2011

Well, look at that! It's New Years Eve! The perfect time to party, be with loved ones, reflect, and make resolutions you'll forget in a week.

Anyway, I've always used music to express how I feel, and a lot of the times lyrics and sound can describe how I feel a lot better than my own words. It's because of this, I decided to make a video log of the year! These following songs express how I've felt at one point or another [or multiple points] throughout the year, both the good and the bad.

For good times in college 

For friends that stood by me

For family kept strong 

For those I used to know

For those that have passed away

For those new people in my life 

For a daily reminder

and to finish up the video craze, I figured a MASHUP would be the best way to sum it all up! 

Similar to this video let me provide somewhat of a mashup of some life changing moments in 2011: My great grandmother passed away, lost a friend, joined a great organization, learned portuguese, met someone amazing, landed 3 internships, maintained an A average in college, re-started my twitter and blog accounts, acquired a pen pal, made a website, and kept a great relationship with my family and friends. 

So, 2011, it's not that I didn't like you, but I can't wait for all 2012 has to bring! 

Happy New Years!

may the good times keep rolling

12 things I learned in 2011

Learn from your mistakes.

It’s okay to be wrong, it’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s not okay to keep making the same mistakes. Only a fool does not learn from their mistakes.

Acknowledge other people’s feelings.

Unless your name is sun, the world does revolve around you. Take other people’s feelings into account when doing something. Remember that everything you do makes a ripple in the continuum of time, and others are affected by it.

Compliment others.

Everyone likes to be complimented, right? And do you remember that saying “would you like it if they did that to you?” if the answer is yes, then do it! Why not? What do you have to lose? A couple of moments, words and breathe? In turn, you create a stronger relationship with that person and make yourself more approachable.

Everyone likes to be liked.

Do you like to be liked? I do. Be nice to others, be likeable, everyone likes nice people.

Realize: you’re not always right.

Sad, sad truth isn’t it? It’s okay, no one is always right. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s healthy to acknowledge that. Otherwise, you just look like a pompous fool.

What goes around comes around.

Whether you realize it or not, if you’re a good person, (generally) good things happen to you. Create positive karma for yourself and minimize the chance of bad events.

Be selective with friends.

You naturally gravitate towards people that are like you (narcissist!) You think I’m kidding, but it’s true, it’s human nature. Go with your instinct and be aware of whom you deem trustworthy of your friendship.

Not everyone is a “good person”

I put that in quotes because good is an opinion, a perspective. Just like there are different views on what’s considered fun, there are different views on people.

Be honest.

Truth be told, life is a lot easier that way.

You never know.

It speaks for itself, you simply never know. A plane can crash on you while you’re walking to the supermarket. You could win the lotto tomorrow. You might meet your future spouse at the doctor’s office. You simply never know.

Be open to new opportunities.

Since you never know, when a new opportunity presents itself, go for it! Why? You may ask. Why not? Better question. Assess the situation and see what you have to lose vs. what you don’t.

Don’t expect, accept.

Don’t expect much of people, situations and things. Expectations can be a double edge sword as many of us know and it can go very well, but it can also put a damper on your plans. Instead, simply accept what’s going on.