breaks.  Always have tic tacs on hand.  And maybe a travel toothbrush and toothpaste.

8. Paperwork - any necessary paperwork for your college to verify, drivers license, and social security number are always essential.  Ask the supervisor ahead of time if there is anything else.

9. Bring a notebook - your first day, you will be introduced to a lot of important names and information that you won’t want to forget.

10. Get excited - you worked hard to get this internship.  Enjoy it!

So if you’ve looked at a calendar lately, you know Memorial Day is right around the corner.  Heck, you may even have family and friends staying with you!  If so, these are the tips for you to last all sumer long, courtesy of Martha Stewart.

-Put a basket of slippers in the guest room

-White linens always feel organic, and luxurious.  You also don’t have to worry about matching sets since they all look pretty much the same.

-Create a portable tray with all the summer essentials: sunscreen, aloe lotion, and bug repellant. You can even put them in travel size containers (found in any craft store or pharmacy) and print labels from Microsoft.

Happy summer!